Airbnb bookings have been around for almost fifteen years, but one question still comes up for many travelers: “Is Airbnb safe?”
Imagine arriving at your accommodation only to find it doesn’t exist—or that it looks completely different from the photos. No one wants to start their holiday like that!
In this post, we’re sharing six essential tips to help you book safely on Airbnb and avoid any surprises at check-in.
Why Book with Airbnb?
Airbnb offers several advantages. The biggest one? Lower accommodation costs compared to traditional hotels or other booking platforms.
You can also save on meals, since many Airbnb properties are full apartments with kitchens—perfect for cooking a few meals during your stay.
Read also: Attention! These are the dirtiest places in hotel rooms
âś… 6 Airbnb Safety Tips to Avoid Scams and Bad Stays
1. Check the accommodation reviews
Your first step should always be to check reviews from previous guests. Compare their photos with those in the listing to see if they match.
Reviews often mention the host’s behavior too, which can help you avoid unpleasant or risky situations. Pay special attention to five-star ratings that seem overly glowing—sometimes other hosts help each other with fake reviews.
2. Look for other reviews of the host
Click on the host’s profile photo to see if they have other properties, and read what guests have said about those.
Some hosts with poor reviews try to re-list their accommodation under a different name. If the listing is new with few reviews, checking the host’s other listings can give you more confidence before booking.
3. Be wary of very low prices
Be cautious if you see a new, well-equipped place in a prime location at a suspiciously low price.
These kinds of listings are attractive—and dishonest hosts know it. Always research the average Airbnb prices in the city you’re visiting to determine whether a listing is priced reasonably or if it could be a scam.
4. Always communicate through Airbnb
Keep all communication with your host on Airbnb’s platform. This creates a record of your conversations, which can help Airbnb mediate if any issues come up.
Use the chat to confirm important details like amenities, the exact location, and check-in/check-out times.
5. Photograph and report any issues immediately
If something’s not right when you arrive—such as the apartment not being clean—take photos and report the issue through Airbnb’s chat right away.
This helps protect you from unfair extra charges, like unexpected cleaning fees, and can speed up any refund process.
6. Make payments through Airbnb only
Always make all payments through Airbnb’s secure platform. Never send money via bank transfer, PayPal, or in cash.
This includes the initial booking and any extras during your stay (like extra nights). If payments aren’t made through Airbnb, the platform won’t be able to help you if something goes wrong.
Airbnb is a great way to travel affordably and comfortably—but safety always comes first. With these six simple tips, you can book with more peace of mind and enjoy your trip without unwanted surprises.
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