Airbnb is not refunding my money after I cancelled 10 hours later

[Jeffrey806]

I booked a condo in Bangkok Thailand not really knowing the area.  Host Wana would not give address until i paid.  I paid, looked up the location and street it was on and it looked horrible and scary to walk anywhere.  On top of that, I did not find any grocery stores nearby and the train and bus station was so far away.  I have an injury at the moment and cannot walk far. I came in a wheelchair.  After looking at all of this, I decided to cancel 10 hours later because of all of this.  Host Wana made it sound like she would refund me, after i kept asking for my refund.  She never told me i could not get my refund.  Wana basically scammed me and does not want to give me my money back, after I saw the area where she was on in Google maps when looking around. I am appalled that someone would steal my money $960.45.  This is fraud and unethical behavior.  I should not have to stay in an area that I don't feel safe and not suitable for me.  Anyone should be able to cancel something they don't feel comfortable with if they are afraid of where they are staying. I demand my money back. This is wrong and you know it. How would you feel if someone did this to you? I work hard for my money and I am on vacation trying to enjoy what little money I do have. Can you please resolve this for me and return my money as this is causing me a lot of stress. I don't feel like Airbnb is trying to protect its customers and now I will be reluctant to use Airbnb again. I also know its illegal to rent an airbnb in Thailand less than 30 days and is subject to prison time.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Jeffrey806 so to confirm your situation:

1) On booking you were shown the cancellation policy and went ahead

2) On booking you formed a contract knowing the cancellation policy

3) On booking you believe that renting in Thailand is illegal bet went ahead anyway

4) On booking you knew of your health issues but didn't ask any pertinent questions to the host

5) Now you are scared by a streetscape that is presumably not what you are used to

6) You now want to break your contract and get your money back.

Does this encompass the situation?

[Helen3 · Accepted solution]

If you cancelled within 48 hours of booking and your booking is more than  two weeks away you will be entitled to a full refund @Jeffrey806 

If not the host’s cancellation policy will show you what refund you will be entitled to when you went to cancel.

[Zheng49]

Why didn't you ask for the street and approximate location beforehand?

I understand not giving the exact address beforehand due to privacy, but I would think most if not all hosts would be okay with giving an approximate location before sealing the deal, which would allow you to look up the immediate surroundings before paying and sealing the deal. 

[William2590]

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience, and it’s absolutely frustrating when something like this happens, especially when you're on vacation and trying to relax. It’s completely unfair to feel unsafe in a place you've booked and not be given the transparency or support you deserve. You have every right to demand your money back, and it’s even more stressful considering the legal implications there. I also went through something similar where the only picture of my passport I had was blurry and not being accepted so I downloaded a mod( was this **) which enhanced the clarity of my visuals and I was saved!!  Honestly, trusting when you're in another country is so hard and panicking.

I hope Airbnb can step up and resolve this for you quickly. Your money and peace of mind are important, and no one should have to endure such an experience on their vacation.

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