Handling a CouchSurfing request

How to respond to CouchSurfing requests.

• Before you decide to say yes or no

1. Read their references, check verification status, look for any red flags
2. See which groups they are part of to determine common interests
3. If their profile is empty, you may want to email them and ask for more details
4. Check you calendar and/or agenda (if you keep one) to see if you have any previous commitments

• You're always free to say no.

1. When you say no, offer help to find another place or a hostel
2. If you think the request is suspicious or strange, have a look at How to handle freeloaders

• When you say yes, be clear.

1. Surfers need your address and phone number
2. Surfers need directions to your place or a meeting point
3. Mention limitations (time, place, special needs ...). If you can host, but you are limited in time, your guest may want to ask another couchsurfer - who can't host - to meet for a coffee/beer.

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