BE AWARE TRAVELERS!!! UNETHICAL HOST ALERT!!!
My booking with this host was the worst experience I've had during the my 10+ years on the Airbnb platform, both as a user and as a host.
I booked this room the night before the booking, intending to leave the Philippines, a COVID-19 hit area on a short notice. The host gladly accepted my booking and took my money.
I unfortunately couldn't make it to my flight the morning of the booking. Although there were still other non-direct flights to Taiwan, Taiwan announced a new law the very same day banning all foreigner entrries. I could no longer go to Taiwan.
Now, the only way I could enter Taiwan at this time is to do so illegally. There is no legal means for me to enter Taiwan, so there is no realistic way for to go use this booking. I requested to cancel. The host initially acted sympathetic and claimed to be only waiting for the cancellation message from Airbnb. After much run-around, in the end I found out it was actually my host that blocked my refund.
The host insisted that his rule stands, even though I explained over and over again and I would be breaking the law if I were to follow his rule. I pleaded even for a partial refund to no avail.
The host spilled a barrage of lies to deny my refund.
- The host blamed me for not being able to come to Taiwan, which I told him that was patently false. I could have came via connecting flights if his country didn't ban all foreign travelers.
- The host insisted on his loss, even though he already took my money and refused to refund
- The host claimed there were other people he could have served. I immediately called that out as a lie and demanded proof, to which the host was unable to provide.
This continued on and on, all the while the host was fully aware that the only way I could adhere to his rule was to BREAK TAIWANESE LAW.
I am saddened beyond words by this unethical host's action. For money, this host is willing to screw other others without a trace of compassion.
Typically, during a crisis, you would think people would stand up for one another, help one another. No, not the case here. For a few hundred dollars, the host was very happy to take advantage of you during a crisis.
I hope you are proud of your decision to keep my money. I hope it is worth every dollar.
I hope future airbnb guests can read this post and avoid unethical hosts like you.
I hope your neighbors and friends can read this post, so they know how you treated others during a crisis.
I hope one day your parents see this, so they know what kind of a child they've raised.
You can take my money now, because I believe in karma. Maybe one day, you too, will be stranded in a foreign country during a crisis, needing a way out.
=========== FULL CONVERSATION WITH HOST BELOW ==========
Mar 17, 2020
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5:53 PM
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Inquiry sent
==> 5:53 PM Bowei
Hello Star!
My name is Bowei, I am arriving tomorrow and will be staying in Taipei for a while. I am excited to check out your apartment. I plan to book for a few days now, and if the place is suitable, I would you interested in a potential longer booking. Is that something you would be open to?
Cheers,
Bowei
==> 6:00 PM Ocean
HELLO
YES~~you are 1 people?
where arer you come from tmr ? :)
==> 6:01 PM Bowei
Yep, just by myself, although my mom and my friend might come visit next month
I’ll be coming from the Philippines
May I ask which floor is this apartment on?
==> 6:32 PM Bowei
Also, you have another property at the Technology Building, will that one be available soon?
==> 6:57 PM Ocean
you are coming from the Philippines ?
Philippines can come to Taiwan now?
==> 18:32 Bowei
Also, you have another property at the Technology Building, will that one be available soon?
==> Ocean
which one ?
can you sent me link ^^ e
==> 6:58 PM Bowei
Yes, no restrictions. I just checked
Many countries including the US, have restrictions to come to Taiwan
Philippine is not yet under restriction because it only has 187 cases.
But philippine, Malaysia and Vietnam are all closing down the country by tomorrow. They are all afraid of the virus, so all 3 countries are stopping international travel after tomorrow
This is the other listing you have: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/40791818?source_impression_id=p (Phone number hidden by Airbnb) _SazCZN4PamDXVfCK&check_in=2020-04-02&guests=1&adults=1&check_out=2020-04-04
It is slightly smaller, which would be fine because I am only 1 person.
==> 7:10 PM Ocean
OK~ If you need pls book~~~
but that is share living room ~ is it ok for you :)
==> 7:10 PM Bowei
Oh... I did not realize that
I prefer a private place
Thank you for letting me know
Oh cool, you work for Apple. I worked on the appleTV and iPhone many years ago in Cupertino.
==> 7:25 PM Ocean
OK~~~~
Waiting for your booking :)
==> 7:29 PM Bowei
Okay. I just need to sort out a few last minute things. Will aim to book within the next two hours. Thank you!
==> 7:31 PM Ocean
ok~~~no problem ^^ E
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Bowei’s check-in time is: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
10:35 PM
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Request sent
10:35 PM
==> 10:35 PM Bowei
Request sent! Thank you!
==> 10:45 PM Ocean
Hello
Waiting for you pay
==> 10:46 PM Bowei
I thought I just paid... weird
Hold on please
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Request accepted
10:55 PM
==> 10:55 PM Bowei
payment accepted.
==> 10:57 PM