If you’ve ever tried booking an Airbnb, whether in Lagos, Accra, Dubai, or even just across town…you already know how stressful it can be.

The pictures look fine, the price seems okay, the host sounds polite... then you get there and reality is dragging your wig.

Maybe the light situation is nonsense. Maybe the Wi-Fi barely loads Instagram, let alone Zoom. Or maybe the “private apartment” turns out to be a spare room with a curtain.

We've heard it all, and some of us have lived it. That’s why this blog is not just about “how to book Airbnb.” This is about how to find a reliable Airbnb that won’t disappoint you, embarrass you, or ruin your trip.

So, whether you’re:

• A remote worker booking your next workcation

• A student trying to escape hostel stress for the weekend

• A couple planning a getaway

• A japa-bound traveller with a stopover in Dubai

• Or just someone who’s tired of hotels and wants better value...

Let’s break it all down: how to find, vet, and book the perfect Airbnb, and how to pay for it even if your naira card is doing shakara.

First of All, What Is Airbnb?

Airbnb is a platform where people list their homes, apartments, private rooms, or even treehouses, for short- or long-term stays. It's like Uber, but for houses. Instead of staying at a hotel, you stay in someone’s home or property.

Sometimes it's cheaper. Sometimes it offers more privacy, space, and amenities (like a kitchen or washing machine). And many times, it feels more personal than a hotel.

But, only when it’s done right.

Airbnb in Nigeria (or Abroad) Can Be Risky

There’s the issue of fake listings. There’s light wahala. There’s “the host is not picking calls.” There’s Wi-Fi that doesn’t work. There’s “oh sorry, we double-booked the apartment.”

And then there’s payment. Many Nigerian cards get declined. Some banks block the payment. And even when it works, the conversion rate is high and suspicious.

So yeah, it's not always smooth.

But if you know how to do it right, Airbnb can be your best friend. Let’s show you how.

How to Book a Reliable Airbnb (What to Do Before You Pay)

1. Use the Right Filters Don’t just open Airbnb and click the first fine apartment with LED lights. Use filters:

• Choose “Entire place” if you want privacy.

• Select your budget range.

• Filter by amenities (e.g., Wi-Fi, air conditioning, kitchen, washer, etc.).

• Select the cancellation policy you’re comfortable with.

2. Read the Reviews Like Your Life Depends on It Don't skip this. Reviews are your most powerful tool. Look out for:

• Verified stays (people who actually stayed there

• Complaints about cleanliness, electricity, noise, internet speed, etc.

• How recent the reviews are (last month > last year)

• How the host responds to complaints

3. Message the Host Before You Book Ask clear questions. Example:

• “Is there 24/7 electricity?”

• “Can you confirm the Wi-Fi speed?”

• “Do you allow early check-in or late check-out?”

• “Is it okay to bring an extra guest for one night?”

A reliable host will reply fast and clearly. If they don’t respond or give vague answers? Move on.

4. Zoom Into the Photos Look past the aesthetic. Is the bathroom clean? Are the windows secured? Is the bed actually big or just angled photography?

5. Use Google Maps to Confirm the Location Some listings say “5 minutes to the beach” but they're in a totally different local government. Check the map and do a street view if available.

6. Ask for a Video Tour (Optional but Smart) Especially for longer stays, ask the host if they can send a quick video walkthrough. The real condition of a place is easier to see on video than staged pictures.

How to Pay for Airbnb Without Issues

This is where most people get stuck.

Airbnb charges in dollars. And many Nigerian naira cards don’t work for international payments anymore. Some cards decline, some banks block them, and some payments just keep hanging.

That’s where Myaza comes in.

With Myaza, you can:

• Create a USD virtual card (Visa or Mastercard)

• Fund it with USDT, USDC, or naira (via bank or crypto)

• Use it for international payments without drama

• Book your Airbnb in minutes, no payment errors

The card costs just $1 to create right now, and works not just for Airbnb but also Spotify, Netflix, Canva, Facebook ads, and more.

So once you find your perfect Airbnb, you won’t be stuck at the final step. Just open your Myaza app, fund your card, and book smoothly.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• No reviews at all: Especially if the listing looks too good to be true.

• Hosts that rush you to book outside Airbnb: Big red flag. You lose protection if you pay outside the app.

• Listings with few photos or no bathroom pics: What are they hiding?

• Weirdly low price for a high-end look: Either it’s fake or something’s off.

• Hosts who take hours/days to reply: What happens if you have an issue during your stay?

Bonus Tips for Airbnb Guests

• Take pictures/video when you check-in, especially if anything is damaged.

• Be respectful of the house rules, so you don’t get a bad guest rating.

• Save the host’s number, in case you need to reach them fast.

• Use the app for all communication, so there's a record in case of disputes.

Airbnb Vs Hotels: Why People Are Making the Switch

Let’s be honest. Some hotels are overrated. For the same price (or less), an Airbnb could give you:

• A full kitchen

• A living room

• Wi-Fi that doesn’t cost extra

• No noisy hotel guests

• More privacy and control

Plus, if you’re booking with friends or family, Airbnbs are usually more affordable per head.

So… Should You Use Airbnb?

Definitely, if you do it right.

The key is:

• Research your options

• Vet the host and the property

• Use the right card for payment (like Myaza)

• Communicate clearly before and during your stay

Booking the right Airbnb can turn your trip from meh to memorable.