FAQ: Your Frequently Asked Questions about Travelling in India

FAQ: Internet Tour Bookings

Question from Penny K (USA):

Hi PJ,

I am trying to book a tour from an India tour company I found on teh internet. Like a few others I looked into they claim that it is difficult to process a credit card for a reservation and that we should wire funds to New York/India for payment. Is this the norm? Is this a common scam? How do I know to trust them? I feel like if I send the money I have no recourse if I am ripped off like I would with a credit card purchase? Is wire transfer payment a normal thing to do?

Please respond ASAP. I have to "pay" this week! Thank you!Penny

-----------

Hi Penny

Thanks for your question, it's a good one. Many companies in India do not take foreign credit cards, so this company may be completely fine, but it's definitely a risk and one I personally wouldn't take. With booking via your credit card, you have some protection via the card company, but with wiring funds, you're right, you're completely at risk and with internet based information only, doubly so.

What I would do personally is use the information you have from the internet to try to book the same tour a different way with a reputable company. I'm guessing their price is cheaper online or it's to an unusual destination, as these are the only two things which would make the option attractive. If it's price, try going to a travel agent and seeing if they will match or beat the price for you via another company.

You could see if Yatra (more about them here: http://www.india-travel-secrets.com/cheap-airfares-to-india.html ) do a similar tour, as they take foreign credit cards.

Also, if you're staying in a hotel, you can check whether the hotel organises tours as well or knows a contact in the area.

If there really is no other way to book this tour (highly unlikely), then what I would do is google search the company name plus 'review' or plus 'scam' or similar, to see if you can find any other people who have taken the tour and posted their experience.

Happy Travels!:-)PJ



You'll find the answer to more FAQ in the India Travel Tips section Back from FAQ to India Travel Secrets Home