Credit Cards

[HankBuck]

First rule of economics:

There is no cost incurred that isn't ultimately passed on to the customer.

Therefore: At minimum if I were your outfitter in Africa, I would assign you a 5% upcharge for international credit card processing, I'd assign you 20% upcharge (just my gut) for using credit card out of fear you attempt to reverse the charges fraudulently after the hunt, and I'd charge you another 10%+ because I cannot bury some of the cash and have to pay the taxes on all of it as claimed revenue.

Cash is always king. There are consequences to additional terms and conditions in any transaction.

@rookhawk - obviously your numbers (20% & 10% upcharges) are arbitrarily chosen but “possible” an Outfitter would do that….some comparison shopping with other Safari operators would help determine if you were getting ripped off. Or while planning the trip (in advance) you could negotiate all costs based on a “cash” payment and then ask “How much if I pay by credit card?” And that would allow a cost vs. convenience decision to be made before you book with them. I would also think that some established established Safari operators would allow “Repeat Customers” to be trusted and allowed to send payments at a later date —- based on their past history of business and a desire to keep them coming back.

 

[HankBuck]

I am forever thankful that you are not an outfitter and that none I am aware of take your approach

Ive yet to work with an outfitter in the US or abroad that has hit me for an upcharge..

Taxidermists are another story.. most taxidermists Ive used for whatever reason want a 3-3.5% upcharge if you use the card..

@mdwest - I run into the same economic realities with Taxidermists and now many Restaurants: 2% to 3.5% added to every bill. This is because that is what they “lose” to the CC company and American Express takes the most (over 3%). Most nationwide clothing retailers will Never Upcharge a customer for using a CC but the have “baked in” that 3% loss into their prices over the last 30-40 years, as payments by CC account of 95% of clothing purchases etc.. Small businesses are different and unwilling to take a 3% loss.

 

[HankBuck]

Completely agree...

I consider it more of a "debate" most of the time... I'd gladly belly up to the bar with @rookhawk and most of the others that over the years I have "debated" with and buy the first round.. at the end of the day we all have shared/common passions, common interests, etc.. we just might disagree on some things every now and again.. .

@mdwest - when you go “to that Bar” and buy @rookhawk a Beer — will you being paying cash or credit? After that, when bets are placed on your arm wrestling & pissing matches — will bets be paid in cash—-wire transfer—or CC ?
Let us know (and I’ll take a Bourbon !)

 

[HankBuck]

I Bank at the 18th largest bank in the USA - USAA FSB. For an international wire it goes through their correspondence bank in NYC and I end up paying two outgoing wire fees. I thinks it’s either $35 or $45 each wire for both fees.

@wesheltonj - is Banking with the “18th” largest Bank in the USA impressive? (there’s only 19 Banks in the USA —- and my “sock drawer” is #19 !!)

 

[Philip Glass]

What is the opinion of using a credit card to pay for your Safari ? Going to South Africa in August and have the option of paying at the end of the hunt. Would bringing cash be better?

That all depends on if the outfitter charges a fee to use the card. I remember at Frontier many people paid with a card and they didn't charge a fee. Just keep in mind you will likely have to call the CC to approve the charge. I always call my CC and tell them my travel plans to avoid charges being denied. It is also a good idea to know your Pin as some places require it plus I'll get cash from an ATM.

 

[Josh P]

What about negotiating for the waiving of observer fees if the hunter and observer brought enough cash (~<$10k ea) to pay in full? Has anyone ever tried that option?

 

[Rare Breed]

What is the opinion of using a credit card to pay for your Safari ? Going to South Africa in August and have the option of paying at the end of the hunt. Would bringing cash be better?

If you use a credit card be sure to ask what they take. On my first safari I did not know Afton at the time did not take American Express which was the only card I took at the time. I had to use cash. Never assume what someone will take for credit card until you ask.

 

[HankBuck]

If you use a credit card be sure to ask what they take. On my first safari I did not know Afton at the time did not take American Express which was the only card I took at the time. I had to use cash. Never assume what someone will take for credit card until you ask.

@Rare Breed - Usually American Express is the LEAST preferred card by Merchants as they charge the Merchants a higher fee than any other card (over 3%)…
However, I prefer AMEX because they protect the owner/buyer very well regarding “disputed charges”.

 

[Sabre]

That all depends on if the outfitter charges a fee to use the card. I remember at Frontier many people paid with a card and they didn't charge a fee. Just keep in mind you will likely have to call the CC to approve the charge. I always call my CC and tell them my travel plans to avoid charges being denied. It is also a good idea to know your Pin as some places require it plus I'll get cash from an ATM.

What's funny is that in the last 5 years or so, when I have called my credit card companies to tell them I am traveling and will make large purchases, they tell me that they don't need to know that anymore. So, extremely large purchases in Africa, no problem. But, try to buy a couple things online in the US on the same day, card gets blocked

I am unsure if Frontier has no fee for all cards or just Cabela's cards, because they have very close relationships with Cabela's/WTA. So it might be worth double checking for a person looking to use another credit card there before going.

 

[skydiver386]

I try to wire as much before the hunt as possible to pay for daily rates, and anticipated trophy fees. Then take as much cash as possible to cover any added expenses.

 

[cw_wilson]

What's funny is that in the last 5 years or so, when I have called my credit card companies to tell them I am traveling and will make large purchases, they tell me that they don't need to know that anymore. So, extremely large purchases in Africa, no problem. But, try to buy a couple things online in the US on the same day, card gets blocked


I am unsure if Frontier has no fee for all cards or just Cabela's cards, because they have very close relationships with Cabela's/WTA. So it might be worth double checking for a person looking to use another credit card there before going.





That said, a lot still comes down to the specific card or payment method you're using. Some systems work great in one context and then randomly fail in another. One of my other hobbies is online casinos, and over time I’ve found myself mostly sticking to Polish platforms. I don’t know exactly why. Maybe it’s the layout, the language, or just the way the games are structured, but they feel a bit more intuitive and comfortable to me. When it comes to payments there, things can really vary depending on the site. One method I see more and more is Klarna. It’s become quite popular on many Polish casino platforms, probably because it’s simple and gives players a bit more flexibility. If anyone’s interested, I can recommend checking out https://plkasynaonline.com/platnosci/klarna/, which includes reviews of Polish online casinos that support Klarna. What I found useful is that it doesn’t just list the casino sites but also provides helpful context about the Klarna payment experience on each platform, including how smooth the transactions are, what limits or restrictions apply, and other practical details. If you're into comparing how different systems work, it's a decent reference point. Just like with outfitters or international travel, knowing how your payment method behaves in advance can save you a lot of hassle. Sometimes the issue isn’t the card itself but how it’s handled by the system on the other end, and that’s definitely true for both casinos and safari bookings.

Yeah, it’s funny how banks seem more relaxed with big international charges than small local ones. Always a good idea to double-check card policies beforehand, especially with outfitters that might have special arrangements.

 

[Russ16]

Yep seems like every local restaurant wants 3.5% for using debit or credit card where I live.

In Africa I would clarify if credit card is an option, at the end of our hunt in Zimbabwe this past July one hunter in camp asked if he could pay his balance in full on the spot by credit card.

The outfitter simply does not take credit cards, we were given an invoice at the end of the hunt and had 10 days after our return to pay the balance by wire transfer.

I thought that was REALLY trusting of the Safari company to let $40K +/- of accounts receivable leave the country with the promise to pay upon returning home.

My outfitter does it this way wire for trophy’s after the hunt. He said he’s only had a problem one time.

Similarly the risk of reversing CC fees is very small. Ironically most people are honest.

 

[JimP]

Anyone notice as the western states draws are now happening that they are charging a CC fee, and you have to use a CC since most no longer accept checks.

 

[TnKen]

Anyone notice as the western states draws are now happening that they are charging a CC fee, and you have to use a CC since most no longer accept checks.

Not just western states Illinois does it too.

 

[wiyofa]

You must remember that in the USA our card issuers charge not just a processing fee through the card network, but an international transaction fee and a foreign currency fee. It's simply because there is greater risk for an American using a CC in Africa than for a South African using a card in his local region.

The other unfortunate thing about Americans is we sadly have a lot of unscrupulous scammers. A common scam is to use a credit card and then dispute the charges. It made international news this week when one such scum-bag American got arrested by Interpol for spending $160,000 on timeshares via their credit card, resold the weeks of timeshare condos to others, pocketed the cash, and disputed several years of legitimate charges. It happens all the time but rarely does it lead to prosecution for fraud, and with the rising risk of stolen credit card information being used for large international transactions, outfitters have every reason to be cautious. If I was an outfitter in Africa, I certainly wouldn't want to have a $40k charge on CC only to find out that the whiny client wasn't happy with their silver-medal trophies and wants to play the CC dispute game.

If you're talking about trivial incidentals being charged, I'm sure that's lesser risk and may be more common in some regions.

Credit card for the main payment gives you protection if anything goes wrong, just ask if they add a surcharge. Bring cash separately for tips as tipping your PH, trackers and camp staff in cash is standard and expected.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Like some have committed I do package hunts.

I plan what animals I want to hunt, contact my outfitter with when and what dates I want to hunt, get his package rate, then wire transfer that full amount to him.

At the end of the hunt any extra animals and taxidermy deposit are paid by cash and/or credit card.

I carrying sufficient USD and country currency for tips, souvenir shopping, and other local purchases, and a reserve of USD for "Just In Case" or emergency purposes.

Regardless of one's bank, I have found AMEX is either the least preferred/accepted, or not accepted card by both US and foreign country businesses. Master Card seems to be getting that way. Seems any bank VISA card is acceptable and the most preferred card.

What I found out on my last trip was that RSA wants declaration of total cash: ZAR, USD, etc over $10,000.00. ie $5500.00USD + R5000.00 = greater than 10,000.00 total cash and the monies needs to be declared.

USAA, been a member for well over a decade...ugh!...using my USAA VISA card for overseas purchases I've had no problems. However, trying to clear payment(s) to my outfitter(s) takes multiple phone calls prior to departing the US and again arriving back to the US. Eventually the outfitter'(s) payment does get cleared/approved.

It's not just USAA, but all banks have to verify funds aren't going to illegal drug and /or terrorists organizations.

FWIW......Carrying Cash......

I carry cash in 5 different pockets:

1. Pocket has $50.00USD in 1s, 5s, 10s,
1. Pocket has R200 in R10 and R20
1. Pocket has ~100.00 QAR "just in case" funds for the short layover in Qatar.
1. Pocket has the bulk of my USD
1. Pocket has the bulk of my ZAR

Only pull money from your carry pockets when making purchases. Carry Pockets meaning the first two (3rd if traveling through Qatar) pockets above.

Replenish those carry pockets from your reserve pockets in a rather secure manner /area. aka never flash cash to draw attention to yourself.

Also, have a 6th pocket designated for your travel documents; ie passport, wallet, travel itinerary, airline tickets, etc.
Don’t show cash when you don't need to!

 

[Field28]

Few things to add...
I remember in my early twenties when debit cards first came out it was all the rage, it was going to save businesses so much money.

Now I go to many places particularly Mom and Pop places that offer a discount on a cash transaction. I ate lunch today at a fantastic cafe/bakery that hade the same deal, couple of bucks cheaper with cash.

Back to the cc thing. My Chase Saphire and Discover do both give me good rewards on anything deemed travel related. I'm not a play the points guy and hate the thought of paying interest for a Kudu. I use it for lesser incidentals when traveling.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Few things to add...
I remember in my early twenties when debit cards first came out it was all the rage, it was going to save businesses so much money.

Now I go to many places particularly Mom and Pop places that offer a discount on a cash transaction. I ate lunch today at a fantastic cafe/bakery that hade the same deal, couple of bucks cheaper with cash.

Back to the cc thing. My Chase Saphire and Discover do both give me good rewards on anything deemed travel related. I'm not a play the points guy and hate the thought of paying interest for a Kudu. I use it for lesser incidentals when traveling.

+1,

LOL...

And yeah, with that CC in hand, .....Zero balance owed....

PH: Oh that's a nice name animal!
PH: It's only _$______
Client: (30+/- seconds later) OK. Let's hunt it.

Those opportunity animals can add up quick.

 

[JimP]

It's more like...

PH: Oh that's a nice name animal!
PH: It's only _$______
Client: (30+/- seconds later) OK. BANG

On my last hunt there was a huge black wildebeests at 50 yards or so. My PH asked me I wanted him? It wasn't on my list and I already had one very close to the same size so I passed.

But I was tempted.

 

[Ridge Runner]

It's more like...



On my last hunt there was a huge black wildebeests at 50 yards or so. My PH asked me I wanted him? It wasn't on my list and I already had one very close to the same size so I passed.

But I was tempted.

LMAO.....

Crying looking at the CC bill......

Obviously you have better self control.....

PH: There's a nice bushbuck.

[NOTE: I wasn't really interested as I already had one on the wall at home and had already killed another at a previous outfitter on this trip.]

There were at least 5, possibly 7 male bushbucks in this one spot.

2 minutes and 2 shots later:

Over the next 12 days:

Reedbuck and Steinbok weren't on the list either.

When I decided, 2 days later, to go after a really nice Hartebeast, also not on either of my lists. We never saw him again.

I did restrain myself on the giraffes and zebra. Only to shoot 3 additional warthogs.

Sometimes those CCs are just to convenient.