Whether you're hosting, staying with someone, or just connecting with members in your city, showing up well for the people you meet is what makes this community worth being part of. Here's how to do it.
Be You
Show up as your authentic self. Your people are here, you just need to find them. Being upfront about who you are and what you're looking for is a great place to start. Be open, be honest, be respectful and be ready to connect.
Complete Your Profile
A full profile is how other members decide whether to connect with you. Photos, an About Me, your interests, your travel history: all of it helps. Don't leave people guessing.
Participate and Share
You're here so get involved. Join a Community, go to an Event, plan a Trip, hangout on Hangout. The more you put in, the more you get back. Couchsurfing runs on generosity. Cook a meal together, share your favorite spots in town, swap stories, introduce someone to something new. Stay open to the unexpected. Some of the best moments come from exactly that.
Be Reliable and Respectful
With time, spaces, and cultures.You'll meet people from wildly different backgrounds, cultures, and ways of life. That's the whole point. Bring curiosity. Bring genuine respect. Especially when things feel unfamiliar.
Staying with someone? Consider bringing a small gift, keep their space tidy, and offer to cook a meal. Little things land big.
Hosting? Give your guest room to breathe, offer to show them your favorite spots but let them explore on their own if they want. Make them feel genuinely welcome. You don't have to be their tour guide, just be a good human.
Connecting through Events or GoLive? Show up on time, stay open to differences, and bring the same respect you’d want to receive.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, pay attention to that. Read profiles and references before connecting, use chat to get a feel for someone, and report any odd, inappropriate, or unsafe behaviour directly from a member's profile.
Couchsurfing is built on trust. Help keep it that way.
Safety Tools are available from your Library menu and within any active Stay: including a link to the Couchsurfing Safety page, a way to find nearby accommodation, and the ability to contact local authorities in an emergency.
Leave a Reference
After a Stay, take a few minutes to write a Reference. Honest, thoughtful ones are the most valuable thing you can give back to the community.
Here's how it works:
- The option to leave a Stay Reference opens a few hours after the Stay ends
- You have a 14-day window to leave both a Stay Reference (visible on their profile) and a Private Reference (shared only with the Couchsurfing team)
- You can leave a Personal Reference for any member at any time; no Stay required
Need more help? Get in touch. You can also reach us anytime through Settings → Contact Support.