Susan's answer is very thorough and I agree with her. Even more important when booking places outside your country of origin to ensure you don't get a flea pit. Also, always look at the reviews, they are very important. If there is a really bad review, don't stay there. You need to check the locations online as well. You don't want to be in a bad, dangerous area... this just happened to someone staying in Philadelphia. If you have a problem, the AirBnB website is useless. Google the AirBnB customer service number from your location. Renee

1. Yes, you pay upfront.
2. You don't pay a deposit, you pay the full amount for your stay plus Airbnb fees and taxes.
3. You pay Airbnb at the time of booking, they hold the onto the money until 24 hours after the start of your stay. They then release the money to the host.

My advice would be to read the terms and conditions on the Airbnb site carefully BEFORE you book so you understand the service thoroughly. Other top tips:

1. DON'T use the 'Request to Book' button or the 'Instant Book' button on any listing before you communicate directly with the host using the 'Contact Host' button on the listing to check dates, to make sure they are genuine, to ask questions about the property, location, etc BEFORE you book. If you use the Request to Book button, it is not just an enquiry - you will be asked for your payment details at that point and the host then has 24 hours to accept or decline the booking. If the host accepts the booking, Airbnb will take the money from your account at that point. So make sure you really do want to book the place before using Request to Book or Instant Book.

2. CHECK the host's cancellation policy on the listing before you book - you will find the cancellation policy in the 'Prices' section of the listing. Cancellation policies on Airbnb range from: Flexible (cancellation allowed up to 24 hours before arrival for full refund), Moderate (cancellation allowed up to 5 full days before arrival), Strict (50% refund allowed if cancelled up to 1 week before arrival), Super Strict (50% refund allowed if cancelled up to 30 days before arrival). NOTE that whatever the cancellation policy, you will NOT be refunded the Airbnb fees and taxes if you cancel a booking. They always keep those.

3. Remember that there is a small chance that the host might cancel your booking and that it might be at short notice - it's not like a hotel where you are more or less guaranteed a place to stay. So that is another reason to 'get to know' the host via the Contact Host button before you book, so you can be as sure as possible that the host is genuine and can provide what you expect.

Hope that helps!

Some smart wiseguys have learned how to beat the system and your money. Often cleaning fees are collected as well. Your interaction with the host is limited but don't foolishly avoid contact before the end of the cancellation period. Ascertain they want to host you voluntarily. Use your intuition; it's the best weapon. Demand precise transportation directions, bus number, departure bay number, stop cross street and the name of the welcomer. The gnawing feeling within often experienced is worsened by the inarticulate, inaccessible host. Good luck.

Regarding 2. It took twice as long to get my deposit back after my host changed plans and cancelled. Since the host can cancel but the guest has greater restrictions on cancellation, I have not used Airbnb again. I guess I might but only if I had a second reservation at a hotel which I could cancel if I used Airbnb.