FAQ

Difference between RCI and I I is not clear as it doesn't provide any information on II. Please provide the information regarding the same.

What is the difference between RCI and I I?

RCI (Resort Condominium International) and II (Interval International) are the same types of membership exchange companies. RCI was established 35 years back and today RCI is celebrating their 35 years old company. The only company in India is existing today. Interval International was established in the mid 1980's.
RCI still boasts about twice as many affiliated resorts as Interval International, but over all RCI has more representations world wide. RCI give members a lot of extra choices when it comes to their vacation options, and have been regarded as the most respected companies in the vacation ownership exchange industry for many years now. For more information on RCI, please visit www.RCI.com.

Necessary amendments made in the below content:

FAQs with answers: Toshali Luxury Club

How to decide between timeshare points or timeshare weeks? So, which way to go?

Dear friend, the best thing to do is to take a look at your lifestyle.

If you want to return to your own membership resort, year after year at the same time for a full week or only travel in weekly increments or, if you are into steamy, private and personal romantic getaways just for two (and like having the excuse that you only have a limited amount of space), then it's easier to go with the “weeks” system and explain to friends, parents or in-laws that there is no time left available.
However, if you need or want to include other people in your timeshare from time to time, then you should probably consider the points system of the resort that is available.

Flexibility is the main advantage of the points system. Any size of unit such as two bed room, one bed room, and studio and hotel efficiency can be chosen if you have enough points in your account and the unit is available.

In the week's system, you are restricted to the same size unit as your membership resort unit, or smaller, when you travel.

Let's say, one time it is just you and your spouse (wife) or and your partner traveling; then a studio would be just right. Even you can use the exchange for Hotel Efficiency Room if you want to enjoy the true holiday with out using the kitchenette and enjoying the true holidays by traveling to near by exotic destinations around the resort.

Another time, it is the two of you and you decide to bring the kids and need two bedrooms. And at some other time, it's you and the kids and your parents or friends, or a group of friends - and you need a two bedroom set.

Or, let's say, you just feel like having a more or less luxurious space depending on your mood or needs for that trip. With timeshare points, you have the flexibility of custom tailoring your wants to your needs at the time.

Take a look at these two options:

Option A: Timeshare Points

Let's say that you own a two bed room in a timeshare points system, for example. You may have enough points to take two weeks or more in a one or two bedroom, or take many mini-vacations in smaller units. You are not locked into the size or length of stay as in a timeshare week's system. With timeshare points, if you find that your plans change or life events affect your travel, or if you simply like to have the option of traveling when you want, you can plan a getaway at any time as long as you have the points and units are available. This part is the same in the week's system, but if you want to travel for only a few days, you would have to exchange the whole week and forfeit the remaining days.

Option B: Timeshare Weeks

If you like knowing that you will have the same length vacation time each year, and then a timeshare week's model would be best for you. The good thing about this model is that it 'forces you' to take a vacation. So, if you are a workaholic personality, this may be best for you! Similarly if you love traveling to exotic destinations and want to explore the beautiful cities and country sides, this would be an added best option.

If you like to have your vacation at the same time each year and look forward to it always being at that time each year then timeshare weeks is a great option and solution. Note that with the week's system, you are typically restricted to having your week occur during the same time of year. You can also exchange your weeks for other time periods, just know that there is some planning and a bit of detail involved in the process.

Conclusion:
With the timeshare points system, you aren't restricted to that seven day length of time usage. If you don't feel like using the entire week each year, you can use just a few nights, or more than the seven days depending on the points you have. The way that most of the weeks systems are set up require you to use the whole week each year, whether you want to or not. So, with timeshare points you have more freedom. If you are a weeks owner and your needs require you to exchange your weeks for another time period, sometimes you have to wait to find out the results of your week being processed.

With timeshare points you can book the unit you choose at any time and know on the spot that you have a place to stay. Don't like to plan? No problem. With the points system, you can book any size unit when available for a minimum number of points by making reservations 45 days or less from check-in. If you are a timeshare week owner, you also have to realize that you are limited to the other resorts that are on the week's system.

You don't get access to the resorts that are on a points system. It's estimated that world wide more than 50% of the timeshare week's resorts have made the switch to the newer system of points. Also, please note that you will pay exchange and membership fees to the exchange company annually, regardless of whether you own points or weeks. And also you need to pay the Management fee and utility charges. At present Toshali Group has both options such as Timeshare weeks and Points Systems.

In the week’s system, your expense for your annual management fee is usually equal to one week's worth of vacation. In the timeshare points system, you still have the to pay the annual management fee, but you can stretch your points to allow for more vacations each year and borrow points from next years allotment or rent additional points if needed from the resort.

Point's members have found that they end up paying less per night of stay, in some cases anywhere from 30%, to 50% depending on the various fees.

So, you have to do some simple math and soul searching to figure out which style is right for you; timeshare weeks or timeshare points

What does management fee pay for?

Your management fee is generally paid for your membership share of the week for which the membership is taken, among other things:

The upkeep of the unit, the utilities, the cleaning and repairs, renovations, resort insurance, the upkeep and replacement of general use resort amenities, maintenance of team of staffs to coordinate the member services, electronic services for the conveniences of members including the branch services with rent and leasing of equipments, charges and taxes etc.

To whom do I pay my management fees?

The first year’s management fees are either to be paid at the time of offering membership or billed directly by the resort and are necessary to activate your membership. If you are going to use your new timeshare ownership program through one of the external exchange companies, all current Management fees must be paid before the resort will allow your unit to be registered for deposit with the exchange company.

When will I receive my membership Agreement or copy of recorded membership?

You will receive your membership agreement or copy after your contract has been paid in full and the membership is fully recorded in all the medias of the company including company’s E CRM.

Your new timeshare membership agreement will be available to you after completing all company’s formalities. One of company’s member care personnel will be in touch with you, and brief you about your membership details along with the payment details made through proper channel such as through bank payment, draft and cheques (subject to realization) or through company’s website Gateway such as ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank.

Company does not receive any cash directly or through any of the representatives or employees.

International timeshare members can pay by “PayPal” through company’s website. In any case, the agreement copy once recorded will be sent to you by courier or by post.

You can now start using your timeshare. The agreement copy of recorded membership is simply a document that shows proof of membership, which should be filed in a safe place. Also, in future, if you ever wish to transfer your timeshare ownership to any of your friend, relative and or spouse, you need to produce this document.

Can I automatically become a member RCI or II?

RCI and II are the two largest timeshare exchange companies in the world! If you as a member of the resort and if that resort is affiliated with either or both of these companies, it then allows you to become part of a special timeshare member only with exchange group. These are optional programs with annual membership fees that you may choose to utilize as a timeshare member. These details will be available to you after you became a timeshare member of any of our resorts.

Many people purchase a timeshare simply to become part of Membership Exchange Groups to avail the additional benefits members of RCI and II receive. Presently, there are over 3900 resorts in over 100 countries to choose from in the RCI Affiliated Resort Network. Through Affiliated Resort Network, you can see how these programs will open the world for Great, Exciting vacations for you and your family!

Can I get more about RCI and its Background?

RCI is the world’s oldest and largest timeshare exchange company. It has been there for 35 years. It is an optional timeshare membership only, a membership exchange program with an annual participation fee that you may choose to utilize.

Once you become a member, you will receive books and catalogs that will provide you with nearly 3900 worldwide locations for travel and exchange through the RCI Network of affiliated resorts. This program will open the World for Great, Exciting vacations for you and your family! Many people buy a timeshare simply to have the privilege of becoming a RCI member. RCI is now owned by the Cendant Corporation, which is publicly traded on the NY Stock Exchange. As of early 2000, RCI offers RCI Weeks the traditional week-for-week exchange program, and RCI Points the newer, flexible points based membership exchange programs.

Are there other benefits to my RCI Membership?

RCI Members may receive extra travel benefits simply for being a RCI Member. Benefits include, but are not limited to, extra vacations without a space bank deposit, discounted cruises, and RCI travel. With one phone call to RCI's travel department, you can arrange airfare, car rental, accommodations, cruises, and much more! To make it convenient, RCI Travel is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for its members only for travel planning assistance.

What fees or charges does RCI currently charge for financial year 2009?

RCI Week members currently pay for annual, 3 years, 5 years,10 years membership fee as per following:

One Year	Membership Charges	Rs 4475
Three years	Membership charges	Rs 9200
Five Years	Membership Charges	Rs 12300
Ten Year	Membership Charges	Rs 18500

That means while accepting membership of the resort you need to pay extra charges as per above along with your membership fees for the resort.

When members make a vacation exchange reservation, they pay the applicable RCI Weeks exchange fee. The RCI exchange reservation fees are for the whole week’s reservation, in whatever size unit that you exchange for. There are no additional per person charges. Resorts that offer all inclusive programs usually charge an additional per person fee for these programs, and they vary by resort.

Current RCI Weeks Reservation Exchange Fees:

Exchange Domestic	(With in India)	= Only Rs 5250 per week!
Exchange with in Asia	International Destinations	= Only Rs 8550 per Week!
Exchange with all	International countries	= Only Rs 12600 per Week!

What other costs can I anticipate each year in connection with my timeshare vacation?

Your management fees will be billed each year by the company and you will receive the Invoice by November for the coming year of your membership renewal. There is also a nominal utility charge for the week that you want to take exchange for the resorts.

If you have chosen to take advantage of membership in an external exchange of company’s internal exchange resorts can be requested to the company via email or over phone, you will have the associated annual membership fees, usage or utility fees, etc to be paid before check in or can be paid at the respective resort.

Does someone else have to use my week before I can go somewhere else?

NO, once you have deposited your unit into the RCI space bank you can request your RCI exchange reservations.

Do I need to take bedding, linens, etc. with me to my vacation/ holidays?

No! Everything is included for your stay at the resorts or condominiums. The only thing that you need to provide, of course, is your own food and clothing. Please don't forget your tooth brush. Also remember that most timeshares have kitchenettes and some timeshare units in abroad are available with full kitchen as well! It's a great way to go on vacation even when money is tight! Just throw the groceries that you already have in the trunk of the car, and get away for a week! When you own your vacations, you can't afford to stay home!

How do I make an exchange through the RCI Weeks Reservations system?

Please remember to deposit your time with RCI, or you can call our customer care department to guide you the procedure to deposit your week.- this is also called "space banking" your time. You may do this for two years- 14 days in advance of your assigned usage start date at your home resort. All management fees must be paid for the weeks before the due date as per Invoice that you would like to deposit into the space bank.

Request an exchange for your vacation week with a resort that is comparable to the one that you have deposited for exchange. With the RCI week’s program, you get what they describe as a like unit for like unit or less exchange.

Receive your confirmed exchange vacation reservation.
Get out and Go on your timeshare vacation!
Instant Exchanges..... The Instant Exchange system set up with in the RCI Weeks System is designed to provide an extra benefit to those RCI members who are looking to make a last minute exchange reservation. The time frame is 45 days or less. If you make your reservation 45 days or less in advance, your exchange reservation now automatically qualifies for what RCI calls and Instant Exchange! The best rule about the RCI Instant Exchange Program is that there is no rule! You may exchange any season for any season, any size for any size. There are no constraints on where to go or what quality of stay you may enjoy. If the 45 day reservation window fits your style, you will find instant exchanges extremely attractive. Those who have purchased lesser sized units, such as a studio, may exchange into a 2 bedroom; if you own Blue or White time, you may exchange for Red. Many RCI “Veterans” use Instant Exchange reservations exclusively. They find many great resorts are subject to last minute cancellations. The Instant Exchange is a feature of RCI of which few people are aware. Take advantage of this Great feature! It works!!!. But all these features are subject to last minute availability.

What is ‘RCI Points’?

‘RCI Points’ is a points-based program that offers participants the flexibility of using points for shorter vacations, as well as travel-related products, including airfare, cruises, car rental, and hotel reservations.

What is a Use Year, and when does it begin?

Use Year is the annually recurring 12-month period during which you must use Points from your RCI Points Membership. Points that remain unused at the end of the Use Year are auto-saved unless they have previously been saved. Points are made available to the member at the beginning of their Use Year and are valid for one year. The Use Year begins once your enrollment documents are accepted by RCI.

What Trading Power do my RCI Points have?

Trading Power is a term that is used in the basic weeks based exchange programs. One of the reasons that points based Vacation membership programs have become so popular is because POINTS ARE POINTS. There is NO TRADING POWER in the RCI Points program. The points that you will receive annually are based on your home resort; the resort to which you pay your annual membership fees. Reservations are given based on a simple, first come first served basis; If you have enough points to make the reservation, it's yours! RCI Points makes Trading Power a thing of the past!

If Points reservation made and cancelled cancellation?

Entire transaction fee forfeited

If Weeks exchange cancellation is made?

If you cancel within 24 hours of confirmation and if the start date of the reservation is 15 days or greater than the confirmation date - No cancellation fee
100% Cancel fee if canceled 14 days or less before start date.
50% Cancel fee if cancelled 15 to 60 days before start date.
30% Cancel fee if cancelled 61 days or greater before start date.

If Points Partner cancellation is made what the status of refund of paid fee?

Entire transaction fee forfeited

What happens if I don't use my Points before the end of my Use Year?

If you do not use your Points before the end of their Use Year, the Points will automatically be saved to the next Use Year. Points that have been saved from one Use Year to the next may not be saved into a third Use Year.

Can a friend or family member use my reservation?

Guest Certificates are used to make a gift of a reservation to a non-member friend or family member. For Rs 2100 along with exchange fee already prescribed above you can place a Guest Certificate on any reservation. Guests must be at least 21 years old. Some resorts, however, may have higher age requirements.

I am a member of a separate week of Timeshare but have not been converted to RCI Points. Do I have a separate subscription fee?

As long as your membership is concerned with the resort, you can request to member care in case of timeshare week membership to provide a split week exchange, if you want to avail break of a week.

If you are a Points member at our resort you will be given exchange as per Points membership.

As long as the RCI Points account is concern, current RCI Points pays your RCI Weeks subscription fees. Plus, as a RCI Points member, you will have the flexibility to decide weather you would like to use your RCI Weeks affiliated resort membership through the RCI Weeks exchange or as Points through the RCI Points for Deposit Program!

How do I determine the RCI Points Values for my vacation week?

This information is available on your RCI Points Participation Agreement, from your resort, from rci.com or by calling an RCI Guide.

Will my Points ever go up or down?

Yes, Point Values could change. If there was a distinct quality or amenity change at your resort that impacted comment card scores over a period or time, then the values could change.

Example, if your resort builds two new outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pools, your Point Values could go up. RCI would not make any arbitrary changes.

Can my Points expire?

Yes. Once your Points are saved to the next year they will expire at the end of that Use Year into which they were saved. Points that have been saved may be borrowed back, but cannot be saved into a third Use Year.

As a Points member, can I get an RCI Weeks Exchange?

As an RCI Points member, you also have access to RCI Weeks resorts. You may reserve a Weeks resort up to two-years in advance and down to just days in advance. All stays are for 7 nights. Please refer to the RCI Weeks Resort Reservations exchange grids within each regional section of your Resort Directory for the number of points you'll need.

To see how many points you need to go to a RCI Weeks affiliated resort, you may view the RCI Points to Weeks

Exchange grids @ http://www.rci.com/GPN2/CDA/Common/pdf/GridExchangeinside.pdf

How do I get a vacation for only 9,000 Points?

You can maximize the value of your Points when requesting a Weeks Resort Exchange 45-days or less in advance of confirming your exchange. You'll be able to confirm your vacation for the Points value equivalent to the region's lowest season (red, white or blue time) and smallest unit size, or 9,000 Points, whichever is less. After you become a member of RCI Points, you may search for these Instant Exchange vacations by going to RCI weeks resort reservations, and then entering a starting check-in date of less than 45 days in advance. All of the available units will be shown in the reservation screen, and the point values will automatically be changed to just 9,000 points!

What if I don't have enough Points to make the reservation that I want?

If you don't have enough Points to make the reservation you want, you can borrow Points from your next Use Year to complete the reservation or you can buy or take on rent extra required points.

What is a RCI Points Partners reservation?

Through RCI Points Partners, our providers offer non-timeshare vacation options that you may book with RCI Points. Examples include airlines, cruise lines, hotels, car rentals and more. You can make these reservations by simply calling RCI Vacation Guide.

Extra Vacations-

As an RCI Points Member, you can take advantage of RCI's Extra Vacations and Last Call. These are special resort vacations offered exclusively to members. Extra Vacations can be booked 3 to 365 days prior to check-in without using any of your RCI Points. Please be sure to check the Last Call section of our site for the best prices at select resorts for travel within the next 45 days.

Last Call Extra Vacations –

A clearance sale of last-minute vacations at RCI Weeks resorts: These are last-minute vacations with check-in days in 45 days or less subject to availability, Studio units, One-bedroom units, and two-bedroom units that’s for a full week!

RCI Member Education Article Archive - Continuing education is included free with your RCI Points membership.

Every issue of Endless Vacation magazine gives advice on getting the most out of your RCI Membership.

What are the requirements for the RCI Points for Deposit program?

The ONLY Requirements for participation in the RCI Points-for-Deposit program are:

You are a RCI Points member and all current membership dues are paid.

The resort you wish to deposit is not a RCI Points affiliated resort and all current management fees are paid. If the resort you own becomes a part of the RCI Points program, you must pay a conversion fee that will be determined by the resort to use the ownership through the RCI Points exchange network.

The RCI Points-for-Depoist program is a popular feature for current RCI members whose resorts have not been converted into RCI Points. This is a great way to upgrade your ownership to the flexibility of points.

What is a Use Year, and when does it begin?

You can start availing your holidays from the day one of your membership with your membership resort, if you have made the full payment with required charges of membership fees and Annual Management Fee.

How to decide between timeshare points or timeshare weeks? So, which way to go?

Yes friend, well, the best thing to do is to take a look at your lifestyle. If you want to return to your own membership resort, year after year at the same time for a full week or only travel in weekly increments. or, if you are into steamy, private and personal romantic getaways just for two (and like having the excuse that you only have a limited amount of space), then it's easier to go with the “weeks” system and explain to friends, parents or in-laws that there is no time left available.

However, if you need or want to include other people in your timeshare from time to time, then you should probably consider the points system of the resort that is available.

Flexibility is the main advantage of the points system. Any size of unit such as two bed room , one bed room, studio and hotel efficiency can be chosen if you have enough points in your account and the unit is available.

In the week's system, you are restricted to the same size unit as your membership resort unit, or smaller, when you travel.

Let's say, one time it is just you and your spouse (wife) or and your partner traveling; then a studio would be just right. Even you can use the exchange for Hotel Efficiency Room if you want to enjoy the true holiday with out using the kitchenette and enjoying the true holidays by traveling to near by exotic destinations around the resort.

Another time, it is the two of you and you decide to bring the kids and need a two bedroom, and some other time, it is you and the kids and your parents or friends, or a group of friends - and you need a two bedroom.

Or, let's say, you just feel like having a more or less luxurious space depending on your mood or needs for that trip... With timeshare points, you have the flexibility of custom tailoring your wants to your needs at the time.

Take a look at these two options:

Option A: Timeshare Points
Let's say that you own a two bed room in a timeshare points system, for example. You may have enough points to take two weeks or more in a one or two bedroom, or take many mini-vacations in smaller units. You are not locked into the size or length of stay as in a timeshare week's system. With timeshare points, if you find that your plans change or life events affect your travel, or if you simply like to have the option of traveling when you want, you can plan a getaway at any time as long as you have the points and units are available. This part is the same in the week's system, but if you want to travel for only a few days, you would have to exchange the whole week and forfeit the remaining days.

Option B: Timeshare Weeks
If you like knowing that you will have the same length vacation time each year, and then a timeshare week's model would be best for you. The good thing about this model is that it 'forces you' to take a vacation. So, if you are a workaholic personality, this may be best for you! Similarly if you love traveling to exotic destinations and want to explore the beautiful cities and country sides, this would be an added best option.

If you like to have your vacation at the same time each year and look forward to it always being at that time each year then timeshare weeks is a great option and solution. Note that with the week's system, you are typically restricted to having your week occur during the same time of year. You can also exchange your weeks for other time periods, just know that there is some planning and a bit of detail involved in the process.

Conclusion:
With the timeshare points system, you aren't restricted to that seven day length of time usage. If you don't feel like using the entire week each year, you can use just a few nights, or more than the seven days depending on the points you have. The way that most of the weeks systems are set up require you to use the whole week each year, whether you want to or not. So, with timeshare points you have more freedom. If you are a weeks owner and your needs require you to exchange your weeks for another time period, sometimes you have to wait to find out the results of your week being processed.

With timeshare points you can book the unit you choose at any time and know on the spot that you have a place to stay. Don't like to plan? No problem. With the points system, you can book any size unit when available for a minimum number of points by making reservations 45 days or less from check-in. If you are a timeshare week owner, you also have to realize that you are limited to the other resorts that are on the week's system.

You don't get access to the resorts that are on a points system. It's estimated that world wide more than 50% of the timeshare week's resorts have made the switch to the newer system of points. Also, please note that you will pay exchange and membership fees to the exchange company annually, regardless of whether you own points or weeks. And also you need to pay the Management fee and utility charges. At present Toshali Group has both options such as Timeshare weeks and Points Systems.

In the weeks system, your expense for your annual management fee is usually equal to one week's worth of vacation. In the timeshare points system, you still have the to pay the annual management fee, but you can stretch your points to allow for more vacations each year and borrow points from next years allotment or rent additional points if needed from the resort.

Point's members have found that they end up paying less per night of stay, in some cases anywhere from 30%, to 50% depending on the various fees. So, you have to do some simple math and soul searching to figure out which style is right for you; timeshare weeks or timeshare points

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