What do the new temporary phone numbers look like to the guest and the host?

[Robert6]

Is anyone using these at this time? In the US phone numbers are Country code/area code/phone number. What do these new temporary phone numbers look like? I'm asking because I have a couple of guests right now with phone numbers but I'm not sure if they are the real ones or not, and of course I'm not going to ask the guests since I would be uncomfortable doing this especially since the reason Airbnb is asking, the phone numbers is to prevent communication with guests about… Phone numbers!

[Joan2709]

@Robert6 

As per your other posts...

There is no where I can see to request an alternate phone number be used by a guest. I doubt a Host would be notified even if an alternate was requested by the guest and is being used (for privacy reasons). Not sure why Airbnb has even considered using alternate phone numbers unless it is for a privacy reason (stalking?). 

It shouldn't matter if it is an alternate number or not - the guest will receive any messages you send after booking and during the stay. The US phone number should look exactly the same, even if an alternate number is used: Country Code/Area Code/Phone Number. You will have no way of knowing and it shouldn't matter. 

[Shelley159]

Hi @Robert6 

The temporary number feature has not been rolled out for me, but it's possible that it has been for you:

"Currently, this feature is available to a limited number of users in the United States. If a guest or host books a home from outside the U.S., temporary numbers will not be assigned. Additional markets will be available over time."

Apparently the number looks just like a real number. According to the Airbnb help article, you should be able to see whether it's a temporary number if you call the number. It should show the caller identity as "Airbnb Guest" or "Airbnb Host" instead of a name.

https://www.airbnb.co.za/help/article/3764

[Joan2709]

@Shelley159 

Thanks for pointing out how the called ID will appear.

@Robert6 

Based on what @Shelley159 mentions, I guess that is how you will know if the guest has elected to use an alternate phone number, but they would have to text or call you for you to see the Caller ID. The article also states that temporary numbers are not supported by WhatsApp.

The article also states that Airbnb will provide the last 4digits of the real phone number in the reservation details for Hosts who use that for door codes:

[Elisa]

Hi @Robert6 😊,

Thank you for asking this here!

What do you think of our hosts’ replies? Do you need more help with this?
Don’t hesitate to let me know.

[Robert6]

I have not had an answer to my query as of yet. 

Perhaps there are no hosts on this community forum that have this new communication set up yrt. I appreciate the quick responses from some of the hosts, but I have already seen what they have pointed out, which is to what Airbnb has announced. I'm hoping I will hear from a host that is now experiencing the hidden phone number situation.