My advice is that if a job offer stipulates any probationary periods, bin it at once.

Oh Pleease! Even domestic contracts include probationary clauses. My advice would be to check the DURATION of that clause. One month is acceptable. During that first month you can walk without penalty, and they can fire you without penalty. You don't know them, they don't know you. Anything over one month, then I suggest you take Former FT's advice.