Full payment online travel agency

Question

! I am considering making full payment to a travel agency (http://intoexplore.com) that I have found online.

Is it safe to make full payment before our arrival?

Payment system option are via wire transfer, wechat and alipay.

Many thanks in advance.

Answer

Making full payment to an online travel agency before your arrival carries some risks, especially if the agency is not widely reviewed or verified. It’s important to evaluate the trustworthiness of the company and the safety of the payment methods.

1. Assessing the agency:

Check multiple independent sources for reviews of the agency, such as TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, or travel forums. Look for feedback specifically about payments, cancellations, and customer support.
Verify that the website uses secure connections (HTTPS) and that contact information is legitimate. Reliable agencies often have a verifiable office address and responsive email or phone support.
Search online for any reports of scams or complaints associated with the agency. Absence of reviews can be a red flag, especially for full prepayment.

2. Payment options and safety:

Wire transfer: Generally not recommended for unfamiliar agencies, as it is hard to reverse in case of fraud.
WeChat or Alipay: These are popular in China and provide some transaction tracking, but protections against fraud may be limited if the recipient is not verified or lacks a reputable profile.
Credit card payment (if available) is usually safer because it allows dispute resolution in case the service is not delivered.

3. Precautionary measures:

Consider paying a partial deposit first instead of full payment. This reduces risk if there are issues with the service.
Contact the agency directly via email or phone and ask specific questions about cancellation policies, refunds, and travel insurance options.
Check whether your bank or payment service offers any form of buyer protection for international transactions.

In summary, while some travelers successfully pay fully to Chinese travel agencies, doing so without verification carries risks. Wire transfer is the least secure option, and even Alipay/WeChat payments should be approached cautiously if the agency has limited reviews. Opting for partial payment, verifying the agency through independent sources, and using a secure or protected payment method is the safest approach.