Try godaddy.com , this namecheap that you speak of is way too expensive ($10 for a domain).
Godaddy is the way to go !
I have a lot of domains registered at 123reg.co.uk and i have had no problems. They have a great CP and you can transfer in and out fairly easily. Not too bad on price as well.. but not the cheapest i have to say.
Godaddy is the best for me. 4 Years without problems
Namecheap.com i also love it
1and1.com
godaddy.com
Those are the best two in my opinion.
Try: domains4you.com they do not require a verified paypal, and i have registered 3 domains with them already and there is nothing ever wrong.
1and1.com is the cheapest.
www.NetFirms.com. Their domains start for $7.99 which is cheaper than half or more of all other registrars. Besides that, they have frequent promotions giving domains away for only $4.95. (Use promo: PROMO495 to get the $4.95 domain, I used it nearly a week ago so it still works).
They also have a very intuitive and user friendly control panel.
Good luck in your search.