My experience with Paypal is mixed. When it's works, it's great. When it doesn't, their guarantees aren't worth a thing, and you are at the mercy of the person dealing with the dispute, who may or may not actually bother to understand the details. Think of them as a convenience and not a safety net.
I always use a credit card, not a bank account. I also tend to use my UK credit card for non-Australian transactions, as the consumer credit laws there means they have to take responsibility for issues when the seller or Paypal won't!
Oh, and for the US opinion on Paypal, take a look here. Some real eye openers there for the fans!!
Jeff
1994 300TDi Defender
2010 TDV8 RRS
Bookmarks