Is there a way to communicate with a potential guest other than e-mail?

[Randall9]

I have an inquiry from a potential guest who would like to talk but I'm unable to send or receive phone numbers (number hidden) through the Airbnb site. Any suggestions?

[Lilian20]

This is to keep everyone safe.

As soon as a booking is made, the phone numbers will be displayed. 

[Robert78]

If Airbnb allowed you to communicate outside of their platform, how do they generate revenue? Think about it: if every host and guest made alternative arrangements, they'd be cutting side deals left, right and center.

They have algorithms to prevent the very behaviour you are trying to find a work-around for! 😉

[Randall9]

Thanks for the insight...

[Babs0]

Indeed, all of the above! 😉

And it's also for your own safety: if something goes wrong, you will have proof very easily through the exchanged messages on the platform. I would not engage too much outside the messaging before a check-in, let alone before a booking! Probably your main reason is to avoid fees for host/guests, so Airbnb is quite right in their position to make that as hard as they possibly can!

Have fun hosting!