Booking hostel (in Europe) without credit card?
I was looking for hostel in Vienna using portals such as HostelBookers, but when I've tried to book them, I was landing on the final page when the credit card was required. You need to put such data as expire date etc., which, AFAIK, are used by US credit cards, which have not chips nor magnetic belt. Those are considered quite secure, and I've heard many warning to not use US-credit cards because of security issues.
I have the European bank card - normal Girocard (issued in Germany, by Postbank), which has a chip which authorizes the transactions. Such cards are the most popular in Europe - practically everyone I know has such card, and not the US-like one.
Nevertheless, the portals I've found are requiring the US card for booking hostels in Europe. Is there any alternative booking system, which allows me to book the hostel with the European stuff I have? I think that bank transfer would be problematic, because international money transfers take a lot of time and cost much, but surely it should be possible to find something out? As I understand, the most problematic part is the charging of the guest which books and doesn't come in, so the deposit is required.
Are there any alternative systems for booking, allowing bank transfer or some other form of trust, but not requiring US credit cards?
Best Answer
Gilles' answer is excellent, so I won't try to cover the same points a second time. I'd like to focus on one offhand remark in your question, though:
"I think that bank transfer would be problematic, because international money transfers take a lot of time and cost much [...]"
In some places, that might indeed be the case, although it's getting less and less common. But since Germany and Austria are both within the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and use the Euro as their national currency, bank transfers between them should not be any slower or more expensive than transfers within each country (i.e. in practice, they should be free and close to instantaneous).
Of course, the booking site you're using might not offer such an option, but you could always contact the hostel directly and ask for their IBAN code in order to make the deposit. I see no reason why they should refuse to do so.
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If you're dead set against using a credit card, there are other options to consider. These include using a debit card, buying a prepaid card, or using an online travel agency that allows payment via PayPal.Can u stay at a hotel without a credit card?
You can book a hotel room without a credit card by using a debit card in most cases. Many hotel chains will also accept prepaid cards, though they are more likely to do so at check-in or check-out than at the time of booking. Typically, you cannot make a hotel reservation with cash, a personal check or a money order.Can you travel to Europe without a credit card?
Debit cards, gift cards, PayPal and cash can be used to cover travel costs if you don't have or want a credit card. Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us.Can I pay through booking com?
You can offer guests the choice to pay through Booking.com or they can choose to pay you directly. Whenever guests choose to pay online, we facilitate their payments and send you the money by virtual credit card or bank transfer.Reservation on Booking.com without a credit card
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Answer 2
I've just succeeded with making a reservation.
Gilles has pointed me in right direction, if the ATM card (Visa or Maestro) has 16-digit number on front, it can be used as credit card in internet, at least it passes validation.
However, I've had to give the number of my second ATM card, issued in Poland (VISA card). With Postbank V-PAY card it wasn't possible. Though that card has V-PAY logo, it doesn't have 16-digit number on the front. It has only 7-digit card number on the back. That number was not accepted!
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