How to find safe, good-value accommodation without falling for a scam

Staying savvy: the real risks (and rewards) in 2025

There’s no shortage of slick booking platforms or glowing testimonials. Still, even in 2025, fake listings pop up, especially in destinations seeing a surge in winter sports visitors or post-holiday budget-seekers—think Innsbruck, Whistler, or Sapporo as January rolls in. Holiday rental scams have grown more sophisticated, with entire fake websites mimicking major brands. These sites prey on travellers who are tired, rushed, or simply trusting. In my experience, the real warning signs aren’t always obvious: a deal that’s 30% cheaper than similar options, for instance, or hosts who dodge video calls or request private payment links outside recognised platforms. I’ve learnt to check the Wi-Fi networks on arrival—a trick that’s saved me from more than one "phantom" apartment, especially in large European cities where landlords sometimes try to double-book or simply don’t exist. With strong mobile data, it’s far easier to cross-reference addresses, call local numbers, or even map your route from the train station in real time (which, by the way, is invaluable if you land late at night in a place like Prague or Vienna in January’s biting cold).

Destination insight: what really happens on the ground

Take Paris during New Year’s: mobile networks clog up in the 1st and 7th arrondissements around midnight, especially near the Eiffel Tower. In Tokyo, I discovered the hard way that free station Wi-Fi barely loads booking confirmations at rush hour. In New Zealand’s South Island, signal drops in alpine towns mean you can’t always rely on a quick Google search when you roll up at a B&B. Some places, like New York’s outer boroughs, have a glut of private rentals during winter (good for bargains, bad for scams). In Japan, landlords are sticklers for ID (a good sign)—but some fake hosts will try to rush the process or dodge video calls. Meanwhile, island-hopping in Greece, I’ve seen many would-be guests stranded when their “apartment” turned out to be a set of generic photos lifted from another website. Bottom line: genuine hosts are never afraid of a little scrutiny. If you’re booking from abroad, a stable—and preferably local—data connection is essential, not just for research but for verifying booking confirmations, maps, and emergency contact details in real time. That’s where a digital SIM (eSIM or embedded SIM) comes into its own. I’ll get to that in a moment.

Why eSIMs are a traveller’s best friend for safe booking

I’ve lost count of the number of times a traditional SIM let me down—either because I couldn’t find a shop open on a Sunday in France, or the card wouldn’t activate until I’d already left the airport. eSIMs, on the other hand, let you get online within 30 seconds, right from your device—no fiddly plastic, no queues. With Graba SIM, you can activate a data plan as soon as you land or even before you travel (I’ve done it in the departures lounge more than once). Their Data Pulse feature gives you real-time data usage stats, so you never have to worry about running out mid-video call with a prospective host. The home and lock screen widgets are a small but brilliant touch—especially if, like me, you tend to forget which plan you’re using after a few weeks abroad.

Graba SIM’s 24/7 live chat support is another lifeline if you run into trouble late at night in a new time zone. And with instant activation, you’re never stuck frantically searching for a local SIM kiosk in a strange city, when all you want is to message your Airbnb host or double-check a booking address. If you’re not sure if your phone works with eSIMs, try their device compatibility checker—I’ve tested it on my iPhone 14 and it’s spot on.

How to book smart: step-by-step guide to avoiding accommodation scams

1. Start with trusted platforms—but don’t stop there

Only book through reputable sites (e.g., Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda). But always cross-check listings: run the address and images through a reverse image search, or copy-paste the description into Google to spot duplicates.

2. Analyse reviews for authenticity

Scan for detailed, specific feedback. Genuine reviews mention little things (noise from the street, check-in quirks). Lots of generic five-star ratings, all in the past month? That’s a red flag.

3. Contact the host and ask direct questions

Ask for a video call or a recent photo of the property’s entrance. If the host dodges, or responds with canned answers, move on. I once asked a London host about the nearest Underground stop—they referred me to a bus line two miles away. Not a good sign.

4. Use secure payment methods

Never pay via bank transfer or off-platform links. Use your card or official payment systems. If possible, look for properties with flexible cancellation policies—these are usually less risky.

5. Check the property’s digital footprint

Plug the address into Google Maps Street View. Does it match the photos? Check for a website, social presence, or recent guest stories. More digital breadcrumbs, less chance of a scam.

6. Stay alert during check-in

If you arrive and things don’t feel right, contact the platform immediately. Having your phone connected via eSIM means you’re never left standing on the pavement without a way to call for help.

Local know-how: on-the-ground tips from a seasoned nomad

Comparing your options: eSIM vs. traditional SIM vs. public Wi-Fi

Real-life scenarios: why connection matters when booking

Frequently Asked Questions

A quick word as you plan your next trip

For more tips on choosing the perfect place to stay, see Finding your perfect neighbourhood: how to pick the best area to stay in a new city. If you’re dealing with lost bags, don’t panic—these practical steps can help.