Paying for junge tour with Western Union

Hi - which jungle lodge are you dealing with?

It is normal to be asked to send money transfers here to pay for tours in advance. Many tour operators have to work this way since it is difficult with the banking systems in Ecuador to charge credit cards still (in this day and age!)

Passport copy could be asked for if the lodge is purchasing flights for you from Quito to Coca and back for example. So this is not out of the ordinary either. Also they may need a copy of your passport so that they don't have to charge you IVA (local value added tax) i.e. to prove that you are from outside of Ecuador.

I don't have a fax in my office either - do everything through scanning, sign of the times I suppose.

If you let me know which lodge you are dealing with I'll let you know if I've had experience with them if that's any help!

I agree it seems normal to pay in advance this way. I was also concerned, but I sent our funds for deposit to Sani Lodge in advance by Wester Union. I think if you're dealing with a well-established company it should be fine. If you are paying only a deposit, and must complete payment after arrival in Ecuador, remember that you'll be charged a hefty surcharge if you pay be credit card. For our final payment, I used different debit/credit card ATM's to amass the required money and took it directly to the office to avoid the credit card surcharges. Ecuador is really a cash economy, and credit cards are discouraged, in my experience, by large charges accruing to them. So, it means lots of visits to the ATM.

Most of the time, the previous poster is right. Many things are not full; however, peace of mind is also an issue there. If you want a particular experience in a particular time frame, you feel better booking ahead. Sometimes it's possible to research peak times, and if you're going during a down time, there's less chance of being disappointed. There are always trade-offs.

I'm not to keen with Western Union as well. We did it once and that was to wire our money to Cuyabeno lodge. We had a great time! First and only time and no problems at all.

If you can't miss the money at all, dont gamble!

Hi Pertronella54
I would be careful as you could be putting yourself into the same situation I got myself into.
The tour company that I booked through Yacu Amu seemed to have excellent reports but as I was to find out they were unscrupulousin their dealings and only wanted your money and not deliver on the services paid for. It spoilt my whole experience of such a wonderful country , it is a shame that this sort of behaviour is allowed.
Waminda