BlueBird GoldBird CC Authorization

[cup1981]

Hey All,

My family and I are counting down the days till our arrival for a 3-week vacation in Bandung, Bali, and Tasik, which will double as a trip to see if our desire to move back is a legit possibility for us. We need transport from the airport to our Airbnb in Bandung, so we opted for GoldBird so we can ride comfortably and not rely on a scary Wings flight more than we need to (though we will do one from Tasik back to Jakarta).

GoldBord's online credit card system won't accept my America credit card, so they sent me a credit card authorization for that requires my CC number, and a scan of the CC and my passport. Has anyone done this before with no issue? My Indonesian wife is scared they will steal my CC info .

 

[steveandpenny]

I did that with nusa travel with no problems. For some ungodly reason it takes up to 2 weeks for a company to get paid in Indonesia from a U.S. credit card and a few days just to authorize the card. So I gave the info to nusa which then they green carded it so I could buy a ticket online a hour before a flight.
Just make sure your bank sends notifications of any use of the card over 20 bucks. That way if by any chance it's used fraudulently you can report it right away and won't be responceable for charges.
Can't think of anything worst then trying to get a flight at a airport and they won't take your c.c.
Oh one thing more I use one c.c. for travel and hotels that is separate from my other cards. That's so if my card gets lost or misused , I can cancel that one and still have other cards in use. Make sure that card doesnt charge you for foreign transfer fees.

By the way where is Tasik ?

 

[Davita]

I did that with nusa travel with no problems. For some ungodly reason it takes up to 2 weeks for a company to get paid in Indonesia from a U.S. credit card and a few days just to authorize the card. So I gave the info to nusa which then they green carded it so I could buy a ticket online a hour before a flight.
Just make sure your bank sends notifications of any use of the card over 20 bucks. That way if by any chance it's used fraudulently you can report it right away and won't be responceable for charges.
Can't think of anything worst then trying to get a flight at a airport and they won't take your c.c.
Oh one thing more I use one c.c. for travel and hotels that is separate from my other cards. That's so if my card gets lost or misused , I can cancel that one and still have other cards in use. Make sure that card doesnt charge you for foreign transfer fees.

By the way where is Tasik ?

I've had the same problem with local budget airlines. Booking directly online within 24 hours they rejected my HSBC Jakarta CC.
I think I posted here and someone suggested Traveloka...I tried and they accepted the card anytime, and even offered some bonuses....now my fave way to book.

I think they also book hotels and transport and are reliable.

 

[gemima]

I have had no issues booking golden bird transfers with my Irish credit card (I don't have an Indonesian one). Sorry you are having hassle with your American one. Maybe you could get someone to make the booking for you and pay them back the cash? Bluebird are a reputable company - but card fraud is widespread in Indonesia so I would be wary about I share. Also, depending on how many days away your trip is - if you provide the info they are requesting will they really sort it out on time?

 

[jstar]

Not an answer to your question, but there are rather nice shuttle busses between Jakarta (also the airport) and Bandung. They often use the word 'Trans' in their names; I used Cititrans . It's really easy to book and arrange online, including seat selection. They are (mini) vans in fact, which have captains' seats. I think @Bad_azz also uses them quite a lot.

 

[waarmstrong]

American Express seems to be accepted where Mastercard and Visa are not. Also have you thought about downloading the relatively new Bluebird booking app and calling for a golden bird once you arrive? The app has that option.

 

[Bad_azz]

Yes, I use Cititrans - they have lots of places dotted around Jakarta, the seats recline, have a usb ports in them and are roomy and comfy.
The Cititrans drivers tend to be sensible and professional sometimes we get one who will drive a little wilder but not so often, unlike other companies I have used where the driver has had me sat in tears of terror. So, I use Cititrans exclusively now.
They always stop at KM 72 rest area for around 15 minutes on the way to Bdg. Cracking good value for money.
Price from airport (CGK) to BDG (either Trans Studio or Dipati Ukur & they will stop on Pasteur just after the toll gates to drop people at the Bluebird Taxi rank - just tell the driver) is about 165rb per person.
Dipati Ukur is one of the roads that lead off from the traffic lights at the Dago Mc Donalds, so it is handy for north Bandung.

They are actually more comfy & roomy than using a private car too. My preferred method of travel when it involves BDG- JKT / CGK.

The downside:
Not much space for tons of luggage, so if you have more than 1 big case & 1 small case, pay for an extra seat to accommodate it.
No booking in advance- just head out the airport doors on foot to the left, to the signposted bus area, and C/trans are tucked in the far corner- yellow and black signage.
Usually freezing cold with their a/c, so I have a jacket and a pashmina and wrap up warm.

 

[Euc-]

Off topic I know but to me "freezing cold" is a positive. Not that I have that cold blood, but at least there's something you can do against it, where-as when it's too hot all you can do is sit and sweat.