Games & Commerce

Airbnb changes checkout rules, bans hosts from requiring dishes and trash tasks

Airbnb is tightening its rules to stop hosts from requiring guests to do time-consuming chores at checkout, such as washing dishes or taking out trash. The new accommodation rules apply to bookings made from Nov. 20. Airbnb will also change how rules are displayed, adding a “Rules and requests” section and warning guests if chores are included. It will also bar hosts from adding separate rules via messages or in-home notices, while allowing limited exceptions for local environmental and safety conditions.

Crypto

Japan considers using stablecoins for consumption tax refunds to foreign tourists

Japan is considering using stablecoins to refund consumption tax to foreign visitors entering the country, CoinPost reported on Oct. 21. Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Tatsunori Ibayashi said the government will study including stablecoins in the relevant system. Japan will shift its duty-free scheme to a refund method for purchases from Nov. 1. Private-sector groups are already building models using the JPYC stablecoin.