I recently received this response to a reservation request...."Kindly confirm by fax or email within the next three days, with your credit card's data to charge the 50% of the full stay as deposit - not refundable, for Visa and Mastercard ask for First Currency Choice service to do the transaction in your currency (more information available at www.globalrefund.com )." This raised a couple of questions in my mind. First, how should I send my credit card info? I do not feel comfortable sending it in an unsecured email, but I also don't have a fax machine. Has anyone ever used the "online fax" services? Are they any more secure than email? Second, do you have any experience with "globalrefund"? Is this a suggestion or a requirement? Can't your credit card just convert the charge? I'd appreciate any information that you can pass on. I just really don't want to get taken on this one.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5866 posts
Do a search on credit card on this site and you will see various opinions on how to provide credit card info.
I send the credit card info by email when a hotel responds to my request. Maybe I am a risk taker, but I've never had a problem. I use a credit card because of the protections that it provides and I always check my statement. Most fraud issues happen by human intervention. A paper copy of my credit card info sitting on an unsecured fax machine that will probably just get thrown in the trash (without the benefit of a shredder) doesn't really seem any safer than email to me. Alternatively, you can limit yourself to hotels with secure booking sites. This rules out some of the very nice small places to stay.
As far as charging in U.S. dollars, I would NEVER choose that option. Let them charge you in Euro. Your credit card company will convert the charge at a better rate than you will get if someone else does the conversion. This type of service is usually used by business travellers who don't care about the exchange rate (because the company is paying) and want to fill out their expense report ASAP rather than waiting for a credit card statement with exact conversions.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
I have emailed my credit card info to make hotel reservations in Italy before, not thrilled, but I have never had a problem. The hotels that I have send the information to just used it as a guarantee that I would show up or cancel. I have then always paid with credit card or cash as I was checking out. (Many then give you a discount if you pay in cash) I have no experience with Gloralrefund.com but I would NEVER let any hotel charge me for 50% of the full stay as deposit - not refundable!! I would definitely find another hotel, don't care where it is. And by the way, what hotel is it and where?
Posted by
OP
Peoria, IL, USA
41 posts
Thanks for the info Laura and Mimi. The hotel is Pensione Accademia in Venice (one of Rick's listings). The 50% deposit is part of the stipulations of their July/August discount rates at 149 euro. These have to be booked via email. The online booking rate (via the hotel website) is 160 euro. The 50% non-refundable deposit doesn't brother me a whole lot, seeing as I often book non-refundable internet-only rates in the states to save some money. However, the currency exchange service seems fishy to me. We've traveled elsewhere in Europe before and never had to use a third party for exchanges. Normally, my credit card company makes the conversion or the hotel has added a charge (when they have refused to leave the bill in euros with an American card...not at one of Rick's listings, we won't be making that mistake again). We really liked the location of Pensione Accademia and the price seemed right. That being said, we’re open to suggestions if the folks on this board seem to think this is a raw deal. We’d like to stay in the 100-160 euro range, with a quiet, central location and a bit of character.
Posted by
USA
85 posts
I also had to send CC info by email and, although I wasn't happy about it, I did it anyway. So far no problems. It's just for a guarantee as these hotels want cash payment. But none of the hotels or convents we're going to stay in have required an actual monetary deposit. One place I in Florence that I was interested in wanted me to send a one night's deposit made out to the owner, not the hotel - uh, no way. I chose a different place to stay.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5866 posts
Hi Laura, If you are looking for a suggestion in Venice, I had a great stay at Ca' Centopietre in Dorsoduro in Venice last May. I did email my credit card to them but they did not charge me advance. It is in your price range and in a great location about 5 minutes from the Accademia vaporetto stop. Check the reviews on tripadvisor.com; I found the place through tripadvisor and think the reviews for this place are quite accurate. The manager was extremely helpful. I emailed directly and he offered me a lower rate than was posted on the booking site. Their website is www.centopietre.net.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
Let me put your mind at ease. It is very safe and I would say absolutely safe to send your cc info via email. Faxes are less secure but not substantial so. This is discussed all the time and I will be glad to send you the technical info for why it is safe. I have no idea what the global refund business is about. I would send the cc and tell them to charge it in the local currency amount and notify the cc issuer of the anticipated charge. As an addition level of security we use a cc dedicated for this purpose. That way IF this card was compromised it would be easy to cancel without any impact on our other charges. With dozen of trips to Europe we have never had a problem nor will you.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
893 posts
Check into Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo. It is also in Rick's book, we stayed there last April and really liked it. Room was nice, the owners were helpful & the location was convenient without being in an "all tourist" area. He took a cc number for guarantee & we paid in cash upon checkout (discount for cash)
We paid 140 breakfast included.