I want to book an apartment in Nice in October. Every sight I check out has a damage deposit charge not included in the price to be returned upon check out. The problem is they want from 250 to 500 euros in CASH. I wouldn't mind using my credit card ( which is allowed at hotels). The places I've contacted said cash only. This makes me very uncomfortable. Anyone else experience this?
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2681 posts
We've done it before and we're doing it in October in Antibes. I'm okay with it - 200 US dollars. The owner of our place has tons of good reviews, his website is legit and he's responsive to emails.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7937 posts
Jayson Metcalf, an American who married a French woman and never left, rents 2 apartments in Nice, both 1-bedroom. I’ve stayed in each, and they’re great, if you only need space for two. He uses PayPal, and I don’t remember any damage deposit being charged at any time. You can e-mail him at [email protected] .
Of the two, I much prefer the apt. on Rue Antoine Gautier. It has a dishwasher, and a more comfortable sofa for sitting.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10603 posts
I just booked a one bedroom Airbnb apartment in Nice that does not require a damage deposit. If you are interested let me know and I can PM the details.
Posted by
Paris
7303 posts
This is a very standard procedure in France. Very few direct-rental places will take card for that, typically cash or French-issued check.
Incidentally, a few times I found myself in a situation where a deposit was theoretically required, but whoever let me in the rental never asked for it. Certainly because I don't look threatening 😅.
Posted by
Nice, France & San Francisco
713 posts
I believe the large local booking agencies and management companies like NicePebbles and Nestor&Jeeves do their security deposits by credit card as well.