How to Create a Great Couchsurfing Profile

Couchsurfing is an excellent app to explore different cultures and save money on accommodation. However, finding a host or people to meet isn’t guaranteed. To increase your chances of getting hosted, you need to create an appealing profile that inspires trust and a positive impression.

Before you Start with Couchsurfing

• Know that Couchsurfing costs around 15 Euros per year, depending on the country. Avoid falling for the expensive verification option (over 60 Euros) since it’s not necessary. Being verified through hosting is also a option, if you want to be verified.

Creating Your Profile

Pictures

• Upload multiple pictures that are showing you in different contexts, such as normal everyday activities and travel adventures.
• Avoid inappropriate or half-naked bedroom poses, or erotic images, and heavily filtered or blurry photos.
• Make sure your pictures do show your face and allow others to recognize you. It is okay to have not your face at the first picture, but in general having it in the profile.

• Group pictures are okay but avoid using only group shots as your profile picture; it should be a clear picture of you.

Description

• Write a short summary of yourself in the first part of the description. Share your passions, dreams, and/or reasons for using Couchsurfing.
• Be authentic and express what you want to share with the world.
• Feel free to include some personal stories which may also be related to your travels or experiences.
• Use the sections below the summary to go into more detail and answer the various questions available.
  – For example what I wrote there: “Hey I’m Nico from Hamburg Germany. My goal is to visit every country in the world and here at Couchsurfing I try to connect with people from all over the world, learn about the culture and spend time with you guys.”

Home Section

• Even if you’re not currently hosting, consider filling out this section to show your willingness to host in the future. Some hosts prefer to host those who are also open to hosting.
• Describe your living situation, where guests will sleep, how to reach your place, and if you have roommates.

Remember, never share your address directly in your profile.

At a Couchsurfing meetup in Jeddah – Saudi-Arabia

Great Experience Section

• Share a memorable and meaningful experience from your life, especially related to travel. This section offers potential hosts a view into your personality and interests. 
  – I shared some stories about Jordan, Guatemala and Finland, to name a few. People then automatically can realize who I might be and maybe are interested in meeting me. 

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

• Explain in detail why you joined Couchsurfing and not just saving money on accommodation. Mention your desire to connect with people, learn about different cultures, and build meaningful friendships.
• Share how you first heard about Couchsurfing and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Verification

• While paying for verification is optional, you can verify yourself by providing personal information like your passport, phone number, and credit card details. This may increase others’ trust in you.

Summary

• The key to a successful profile is authenticity. Be yourself, show your friendly and kind personality, and give potential hosts or guests a good reason to connect with you.
• Once you start receiving references, your interactions during stays and hosting will also influence how others are seeing you on this application.

By following these tips and presenting yourself genuinely, you’ll have a better chance of creating meaningful connections and experiences through Couchsurfing.

My couchsurfing profile, to get some ideas!

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