Credit Cards
Oct 3rd, 2007, 02:35 PM
#1
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Credit Cards
I understand that many places in Costa Rica accept credit cards. Do they add on an extra percentage to the bill if a card is used? I am working with a Costa Rican agent who wants to add 5%. Would the same happen if I paid hotels directly?
Thank you
Thank you
Oct 3rd, 2007, 05:28 PM
#3
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when we had our small hotel in Santa Fe, NM we paid 1.9% to VISA and Mastercard. I wonder if rates have changed that dramatically or if hotels are taking advantage of what we felt was a fair cost of doing business
( our rates were moderate doubles w/ breakfast US$85- $135 )
AndrewDavid
( our rates were moderate doubles w/ breakfast US$85- $135 )
AndrewDavid
Oct 4th, 2007, 03:08 PM
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Some will add a percentage onto the total - depends upon the hotel. I would just check with each individual hotel. We were all set to check out of Bosque del Cabo with a credit card, and they told us they would prefer a check - it just depends upon the properties.
A lot of the credit card companies tack on an additional financial conversion fee if you travel overseas as well. Good idea to check with your credit card company.
A lot of the credit card companies tack on an additional financial conversion fee if you travel overseas as well. Good idea to check with your credit card company.
Oct 4th, 2007, 05:32 PM
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Hi, Marcia - we didn't make it that far. As soon as I pulled out my credit card, they told me they would prefer a check, so I never got to find out. You could e-mail Leonardo through their website and ask; I found them to be pretty responsive. They had us pay a 50% deposit before we left - that was also with a check.
Oct 4th, 2007, 09:33 PM
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MarciaM,
They do not add the surcharge for payment for the room; and they WILL take your card although they vastly prefer that you pay with travelers' cheques or cash (or personal check). I believe Kim told me when we were making arrangements for a stay last March that they DO tack on the 6% charge if you also use the card for tours, etc.
As VG said, once they tell you (by e-mail) in advance that they would prefer no cards, most people probably choose to honor that. Seems like Kim said if you really needed to use a card, they needed advance notice (like the day before check out).
As VG said, Leonardo can send you that standard e-mail with their preferences and explanations. There are reasons, involving the banking situation, etc.
They do not add the surcharge for payment for the room; and they WILL take your card although they vastly prefer that you pay with travelers' cheques or cash (or personal check). I believe Kim told me when we were making arrangements for a stay last March that they DO tack on the 6% charge if you also use the card for tours, etc.
As VG said, once they tell you (by e-mail) in advance that they would prefer no cards, most people probably choose to honor that. Seems like Kim said if you really needed to use a card, they needed advance notice (like the day before check out).
As VG said, Leonardo can send you that standard e-mail with their preferences and explanations. There are reasons, involving the banking situation, etc.
Oct 5th, 2007, 12:51 PM
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We found that credit cards are accepted in a lot of places, but that there is a "discount for cash", so we have not used our credit card as much as I thought we would. We use a Capital One card because it is the only one we've found that doesn't have a foreign conversion fee from the credit card company.
