I found this website in 2013 when we had to travel around the country on work. We were desperate for reasonably priced and decent places to stay. Cheap hotels can be horror shows and even those often gnaw into your budget.
However, couchsurfing is not about money. In simple terms, you can offer a traveler a place to stay in your house, apartment and even shack! Whatever form of thanks the guest may choose to offer, it’s not part of the couchsurfing website’s deal. Thus, it’s mostly an informal arrangement. Payment is not part of this game.
As soon as you join, you get an email to help you through the process of becoming a couchsurfer.
Surf a couch to find people offering a “couch” where you are planning to visit. That may be just a sofa or part of a floor. But it can also be a room to yourself with a bed.
Host a traveler Offer a couch and, thus, get to know people from faraway places or even from your own country. Each person will have something interesting to share.
Browse through travelers in your planned area by using the search bar at the top of the page, using Enter A Location.
If you decide to host, change your couch status to ‘Yes’ and describe your “couch” so that people can decide.
Meet people in my city allows you to meet other couchsurfers. Many activities take place in various cities around the world to provide a platform for this.
The Claim fostering cultural exchange and mutual respect.
The first step is to create and properly fill out a profile with photos to help guests decide.
Next, set couch status under Couch Information to:
"Not Right Now(but I can hang out)"
"No"
"Maybe/Yes"
On Resources, you can find out more about how to behave and what it’s all about and what to do whether you’re host or guest:
Share stories, songs, food, etc. You give, receive, and meet different kinds of people.
Respect differences Each host/guest may be from a very different culture, etc.
Participate By spending time with host/surfer, you make new friends!
Be neat The place you offer should be clean and decent and when you are guest, behave well and don't be messy.
Connect A couchrequest should let hosts know more about you.
Be reliable Inform about any change of plans.
Trust your instincts Carefully review profiles and references. Communicate on Couchsurfing to get a better idea.
Leave a reference It helps others decide. Be truthful and accurate.
Safety Basics Besides what I have said above, there is more:
If a person, situation or profile seems unsafe for any reason, move on. Don’t worry about seeming rude. Be clear about your boundaries and don’t be shy about stating them. Communicate clearly with others and take care of yourself. If you’re uncomfortable staying alone with a member of the opposite sex, consider staying with families or with someone of your gender.
Have A Backup Plan
If it doesn’t work out, have another place planned.
Be Informed about the culture where you are traveling
Do not share phone number/email address until you meet the new person. Use the website to communicate.
Know Your Limits If you drink with strangers, for example, you may put your safety and well-being in the hands of others.
Leave References This helps others know your experiences. The other member won’t see it until they leave theirs, or until 14 days have passed. After 14 days, members are not able to leave a Host or Surf reference. Please review our Reference Policy on the Couchsurfing Policies page.
Report Negative Experiences is important to help build a safe and trust community. Confidentially report negative experiences/safety concerns on Need Assistance?
You can use Contact Our Safety Team at any time!
I did my first hosting recently and it was a wonderful experience! I chose the person as his professional interests were very similar to that of my husband. I checked up on my guest on Google and found that they were, indeed, very involved in their field.
My guest was very well behaved and helped me wash up after dinner. He even cooked us a dinner!
The best thing was that he even helped us book for a holiday we're planning and got us an excellent deal using his coupons and vouchers!
