Alla is no longer accepting payment in dollars

[Hunwolf]

Called our local AAA office today and they will do currency exchange with 72 hours notice. The require $200 minimum (for total USD) but you can get multiple currencies. They can get rubles.

[gagirl7143]

Alla tours are fantastic!!! The best were have ever done!!

 

 

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[Pushka]

Alla tours are fantastic!!! The best were have ever done!!

 

 

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This is about currency matters.

[TravelingAPor]

I just made a deposit to Alla Tours in Rubles. I ended up paying $8 in USD more. The exchange rate must have been in their favor. I would have preferred to pay in USD.:p

[sysy007]

Did you pay by credit card ? May be your credit card company adds extra 2.5% transaction fee.

[LondonTowner]

The best rate of exchange will be to pay by a CC with no transaction fees and to pay in roubles.

 

 

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[TravelingAPor]

My CC has no foreign fees. Alla Tours charged in rubles and my CC converted it to USD and it was $8 more. I mentioned it to Polina at Alla Tours but she didn't comment.

[aquidneck1]

Why do you have to make a deposit? Not something that I would recommend. These companies should be stating their cost in Rubles so that there is no misunderstanding when they charge in Rubles.

[LondonTowner]

It is always best to pay in the currency of the country you are in and let your bank do the conversion. This has been discussed many times on CC and TripAdvisor.

 

 

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[TravelingAPor]

Private tour in SPB. Cost stated in USD but charged in rubles. Therefore it was $8 more than stated in USD. They asked for a deposit.

[LondonTowner]

That sounds like the currency rate of exchange changed.

 

 

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[sysy007]

I never heard of SPB requires a deposit. They must have changed their policy, ALLA does not require deposit.

Discount is a lot less now compare to May and early June. May be this is high season, they can't afford 'no -show'.

[Pushka]

Private tour in SPB. Cost stated in USD but charged in rubles. Therefore it was $8 more than stated in USD. They asked for a deposit.

 

 

 

A private tour is more expensive and riskier of a 'no show' than a group tour. We are booked on a group tour for next week and have not been asked for a deposit.

[sysy007]

A private tour is more expensive and riskier of a 'no show' than a group tour. We are booked on a group tour for next week and have not been asked for a deposit.

 

I think 20% deposit is a new SPB policy. May be a few selfish 'no-show' ruins everyone.

[gkkapp]

Private tour in SPB. Cost stated in USD but charged in rubles. Therefore it was $8 more than stated in USD. They asked for a deposit.

 

I believe the poster is talking about taking a tour with ALLA in St Petersburg (SPB) not the tour company SPB. Because this is a "private tour" ALLA wants a deposit to make sure the people show up. We had a private tour with Best Guides last year. They did not require a deposit but we paid about $10 more after the conversion to rubles on our CC. And no...our card does not charge a conversion fee. $10 more for two great days is no "big deal" :D.

 

<<<Karen>>>