Saving cash on airbnb booking

HGS

I have just read in the small print that if you don't pay in the currency of the host AIRBNB add a 3% currency conversion fee.

For anyone like me who has a no fee credit card with conversions at the interbank rate or very close to it, it appears to be sensible to pay in the host currency for each trip to make an instant saving.

Fififish

Thanks for that, I'm just looking at a few places in France on Airbnb.
I've never used it before and a bit nervous as I usually think that if it's too good to be true then it's probably a scam so glad of any info.

HGS

I have used AirBnb many times and the experience has been both good and horrendous. My suggestion is that cheap often means students will think it's great providing the people are nice regardless of the condition and people like me will grin and bear it.

I had the locks changed by one lunatic when I said I was leaving early because of his nightly parties and he left my suitcase unaccompanied at a local bar. AIRBNB did not ban him. On another occasion the property was a health hazard and I did get a full refund but again the host was not banned.
The company is only interested in money not ethics.
On the flip side I have had some hosts I still keep in contact with.
On the issue of billing, I asked for a full breakdown of the bill and they keep changing the story about what it comprises of so clearly there is something going on.
If you are a first time user of AirBnb the main tip I would give is don't believe photographs, and don't believe the reviews blindly as the system is geared towards mutual good reviews. If someone says as I did on one review the bar below was handy, that was a warning that it was noisy.

HGS

It's seems my request for an itemised bill in relation to the currency is being ignored. Clearly anyone using AirBnb should clarify all financial transaction before paying including asking the host what currency they are paid in so you can try to match the currency at the cheapest option available to you. Customer support when they did originally answer seemed to be pulling answers out of a hat, causing the distrust which has arisen and until they are willing to be transparent and quote facts not fiction (they couldn't even state which country my VAT was based on getting it totally wrong) I doubt I will use their services again. It seems the U.S. bad press may have substance. Buyer beware.

HGS

In a final note to users or potential users despite many misinformations and obstructions being put in my way I did identify that I had been overcharged and I have reported the company for potential VAT fraud.

Whilst researching the matter I also realised that this company is not one with which I want to spend money again. Saving money is not as important as principal for me.