Is Citysurfing a tour operator or travel agency?

Citysurfing is not a tour operator nor is it a travel agency. Citysurfing is a technology company. Our role and responsibilities are strictly limited to facilitating the connections between the locals that provide services and visitors in arranging their meetings

What is a Citysurfing services can locals offer?

On Citysurfing, a ‘local’ is a broad definition of a person who resides in a certain location and wishes to offer his/her services to visitors. City Pals introduce people to their city via unscripted meetups both in-person and online. City Tour Guides offer visitors scripted and unscripted historical, sightseeing, and a variety of specialty tours. City Specialists offer specialized relocation services such as photography, videography, and translation services. City Taskers offer relocation services that include unpacking, furniture assembly, and minor repairs. City Drivers offer pickup, drop-offer, and drive-around services. Locals also organize various lessons and activities. For example: Lessons include arts, crafts, and cooking lessons. Activities include hiking, biking, and private dinners. 

Is being a City Pal the same as being a City Guide?

No. City pals and tour guides offer different services. Pals are people that simply hang out and have fun experiencing cities with like minded people they connect with on the Citysurfing platform. They offer practical advice or share their personal experiences about ‘best bars and restaurants’, ‘non-touristy spots’, ‘shopping areas’ etc. Tour guides are licensed guides that provide scripted food tours, historical tours, and a variety of other tours. 

I don’t have any experience, can I offer a service? 

We recommend you create a local pal listing. You don’t have to be an expert to hang out and have fun with people that visit your city. All you need is a vibrant personality, intimate knowledge of your city and a passion for meeting people and having fun.

Is there an age requirement to offer services on Citysurfing? 

Yes. You must be eighteen years of age or over to enter and register as a user on Citysurfing. Children under eighteen years of age are prohibited from using our Site, Application and services.

Does it cost me anything to list my services on Citysurfing? 

No. Offering your services on Citysurfing is 100% free. We do offer optional purchase options to become verified or to boost your listing. If you decide to be pre-paid for your services, we will collect a 14.5% service fee from your customers when they make a booking. This contribution allows us to effectively and efficiently manage the community as well as provide you with online payments, marketing, and customer support. It’s a win-win situation because your contribution is made only after you get booked. Alternatively, you can allow your guests to use the “Pay at Meeting” payment option. This allows you to receive payment for your services when you meet your guest. When you do that you will keep 100% of your earnings. 

Do I need to become a verified member to use Citysurfing? 

On CitySurfing, our user base is divided into two user communities: Unverified Members and Verified Members. As a traveler or local service provider, you have the option to participate either as an unverified or verified member. If you're unverified, you can only meet with other unverified regular members.

Our Verified member community on Citysurfing prefers to exclusively connect with other verified members. Therefore, if you intend to engage with any verified member, please ensure that your account is verified beforehand. This enhances safety measures by confirming users' identities and ensuring the availability of essential contact information, which can be used if any problems should arise during your meetings.

In summary, as an unverified local, your interactions are limited to other unverified locals. To engage with members of the verified member community, you must verify your identification first. Verified users can be identified by looking for the Green verification badge affixed to their listing, profile, or offer page.

When i provide services, am I an official employee of Citysurfing? 

No. Citysurfing is simply a platform that makes it easy for people to connect. As a host, you are an independent contractor working for yourself.

How much do I get paid to offer local services on citysurfing?

You determine how much you want to make and can create custom offers for every client that contacts you. Remember that people visiting your city are more than happy to pay you for your services, companionship, insight and knowledge. It’s ok to set a high hourly rate, but make sure that your profile and booking page are written in a way that connects with people and encourages them to select you. 

When do I get paid?

On Citysurfing we accept an immediate pre-payment to guarantee a booking. Once your meeting is complete we will release your payment less the Citysurfing service fee. Alternatively, you can ask your guest to pay you in your local currency at the time of your meeting. 

Is the money I make when providing services taxable?

As an independent service provider, it's important to note that your association with CitySurfing does not constitute employment, and therefore, we are not obligated to report any income you generate through our platform. Reporting your earnings in accordance with the tax laws applicable in your country is your responsibility. If you have additional inquiries regarding the filing process or specific to your tax situation, we recommend seeking guidance from a tax professional.

Do I have a specific schedule that I need to follow in order to be a service provider?

You decide who you want to meet and when. You’re completely in charge of your schedule. Get to know interesting people from around the world!

Can I choose the people I provide services to? 

Absolutely. Bookings on Citysurfing are not automatic. Your potential clients will contact you and request to book your services. You are totally free to decide who you will provide services to. 

How do I cancel a reservation?

Cancellations are inconvenient for guests that have made a confirmed booking, however we realize that emergencies do occur. If you need to cancel a confirmed booking, you should first attempt to reschedule your appointment with your guest. If you are unable to agree to a new schedule, then you must initiate the cancellation by sending a message to your guest via the Citysurfing messaging system. You will also need to immediately initiate a full refund to your guest if any pre-payments have been made.

I’m very motivated. How can I get more bookings? 

You can gain guest confidence and increase the number of reservations by: Making a complete and personable profile on the site; Receiving recommendations from people that know you; Uploading high quality photos; Responding as quickly as possible to reservation requests; Doing a great job and get positive ratings; Sharing your profile on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram. Finally, become a verified member and add a verified member badge affixed to your profile page. Visitors often prefer to book verified locals. 

I created a listing, but my page isn’t visible in the search.

You should allow for an average of 30 minutes before your profile is visible on the search engine. It’s important to remember that for best results you should write your location in English using the format City/State or City/Country. For example: Budapest, Hungary not Budapest, Magyarorszag.

What happens if a Guest cancels a reservation?

As per the Citysurfing Terms of Service, a guest cancellation must occur 3 days (72 hours) before the scheduled appointment. The cancellation must be initiated via the Citysurfing messaging system.

3 days before – If a guest cancels before the 72 hour cancellation deadline, you are required to refund 100% of your booking fee.

Within 3 days -If a guest cancellation request occurs anytime within 72 hours of their appointment, the payment is non refundable.

How does the payment process work?

There are 2 payment options available on Citysurfing: (1) Payment in the local currency at the time you meet, and (2) Pre-payment for booking requests. By default, all hosts are allowed to accept cash payments at the time of their meeting. If you would like to be pre-paid for your agreed meeting, you can set up your listing to accept all major credit cards. These payments are processed via Stripe payment processing. Accepting pre-payments is a great option because you create a fully automated booking experience, so neither the Host nor the Guest needs to worry about the money when you meet. When making a booking request, the Guest enters his or her payment information, after which the amount due for the booking is charged. Payment will be sent immediately to your Stripe account less a 14.5% service fee.

Can I accept tips?

Yes you can! Tipping is never mandatory, but if you provide an amazing experience for your guest and he/she wants to show you their gratitude by offering you a tip, then we encourage it.

Do I need to pay for my own food and transportation when I provide services? 

You will have an opportunity to create a customized offer for every client that requests your service. When you calculate your offer for your client, you should include all expenses including transportation, entrance fees, or any third party services you decide to acquire. We recommend that as you discuss and plan your meeting with your guest, you consider these extra expenses. It’s ok to ask your guest if they are willing to pay for any additional expenses that might occur, but that conversation should occur before you schedule your appointment so that your interactions don’t become awkward.