Booking an ayahuasca retreat is a major step—and not just spiritually. If you’re wondering how to pay for an ayahuasca retreat safely, you’re not alone. Many seekers ask:
- “What currency do retreats accept?”
- “Is it safe to send money?”
- “How do I avoid losing money if I cancel?”
This guide breaks down everything you need to know in 2025 about paying for a retreat safely, securely, and with full clarity.
💱 What Currency Do Ayahuasca Retreats Accept?
Like our site, most retreat centers price their programs in USD, regardless of their country. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter pricing in:
- EUR – common in Spain and Portugal-based retreats
- Local currencies – PEN (Peruvian Sol), BRL (Brazilian Real), CRC (Costa Rican Colón)
Pro Tip: If you’re quoted a price in local currency but plan to pay in USD, ask how the exchange rate is calculated. Some centers use inflated conversion rates.
💳 Most Common Payment Methods for Ayahuasca Retreats
Here’s what retreats typically accept, and what you need to know about each:
✅ Bank Transfer (Wire or SWIFT)
- Used for deposits or full balances
- Often includes international transfer fees
- Difficult to dispute if something goes wrong
- Best for: large payments when you trust the center
✅ PayPal
- Widely accepted in North America, Europe, and some Latin American centers
- Offers buyer protection—but not if you use “Friends & Family”
- Fees often passed to the guest (3–6%)
- Best for: mid-sized payments with some protection
✅ Credit or Debit Card
- Less common in remote centers
- Strong fraud protection
- Typically incurs a 3% processing fee
- Best for: first-time guests who want traceable payments
✅ Cash on Arrival
- Rare, but occasionally requested for final balance
- No paper trail—not recommended unless you’re 100% sure about the center
⚠️ Avoid These Payment Methods:
- Cryptocurrency: Hard to track, no refund protection
- Western Union or MoneyGram: High fraud risk, little buyer recourse
- PayPal Friends & Family: No dispute option if something goes wrong
💰 How Do Deposits and Final Payments Work?
Most retreats operate on a 2-part payment structure:
- Deposit:
- Ranges from $200 to 50% of the total retreat cost
- Secures your spot
- Usually non-refundable or partially refundable
- Final Balance:
- Due on arrival or 1–3 weeks before the retreat
- Payment method varies (wire, card, PayPal, or cash)
Always ask: “When is the final payment due, and how do I pay it?”
🔄 Refund Policies: What to Know Before You Book
Refunds vary widely between retreats. Here’s what to watch for:
| Policy Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Non-refundable deposit | No refund under any circumstances |
| Partial refund | E.g. 70–80% refund if canceled 30+ days in advance |
| Transferable credit | Can reschedule, but can’t get cash back |
| Full refund | Rare—only offered within 24–72 hours of booking |
Questions to ask before paying:
- What’s the refund policy for deposit and final payment?
- Can I reschedule if something changes?
- What if the retreat gets canceled or rescheduled?
🧾 Hidden Fees & Fine Print to Watch Out For
Make sure to factor in these often-overlooked charges:
- Credit card or PayPal fees (3–6%)
- Currency conversion fees (especially with international cards)
- Late deposit fees or payment penalties
- Short refund windows (some close 14–21 days before start date)
Pro Tip: Ask for a written receipt or invoice outlining:
- Total cost
- Deposit received
- Balance due
- Refundable vs. non-refundable amounts
🔐 How to Avoid Ayahuasca Retreat Payment Scams
To protect yourself:
- Pay with a credit card whenever possible
- Request written proof of payment and refund terms
- Search the retreat name + “scam” or “review” before paying
- Use a vetted directory like BestRetreats.co that flags unsafe centers and includes guest refund experiences
📌 Final Thought: Pay With Your Head and Your Heart
Your ayahuasca journey begins the moment you commit and that includes the way you pay. Avoid payment stress by:
- Using safe, traceable methods
- Asking clear refund questions
- Reading the fine print
- Booking through trusted sources
Start with us to compare retreats by payment safety, refund transparency, and real guest experiences – before you send a single dollar.
Related Guides
- Hidden Fees to Watch For When Booking a Retreat
- Scholarship, Discounts & Work-Trade Options
- Refund Policies: What to Ask Before You Pay
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