Last Updated on November 11, 2020
3. How does Couchsurfing work? & How to find or become a host?
The whole process is very simple. You just need to visit the website, sign up (for free), and use the search tool to find local people at your destination. When you’re filling out your profile, it’s important to share information (like interests and hobbies) that genuinely reflect who you really are so you can boost your chances of being hosted or being considered as a host by the people you can get along with. You should also choose how you’d like to participate, for example, you want to host, meet for a drink, or just give advice. Here are some tips to help you find excellent hosts: Provide honest information about yourself when filling out your Couchsurfing profile so other people can know you enough to contact you or accept your request. Establish trust by uploading several pictures of you, of your home, or of you with other travelers. Everyone looks for a host with photos. Filter your search more accurately so you can find a host you’ll be comfortable with. Take some time to thoroughly read the profile of your potential host before reaching out to them. Add a personalized and honest message to your “surfing” request. You can share your experience or describe yourself and why you chose them. Once you find your host, add them on Facebook, or exchange phone numbers to communicate more easily, as well as get to know each other better.
4. How to know if you can trust these random strangers you meet online?
Feeling doubtful and hesitant when contacting complete strangers is a very common concern, especially among new members of Couchsurfing. Well, it’s only reasonable to feel skeptical about living for days with someone you know nothing about, not to mention that trust is a very tricky thing. However, note that the random stranger you’re doubting is actually welcoming you (who is a total stranger too in your host’s eyes) into his or her home and personal life with wide open arms and without asking you for anything in return. Couchsurfing is a community of travel lovers who seek a unique way to explore the planet and meet like-minded people. But to keep everyone safe, the community adopts certain security and verification features to establish and maintain trust among users. Such features include the “official verification”, in which a user donates 25 dollars or more to get their name and address verified through a credit/debit card and by entering a code received through the mail. The next level of being a trustworthy member requires references from previous hosts and couch surfers. The more details provided, the better. Also, there is the Vouching system, which consists of active couchsurfers vouching for those they think are trustworthy, eventually creating an extra layer of trust. But if you want to vouch for others, you should have been vouched three times, meaning you’ll need to find other users who have been vouched before.
