In Reply to: paying for villa before arrival - dodgy? posted by newhoneymooners on Friday, 1. October 2010 at 16:43 Bali Time:
I don't necessarily think paying a deposit when booking is dodgy. If you were to book a hotel through many websites, you would have to pay 100% up-front.
I have just booked a villa and had to pay 40% up-front, but I don't mind as the owner is just looking after their interests as they would be out of pocket if I cancelled at the last minute.
However, I don't like the idea of having to pay a $300 bond!! That would actually be a deal-breaker for me.