Fee Transaction for HT

[DavidH]

Hello, I have an HT booked in for October in Istanbul. The clinic has advised that they would prefer cash or if I pay with a card there will be an additional fee applied. This is all very normal I understand. Before I make the decision whether to take cash or use my card, can anyone share their experiences of paying for their surgery? The cost of a HT (less a nominal deposit) is a substantial amount to take through customs and I’m apprehensive about doing so. But an additional percentage is lot on top of the HT cost. Comments of experiences welcome?

[sl]

Not sure where you are travelling from but for the UK you can take any amount but you have to declare more than 10k pounds in cash. I would just say be careful travelling with a lot of money in terms of security. I used to live overseas and would take the limit with me regularly to facilitate that but never left the money in a check-in bag and always kept it on me with no problems. If you can check how much the clinic will charge more on a card. We do not ourselves charge more and most pay on card traditionally. 

You may also be able to pay by a bank transfer as an option so worth asking if they charge the same as cash for that. I would guess there should not be an issue and if so pay most that way before going and a balance in cash for at most a few k for any graft fluctuation, so you have got most paid and carry a far lighter amount. 

You will have a lot on your mind with surgery and possibly a new country and language and if you can avoid risks that can be reduced in other ways.

All the best!

 

 

 

[Buck Naked]

I recommend paying with a credit card. You never know if they mess up or scam you. You can open a dispute through your credit card. Better to be safe than sorry, especially in Turkey. 

[DavidH]

12 hours ago, sl said:

Not sure where you are travelling from but for the UK you can take any amount but you have to declare more than 10k pounds in cash. I would just say be careful travelling with a lot of money in terms of security. I used to live overseas and would take the limit with me regularly to facilitate that but never left the money in a check-in bag and always kept it on me with no problems. If you can check how much the clinic will charge more on a card. We do not ourselves charge more and most pay on card traditionally. 

You may also be able to pay by a bank transfer as an option so worth asking if they charge the same as cash for that. I would guess there should not be an issue and if so pay most that way before going and a balance in cash for at most a few k for any graft fluctuation, so you have got most paid and carry a far lighter amount. 

You will have a lot on your mind with surgery and possibly a new country and language and if you can avoid risks that can be reduced in other ways.

All the best!

 

 

 

Thank you, I am travelling from the UK and I definitely won’t be taking anywhere near 10K. I’ve asked the clinic again regarding card payment and they charge an additional 18% which is a substantial uplift. My query about a bank transfer was side stepped but I’ve asked again. I don’t fully understand why they do not accept say a debit card or bank transfer because as a business they must surely pay tax anyway.

Thanks again for your response.

[DavidH]

11 hours ago, Buck Naked said:

I recommend paying with a credit card. You never know if they mess up or scam you. You can open a dispute through your credit card. Better to be safe than sorry, especially in Turkey. 

I’d agree generally but an additional 18% is not an insignificant amount of money on several thousands of pounds. Still to decide what to do. Thank you for your response.