How do you pay when booking independently?

Frances63

We have booked our holiday independently this year, rather than a package holiday.

I have booked a studio for us in a small apartment block on a greek island, and have asked the lady owner how she would like to accept payment. The total cost is 420 euros.

She has emailed that we could pay by Western Union, giving us her details and saying we just need to send her the 'code'. I've never used this service before, so this is all new to me.

Our holiday is in 4 weeks time, so I'm wondering, should I be paying the full amount now, or would it be normal to pay just a deposit and give the balance in cash on arrival? I've also heard that Western Union is 'untraceable' so would it be unwise to send the full amount for this reason, or am I being over cautious?

I understand that there are fees and also a loading on the exchange rate with Western Union, so perhaps not the best idea to send all of the money this way?

I actually get a good deal on the exchange rate at uk airports as I work at Heathrow and have an airport ID. This means I get a slightly better rate, (not much in it though). Is there a way I can buy the euros first, then transfer them via Western Union to our lady as euros, thus avoiding Western Unions exchange rate at least?

Sorry, it's a lot of questions. Any advice greatly appreciated.

hieveryone

I've got to read and run unfortunately, but whenever I've heard of 'Western Union', it's always been something to do with a scam.

It could be the norm to pay this way in Greek islands, but someone will be along soon to help you more.

Frances63

Thanks hieveryone, yes, same here, it always seems to be dodgy dealings! However, I approached this lady & not the other way around, also I know where she lives... so I'm not as worried as if it was some internet scam from Nigeria or something. Still I'd rather pay her in some way that is traceable which apparently Western Union isn't (?).

mick307

Dont know about Greece but when we book farmhouses in Malta/Gozo we always pay in cash on arrival. Might be worth suggesting this to the lady?

Mick.

hethmar

Id wait til you got there personally. The room may not be up to the standard you want and if you have paid over the dosh ..................

Mrs_Thrify

Hello Fran, I thought it was the normal to have all the money paid 8 wks before you go? I think as you are leaving in 4 wks it must be a late booking. I think I would ask the lady if you could pay in € on arival? If she says no, try for a deposit of €100 to show good will.
Have a great time.

Frances63

Thanks everyone, that's all good advice.

I've emailed our lady back and asked if she will accept a deposit for now & the bulk in cash on arrival. I said it was due to the bad rate via Western Union (rather than a security issue ).

Hopefully she'll say we can pay it all on arrival if we wish, but I understand if she wants a small deposit.

I think if she wants the full amount up front, we'll maybe book elsewhere.

stephb34

What about moneygram im under the impression thats safer than Western union but the same sort of thing, you can do this at your local thomas cook.

jonesMUFCforever

Whatever way payment is done - when its gone it is unretrievable if the accommodation is either not to the standard you were expecting or indeed if it exists.
Does the place appear on somewhere like Trip advisor - at least you can see if it exists and what other travellers think of it.

hethmar

Im hanging my head in shame here cos I paid up front for a "lodge" for 3 nights in the USA last week. It was horrific, damp bedding - dirty shower, no bath, felt so depressed we left after one very sleepless night.

Learn from my mistake.

Frances63

Thanks everyone, our lady will accept 150 euros deposit and the balance in cash on arrival! I'm quite relieved, really.

I feel much better about it now. I have seen a couple of reviews for these studios on holidaywatchdog.com and they were both good (5/5) so I think they'll be fine.

Have considered sending money via Moneygram/thomas Cook rather than Western Union. However, I don't want to confuse our greek lady. Obviously she's done the Western Union thing before & knows where to pick up the cash etc. I'm not sure if she would have to set up a new account for Moneygram? I don't want to put her to extra trouble.