Once a host confirms they're available, you pay a 16% booking fee to secure your booking (maximum fee of 250 $£€) using a choice of payments. The commission is calculated on the top of the booking price and it is retained by Homestay.com
You pay your host the balance of the price of stay on arrival or as stated by your host on their profile and agreed by you on booking. Each host should inform you how they would like to be paid, for instance by cash, bank transfer, PayPal or another payment method. We do not recommend the use of Money gram or Western Union.
Deposit Payments
Some hosts (depending on country and currency) avail of our Deposit Payment option. If you book with these hosts, you must pay 25% of the booking price and the 16% booking fee to confirm the booking.
If you cancel exactly 7 days (or more) in advance of the arrival time (we consider this noon your host's local time), then you will be refunded the deposit.
If you cancel less than 7 days in advance or fail to show, then the 25% deposit payment is made to the host after your scheduled arrival date.
As per the terms and conditions you agree to on booking, the booking fee that you paid is non-refundable.
Example - Arrival 20 July
| Cancellation time | Result |
| 13 July 11:59am | Refund Guest |
| 13 July 12:00pm | Refund Guest (exactly 7 days) |
| 13 July 12:01pm | Pay Host |
Please be cautious of any host who contacts you about an additional security deposit if its not included on their profile. Our hosts have been advised that if they wish to request an additional deposit, they must make this explicit in their profile.
We strongly advise that if you are asked for part or full payment of your accommodation prior to arrival you contact the Homestay Support Team BEFORE actioning any payment.
What methods of payment are accepted?
You have a choice of payment methods for paying the booking fee: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Laser, JCB & PayPal.
You then pay the total accommodation cost owed directly to your host, either on arrival or in advance. Your host will let you know how they want you to pay them the balance when the booking has been confirmed.
When do I pay?
Once a host confirms they're available, you can go ahead and pay the booking fee. You then pay your host on arrival or as stated by your host on their profile and agreed by you on booking.
What currency do I pay in?
When making a booking, the online booking fee is currently charged in either EUR €, GBP £ or USD $.
You can pay the outstanding amount to your host in the host’s local currency.
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