ID

[Zoe405]

Hi. I'm new to this. We were trying to book a few days away in a cottage. However after paying the deposit we were asked for ID like a digital copy of driving licence, government ID (I think it said) or passport details. We paid the deposit. We don't have a scanner. Hotels don't ask for this when booking. We've now cancelled and have the deposit back. It puts me off using airb&b so we'll be looking elsewhere in future.

[Helen744]

@Zoe 405 sadly the host did not communicate with you or was this to sign up . On a mobile phoen you can photograph your id and send it through to the host or show your id when you arrive. It may be useful if you have a mobile to get a friend or relative to help with the original signing up and just go from there . Many airbnbs also do phone bookings as well so keep looking . and have fun . H

[Zoe405]

Hello, OK maybe I'll go through a phone next time, sounds like less grief. Many thanks. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Zoe405 in may countries it is a legal requirement to see guests ID. Which country were you booking in?

[Zoe405]

HI, it's in the UK. Maybe I'll go via my phone next time. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Zoe405 I did hear once that there is a legal requirement for all hosts in the UK to have their guests addresses. We don't bother as we assume Airbnb stores this info themselves and we don't want to fall foul of the data protection act but perhaps others don't trust Airbnb to keep this information.

[Sudsrung0]

@Zoe405 

Sorry to hear your story I'd like to say it's not all bad on Airbnb some of us are good host, Im excellent host,

Lets see if I can help understand how it works from a host side, For me I like to make it has easy as possible for you to book with me I remove all the hurdles for you to jump over book with me it is instant booking and I require nothing until you arrive, I am based in Phuket, Thailand so I have to comply with immigration laws that means I need a copy and details of your passport. I dont ask for it until you arrive,

Many host have their own style of hosting I dont want to make it difficult for people to book, you book with me as soon as I can you will get a message from me or my husband not some automated system.

Lots of host are using 3rd party channel managers and there is to many options for a host to put in place airbnb also has some, hence the reason your problem.

Another thing we dont do, is we dont do self check in we meet everyone of our guest at the property we welcome you and show you around, make sure you are happy with everything,

We only live 5 minutes away so we are always available, dont message me at 2-30 am asking were the toothbrush is hahahah.

I do follow the groups here and a couple of FB groups and even I feel some host go overboard it's like they are interrogating the guest to me that puts you on the back foot already.

At the end of they day we are all in the Hospitality business.

[Zoe405]

Wow that sounds amazing. Much less grief than I thought. It was my husband who tried to book on AirB&B I'm sure. Then paid the deposit then he got a message to say to complete the booking (having paid the deposit) he had to send passport photo, ID photo or driving licence. But we thought that's ridiculous as we've paid the deposit. Even hotels wouldn't expect that until maybe you arrive there. Anyway if we ever come to Thailand you'll on our accommodation list. Many thanks.

[Helen3]

On Airbnb normally you don't pay a deposit.; Nor in the UK are you normally asked for ID. @Zoe405 

You didn't book through a property management company by any chance?

Please don't be put off. Try using long established superhosts with great reviews.

[Zoe405]

I didn't think so but thank you. Everyone has been very helpful. Many thanks.