Frequently Asked Questions - For Guests
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A Citysurfing guest is a traveler who journeys to a particular destination and has an interest in booking services to help make their trip more enjoyable. For example, they might seek the assistance of tour guides, relocation guides, drivers, movers, and taskers.
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Citysurfing operates as neither a tour operator nor a travel agency; rather, it functions as a technology company. Our primary responsibility lies in facilitating connections between locals who offer services and visitors seeking to arrange meetings.
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Yes, individuals must be eighteen years of age or older to enter and register as a user on Citysurfing. Children under eighteen years of age are prohibited from using our site, application, and services. However, parents with children under 18 years old are welcome to bring them along for any meeting.
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Through our diverse range of services, categorized into nine unique sections, we ensure that your journey is filled with memorable moments and meaningful connections.
Activity Partners: Immerse yourself in the local culture by joining like-minded locals in activities such as hiking, biking, tennis, and more. Connect, acclimate, and forge friendships that transcend borders.
Tour Guides: Uncover the hidden gems and fascinating stories behind popular attractions with engaging local guides. Their insights breathe life into the places you visit, offering a deeper understanding of the local culture and history.
Relocation Specialists: Streamline your move to a new city with the assistance of our relocation specialists. From photography and translation services to guidance on neighborhoods and essential tasks, they'll make your transition seamless and stress-free.
Taskers: Leave the burdensome tasks to reliable locals. Whether you need help with home repairs, unpacking, shopping, or errands, our taskers are ready to lend a hand, allowing you to focus on settling into your new surroundings.
Drivers: Discover the city with ease by pre-booking local drivers for personalized pickup, drop-off, and transportation services. Their insider knowledge ensures that you don't miss out on hidden gems and local favorites.
Instructors: Cultivate new skills and personal growth during your travels by learning from talented locals. Whether it's language lessons, music, crafts, or cooking classes, our instructors will ignite your passion for learning.
Photographers: Capture precious memories with locals who share your activity interests. Let them expertly document your adventures, ensuring that every unforgettable moment is forever preserved.
Videographers: Elevate your travel memories to the next level with professional video recording and editing services provided by talented locals. Relive your journey with a beautifully crafted visual story.
Speaking Partners: Enhance your language skills by practicing with native speakers. Connect in person or online for immersive conversations that deepen your understanding of the local language and culture.
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No, they are different. Activity partners and tour guides provide two distinct services. Activity partners are individuals who relish exploring cities with like-minded people they meet on the Citysurfing platform. They offer spontaneous experiences, such as sharing practical advice or personal insights about the finest bars, restaurants, hidden gems, shopping areas, and more. You might join them at organized events or activities such as concerts, sports events, and other recreational activities. In contrast, tour guides are licensed professionals who conduct scripted tours, encompassing food tours, historical journeys, and a diverse array of guided adventures.
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No, when you contact a service provider, they must consider your request alongside any other commitments they may have. If they are available, they will then create a personalized quote for the services you requested and send it to you. At that point, you can proceed with making a booking.
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The locals offering their services have complete freedom to tailor and provide personalized experiences based on your specific interests and the services you've requested. The rate displayed on a local's booking page serves as an estimate, and in every case, you will need to reach out to the service provider directly for a personalized quote.
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There are two payment options available on Citysurfing: (1) Payment in the local currency at the time of the meeting, and (2) Pre-payment for booking requests. By default, all hosts can accept cash payments at the time of the meeting. If you prefer to receive pre-payment for your agreed-upon 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 it creates a fully automated booking experience, alleviating concerns about money for both the host and the guest during the meeting. When a booking request is made, the guest enters their payment information, and the amount due for the booking is charged. Payment will be sent immediately to your Stripe account, minus a 14.5% service fee.
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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.
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While cancellations inconvenience confirmed bookings, we acknowledge that emergencies may necessitate such actions. Should you need to cancel a confirmed booking, we encourage you to first attempt rescheduling with your guest. Should rescheduling prove impractical, you must formally initiate the cancellation process via the Citysurfing messaging system, providing prompt notification to your guest. Please read the Citysurfng Terms of Service for a full description of the Cancellation Policy.
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As per the Citysurfing Terms of Service, if a host cancels at any time you are entitled to a 100% refund for pre-paid bookings less the Citysurfing service fee.
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As per the Citysurfing Terms of Service, if a host cancels at any time you are entitled to a 100% refund for pre-paid bookings less the Citysurfing service fee.
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We advise discussing and planning these extra expenses as you arrange to book a local. It's essential to have this conversation beforehand to avoid any potential awkwardness during your interactions. Any additional expenses, such as transportation, entrance fees, or third-party services, must be covered by the service provider unless you have agreed to pay for these items in advance.