As a local, you have insider information- local restaurants, bars, beaches etc. You know safer areas and what places to avoid. You understand the ins and outs of public transportation. You are immersed in the culture, customs, laws and norms as it is part of your everyday life. A traveler having you in their back pocket wherever they go will make traveling way easier.
Getting paid to be a local support person is easy with this app. Create an account with basic information such as your name, date of birth, residence etc. You’ll receive an email for a background check for residency and criminal history- we must do this for a traveler’s safety. Once clear, you will able to finish setting up your account by creating a 15 second to 1 minute welcome video, choosing the services you want to provide along with days of the week and times you’re available, if applicable. Last and most important, you’ll provide bank information so we can pay you. You may update this information at any time in your profile on the app.
The base services you may provide include On Call Service, Q&A Service and Video Service. You may also provide an add-on In Person Service. On Call Service is being a traveler’s emergency contact. You must be available 24/7 with your phone volume up so travelers may call you if something happens. You may provide information and support over the phone to help them. Q&A Service is daily messaging via chat for a traveler to ask you questions to provide advice and recommendations. Video Service is daily messaging via chat with video capabilities. Video provides clearer communication for questions and concerns plus makes translating easier. The add-on In Person Service is an in person meet up with your traveler. This allows them to ask you all the questions and concerns at the start of their trip. They may also need an itinerary review or explanation of local customs and culture. If there is a part of the trip that gives them anxiety, they may ask you to assist them with that part of their trip. As an example, a metropolitan subway system can be dauting to someone who hasn’t used this type of public transportation before. Perhaps they ask you to have coffee them then walk over to the subway for you to show them how it works.
Once you have created your account, sit tight and wait for travelers to choose YOU to be their support person. You will receive an app and email notification. You can welcome your traveler on the first day of their trip. They may also start the service the day before the trip to ask you for packing suggestions and to have an initial video call or chat with you.
Being a local is a new and exciting opportunity to earn a little money and meet new people. You help people spread their wings and fly to new places. They don’t have to be afraid of the unknown if they have you for support. They can be all on their own, without actually being alone.