Frequently Asked Questions - For Guests

  • A Hellocity guest is a traveler seeking to enhance their journey by booking personalized services tailored to their interests. Whether it's a local tour guide, an activity partner, a relocation expert, or a skilled artisan offering lessons in a local craft, Hellocity connects travelers with experiences that make their trip more memorable and immersive.

  • Hellocity is a technology platform designed to facilitate connections between travelers and locals offering personalized services such as curated tours, tailored experiences, relocation assistance, and lessons. While we provide the space and facilitate these connections, we do not personally organize or manage the services offered. Our role is limited to maintaining a platform that enables travelers to easily find and connect with locals who can enhance their journey.

  • To use Hellocity, individuals must be 18 years of age or older to register and access our platform. Children under 18 are not permitted to use our site, app, or services. However, parents or guardians are welcome to bring their children along for any meetings or experiences arranged through the platform.

  • With our diverse selection of services, thoughtfully divided into four unique categories, we make it easy for you to turn every trip into a tapestry of unforgettable moments and authentic connections.

    Activity Partners: Immerse yourself in the local vibe by teaming up with like-minded locals for activities like hiking, biking, tennis, and more. Whether you're exploring a city park or chasing adventure off the beaten path, these experiences foster real friendships that transcend borders.

    Tour Guides: Go beyond the usual sightseeing with personalized, private tours curated just for you. Our local guides craft experiences around your unique interests—whether it’s food, art, history, nature, or nightlife—ensuring every moment feels tailored, insightful, and unforgettable.

    Relocation Specialists: Whether you're moving across the state or across the globe, our relocation specialists are here to help you feel at home. From neighborhood tips and real estate insights to translation and photography services, they’ll make your transition smoother and less stressful.

    Instructors: Dive into the world of artisanal and cultural learning with skilled local instructors. From language and music to handcrafted arts, cooking, and traditional crafts, these experiences give you the chance to learn something new—and take home more than just souvenirs.

  • No, they’re not the same—activity partners and tour guides offer two distinct types of experiences.

    Activity partners are friendly locals who enjoy exploring their city with like-minded travelers they connect with through the Hellocity platform. These experiences are more casual and spontaneous—think shared adventures like checking out local bars, shopping districts, hidden gems, or attending concerts and sporting events. They often provide personal insights, helpful tips, and authentic recommendations that make you feel like you’re seeing the city with a friend.

    Tour guides, on the other hand, are licensed professionals who offer structured, informative experiences. They lead curated tours such as food tastings, historical walks, and other in-depth explorations that follow a planned route or theme. Their knowledge and expertise bring a deeper understanding of the places you visit.

  • No, not immediately. When you reach out to a service provider, they’ll review your request based on their current schedule and availability. If they’re able to accommodate you, they’ll send a personalized quote for the services you requested. You can then choose to confirm and complete the booking.

    We strongly recommend becoming a verified member before contacting locals. Verification helps build trust, shows that you are who you say you are, and increases your chances of having your request accepted. It also plays a key role in keeping our community safe and respectful—for both travelers and locals.

  • Locals on Hellocity have the flexibility to customize their offerings to match your specific interests and the type of experience you're looking for. The rate shown on a local’s booking page is simply a starting point—an estimate. To receive an accurate quote tailored to your needs, you’ll need to contact the service provider directly.

    When reaching out, be sure to include your planned travel dates, interests, and budget. This information helps the local craft a personalized experience and accurate quote just for you—ensuring your time together is as smooth, meaningful, and memorable as possible.

  • While Hellocity provides a seamless way to plan and book your experiences, you will “pay at meeting”—meaning you’ll pay the local service provider directly at the time of your meetup using any method you both agree on, whether that's cash, a mobile app, or other preferred method.

    We don’t process payments or charge service fees, which allows us to operate in countless countries and communities—regardless of local tech infrastructure—and ensures that 100% of your payment goes directly to the local.

    By booking through Hellocity, you’re not only getting a personalized experience—you’re directly supporting local individuals and their communities. It's a meaningful exchange that keeps tourism personal, fair, and community-driven.

  • On Hellocity, we have two types of user communities: Unverified Members and Verified Members. As a traveler or local service provider, you can choose to engage as either an unverified or verified member.

    While you don’t need to be verified to use our platform, many verified members prefer to connect exclusively with other verified users. If you’re an unverified member, you’ll only be able to interact with other unverified members.

    Getting verified enhances your chances of connecting with verified locals, as they are more likely to accept guests who are also verified. This process helps foster a safer, more reliable community by confirming user identities and providing essential contact information in case any issues arise during your meetups.

    While verification is not mandatory, it’s highly recommended if you want to maximize your chances of being accepted by locals and ensure a smoother, safer experience on Hellocity.

  • Our booking system operates on a "pay at meeting" basis. While cancellations can be disruptive to both parties, we understand that emergencies can arise.

    If you need to cancel a confirmed booking, we recommend first attempting to reschedule with your guest. If rescheduling isn't possible, please initiate the cancellation through the Hellocity messaging system and inform your local service provider as soon as possible.

  • Yes, tipping is a wonderful way to show appreciation for a great experience and to acknowledge the excellent service provided. It’s a thoughtful gesture that allows you to express gratitude for the time and effort a local service provider puts into creating a memorable experience for you. While tipping is never required, it’s always appreciated, especially when you’ve had an exceptional time!

  • We advise discussing and planning these extra expenses as you arrange to book a local. It's essential to have this conversation beforehand to avoid any potential awkwardness during your interactions. Any additional expenses, such as transportation, entrance fees, or third-party services, must be covered by the guest unless you have agreed to pay for these items in advance.