Booking questions, answered
Updated 25 October 2026
- Is it cheaper to book directly than on Booking.com or Airbnb?
- Usually yes. Platforms add service fees of 12–18% on top of the host's price. Booking directly here you pay the host's price plus only the legally required tourist tax, and you get the same instant confirmation and secure card payment through Stripe.
- What is the Lisbon tourist tax and is it included?
- Lisbon charges a municipal tourist tax per adult per night, capped at 7 nights per stay; children under 13 are exempt. It is shown as a separate line at checkout and collected with your payment, so there is nothing to pay on arrival.
- Can I cancel for free?
- It depends on the property's cancellation policy, shown before you pay. Cleaning fee and tourist tax are always refunded if you cancel before check-in. You can cancel yourself from your booking page and see the exact refund before confirming.
- How do I check in?
- You receive the address and check-in instructions by email after booking and a reminder before arrival. Check-in is from the time shown on the property page; earlier arrivals can usually leave luggage.
- Why do you need my passport details?
- Portuguese law requires hosts to register every guest with the immigration authority (SIBA) within 3 working days of arrival. We collect the details through a secure form before you arrive and delete them 12 months after your stay.
- Is there a damage deposit?
- Some properties hold a refundable deposit on your card two days before check-in and release it automatically two days after check-out. Nothing is charged unless there is damage beyond normal wear, and you always get an itemised explanation.
- Which payment methods do you accept?
- Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Klarna through Stripe. Prices are in euros; if you pay in US or Canadian dollars Stripe shows the converted amount before you confirm.
- Are the apartments licensed?
- Yes. Every property is a registered Alojamento Local and its licence number is shown on its page and on your confirmation, as Portuguese law requires.