Your profile is your first impression on Couchsurfing. It's how hosts decide whether to open their door, how travelers choose who to reach out to, and how members with similar interests find you. A great profile doesn't just check boxes; it tells your story and makes people want to connect with you.
Add Photos
Show people your world. Upload photos from your travels, your hometown, your home, or time with friends. Photos help other members get a sense of who you are beyond what you write. The more you share, the easier it is for others to picture connecting with you.
You'll need at least 3 photos to complete your profile, but adding more is always a good idea.
Write a Detailed About Me
This is where you stand out. Be honest and show your personality. Not everyone will share your sense of humor or your opinions, but the right people will appreciate them. The more real you are, the more meaningful your connections will be.
Include anything that would matter to a potential host or guest, like dietary restrictions, pets, religious beliefs, or lifestyle preferences. Being upfront helps avoid miscommunications before they happen.
Answer Some Prompts
Prompts are questions you can answer to help others get to know you better. Your answers can be serious, funny, or anything in between. You only need to answer one to complete this step, but the more you add, the more your personality comes through. Think of them as conversation starters for people browsing your profile.
Add Places You've Lived and Visited
Sharing where you've been and where you've lived helps you connect with members who know those places or are planning to visit them. It also populates your profile map, which other members can browse when they view your profile. You might be surprised how many connections start with "I've been there too."
Fill Out Your Basic Info
Your basic info helps others understand who you are at a glance. This includes things like your occupation, hometown, and education. It gives other members more context when they're deciding whether to reach out.
List Your Languages
Add all the languages you speak, even if you're just a beginner. You might be the only person in your area with a few words of a language someone needs. Language is one of the fastest ways to build a connection.
Keep Your Profile Current
Your profile reflects you right now, not just when you first signed up. Update your About Me, interests, and lifestyle fields as things change. A current profile helps other members make confident decisions about connecting with you.
Get Verified
Verification adds a Verification Badge to your profile showing you've confirmed your identity with a government-issued ID. It's one of the strongest trust signals you can add, and it can make a real difference when you're sending Stay requests or reaching out to new members.
For details on how to get verified, see What Is Verification and How Do I Get Verified?
Need more help? Get in touch. You can also reach us anytime through Settings → Contact Support.