How to Use Airbnb Safely While Traveling Internationally in 2025

Last Updated: January 30, 2025

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Traveling now has become a left-handed game as Airbnb is there for you to provide countless options, whether you want to seek comfort or have local experiences. Since Airbnb has been a go-to option for many travelers worldwide, ensuring a safe and hassle-free stay is essential, especially when traveling internationally.

So, how can one ensure safety while using Airbnb on international trips? Let's walk you through this guide to ensure that you have checked all the boxes regarding security concerns.

1. Make Sure You Know Where You Want to Stay

Booking an Airbnb is pretty straightforward as the website offers filters to help you narrow down rentals based on the number of guests, available dates, and other features. You can use as many search filters as you like until you find a place you want.

Upon discovering where you want to stay, read the description carefully, where you will find information about the host. You might wonder what these descriptions even have. Well, this is where you will find crucial information about the house rules, amenities, limits on guests, and the cancellation policy.

Not only that, but the description also spells out the information about contracts, which might defer depending upon the owners. You can also message the host if you are still unsure about something.

2. Read the ratings and reviews

Once you have found the desirable place to stay, go through the reviews and ratings that people who have stayed here have left. These are the most potent and trustworthy tools that you can use.

Prefer listings with detailed reviews over "It was a nice stay." This can help you book with confidence. Differentiate if the reviews are coming from an authentic experience.

Also, check the listing of amenities under Home Safety, where you can review the safety features like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on the property. There, you can also find important information like emergency phone numbers, fire alarms and extinguishers' locations, and emergency exit routes.

3. Reach Out to the host

All potential guests are encouraged to converse with their host before booking, especially if they have a strict cancellation policy. Airbnb has a secure messaging tool that gives you a safe and easy way to answer any questions you might have. You can also call them; their phone number is listed on the site.

This conversation will also help with the language barrier and help teach foreign terms and standards to international renters.

As you reach out to the host, be clear on the check-in and check-out times, how you can expect to check in, parking citations, and suggestions to travel to nearby activities.

Your host should respond to you quickly. If you feel like they are ghosting you, you can contact Airbnb to have them intervene or refund your money despite a strict cancellation policy.

4. Communicate Before Paying and Do a Safety Check

From communication to booking and payment, make sure you keep every personal information of yours, your payment, and yourself safe throughout the entire process by staying on the secure platform of Airbnb.

On the contrary, unlike other apps or websites, you don't directly pay the person providing the service. So, you are never asked to provide your credit card details or to wire money. If you encounter such activity, report it to Airbnb immediately.

Also, make sure you are wary of fake listings. Listen to your instinct that screams a deal appears too good to be true, as it probably is. Cross-check the listing with other sources to confirm legitimacy.

Once you have arrived, check safety information and emergency equipment. Better prepared than be sorry!

Besides these, it is advised to prioritize personal and digital security. You can do this by using a VPN while accessing public wifi. You also ensure you secure valuables, save emergency numbers before your trip, and more.

Check local laws and learn about local customs so you don't find yourself in an awkward situation with your host or neighbors. Unexpected issues can arise, so have a backup plan. Once your stay is fulfilled, leave a detailed and honest review, which will come in handy to future travelers like you.

Follow all these guides by thorough research and ensure a safe and joyful Airbnb experience during your international trip in 2025!