Many visitors to the Cape and Islands come from outside the U.S. If you rent to international vacationers, having a clear, reliable process for handling inquiries and payments—especially currency conversions—can help ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Below are a few best practices to help you manage international bookings with confidence.
Handling Inquiries
Communicating with vacationers from another country can take a bit more effort, which is why we strongly recommend that homeowners and property managers have at least one phone conversation with prospective international renters before confirming a booking.
Speaking directly helps you:
- Screen guests effectively (a best practice for all rentals)
- Build trust and rapport
- Clarify expectations on both sides
- Reduce the risk of misunderstandings once guests arrive
Clear, direct communication upfront is especially important when time zones, accents, or cultural differences come into play. It goes a long way toward ensuring a positive experience.
Payment Methods
Online Payment Services
Online payment platforms such as Wise (formerly TransferWise) and PayPal are now more secure and widely used than ever, making them a popular option for international transactions.
With PayPal, vacationers don’t even need a PayPal account. They can send payment using a credit card as long as they have your email address. If a renter does have a PayPal account linked to a bank account or balance, domestic transfers may not incur fees. However, international payments typically involve:
- Currency conversion fees
- Foreign transaction fees
- Fees for receiving funds from another country
Be sure to review the fee structure carefully so there are no surprises.
Bank Transfers / Wire Transfers
Another secure option is to accept a bank-to-bank transfer or wire transfer through an accredited financial institution. In both cases, you provide the vacationer with your bank’s routing and account number (or, in some instances, a SWIFT or IBAN number), and they arrange the transfer through their bank.
Despite common concerns, wire transfers are very secure. That said:
- Confirm with your bank that they accept international transfers (some smaller banks and credit unions may not).
- Direct any technical or timing questions to your bank for clarity.
- Call your bank to be sure you have the correct routing number for international wires.
Checks
If the booking is not last-minute, traditional payment by personal or bank check may still be an option, particularly for Canadian vacationers.
If you accept checks:
- Allow ample time for international mail delivery and for funds to clear.
- Consider requiring checks to be sent via a global parcel service rather than standard postal mail, which can be delayed.
Key Considerations
No matter which payment methods you accept, it’s important to establish a clear policy for international renters and communicate it as early as possible, ideally at the inquiry stage.
Be explicit about:
- Whether the renter is responsible for currency conversion and foreign transaction fees
- Whether you cover those fees and factor them into pricing
- Or whether you absorb the fees entirely
Any additional charges, especially those related to currency exchange, should be clearly outlined in the payment schedule of your lease to avoid confusion later.
Fraud Prevention
Protect yourself by confirming the identity of international renters before accepting payment. A phone or video conversation, a signed lease, and payment from an account in the vacationer’s name all help reduce risk. Be cautious of overpayments, last-minute booking pressure, or requests for refunds before funds have fully cleared.
Conclusion
Handling international inquiries thoughtfully and transparently not only protects you as a homeowner but also reassures vacationers that they’re booking with a professional and trustworthy host.