Let's face it; getting approved for a credit card application is difficult in our dear Republic of the Philippines. There's a thousand and one requirements needed by the banks before they approve your request. So, it doesn't come as a surprise to me when I encounter guest requesting to do a cash payment to book our unit thru our Facebook page.
But it's still nerve racking and requires some FB detective works and a little snooping.
That's why I'm pleased to announce that with just your smart phone, you can now get a USD denominated, virtual prepaid Visa debit card that you can use to pay for your Airbnb holiday or even shop from US stores.
Coins.ph, one of the three biggest Bitcoin wallet provider in the Philippines is issuing the virtual card.
Joining is easy.
Simply create an account using this link and follow the step-by-step process. It would require you to link a social media account and upload a government issued ID with photo for verification, which is exactly similar to Airbnb verification.
Once your account is set-up, you can now avail of the virtual VISA debit card, by activating the card thru a load. They also have an app available for Android and Apple based smart phones, so you can always have your Coins.ph account at your finger-tips.
And there, you're all set.
In addition, you'll also get a P50 signing up using this link and activating your Coins.ph wallet.
On my previous post, I've mentioned about a couple who cancelled because of the recent earthquake that happened in Mabini, Batangas that was felt all the way in Tagaytay. And with my cancellation policy set on Moderate, only a portion of the payment was refunded to the guest by Airbnb.
Luckily, we're on peak season and the locals were not deterred by the quake. I was able to fill up the cancelled dates and recoup a possible loss. But somehow, the situation left a bitter taste in my mouth. I felt bad for taking the couple's money, because
(a) earthquake is a real safety concern and it is in the guest's best interest to cancel
(b) I was able to fill up the empty calendar quickly
Hence, I've decided to return a bigger portion of the couple's payment, in a form of a refund.
Airbnb allows refund on cancellations made under moderate or strict conditions, thru the Resolution Center.
Simply open the cancelled booking and you'll see the Send Money option. This can be done within 24 hours of guest cancellation.
Select the reason and put in the amount you wish to return.
Maximum amount is shown on the right; which is the money you're supposed to earn on the cancelled transaction, less the initial refund made automatically by Airbnb. You can also add in a note on why you're refunding the guest.
A final notice of the amount and note would be displayed before sending the refund. Note that after hitting the 'Send' button, you'll no longer be able to reverse the transaction.
I'm not saying that you should refund all guests who cancelled. If so, then just set your Cancellation Policy to Flexible. Also, guest who cancelled reservations are not allowed to leave reviews so you're not in any danger of a backlash.
However, being a considerate host is always a positive in the Airbnb community. You may never know, but this simple act of honesty may in turn bring good karma.
Airbnb offers alternative option where you can stay for your next vacation, especially when the budget is tight, or you're hesitant to stay in questionable hostels.
Here are some of the reasons why you should book an Airbnb room instead of the traditional hotel:
- Way cheaper to stay in an Airbnb room compared to Hotels.
Especially here in the Philippines, where there’s hotel scarcity. For an overnight stay in a hotel in Manila, Trivago lists the room at the lowest P900 for Kabayan Hotel at Pasay City to P18,300 a night at Solaire Casino. Compared to a range of between P600 to P2400 for Airbnb. Most of these Airbnb rooms are studio or 1BR condo’s peppering the city.
- Same basic amenities between hotel and Airbnb.
Airbnb hosts make sure that they provide clean sheets, toiletries, air condition and WiFi access to their guests.
- There’s a more homey feeling when staying in an Airbnb room.
Like, you’re just bunking in at your friend’s or cousin’s house.
- You get to stay like a local.
There are plenty of Airbnb rooms with complete kitchenette that lets you prepare your own food.
- All the beautiful interior, in a less stuffy and more shabby chic style.
Remember, Airbnb rooms are real houses of people. May it be just their vacation house in a touristy spot, or their upscale condo at the city; Airbnb rooms carry the owner’s style and vibe.
- There are a lot of Airbnb rooms to choose from in various places.
Which is helpful when you want to be a stone throws away from the event you’re attending or the tourist spot your heading. In Metro Manila alone, there are over six thousand active rooms to choose from.
- No physical money exchanged between hosts and guests.
All transactions are done under the safeguard of Airbnb.
Want to book an Airbnb room? Get it at a discounted rate by signing in using this link, for FREE!
Photo property of ClipartFest
I'm not sure if I'm lucky, or maybe the system is rigged?! Because, just after a few hours of listing my site at Airbnb, I already had two inquiries for a one-night weekend stay. But I'm not complaining.
Maybe it's the place?
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| Taal Lake |
Tagaytay is a known tourist spot and it tends to draw the crowds during the love-month. Not only to celebrate Valentines day, but to also feel the cold Northeast wind (Amihan). Considering that Tagaytay is only an hour or two drive from the Metro--and that's already including the traffic.
So there I am, on a Saturday, driving my way to Tagaytay to meet Casita del Rose' first guests, feeling both excited and apprehensive.
Will they find the place up to their standards? Will the pictures do it justice?
More importantly, will my place still be intact after the first night?
Luckily, I arrived at the place an hour before my stated check in time of 3PM. So, I did some last minute sprucing and checking. Making sure that the place looks and smells nice.
By 2:30pm, I'm already at the lobby waiting for my guests.
We did a friendly--albeit shy--meeting and key exchange. Then I bid them a nice vacation, which I'm sure they will have.
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