• expired

$50 USD off Airbnb Bookings (PayPal Only)

1291
MEETHALFWAY

Needed to book a place urgently and found this coupon online for $50 USD off. I applied it through my Australian account on the Android app and it works out to be $71 AUD off. No messing about with VPN! I tried to use Visa but it was rejected due to incorrect payment method, tried with PayPal and it worked.

Looks like minimum spend $200 USD but can't confirm details (my total was $220 USD), feel free to add any more info below.

OK thanks for your posts below! It looks like Australians shouldn't be eligible for this and it's not working on Windows or iOS, but for some reason it works through Android, must be a bug somewhere.

I successfully checked in today and was charged the discounted rate, so make sure to use your Android devices and happy travels!

Referral Links

Airbnb Host: random (152)

Referrers get ~$1068 . Referees get ~$59.

Related Stores

Airbnb
Airbnb

closed Comments

  • Interesting that it worked considering it's meant to be US only

    "• Be a U.S. resident;
    • Have a valid Airbnb account;
    • Have a U.S. PayPal account in good standing (if your PayPal account is locked or restricted you will not be able to participate in this Offer);"

    • Strange, my listing said around the $380 AUD mark and that the coupon was worth $71 and PayPal is showing a payment of $220 USD converted to $312.87 AUD.

      Maybe it worked because I was charged in USD? Hopefully others share their experience.

  • how does the 'deposit' work with these bookings, do they hold it when you book or what? lots of places look good, but also has a few hundred dollar security deposit thing listed

    any optus prepaid/postpaid/hopme phone/internet account can also get $50 off but its AUD you get generic code after filling in form on optus site

    • I can;t get the Optus perks account to link up to my account (even though I've been a customer for 10+ years). Is there a code I can use or is it specific to the user?

    • They put a hold on your credit card, the hold is then released once you checkout.

      • What if you pay by PayPal ?

      • I still don't understand because everyone says "they put a hold for them funds on your card" so what you're saying is when I book 4 months in advance they hold the funds on my card until after I stay in 4 months?

        that sounds totally retarded

        • +2

          You pay for the reservation at the time of booking. So if you book now for something in April you will pay the full amount now.

          Seems they may have changed the way security deposits are handled. They simply store your information and if there is a claim that's the max amount you can deduct. By booking you are agreeing to this, so it is possible to put your account in the negatives or overdraft.

          You can dispute security deposits as well of course, in the attempt someone claims.

          I am a host, but I don't use security deposits on my listing.

      • They put a hold on your credit card, the hold is then released once you checkout.

        NO!

        The hold is only until the booking is confirmed/accepted by the Host.

        The full amount is charged at the time any booking is accepted.

        The Hosts payment is made to them 24 hours after checking-in.

        • so where does the deposit even come into things then ? when does payment for that come out and when is it held til?

          seems to me that no one actually knows and the official website doesn't even explain how it works properly

          it's all very vague, some people saying they take the funds on your card and release if nothing happens, some saying they dont take it at all and will try and charge your card IF something happens and some saying they take it and hold it until the booking is over

          not really a great way to inspire confidence in airbnb if not even the official FAQ gives the wrong information or is so vague that no one has any fkn clue how it works

        • @Makoto:

          so where does the deposit even come into things then ? when does payment for that come out and when is it held til?

          I should tell you to read the help files. However, the Security Deposit is not utilised UNLESS the Host opens a claim in the resolution center within 48 hours after your check-out AND if either you agree to the claim OR if you do not agree and then later AirBNB get involved and they authorise the claim.

        • +2

          Yea, I clarified more in my comment above. They've changed the payment process a lot in the past 2 years.

          Basically the security deposit is "We can charge you up to X if we find you caused damaged to the property and you agree to the damages"

          They never charge you unless you agree to it, or you are deemed at fault during a dispute.

        • @A3Australia:

          I should tell you to read the help files

          oh trust me, I read them. It's the most vague and useless piece of information on their entire website.

          you didn't even answer my question. "the security deposit is not utilised" that doesn't tell me when they hold the deposit on your card or for how long or what.

          just as vague as the website itself.

        • @Makoto:

          seems to me that no one actually knows and the official website doesn't even explain how it works properly

          it's all very vague, some people saying they take the funds on your card and release if nothing happens, some saying they dont take it at all and will try and charge your card IF something happens and some saying they take it and hold it until the booking is over

          not really a great way to inspire confidence in airbnb if not even the official FAQ gives the wrong information or is so vague that no one has any fkn clue how it works

          Are you serious or just trolling?

          https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/140

        • -1

          @A3Australia:

          so people just pay the $ amount listed and the security deposit has absolutely no relevance whatsoever ? why even list it in the first place then ?

          what's to stop people paying on a debit card with only an amount to cover the room charge and not even money for the security deposit ?

          or if people know there will be a dispute 48 hrs later just transfer all the cash out of their account or close it…. stiffing the owners ?

          surely theres some sort of protection or money held as everyone else seems to say thats how it works

        • +1

          @Makoto:

          That's why collections exist. You can't do that.

          There is protection for the host in terms of malicious damage. The Security deposit is only for accidental damage.

    • im curious if this can be used with the optus code too - then ill try again to get the optus/airbnb code which didn't seem to work for my optus prepaid mobile

  • its odd that when I log onto my account and make a dummy booking that I have a referral credit for the same amount ready to be used. $71AUD

  • Thanks OP. Does that mean it must be used on an app ?

  • I saw this maybe a week ago. I couldn't get it to work booking accommodation in Australia using a PC. The discount initially applied, but when I when to try to pay it wouldn't let me.

  • Just worked for me using the app, so maybe that's the go.

  • Oh man, I just spent 260 on Airbnb last night.

    Edit: With the referral code. (already used the Optus code elsewhere..) So I guess I only lost out on 40AUD

  • Can you save the code somewhere or do you have to make a booking before using the code?

  • Doesn't seem to work for iPhone. I get a 'Your request could not be completed because of the following errors: Coupon MEETHALFWAY cannot be used with this payment method.

    I am using Paypal as the payment method.

    Given the upvotes for this, others seem to have it working?

    • +8

      Ok I finally got this working on a Samsung S6. I think it works because Airbnb take you to the Paypal app rather than using an existing Paypal account you have saved in the airbnb profile.

      For anyone having trouble I have done the following:

      Logged into Airbnb app with my existing account. Went through the arrival and departure dates and then applied the coupon code 'MEETHALFWAY. I selected the payment method as Paypal where it redirected me to the Paypal app that is installed on the phone.

      Airbnb advised me I was going to pay in $XXX USD and then it processed fine.

      It also looks like this code can be used multiple times as I booked two places with the code.

      • +1

        Thanks for the instructions. Very informative.

      • For some reason mine isn't redirecting to the PayPal app, it's just popping up a browser window (https:checkout.paypal.com/blah) asking for paypal email and password and then asks for pre-approval for next time, then it returns to the airbnb booking but errors out saying it's not a valid payment method. No amount of adding new paypal payment methods in aud and usd has any effect.

        • Which platform are you using? Android phone?

  • Paypal doesn't appear for me as a payment option(only CC). Am I supposed to be using the U.S website?

  • Works for me!

    Make sure you meet the minimum $200 USD.

    • Are you using iPhone or Android?

      • +1

        Android app — it was working for me a minute ago but I changed the dates and no longer … hang on.'

        EDIT:

        Works, minimum is $287 AUD (excluding all fees, watch out for that).

        Damn it … I'm not saving anything because I'm not staying enough nights for the minimum. Can't book longer because the following days are already booked elsewhere lol.

        • Can confirm it works on Android App (S6). When inserting code a popup states
          'Code requires trip to cost at least $278AU' so can confirm minimum spend of Booking pre-fees is $278

  • -2

    anybody tried to ask their host to cancel your trip so you can rebook using a promo code?

    • +1

      They wont, it will impact their bookings.

    • If the host has "flexible" in their conditions, it may be worth asking.

  • This is my first time with Airbnb, can someone give me some advice? Is it cheaper than traditional hotels? and safe? How to find a good place to stay? I am going to Japan next month (January) and going to book a place through Airbnb. Thanks in advance.

    • If you are traveling with more than 2 people, then airbnb is usually cheaper. I used airbnb when I was in Japan and highly recommend renting out the entire place.

      • any tips on where to stay in tokyo? will be travelling there next year. first time!

        and if u recommend any good airbnb places?

        • Shibuya is the city to stay at. Everything is within walking distance and Shibuya station is a well connected line.

        • or Akihabara if you are into anime :) :) :)

        • If you prefer hotels, do a search on Toyoko Inn, a very big chain in Japan. I stayed at the one in Shinjuku, a 15-minute walk to the Shinjuku station, from which you can go almost anywhere. Most of their properties include breakfast Japanese-style!

        • +1

          any tips on where to stay in tokyo? will be travelling there next year. first time!
          and if u recommend any good airbnb places?

          Sorry I messed up the link. here is the correct one:-

          https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/4344252

        • @A3Australia:
          Hope it's good, as I booked it purely based on recommendation from Whirlpool's Japan Thread FAQ!
          Reviews on airbnb look good, albeit room looks tiny :)

    • +2

      Depends what you're after and I'd say it's generally cheaper eg. for the same price you get a whole apartment or house… + you get the varieties and stylish places (hotel may be boring, just the typical room) + the experience meeting the locals and staying at their place. I'd go for places with a number of existing good reviews to minimise risks.So far all the places I've stayed in (approx 5) have been fantastic and I'd prefer them over hotel.

      Japanese are extremely polite and friendly I'd say you'd be pretty safe. If you end up staying in a hotel I'd recommend Arietta, we stayed there a few times, their service is excellent and they're very good for value, other than the rooms/bed are very very small but I think that's typical in Japan!

      • +1

        Thanks for your advice. I am a single male and I am going to book a private room with Airbnb, just to experience the locals. I'll stay 3 days in Osaka and 7 days in Tokyo, so do you have any recommended hosts? Thanks.

        • Cool I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Sorry I haven't used it in Japan so can't give you recommendations on a particular host…

        • Single? Try couch surfing first, or book a dorm bed in a hostel. Plenty of ways to meet and interact with locals. Google and bars are your friends!

        • +1

          7 days in Tokyo, so do you have any recommended hosts?

          https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/4344252

        • @A3Australia:

          thanks

        • I stayed in Shibuya and the airbnb apartment I got was pretty good. About 15-20 minutes' walk from the station, lots of food and 24 hour convenient shops. PM me if you are interested and I will give you his name.

        • @lenlynn:

          Thanks, do you have his profile on Airbnb? Please PM me the details.

    • +1

      It's a little frustrating when you wait for an airbnb host to reply and accommodation and time is running out. I had to use the instant booking feature to get a room in high season (indicated by a lightning symbol, this indicates you won't need to wait for confirmation - as long as you meet the host's automated requirements in your profile). There is possibly also a higher chance than with hotels that a booking is cancelled, since your investing all your trust in a single person being flexible to your needs, rather than an organisation.

      Dollar for dollar, airbnb's might not be that attractive when it comes to aesthetics value and location, especially in poorer countries (note the minimum charge for a bed, room or house is universally ~$14 AUD, so the quality can vary markedly at lower price points). In richer countries, you often sacrifice location for quality at similar price points (which then demands longer traveling time and increased transport costs). You also have to deal with your social awkwardness a lot more in an airbnb spare/shared room arrangement - which can be a good thing.

      Regardless of the negatives, airbnb has proven itself to be essential with the growing popularity of budget travel. A destination that's not normally very popular can struggle to shelter a lot of visitors when a unexpectedly major event is on. For example, Adelaide's recent Test cricket match flooded its hotels and business people and backpackers alike were forced into airbnbs.

  • +1

    Where does anyone put the code in??

  • -1

    When does the code expire?? I want to book it for Europe but waiting on some friends to get their leave confirmed in the next few weeks.

  • Consider the price hike when book on christmas or new year's eve.
    Don't be swayed easily

  • Does not work for me trying since last night. :'(

    • Edit: Worked finally using Android app!

  • works still now requires 283 AUD price or more

  • +1

    Worked for me. Using Android app. Initially I was having problem as I already had my Paypal details saved in my AirBnB app. Just select a new payment method and select Paypal again and the voucher will work. I also had my country of residence changed to US on the main website. Not sure if this helped.

    • +1

      The crucial part is this: select a new payment method and select PayPal. It doesn't work if you try to use an existing PayPal account.

      Also it still works if your currency is in AUD on AirBnB as PayPal will still charge you in USD. So set up your preferred payment on PayPal beforehand.

      • Thanks! It's still working if you follow your advice.

  • Has anyone ever been able to get a refund on the Airbnb Service Fee which is stated to be Non-Refundable? I want to cancel a booking and rebook the same place.

  • can't get it to work on web or iPhone :(

  • Don't have an Android app so is there any way around? Been trying on PC and iPhone to no avail :(

    • +3

      Could try using Bluestacks? It emulates Android on a PC.

      http://www.bluestacks.com/

      • Awesome suggestion! Haven't been able to book on my iphone or pc browser either but it worked through the bluestacks emulator.

        Cheers!

        • Must be something wrong with my PC or Airbnb account. It doesn't work either through the emulator..

        • @areustillpretty: Just booked. Changed the payment method to CC and reverted back to Paypal and put the Paypal credentials again, and it worked !! Many thanks AngryAlfred.

      • Worked! Thanks for this!

    • It worked on my PC with no problems

  • Once i changed the currecny to US it worked

    • on web browser or app?

      edit: tried on web browser, no go

      • It worked on Firefox on Windows 10 and the currency was set to AUD.

        • Weird. I tried with chrome in Windows 10 and couldn't get it to work

        • over andriod

  • Hey, so just checking… Does anyone know if you can use this as well as the referral credit?

    • i dont think you can, only 1 promo code at a time.

      • No worries. Cheers mate.

  • Just used this yesterday for a booking - works perfectly. Thanks OP!

  • I still haven't got this to work, Can someone walk me through it? it would be greatly appreciated

  • Just booked via Android App on my Galaxy S4, the code still work great, thanks Op. The only problem I had was I couldn't choose source of funding for my Paypal account. It's ended up taken money out of my Bank account instead of 28 degrees MC even though I chose the 28 degrees card as a default payment method. Anyone know how to avoid that in the future?

    • The only way to avoid this is to remove your linked bank account.
      If you have another PayPal account without a linked bank account you can transfer money between them.
      IIRC PayPal works by taking money in this order: PayPal balance, bank account, preferred payment, backup payment.

      • It appears that there's no way to de-link a Bank account. Using the phone maybe the functionalities are not so complete?
        Anyway, I managed to book using another acct that's linked only to credit cards, although in this transaction, no option to choose which Card to pay with! Still, the discount is not to be sniffed at, for us OzBargainers :-)

  • I'm trying to use the deal, although it looks legit, when I try and pay I receive the error "Your request could not be completed because of the following errors: Coupon MEETHALFWAY cannot be used with this payment method". I've got PayPal selected as the payment method. The same error occurs when trying on Android as well as my laptop.

    I'm trying to book a Buenos Aires apartment in USD and my paypal is Australian, I've tried both AUD and USD payments.

    • I'm getting the same problem. I think they must have closed the Android app loophole…it's not working with an Australian Paypal account even when trying to pay in US Dollars.

      • It worked for me just 15 mins ago. on Android, via Paypal… seems to be a bug?

    • Did you read this, this and this?

    • +1

      I tried literally everything suggested in this thread, couldn't get it to work. Gave up in the end and just used the first time $50 credit for Optus customers. Not as good, but discount is discount.

  • -1

    Yeah, thanks for those. But when I try and select a new paypal payment method (there is a pre-existing paypal payment method there which I don't seem to be able to delete or change any settings for) it doesn't work still.. now I get an error: "2046 Declined".

  • just booked all fine. first tried the coupon on airbnb website and no luck (appears to work until you actually pay). then i try on my mobile, choosing paypal, and it worked (it did say it would be charged in USD as the account is in USD… even though my paypal account has both AUD and USB balances… so maybe thats one aspect to it, to make sure you have a USD balance (even if its $0?)

    • could be - i have 0 US$ balance and it wont work on my android phone

  • just worked for me. I wasn't having much luck, then I went to add new payment type->paypal (even though my payapl account was already selected). This took me through a sign in loop and back to the payment page which looked the same as before but this time when I clicked "confirm payment" (or what ever it says down the bottom) it then didn't give the error, but confirmed the rice in USD.
    When I submitted it did give me an error that it didn't process correctly, but the booking has gone through, I have been charged and the owner has been in touch already.

    Note - there is nothing special about my Paypal account, and no USD balance. I was disappointed though that I couldn't see how to select my alternate credit card (28 degree card for a better conversion)

    • where i enter MEETHALFWAY it has a red exclamation mark at end of line - when I highlight it says "invalid coupon". I'll keep fiddling

      • finally got it working - not sure what was the trigger.

      • finally got it working - not sure what was the trigger.

  • 28 nights max with code??

  • Dam I held off and its expired now :(

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