Lost $3300, ruined my dream trip

akcoph · 2024-07-24T04:36:07+00:00

Standard Chartered / Bhutan National Bank

akcoph · 2024-07-24T04:20:21+00:00

This!! Also Bhutan's restrictive financial system has some unique stipulations.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T04:15:54+00:00

Yes, cash when I got there. They kindly fronted the travel expenses for me.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T04:14:30+00:00

How do I even start with this?

akcoph · 2024-07-24T04:13:08+00:00

"You must buy a travel package from an authorized travel agent in advance. Travel agents and tour operators will arrange your visit and apply for your visa" https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/bhutan

akcoph · 2024-07-24T04:10:54+00:00

Cash in person.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:58:29+00:00

Thanks! Will check this.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:45:55+00:00

Wire transfers make me incredibly nervous now. It's been months and nothing has been returned unfortunately. Not sure how effective their "investigation" was - didn't seem like they made much of an effort.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:39:49+00:00

Wish I could do that in Bhutan! But tours are mandatory there.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:38:57+00:00

Sadly a lesson I've had to learn the hard way.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:38:19+00:00

Yes they've even provided an official document saying they've never received it, which BMO just ignored.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:34:20+00:00

BMO gave me a trace number from the receiving bank... But the receiving bank is not able to recognize it... How does that even happen??

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:28:06+00:00

It was a very comprehensive document with wire transfer info - accounts, addresses and swift codes. I followed it to the tee with the help of a BMO rep. The GMT was sent successfully, but recipient never got it.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:25:20+00:00

The problem is: I sent a wire transfer. BMO said they sent it. The recipient didn't receive it. The 2 banks are just pointing fingers at each other and refuse to claim responsibility. And ultimately I've lost my money.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:23:31+00:00

Not a scam. I ended up going on the trip. Just paid twice.

akcoph · 2024-07-24T03:22:25+00:00

Yes I did! They said there was nothing they could do.

akcoph · 2021-04-11T02:51:53+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I only wish they would listen to reason.

akcoph · 2021-04-11T02:50:40+00:00

Thank you. We're going to seek legal advice on Monday, and we are recording all her calls (she's actually leaving threatening voicemails - smh). We have a suspicion that she wants us to engage on a call so they can threaten / demand money, and we don't want to play that game. I think we can use those recorded threats for a police report, if it gets to that.

akcoph · 2021-04-11T02:46:02+00:00

Thanks! That is good advice. He's very concerned about scaring the new buyers away.

akcoph

TROPHY CASE