1

The problem will be if you dont send payment they wont hold a booking for you, it will depend on how much you trust that company. Maybe you can ask them if you can send a transfer to their bank account.

2

At least you know ahead the credit card surcharge.

3

Lots of places do the credit card surcharge (including here in Australia!). It's not terribly unusual and smaller businesses in Vietnam often won't take credit cards at all.

If you trust the agencies (you say they're reputable) and you're willing to pay by credit card (which, depending on your bank, may mean you can cancel the transaction if the service isn't provided), suggest that you'll ring them with credit card details instead of emailing (which is scarily insecure). Ask for their direct phone number, the name of the person you're dealing with, and a good time to catch them. You could have the whole transaction over and finished in 3 minutes and it's not like international calls are that dear anymore.

Or have you considered asking if they have Paypal? That way you never actually have to give them your credit card details.

re paying in advance, it doesn't really worry me as long as I trust the agent/company. Realistically, if you book a hotel via Agoda or similar, then you pay the entire amount in advance. When you book plane tickets, through an agent or direct with the airline, then you pay the entire amount in advance. Having said that, I know there are a huge number of people on this forum who'd never dream of paying in advance for accommodation or tours, preferring to rock up and see all their choices before deciding. What you'll be comfortable doing will depend entirely on what type of traveler you are.

Cheers,

4

agree with #3. Book hotels and airfares etc on the net and it's 99% of the time up front payment.
Most businesses in Viet Nam charge a surcharge for credit cards.Only a small % of businesses here actually accept credit cards anyway. It's a cash & gold economy.
How long have the companies been operating?
@#3 I don't think many businesses here will have Paypal facilities.

5

Smacks of racism . Why shouldn't Vietnam or any other developing country embrace the technology we in the West take for granted. Just fork over the readies and get over your first world indignation. HTH.

6

I think the OP's main point was more about putting credit card details over the net on a unsecured network.Not sure where the racism part is, but seems that anything can be deemed racist these days.

7

I've sent credit card details by email but split the card number over several emails.

8

Is it better then to do business with almost small travel company?

9

Book airtickets from the airline...

Book hotel rooms through agoda or asiarooms or....

Book tours when you arrive at your hotel and book through them......

Bring cash........

Cash is king.........

10

Dont book your tours via a hotel there prices are much highger than booking with a travel agent

11

It's normal that you need to pay a deposit in advance to confirm your reservation. Most of the travel agents and hotels will charge you 3% for the payment via credit card.
In Vietnam, payment via Onepay is popular, you don't need to send your credit card details, they will send you a link and you will pay yourself. This link can be paid once only and they will inform you when the payment is successful.
But yes, it is the matter of trust, if your agent is trusted, you can pay them the deposit and the rest can be paid when you arrive in Vietnam. You can bring cash to avoid the bank fee.

12

Credit card over the net seems to be safe these days but avoid the establishments that want your CRC number as well.

13

Thank you all for putting my mind at ease.

14

There are one or two upmarket resorts asking for all credit card info , including CRC.
AVOID THEM LIKE THE PLAGUE!