I have been trying to buy a one-way bus ticket on the ALSA website for the date of 5 May 2017. My payments keep getting denied. I have used two different Visa credit cards that I know are both in very good standing. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23296 posts
Have you checked with your c card company to see if the charge was presented to the cc and was turned down at that point? If it don't, then it is a problem at the other end. Is there a discount for buying early? We just bought our tickets at the bus station prior to boarding.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
ALSA is a pain. I have never gotten a US card to work. Use paypal - works perfectly.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6305 posts
We had the exact same problem a couple of years ago. That's when we signed up for PayPal; it worked fine then. And we've found ourself using PayPal regularly for travel stuff - better than sending your credit card info all over the world!
Posted by
OP
Ormond Beach, Florida
72 posts
I have never used PayPal but it's time I started. I'm glad it's working fine. I read old posts where people said they had trouble, but that must have been corrected.
So do I use PayPal with the ALSA website, or purchase through Movelia or BusBud?
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6305 posts
We did it directly with ALSA. In fact, after trying both our Visa cards, I opened the PayPal account while I still had the ALSA link open. Worked like a charm.
Edit to add: In fact, I was at a computer at the library, an unfamiliar system, and the ALSA site kept a running countdown until it was going to dump my connection - and my reservation! So I dived into PayPal, set up my account there, and them headed back to the ALSA site with both windows open. It worked, but it might not be a bad idea to set up the PayPal account ahead of time. :-)
Posted by
TX, USA
4129 posts
So, Jane, did you then receive a PDF for tickets or just a code? I assume you may have printed but I will have my phone available. I have printed all our train tickets just in case and this is the last transportation leg!
ppatty, were you able to accomplish it? I use PayPal as well. :)
Posted by
836 posts
I've had no problems using an American Express card to buy on ALSA.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6305 posts
Travelmom, I think I got a PDF that we printed out. It's been a few years, but I don't remember ever having only a code except in England.
Posted by
TX, USA
4129 posts
Thanks, Jane! I guess I will know for sure in the next couple of days. :)
Posted by
Spain
162 posts
I am in Spain now and had the same problem. I was at the bus station and asked them and they said they were having problems with their website, so I wouldn't worry.