How Booking Works on WatamuPulse: Pay Safely, Get Refunds, No Surprises

Short answer: On WatamuPulse you find a place or activity in Watamu, tap Book, and pay with M-Pesa or card. WatamuPulse holds your money until the business has delivered. Before you pay, you always see the price, a small service fee and the refund rules.

The 4 steps

1. Find: houses, boat tours, restaurants, taxis, events, deals and the marketplace, all in Watamu.
2. Book: pick your date, the number of people, and tap Book.
3. Pay safely: M-Pesa (a PIN prompt comes to your phone) or a card for visitors from abroad.
4. Enjoy: the business confirms, you get a receipt by SMS and email, and you enjoy Watamu.

Where does my money go?

You pay WatamuPulse, not a stranger's phone number. We keep the money until the stay, trip or delivery has happened. The business is paid after that. If something goes wrong, you report it and we hold the payment while we check.

What is the service fee?

A small fee on top of the price, shown before you pay:

| Price you pay | Service fee | | -------------------- | ----------- | | Up to KSh 4,999 | KSh 55 | | KSh 5,000 to 19,999 | KSh 110 | | KSh 20,000 and above | KSh 220 |

It covers the cost of sending money to the business, rider or organiser. It is not refunded, because that cost is already paid.

When do I get a refund?

• The business says no, or does not answer in time: you get your money back (except the service fee).
• Holiday houses: cancel 7 or more days before arrival and you get everything back except the commission; closer to arrival, half; on the day, nothing.
• Tours, rides, rentals: you pay a 30% deposit. If you cancel, WatamuPulse keeps its commission and refunds the rest.
• Marketplace: the seller has 24 hours to accept. Your money is only released after you give your handover code.

The exact rules for your booking are always on the confirm screen before you pay.

Do I need an account?

Yes, sign in with Google or with a code sent to your email. It takes less than a minute.

Own a business in Watamu?

List it free on WatamuPulse. Guests book and pay online, and you get paid to M-Pesa, Till, Paybill or bank. Start at watamupulse.com.

Frequently asked questions

Is WatamuPulse safe to pay on? Yes. Payments are confirmed with Safaricom or the card company before anything is marked paid, and every payment gets a signed receipt.

Can tourists pay by card? Yes, on holiday houses and tours. Foreign phone numbers are accepted for card payments.

Why is there a service fee? Sending money to businesses costs money. The small fee covers that, so prices stay fair for everyone.

How do I contact WatamuPulse? WhatsApp +254 796 222 758.