How HelloCity Works for Travelers

Discovering and connecting with local hosts on HelloCity is designed to be simple and free. Here's a quick overview of the process:

  1. Register: Start your journey by creating your free HelloCity account. It's Free!
  2. Create a Trip & Get Offers from Locals: Define your trip, and interested local hosts can send you personalized offers – this service is also free!
  3. Or Contact Your Favorite Local: Alternatively, you can browse through host listings and directly contact the locals who catch your eye.
  4. Receive Custom Offers in Your Inbox: All tailored offers from local hosts will arrive directly in your HelloCity inbox for easy review.
  5. Make a Booking & Enjoy Your Trip: Once you find the perfect offer, confirm your booking and get ready to enjoy a unique local experience!

Advice for Travelers: Ensuring a Seamless HelloCity Experience

To help you get the most out of your visits to new cities and your interactions with future hosts, consider these practical tips:

1. Optimize Your Profile and Search Strategy

  • Make It Easy to Recognize You: When meeting your host for the first time, it's essential that you can easily find each other. From your account settings page, please upload a recent photo that clearly shows your face. Avoid sunglasses or pets – just you with a friendly smile! This helps your host quickly identify you.
  • Increase Your Connection Chances: To maximize your opportunities for connecting with a local, we recommend sending booking requests to multiple hosts. This allows you to compare offers and select the best fit for your trip. Since host availability can vary, using the "Get Offers" button on the search page is an excellent way to find the right match more quickly.

2. Build Trust and Stay Informed

  • Upgrade to a Verified Membership: While HelloCity is free to use and allows you to receive multiple offers, many local hosts prefer to accept bookings only from verified travelers. Completing the verification process not only gives you greater access to a wider range of hosts but also ensures a more secure experience for everyone involved. Visit the "My Verifications" tab to get started.
  • Stay on Top of Communications: When communicating with local service providers, you'll receive message alerts on your dashboard and via email. To ensure you don't miss any responses, remember to mark HelloCity emails as "Not Spam" or "Important" in your email account.

3. Plan and Communicate Effectively

  • Plan Ahead: Before meeting your host, take the time to discuss your interests and get their recommendations on what to do together. It's crucial to clarify details such as the duration, routes, meeting points, and any potential additional expenses (like transportation or entrance fees) upfront. This helps avoid surprises and ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience for both of you.
  • Keep Communications on HelloCity: We strongly recommend communicating with your host exclusively through HelloCity's messaging system. This practice ensures there's a record of your interactions in case of any disputes. Please use the platform’s messaging system to update your host about any changes to your plans.

4. Show Appreciation and Share Your Experience

  • Consider Leaving a Tip: While tipping is never required, it's a wonderful way to show your appreciation if your host goes above and beyond to provide an amazing and memorable experience.
  • Write a Review: Your feedback is invaluable! Reviews help HelloCity grow as a trusted community and provide important insights for hosts. Rating your experience not only helps hosts improve their service but also allows other travelers to make informed decisions when choosing a local guide.

5. Stay Connected with HelloCity

  • Follow the HelloCity Blog: Whether you're traveling for vacation, business, relocation, or simply exploring a nearby city, the HelloCity Blog is full of helpful tips and inspiration. Stay updated by subscribing with your email to receive our latest insights.