Hi, We are renting a property for the week in Rio. I found it on vrbo.com, and it is run by a management company. We paid a $300 deposit, but are required to bring the remaining balance in US cash, upon arrival. We asked if we could pay with credit card, but were told no. Is this common practice? Has anyone ever done this? Thanks.
Rental in Rio
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I have had this cash upfront request once for a B&B in Rio (it was Reais though, not a foreign currency). The reason we were given by the Canadian who ran the B&B was that the banks fees for using credit cards were high for a small business. I know from friends who live in Brazil that banks can be more complicated relative to their western counterparts. I wouldn't read this request as a problem necessarily.
I wouldn't consider this a problem. I've had to bring the entire amount in local currency for other properties through VRBO.
For another time, you might also consider AirBNB.com - payment is made on the site itself, by credit card any maybe PayPal?. Air BNB holds the money until the renter checks in.
Thank you both for your replies. I had heard that too about the credit card fees, but am still concerned/questioning why it has to be in US currency. I will ask the rental agency. Also, thanks for the AirBNB.com tip, hopefully for the next time!