guest with funds problem

Hi Mig
Sorry to hear about that problem!
Do you trust this guest? I ask because that sounds fishy -- awaiting money from one's bank. Money is either in the bank or it's not at the time that payment is due, one is not "awaiting" money. Modern finanical transactions can be done rapidly --they aren't dependent on the bank's location. Also, Airbnb collects payment for long term reservations several days before it's actually due, in order to be able to give time for issues like this to be resolved before the payment due date.

If I ever have a guest about whom I hear that Airbnb is having trouble collecting payment, I expect that guest to be able to get the problem resolved IMMEDIATELY. If they can't get it resolved with a bank payment, then they have to get it resolved with a credit card, or their parent's credit card, or, if all else fails, by handing me cash. But they have to get it resolved by the day that payment is due, or they can't remain in my house.

ANd that's how I would explain it to the guest. Give them a deadline by which point they either have to pay, or leave. I would not have someone in my home for any days they have not paid for in advance. So, if for instance the guest is paid through October 12 and the next payment covers the 14 days from October 13, tell the guest that if you dont' receive payment by October 12th at 6pm (or whatever time works for you) , then the guest will be departing by 11am (or whatever is your checkout time) on October 13th.

It's possible to change one's payment method on Airbnb to pay by credit card instead of by bank.

Because Airbnb does not collect a "last months' payment" from long term guests (I think they should!) and because they wouldn't use the security deposit to pay you for remaining rent due (even if they could collect it -- and if they can't collect money due for accomodations, they won't be able to collect security deposit), we as hosts really have no recourse if a guest stays for days they haven't paid for. We have no guarantee of ever getting compensated for their stay. And I for one don't want to allow a guest to get away with staying for free.

Guests are responsible for ensuring that they have enough money to cover their stay. If they dont', they can't stay. THis may seem harsh, particularly when the guest has been at your house for 2 months and you've gotten to know them, but it really is the guest's responsibility, and you can explain to the guest the content of the email you got from Airbnb -- that they are saying they wont' pay you if they can't collect.

If you really trust this guest and particularly if you have some evidence from the guest that the amount due will be paid very soon (such as, being offered the opportunity to speak on the phone to personnel at the guest's bank) then maybe you want to give the guest one or two days beyond the due date to pay. But be sure not to stretch it out too long and end up not getting paid for 14 days.

If possible, I would ask the guest to pay a cash deposit for the 14 days, and say you will hold the cash in an unopened envelope (after you count it) and that if the payment from Airbnb comes through, you'll return the cash deposit. IF the payment never comes through, you'll keep the cash payment.

Let us know how it turns out!

Bank transferts can be slow still, depending on the bank. And from one continent to the other is slow.
But as Deborah says, he could change the payment method and pay with another card or even a family member pays for him.
I would call airbnb with him present and decide how it is done: he pays or the service calls the mother or partner who pays.
If he has enough cash on him to pay rent and food, he can make the deposit or cancel and pay cash. In this last case, you would need a damage deposit too.
Good luck, Mig!