Hostelworld.com -- Laser card

Dave!

Hey folks,

I'm goin interrailing in July and I want to use hostelworld to book hostels a night or 2 in advance, on some occassions anyway.

I'm not really comfortable getting a credit card (I don't have one at the moment), so I was thinking of getting a laser card instead, so that I can keep track of my spending and don't end up paying crazy interest or anything.

However I've gone through a few 'dry runs' with booking hostels and alot of the hostels don't seem to accept laser cards, just Visa and Mastercard.

Has anybody had experience using a Laser card to book with these guys? I don't really want to be limited in the hostels I can book purely because they don't accept Laser, so if it's the case that alot of them don't, then I'm thinking I might just get the credit card.

Any thoughts? Cheers

wyndham

Hostels can choose whether or not they want to accept Laser/Debit cards when they sign up to take bookings from WRI/Hostelworld. Many don't because, in the case of a no-show, it is not possible to charge debit cards without the card being presented. ie, the number can't be keyed into the credit card terminal to process a charge.

Have you considered the 3V route?

mikedragon32

I'm probably wrong, but I was of the understanding that outside Ireland you couldn't use a Laser Card, with the exception of cash withdrawals from ATMs.

Tom Dunne

mikedragon32 wrote:

I'm probably wrong, but I was of the understanding that outside Ireland you couldn't use a Laser Card, with the exception of cash withdrawals from ATMs.

You are correct. Nowhere outside the 26 counties will accept laser.

However, I notcied my wife's new Laser card also has the Maestro symbol on it (we are with Ulster Bank). There is a slightly higher chance that foreign establishments will accept a card with Maestro.

penexpers

Yes, if you're laser card has Maestro on it then you can sometimes use this like a Laser card abroad.

Naked Lepper

tom dunne wrote:

You are correct. Nowhere outside the 26 counties will accept laser.

However, I notcied my wife's new Laser card also has the Maestro symbol on it (we are with Ulster Bank). There is a slightly higher chance that foreign establishments will accept a card with Maestro.

AIB Laser cars are also Maestro cards now as well and they are accepted worldwide - in the UK 100% anyway!!

ScumLord

3v is an expensive option but your not tied down and if you don't put the full amount in the card and don't show up the hostel will be **** out of luck trying to rebill your card.

Most hostels prefer cash though, get the name of the hostel you want off hostelworld then google it to get the phone numbers and explain your situation to them and pay cash on arrival.

gary the great

Dave i thought you were going to asia?

Dave!

Change of plans, interrailing for a month or so instead. Asia another time!


Do ye think I'd be best off getting a credit card instead of laser? That way I'm pretty much assured of compatibility.

penexpers

ScumLord wrote:

3v is an expensive option but your not tied down and if you don't put the full amount in the card and don't show up the hostel will be **** out of luck trying to rebill your card.

Alot of hostels will just cancel your booking if this is the case.

ScumLord

penexpers wrote:

Alot of hostels will just cancel your booking if this is the case.

Ya but you won't be showing up anyway.

You get charged for the first night if you don't show up using hostelworld. They won't find out it's a prepay credit card unless you don't show up and they try to bill your card. Unless that card won't be accepted or someit.

Seeing as your traveling peak seasion it might be worth getting the card just so you can book ahead but they will keep a room but I found that they'll keep a room for a few hours if you call on the way.