Who is RCI?
Resort Condominiums International, or RCI, is the oldest and largest exchange company in the world. RCI allows timeshare owners
to trade their timeshare weeks with other timeshare owners around the world. RCI has been in business for almost 30 years and currently work with over 3000 resorts in 85 countries. RCI can be reached at 1-800-338-7777.

  Who is II?
Interval International, or II, is the second largest and second oldest exchange company behind RCI. With over 1700 resorts in 35 countries around the world, II operates much like RCI, offering quality exchange services for its clients worldwide. II can be reached at 1-800-843-8843.

  What are the benefits of each company?
The benefits of RCI and II are essentially the same. They both give you an annual listing of all resorts. They both have a quarterly or bimonthly update magazine. They both offer a "members only" travel agency (remember airfares aren’t included with your timeshare costs). Both offer last minute getaways at a very reasonable price without having to give up your deposited week and both offer excellent customer service through their toll-free numbers.

  Is there any difference between RCI and II?
There are a great deal of similarities between the two companies. Both companies are excellent.

  Do RCI and II own the resorts?
No, neither do. As they state in RCI’s resort directory, "(We) offer (our) services to owners at resorts with which we have an affiliation agreement."

  Is there a membership fee for RCI and II?
Yes. The annual fee for Interval International is $79.00 and RCI's is $84.00. They also offer three and five year subscriptions which may be purchased at a discount to the annual rate.

  How do I make an exchange?
Making an exchange is as easy as picking up your phone, calling RCI or II, and asking one of their vacation consultants to walk you through the exchange process. But, think of it like you think of going to the bank. The two companies vary, but the process with each is very user-friendly, and you are helped through the request and exchange process.
The concept of timeshare exchange is easily summed up as "like for like." As you make your exchange request, keep in mind that what you own. You are likely to get the same number of bedrooms, same season, and similar amenities as what your home resort offers.
Your deposited timeshare week does not have to be taken before you are confirmed to go elsewhere. You also don’t have to travel the same fixed week that you have deposited.

  When I make an exchange, does someone else have to use my time?
No. All weeks are deposited into the space bank and requests are made against these weeks. Exchanges are fulfilled based on availability.

  May I rent my week out?
Once you become the legal owner of a timeshare, you may rent it out if you wish. The Holiday Group, RCI, and II, however, don’t assist in rentals.

  May I rent a week I have received in exchange?
No! This is expressly forbidden. If you do this and the exchange company finds out you will be banned from future exchanges for life.

  May I make an exchange and let someone else use it?
Yes, but you will need to give the exchange company the name of the people who will be using the resort so they can make a guest certificate for them. The costs for a guest certificate are: RCI $40.00, and Interval International $29.00.

  When should I deposit my week?
You are always advised to deposit your week as early as possible. You may deposit as early as one to two years or as late as fourteen days prior to the reservation date.

  Do I have to make a request at the same time I make a deposit?
No. In both of the major exchange companies you have two years after you deposit your time to request an exchange. But if you wish to, you may make a request when you make your deposit.

  When should I request my exchange?
RCI allows you to request your exchange 2 days to two years before you want to travel as long as you have a week on deposit with the exchange company.

  What is the difference between the exchange seasons?
In timeshare, the difference in season indicates the popularity of any particular resort at that time. The most sought-after weeks (e.g. February week in Vail) are rated as high season and the less popular weeks (e.g. Winter on Long Island) are rated as low season weeks. High demand weeks are known as high season or red time, moderate demand weeks are known as mid season or white time, and low demand weeks are known as low season or blue time.

  Is it possible to trade one high season week for 2 low season weeks?
No. There may be certain exceptions to this, but do not purchase a timeshare based upon this. One week will always exchange for one other week.

  How many resort locations can I request?
You are allowed to request up to four resorts in one area or several areas which you're interested in. Being flexible in destination selection will improve your chances of making a sucessful exchange.

  When do I pay the exchange fee?
All fees are payable when you make your request. If you are requesting a guest certificate or adding other options they are due at this time.

  How long will it take to confirm my exchange?
Most exchanges are confirmed within twenty-four hours. If your desired destination is not immediately available, a computerized search will continue to look for exchanges. All incoming deposits will be checked up to fourteen days before your planned departure date or until confirmed.

  Do I pay my maintenance fee to the resort I'm exchanging to?
No. All maintenance fees are paid directly to the resort you own and not to the resort you are trading to.

  What is an internal exchange at the home resort?
An internal exchange allows you to exchange the week you own for a different week at the resort. If you have a summer week and wish to go at another time of the year the resort may do this for you based upon availability of inventory. The resort may or may not charge a fee for this service.

  What is an internal exchange from RCI?
Instead of using your home resort to exchange at the same resort you use RCI to facilitate this transaction. There is a fee for this service just like any other exchange. Remember, priority will be given to any owner wishing to exchange back at their home resort.

  How many people can I take with me?
You can take as many as the maximum number your unit sleeps. Resorts typically will not accept more than a unit’s capacity to stay in one unit.

  Will the resort provide daily maid service?
Some resorts will have daily service, some bi-weekly, and some not at all during your stay. If this is of major concern to you, you should contact the resort you wish to visit to find out exactly what their policies are.