Nope. Hospitality on Couchsurfing is always free. Asking for money or any form of labor in exchange for hosting, or pointing members toward paid accommodation services, is a violation of our Conduct Policy.
What Hosts Can and Cannot Do
Hosts should only offer what they're genuinely able to offer for free, and be upfront about that in their profile. If a host and guest choose to share costs for something they do together, like splitting groceries for a meal they cook or fuel for a road trip, that's a mutual decision between two people. It is never a condition of the stay, and it should never be presented as one.
What About Showing Appreciation?
Payment is never appropriate, but gratitude absolutely is. Cooking a meal, bringing a small gift, or treating your host to something are all very much in the spirit of what Couchsurfing is about. The difference is that none of it should ever be requested or expected. It should just feel good.
If Someone Is Charging for Accommodation
Report them from their profile. Our Trust and Safety team reviews every report and will take action where our policies have been violated.
A Couple Things to Know:
- Guests shouldn't offer to pay for a stay, and hosts shouldn't accept payment if it is offered. The free exchange of hospitality is what makes Couchsurfing different from everything else out there.
- Couchsurfing is not a platform for finding flatmates or rental arrangements. Posts from brokers or real estate agents are not permitted.
Need more help? Get in touch. You can also reach us anytime through Settings → Contact Support.