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Questions tagged [couchsurfing]

An online service and community (couchsurfing.com) based on hosts offering their couch to surfers (i.e. travellers) to use as a bed. Similar to Hospitality Club or GlobalFreeloaders.

CouchSurfing.

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What does a CouchSurfing host expect from their guests?

I've never done couch-surfing and I'd like to start couch-surfing my next trip, but I don't know what the host "expects". Do I have to take something in exchange for his/her offer? Or is it better to invite to a dinner? And about the stay, should I…
Ivan
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Is there a feasible way to combine hitchhiking and CouchSurfing?

On my previous trip I tried hitchhiking for the first time and became addicted so this year I'm spending six to twelve months traveling in East Asia and Eastern Europe. I also tried CouchSurfing for the first time on my last trip and had a great…
hippietrail
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How long is a typical CouchSurfing stay?

When you are staying with a CouchSurfing host, what is a typical stay duration? Is CS intended for short (1- or 2-night) trips, or is it not unusual to stay for a whole week or longer? If I am planning an extended stay (several weeks or even…
user82
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Presents for Japanese CouchSurfing hosts

I was evaluating doing CouchSurfing during my next trip in Japan and this question: What does a CouchSurfing host expect from their guests? makes me want to ask if there is a sort of "etiquette" I should respect if being hosted in Japan with regard…
Geeo
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Can I use CouchSurfing as as proof of accommodation for a Schengen visa?

Can one use CouchSurfing to prove accommodation for a Schengen visa to Iceland from India?
epiclapser
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What sort of "invitation" do I need for a Belarusian visa?

I would like to visit Belarus. To apply for a Belarusian visa, one needs an "invitation", which is usually provided by a hotel or travel agency. However, I would like to travel independently, staying with CouchSurfing hosts. Is it possible to do…
nibot
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What online communities exist to help solo travellers meet up?

I've done a few long-termish mostly solo trips now, and you hear about communities like CouchSurfing and Warm Showers (for cyclists). However I also really enjoy staying in hostels. Oddly, there aren't really forum communities on the hostel…
Mark Mayo
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Are hospitality-exchange services reasonably safe to use in first-world countries?

Are hospitality-exchange services like CouchSurfing and warmshowers.org reasonably safe to use? I mean both for hosts and for guests, and both for men and women, in first-world countries. What precautions should I take while using such…
unforgettableidSupportsMonica
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How do I verify my location in a country that has unreliable mail?

I'm trying to complete the final step of verification on couchsurfing.org and the country where I live (Dominican Republic) essentially doesn't have public mail. I've heard services like DHL can deliver to your door even if the postal system is…
Keyslinger
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How to be tactful when declining CouchSurfing requests for relatively long stays?

My question is regarding hosting, and how to deal with people who want to stay five or more days. I've hosted a few times now, but pretty specifically only accepted people who want to stay for 1-2 nights: I'm pretty busy, and I do like hosting but…
YungHummmma
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How early should I contact potential hosts for CouchSurfing?

I want to give CouchSurfing a shot as I'm going to be travelling to Japan and my #1 priority would be to socialize. In what time frame should I be looking for potential hosts?
Zaenille
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Is it appropriate to ask your host(el) to phone emergency services when you don't arrive?

When raising the issue of traveling alone through nature, advice is always given to notify people about your travel plan and expected date of arrival. In case something goes amiss emergency services can quickly be alerted and no delay is introduced…
Saaru Lindestøkke
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What is a good gift to bring from Sweden for CouchSurfing hosts?

I will be leaving on a 22-day trip around Europe pretty soon and will be visiting six or seven homes through CouchSurfing. I want to bring them a small gift or souvenir from Sweden as a return for their generous hospitality. As I'm going to be…
victoriah
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For a visa for Japan is CouchSurfing accepted instead of a hotel booking?

I plan to visit Japan for a conference in May for a duration of seven days. Japan visa guidelines say that hotel booking is necessary. I am thinking of CouchSurfing to save some money and meet people. Is CouchSurfing accepted as proof of…
user27665
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What's the difference between the Airbnb and CouchSurfing experience for a host?

I have a spare bedroom and I'm wondering whether I should put it on Airbnb or CouchSurfing. I'd like to know more about what it's like to host on both sites, to make a better decision.
notconfusing
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