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 guest?
On Citysurfing, a ‘guest’ is a broad definition of a person who visits a certain location and wishes to connect with someone that lives locally, where the person that lives locally can provide services described on his/her booking page.
Is there an age requirement in order to be a guest?
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, however parents with children under 18 years are able to bring their children along for any meeting.
Is a Citiysurfing local pal the same thing as a tour 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.
Can I book any local services on Citysurfing?
It’s important to keep in mind that locals are not full-time employees of Citysurfing. They are completely in charge of their own schedule and decide who they will offer services to. Some users may only sponsor a few clients each month. We recommend that you contact and discuss your needs with several different locals and then choose the one that you like best.
How do I find a local that shares similar interests as me?
To begin connecting with people that share similar interests you should use the filters we provide on the search page. If you prefer exploring nightlife versus landmarks or vice versa, you can simply select this filter and view hosts that specialize in the things you enjoy doing. You can also get a better understanding of your host’s interest by viewing things they share on their profile and booking pages.
How do I book services on Citysurfing?
To book a host, you will need to (1) Search the city you plan on visiting, (2) Review offerings of local in that city, (3) Contact the hosts to see if she/he is available to provide their services, (4) Ask the local to send you a custom offer for their services, (5) Book the custom offer.
I don’t travel much? Is there any benefit in using Citysurfing?
Absolutely. You do not need to be someone that travels a lot to be interested in exploring new places. Citysurfing isn’t a platform designed just for tourists. You can use Citysurfing to connect with and hang out with people that live just 15-20 minutes from where you’re at now. Maybe you’ve just relocated and want to start meeting locals. Perhaps you’re interested in moving to a new part of the city and want someone to share their experiences. Maybe you just want to get out there and have fun in a different environment. Sometimes we find that some of our best life experiences are waiting just around the corners from where we live.
How much does it cost to book local services?
The locals that provide their services have the complete freedom to create a custom offer for you. The rate quoted on a locals booking page is just an estimate and you should always contact a host to get a customized offer based on your unique needs.
When do I pay the host?
Citysurfing locals choose whether they want to receive pre-payment for their services or receive cash payments in the local currency at the time of your meeting. When a local sends you a custom offer, if pre-payment is required, you will be directed to a payment page to pay in advance. You can release the payment after your meeting has occurred. If the host accepts cash payments, you will still need to complete the online booking. Bring your reservation along with your cash payment to your meeting.
Can I pay my hosts when we meet?
Yes. If the local you are booking accepts cash payments, you can pay them at your meeting.
How does the payment process work?
If you book a host that accepts cash at the time of your meeting, you simply need to print your reservation and bring it, along with your cash payment to your meeting. You will then pay in cash in the local currency at the time of your meeting. If your host only accepts pre-payments for their services, once you’ve selected their custom offer, you will be directed to a payment page to make an advanced payment. You will personally release the payment after your meeting has occurred.
How are payments processed on Citysurfing?
If you book a host that only accepts pre-payment when you book, Citysurfing uses Stripe to process the transaction. Stripe is an international online payment processor. We’ve selected Stripe because: It aligns with our goal of providing a secure, and easy to use experience for our users; They provide superior customer service; They have an incredible 250 million worldwide users, and; They allow our members to pay or get paid in over 203 countries and markets and in 26 currencies. With Stripe we know our customers will have peace of mind when booking you on the Citysurfing platform.
How do I cancel a reservation?
Cancellations are inconvenient for both the host and guest, 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 host. If you are unable to reschedule, then you should initiate a cancellation by sending your host a message using the Citysurfing system.
What happens if I cancel a pre-paid reservation?
As per the Citysurfing Terms of Service, a guest can cancel a reservation up to 3 days (72 hours) before the scheduled appointment.
3 days before – If a guest cancels before the 72 hour cancellation deadline, the host is required to refund 100% of your booking fee less the Citysurfing service fee which is non-refundable.
Within 3 days -If a guest cancellation request occurs anytime within 72 hours of their appointment, the payment is non refundable.
What happens if my host cancels a reservation?
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.
I travel a lot. Is there any limit on the number of times I can book local services?
No. Your Citysurfing membership allows you to connect with unlimited hosts everywhere you go. In fact, you do not need to travel to connect with hosts. You might use local hosts to find amazing adventures, and great places to eat in cities near you.
Can I give tips?
Yes you can. Tipping is never mandatory, but if your host really entertained you and provided an amazing experience then showing your gratitude is always welcome.
Do I need to pay for all the host’s food, transportation or other services costs?
You are only responsible for paying the custom offer you received from the local service provider. Extra expenses such as transportation, entrance fees, or any third party services you decide to acquire have to be paid by the host unless you’ve agreed to pay for these items before you meet. We recommend that as you discuss and plan to book a local, you consider these extra expenses. We highly recommend that this conversation should take place before you schedule your appointment so that your interactions don’t become awkward.