Hotel Asks for Credit Card Copy. Should You Be Worried?

UNIGLOBE experts address your queries on travel - trends, recommendations, how-to’s and more.

Why does my hotel ask for a copy of the front and back of my credit card? What if they misuse the information?

It is not uncommon for hotels to ask for these details. They generally preauthorize your card for any incidentals like meals not included in your plan. When you check out, the hotel adjusts your bill for these services with the security amount and releases the balance. To allay any fears of the hotel misusing your credit card details later, ask them to destroy copies of all your information once you’ve checked out. As per Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), hotels are not allowed to store your card information once the authorization has taken place, ensuring that the onus of keeping your information secure lies with the hotel.

Why and when do I need to apply for OTB when travelling to UAE? What happens if OTB status is not reflected in my PNR?

Ok to Board or OTB is a verification procedure undertaken by your airline to check the authenticity of your UAE visa details and other relevant travel documents, such as visa, passport, and return ticket. This is applicable for passengers traveling from certain countries in the Asian subcontinent flying to Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. OTB has been made mandatory by airlines to prevent people from travelling to the UAE on forged visas with due verification of documents to confirm their legitimacy.

Most airlines require you to update your OTB status at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure, although the duration various from one airline to another. However, it is best to put in your requisition at the earliest and avoid last minute hassles.In a scenario where OTB status is not reflected in your PNR, the airline may reject or cancel your travel or allow you to board after the paying all applicable cancellation charges.

We’re planning a company sponsored trip with the family for a team of 10. Which family friendly destinations can we look at?

You can look at Phuket and Chiang Mai in Thailand. Phuket abounds in water sport activities to keep the young entertained while the southern beach resorts in Chiang Mai, offer variety of nature sports that can be enjoyed as a family. Hong Kong and Singapore are also popular family friendly destinations with theme parks, island resorts, zoos and museums.