Paying for Villa Rental directly to Owner - what is safest?

[ElizabethAllen]

Hi

I am renting a villa for a holiday in Summer 2018 directly from the Owner, I need to pay a £1000 deposit. They have asked either for bank transfer or by PayPal.

Is one safer than the other? WWYD?

We stayed in the villa last month so I know what it is like and have met the owner several times. We previously booked through a rental organisation but have been offered a significant discount if we go direct.

Thanks

You're not covered if you pay directly. It's your call but there's no comeback if you don't use the rental company.

PayPal, through goods and services.

Given that you have been there and met the owners then bank transfer should be fine.

If the villa is abroad, don't use paypal. Their exchange rates aren't great. I'd recommend a banktransfer via transferwise.com, works perfectly well, is 100% safe and their fees are minimal.

Going off platform like this is not without risk because you have no recourse to anyone if it is a scam. Neither are safe methods and you will not get your money back if this does go wrong.