Can I pay cash for a Seychelles Booking.com stay if the card on file does not work abroad, and what happens if I cancel late?

From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 40 days ago

TL;DR

If the property has confirmed cash payment on arrival, arrange it directly with the host in advance, ideally via WhatsApp. Any card pre-authorisation or late-cancellation charge still depends on the property’s Booking.com settings, so only the host or Booking.com support can confirm it.

What the community said

Contact the host on WhatsApp as soon as the booking is confirmed and get written confirmation that you can pay cash in euros at check-in. One traveller also arranged an airport transfer directly with the hosts.

Cash payment in euros; WhatsApp

Even on a “pay at property” Booking.com rate, the accommodation may attempt a verification hold or temporary pre-authorisation on the card. Do not assume that an empty or unusable card automatically prevents the property from trying.

Booking.com; card pre-authorisation

Where free cancellation ends 7 days before arrival, cancelling later may trigger the full accommodation charge stated in the rate conditions. Ask the host about any flexibility before the free-cancellation deadline passes, not afterwards.

Free cancellation until 7 days before arrival; 100% penalty