Top 10 Things to Consider When Hosting Foreigners on Airbnb (a Filipino Host's Perspective)

Hosting guests from other countries can be intimidating for new hosts. I've been there. If you've hosted foreign nationals from Europe, the US, Australia, and neighboring Asian countries, you'll know that the standards they expect of Airbnb properties are pretty high. After all, most guests from developed countries are looking for certain conveniences that an Airbnb stay must provide.

I've met a lot of discerning Filipino travelers, too, especially the well-traveled ones who want things similar to foreigners. Still, there are peculiar things you need to note when hosting foreign nationals.

Here are the top 10 things to think about when hosting foreigners in your one-bedroom space:

Dependable host, hot shower, effective cooling, strong Wi-Fi, a comfy workspace, and a clean, pest-free environment with solid furniture - providing these in your one-bedroom rental is key to satisfying local and international guests. These about sum up the most common complaints from foreign visitors renting short-term properties in the Philippines, so by addressing them, you're making your property highly appealing to foreigners.

You may be thinking, what more can you do to ensure a positive experience? Here are 10 essential tips for a smooth and successful experience hosting foreign nationals:

1. Some foreign nationals might find your AC too noisy.

While it's true for some Filipino travelers, most wouldn't mind and would make a big deal out of it. But for some foreign nationals, you must offer something to keep it quiet in the bedroom.

Your Action: Test your AC unit in the bedroom right now. Listen for any unusual or loud noises. If it's noisy, consider investing in a quieter unit, offering a silent electric fan, or providing earplugs for your guests.

2. They like it dim.

While I had one Filipino guest who wished there was a blackout curtain in the bedroom, I had actual foreigner guests who asked me to do something about the blinds in the bedroom. For them, the blinds I used weren't dark enough to keep the room dim in the morning. This is a standard thing hotels provide with the blackout curtains, but with my tiny apartment and specific window design, it was quite a challenge. Just know that European guests would want it to be dimmer in the bedroom for a comfortable sleeping set-up.

Your Action: Go into your bedroom in the morning and observe how much light comes through your current window coverings. If it's too bright, research blackout curtains or blinds that fit your window design and budget.

3. They prefer queen or king-size beds.

Send them the bed measurements for transparency. It's not enough to say Queen-sized bed; give the actual mattress measurement (i.e. 76 inches wide × 80 inches long or 193 cm × 203 cm). The reason? Some European and American guests tend to be tall, so it helps to set expectations by telling them the exact dimensions of the mattress (don't use the bedsheet measurement as the basis). This is crucial and can lead to uncomfortable sleeping experiences (and a bad review) if not dealt with.

Your Action: Measure the length and width of your bed mattress right now. Note these dimensions down so you can easily share them with potential guests before their booking. I would like to include it in my listing description, and I will mention it again in my messages to the guest.

4. Most foreigners might say they're allergic to mold and mildew.

Spend some time cleaning the bathroom and the kitchen for these dark spots with vinegar or a stronger acid if the situation is worse. I installed a shower door to prevent the toilet area from getting wet - this is a common preference for Japanese and French guests, based on my experience.

Your Action: Inspect your bathroom and kitchen for any signs of mold or mildew. If you find any, address these areas with proper and potent cleaning solutions.

5. Choose your towels wisely.

Foreigners often complain about towels that are too small, too perfumed, or smell musty. Koreans, in particular, tend to ask for extra towels. I don't mind providing extra towels for guests staying for a week, but I charge extra for the inconvenience for guests staying for only two days and requesting more than two towels. Each host has his or her style or preference. Follow your heart.

Your Action: Check the material and size of your guest towels. If they are not 100% cotton or seem short, replace them with longer cotton towels. Also, review your laundry detergents and look for fragrance-free options.

6. Offer a taste of the Philippines.

A small treat can go a long way in making guests feel welcome. Local snacks are not just yummy—they can be great cultural conversation starters. I once left snacks that I got from my aunt's bakery in Camiguin, and the guests kept asking about them.

Your Action: Leave local snacks (like dried mangoes or otap) with a note explaining what they are. Bonus points if you include where to buy more.

7. Be their go-to local guide.

For most foreigners, it might be their first and last time in Cebu, so proactively share tips on the nearest groceries, tourist spots, and interesting things to do around your community. Be prepared to answer questions on directions by knowing things like how to get around, the nearest shopping malls in your area, where to buy souvenirs, and the nearest money changers.

Your Action: Create a digital or printed list of nearby essential establishments (groceries, pharmacies, money changers) and popular tourist attractions in Cebu City. Include basic directions or transportation tips.

8. Prioritize guest safety.

This is especially important when guests prefer to go around at night. Give specific instructions on where they could go and what to do when they encounter a problem. Make the emergency numbers stand out in your printed House Guide. I usually urge guests not to walk around late at night in dim parts of the road - and ride a taxi instead.

Your Action: Update your House Guide to include prominent local emergency numbers (police, ambulance) and specific safety tips for your neighborhood, especially for nighttime.

9. Check in at the right time.

Guests appreciate it when you care. But there's a fine line between helpful and intrusive. I'd like to send my foreigner guests a message on the day they check in and the day after - when they'd stay the night. It shows I care about their well-being and allows me to correct any mistakes or mishaps.

Your Action: Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to check in with your guests on the day of their arrival and the following day. Prepare a simple message (use Airbnb's Quick Replies) to ask if they have settled in comfortably and need anything.

10. Go beyond expectations.

What do guests really remember? The feeling that you cared. It's the little things: thoughtful design, a warm welcome, and local pride.

Your Action: Clean thoroughly, leave a personal note or greeting in your House Guide, offer coffee or tea, show up when they face issues, and decorate your space with local souvenirs, art or crafts. Give them a story to tell.

What All Foreign Guests Appreciate:

• Top-notch cleaning: Don't skip corners. Moldy grout or dusty shelves are instant turn-offs.
• Warm welcome: I print a copy or write notes to my guests for a warm welcome - no matter their nationalities. They often return the favor by writing a note back. Lately, I leave a House Guide with a greeting, so I'm sure I can greet them even when I forget or cannot write a personalized note.
• Snacks: Many foreigners love the extra things you put in. I've had guests compliment the freshly ground coffee I left in the unit. Go the extra mile and offer an Honesty Store, especially for guests who arrive late at night.
• Local insight: Think about your favorite local spots and activities in Cebu City. Prepare a few personalized recommendations you can offer to your guests based on their potential interests.
• Be proud of your country and city. Look around your Airbnb space for opportunities to add a touch of Filipino culture. This could be a local painting, a traditional instrument, or even some native plants.

What did you think of these tips? How many foreign nationals have you hosted so far, and what was the experience like?

Also read: Choosing Furniture for Airbnb in the Philippines: A Host's Perspective