Ding to that.
Cash in advance at the breakfast buffet prior to a days work is the only thing that works. Get THEM to front the costs for airline tickets and hotels. Some operators are nasty and promise you all sorts, dragging you along abusing your good nature.
I, as a matter of principle, dont want to have any costs outstanding less the daily rate, and request a CC or the expenses to be paid in advance. Luckily on multicrew contract work, I usually get all my stuff put on the other pilots CC (as they usually are full time in the operation).
The owners/operators dont really give a rats , as they know you have alot more to lose or cant afford to go to court to settle.