Frequently Asked Questions
What is expected of me as a guest friend?
Generally you will be expected to observe the laws of your host’s country, live responsibly, help in running errands, and do activities together as you enjoy your visit, tour, food and accommodation. Some hosts in some countries may give you a monetary compensation token or gifts. Conditions and agreements may vary depending on the skills you can offer and the requirements of each host. It is important you communicate as much as possible beforehand with your hosts so that you both know each other’s expectations.
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Can you arrange a visa for me?
We are not able to arrange visas. We just post the listings. Please remember it is your responsibility to obtain the correct visa for any country you intend visiting.
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What is the minimum age for using the website?
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What is the maximum age for using the website?
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How do you protect my privacy?
We never reveal email addresses or your personal information to any third party. We do not sell on your information or use it in any way to target advertising.
We only use the information you provide about yourself to enable you to contact hosts and travel worldwide.
For more information, take a look at our Data protection policy.
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Is Visamate safe?
Here at Visamate safety is our top priority. We strive to provide all the resources for our community members to feel as safe as possible during their overseas trips.
For more details about our safety measures please read our notes on safety
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How do I know Visamate is legit?
Visamate was created over 10 years ago. As the leading travel community for hospitality exchange, friendship exchange, cultural exchange, volunteering and working holidays, our website has been featured on The Guardian, Forbes, Lonely Planet, and The New York Times among many other press.
Since then we have received thousands of feedbacks left by travelers and hosts who have connected and arranged exchanges with each other through the site! You can read the feedbacks here.
If you are still not sure, feel free to also check us out on social media (links are at the bottom of this page) to find out more about our members’ first hand experience.
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Does Visamate screen users?
At Visamate we strive to provide our members with the right tools to make informed decisions regarding who they interact with online and in real life.
Please remember Visamate is a tool to facilitate contact, we do not act as agents. While we don’t routinely perform background checks, we do however reserve the right to do so.
To help ensure safety within the community, we actively review every profile that is created. Visamate profiles must meet all of our requirements before we will put them online.
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What should I do if things don't work out?
Miscommunication, cultural differences, diverging expectations or even just clashing personalities… these are all possible reasons that an exchange may not work out as planned. If this happens, we recommend the best course of action is to try and calmly discuss the issues with each other.
After all, visamates travel far beyond their comfort zone to help and bond with hosts, and hosts are also opening their homes or projects to guests. So, it is always mutually beneficial for both parties if conflicts can be avoided or resolved. If the issue still cannot be solved, remember safety always comes first and you are free to end any arrangement you are no longer comfortable with.
We also highly recommend that you have a back up plan (as you should in any travel situation)!
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Are membership renewals automatic?
Visamate will never take money automatically for your subscription. You will be sent two reminders. However if you choose not to renew you will not be charged again.
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How long is registration for and does it start from the date you pay?
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