When I use a Master Card here, if the amount is high, they have to break the charge into 2 or more transactions, seems to work. Also, if they run my card through a Citibank reader instead of a BDO reader, I have less problems.
A few stores will also charge you an extra 5% or so for using a credit card. Although that is supposedly illegal, but a few appliance/motorcycle store still does it. If they don't charge you the 5% or so "service fee," they will not give you their stated sale price... and they will increase the price of the product. This is in addition to the international transaction fee that the card company imposes if it's not a local bank credit card. You might as well inquire about other programs they have that is same as cash.
Credit Card % Addition! KDF!, Is still Leagal then? I thought I read some where that it was banned in the PI or was this a misslead? Jack P.
It is illegal in the Philippines and also in the U.S. to charge a customer more if they want to pay using a credit card, but good luck buying your item if the merchant insists on tacking on an extra fee for using a credit card and you refuse to pay it! Uymatio is one example, I'm sure there are others. There are ways for a merchant to get around the law legally also. One is to say the items price is the credit card price and to give a X% discount for cash. In that way they are within the law and still are legally able to charge more for credit card purchases.
Mountainman : it just so happens that I bought a Honda xr200 from there in May! The 200cc displacement is good enough to travel around in and also for off road tracks up in the mountains where it is so rocky....I pushed it to it's limits and am pleased with the bike. There are rumors of bad welding and early signs of rust on some bike forums, but I don't seem ton have any problems. It takes a about 400 to 500 pesos to fill the tank and you can get around over 130-150km range for under half the tank if you ride sensibly..... I paid a 20,000 php installment with 12,000 per month installment option thereafter for 12 months. You can add more to your installments and pay it off quicker without any penalty. Payout price if you want to purchase in full is 130,000Php. Go get one! I have seen a group of motocrossers at the pier/bus depot on Rizal Boulevarde all dressed up in leggings, jerseys and boots so if your into motocrossing, they are there...somewhere.....
I am also interested in a Honda XR200. Ninja, if I may ask, what do you weigh? (Before eating too many snow cones! :D)