Deposit for French campsite

[JoannaLesley]

I'm sure I posted a similar query last year, but I can't find it via the search engine. Anyway, I discovered some Euro notes in a wallet and sent those, which overcame the problem.
How do I pay a depost to a French campsite when they don't take cards? I don't have enought cash left over from my last trip (although I suppose I could buy some Euros). What do other people do?
The site I am looking at for next year in high season asks for a 25% deposit.

Jo

 

[Jennifer2]

Could you do an on-line transfer from your bank to their bank? You would need their details first of course. We are with HBOS, they charge £9.50 for this service.

 

[Wanderer1]

Hi,
Several times we have simply sent a £20 note in the post as a security and when we arrive on site we pay by however the site requires and we retrieve our sterling note. Always seems to be acceptable.

 

[Woody3]

I would make a comment and ask a couple of questions.
I have yet to stay in any site on the continent where I have had to pay a deposit when booking. Where are you trying to stay? If you are booking in advance then confirm by letter or e-mail.

If the site requires a booking fee but does not accept CC payment, what does it say about their operation/management? I would note that we in the UK are at a disadvantage as cheques in Europe will all be made out in Euros, and most cheques are Eurocheques as well - which UK banks no longer support.

 

[JoannaLesley]

Hi Woody,
We have never had to pay deposits before, either, but until this year, we never travelled in high season. As I said, the site we used this year required a deposit as does our chosen one for next year. We generally avoid the big commercial sites and go for the more relaxed, casual "French" ones - often former municipals. Even in 21st century France, it is quite surprising how many busineses don't take credit cards. I was looking for helpful suggestions.

Jo

 

[VIP640]

Jo,
We stay on sites in Spain that request a deposit, the site sends its SWIFT and IBAN codes and then usually do it via internet banking...