myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

We've booked to stay at villa De Lena in August and since doing so, we have phone calls from the villa "owner" who's living in Sweden. He has now sent a fax stating that he wants us to pay the money into a Trinidad bank. Does anyone know how we do this and if it's normal procedure. We are a little confused and worried, to say the least!
Louise

Hi Louise

I've no experience of actually doing it myself, but just have a word with your bank - I'm sure they will know exactly what to do. The villa owner is also obviously familiar with the procedure, so should have provided you with all the necessary bank and account information that your bank will need.

I believe this is common practise. Many villa owners keep all funds in Tobago to avoid tax problems in their home country.

Hi Louise,

I couldn't comment on whether it is normal procedure or not but as long as you have all the documentation and confirmations kept in a safe place you should be ok. Just think if you were booking through a travel agent you would have to pay them the full amount in advance too!!

As far as the bank goes you will probably need either a swift code or his IBAN code, or both. All banks are now asking for IBAN codes when transfering monies to accounts in different continents.

I hope this helps a bit and doesn't cause further confusion and worry!!

Hi there,

Don't worry too much, i will shortly be a Villa Owner myself and one of the
reasons that owners require payment into a local bank account is because
of the many services that they have to pay locally. There maybe a
management company who look after the property on his behalf who will
require a local bank account for the funds to go into, they then pay for all of the services themselves such as the electricity, cleaners etc.

Your bank will do it straight away for you, just tell them if you want it to go
the same day (may charge more for this) or to be transfered over the next few days. You should also get a confirmation of the transfer from
your bank.

All holidays and flights have to be paid for in advance and if the owner
can't take a credit card booking, there isn't any other way to accept the balance.

Just ensure you keep all the documentation safe and don't worry too much.. your bank will guide you through, just make sure you have the full and correct bank account and swift code for the transaction. Also ask the owner to send you a confirmation once the funds have been received

Enjoy your holiday in August

Sara