I need some advice. Rick Steve's Rome book suggests some tour guides. One of them is Pina Esposito.
I have contacted her but she requires a downpayment for the tour via a bank money transfer. I am hesitant in doing so. Has anyone used her? I was always taught to NEVER wire anyone money.
Thanks,
Kristie
There have been several positive reviews on this site (try out the search function...that's what I did to pull this up):
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/pompeii-naples-guide-pina-esposito-highly-recommended
Unfortunately, many small operators overseas don't have the credit card infrastructure via the web that you may be used to seeing in the States. So they require downpayments so that folks don't skip out last minute leaving them with empty time and no way to replace that income (that makes sense if you think about it from their point of view). Having said that, wire transfers are expensive so ask her if she's willing to use Pay Pal or some cheaper method. You should also send a private message to the other people (on this forum) who used her and see what methods they used for payment. That should relieve your fears, hopefully.
Thanks! I will do just that 😊
Hi Kristie,
I replied privately to you but will also add here on the board that we paid Pina a deposit before our trip via Western Union, then the balance in cash. I was also hesitant, but it all worked out fine.
Pina is fabulous! Tell her that Veronica and Mark say "Ciao...and grazie mille!"
We reserved Pina for a 2-hour tour of the Archaeological Museum in Naples and she was fantastic. She did not require a deposit (we paid her cash the day of the tour) but I would not hesitate to give her a down payment. She's very reputable and professional.
schkr,
Pina is an exceptional and reliable guide, so I wouldn't hesitate to forward money to her via a bank transfer. As a person operating a small business, that might be the easiest and least costly option for her.
Thanks everyone!! I am going to book her.
I booked Pina as well, and she was able to use PayPal for the deposit which was much easier and cheaper than doing an international wire transfer.
For those that have used Pina, did you also tip her and the driver?
Pina was our local guide in Naples during a Rick Steves tour of southern Italy, several years ago. I was very impressed by her knowledge and excellent/easy to understand English skills. We were supposed to tour the famous archaeological museum, but their staff had suddenly gone on strike. Pina quickly adjusted the plan and gave us, instead, an excellent walking tour of the area. I would not hesitate to hire her (or any of the guides listed in Rick's books). Rick only recommends professionals he knows and trusts.
Yes, I always tip guides and drivers.
