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Airbnb
Board: Travel the World, Eat Some Cow Lips
Feb 16, 2017 11:43am
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I'm wondering if people have had good experiences with airbnb? We've used vrbo several times and it has been good, but I found a place I'd like to rent in Montreal that is on airbnb. My request was approved, but the owner wants me to complete their verification process, which includes sending the website a copy of my driver's license. I'm very torn on what to do. I'd rather not share this information online, but it makes sense that the owner would want good info on a client, especially an international one. When I google this topic I get lots of worst case scenarios. I'd love to hear from someone who has done this verification and/or regular users of airbnb. Thanks!
Re: Airbnb
Board: Travel the World, Eat Some Cow Lips
Reply to: #941957 by hartwolfzell
Feb 16, 2017 11:58am
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I used AirBnB for our Barcelona trip. I was happy with it. I chose one based on many customer reviews. I will probably use it for our Japan trip, too.

I cannot recall if I showed a driver's license, but it was overseas, so maybe it is different. I think I just used credit card. I could be wrong, can't remember.
Re: Airbnb
Board: Travel the World, Eat Some Cow Lips
Reply to: #941957 by hartwolfzell
Feb 16, 2017 2:22pm
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My husband and I used Airbnb when we stayed in Cardiff, Wales and while we were in London, England. We loved staying where we did. We picked where we stayed based off of reviews and so we only picked places that had more than 5 reviews and very good reviews. We did not have to show a license...I'm not sure what that's about. Do any other renters in that area require to show license too? We did not come across then when booking our stays.
Re: Airbnb
Board: Travel the World, Eat Some Cow Lips
Reply to: #941957 by hartwolfzell
Feb 16, 2017 3:23pm
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I have had nothing but good experiences using airbnb. I don't think I've ever shared a dl, but the last time I used airbnb was almost a year and a half ago.
Re: Airbnb
Board: Travel the World, Eat Some Cow Lips
Reply to: #941974 by kudichan
Feb 16, 2017 6:45pm
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I've used AirBnB several times and overall it has been a good experience, but I recommend using it only when you are renting out an entire house or apartment. If you decide to rent a room, make sure to confirm there is a lock on the door before booking - I made the mistake of not checking this once and I felt uncomfortable all night knowing anyone could walk in on me while I was sleeping. Also, don't just look at the room rate - often times there are add-ons, like cleaning fees - that can add significantly to the price. I did have to provide my driver's license once that I can remember - I may be wrong, but my sense is that it is up to the owner whether to ask for it or not.
Re: Airbnb
Board: Travel the World, Eat Some Cow Lips
Reply to: #941957 by hartwolfzell
Feb 17, 2017 12:22am
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I have used ABnB quite often and have started hosting as well. I have never been asked for nor asked others for a DL, but yes, there is an additional verification step that can be done on the site. My only thought is that this host had a bad experience so are trying to protect themselves more. Personally, I don't WANT all these things linked so would probably look for someplace else but if you have no history, so no "trust" built on the site, it makes sense. That being said, I have never had a bad experience and have planned more than one vacation around moving from host to host.
Re: Airbnb
Board: Travel the World, Eat Some Cow Lips
Reply to: #941957 by hartwolfzell
Feb 17, 2017 9:29am
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I've used AirBnB a lot domestically. Always a good experience (especially in Nashville).
Can't remember if I submitted my DL .... but I started using AirBnB about 5 years ago and I know that their policies have changed since then.
Re: Airbnb
Board: Travel the World, Eat Some Cow Lips
Reply to: #941957 by hartwolfzell
Feb 17, 2017 10:10am
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Thanks everyone! I did end up going through the verification process. I had to submit photos of my license and link airbnb to my Facebook page. I'll let you all know if I find out someday that this was a mistake.

I'm very excited about this home we're renting! So much cheaper than a hotel and way better for our family of 6.