Air BnB

[Duchess87]

Hi , I’ve just tried to book an air BnB I’ve never had an account it asked for my photo which I provided but now it’s asking for my id passport or drivers license
I find this all so intrusive and tbh I’m nervous about my id being taken , now I understand that the owner needs to know who’s staying at her property but I’m giving my id to air BnB

I appreciate that we live in a world of scams and cloning but I just want to book a holiday home

Does anyone else feel this way.

Bear in mind that it is someone's house you're booking - they probably just want to confirm that you're a real person and you are who you say you are, in the same way that hotels abroad often want to see your passport.

The Airbnb photo thing is one of the settings they recommend when you set your house up on there - the rationale is that bots sometimes book houses (I have no idea whether this is true!). If this is your first time booking, that's why the algorithm will have asked for your photo.

It's probably not as sinister as you are feeling, not by a long way. Don't worry too much, and enjoy your holiday.

Thanks for your reply have you booked through air BnB yourself. I’ve read a few horror stories of people turning up at non existant properties .
I agree about hotels etc asking for id it all makes me nervous

Yes, I've had several breaks via Airbnb and I run one myself. All so far have been absolutely normal and problem-free. I've also never had bad guests at mine - everyone has fallen somewhere between 'no problem' and 'delightful'.

I know there are horror stories out there and it can be nerve racking, but I genuinely think that most of the time, it's fine. Have you checked the reviews for the place you want to stay?

I've had great experiences with airbnb.

Its success seems to be built on all their two way systems of checks and reviews.

I now have excellent reviews of us as visitors so property owners know we will be good guests. I make a really big effort to leave a place as I find it pretty much. I don't do any bedding laundry, but I leave places very tidy.

I also try to go for the highly rated hosts.

I think central city bookings look a bit more risky perhaps?

My sister stayed in an airbnb in n Barcelona which was very dirty apparently.

Nope. I wouldn't be okay with that. So long as the air bnb gets my money, why do they need passport id, etc.? They don't.

Book into a hotel if you don't like the conditions.