Frequently asked questions

How does StayLance work?

StayLance is essentially a cultural exchange. StayLancers offer their skills & talents for a few hours a day in exchange for warm hospitality from HostLancers. When you sign up as a StayLancer you can access the HostLancer list and connectHostLancers and see if they connect you back. When you sign up as a HostLancer you can access the StayLancer list and contact StayLancers with the skills & talents you need. And see if they connect you back. Please check out all the HostLancers in your next dream destination by clicking here Please check out all StayLancers with the skills & talents you are looking for by clicking here To register as a HostLancer, please click here To register as a StayLancer, please click here
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Are membership renewals automatic?

We will always notify you a few days before the renewal date. You can easily cancel your membership.
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How can I contact the StayLance team?

You can contact the StayLance team here We are always available to our members and value any feedback, comments and suggestions from you. We will always welcome and reward stories about your StayLance experiences. We will answer within 24 hours.
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What is the minimum age for using StayLance?

By law in most countries, you must be 18 years old or above to register with us. Minors should be accompanied by their parents if HostLancers are willing to accept StayLancers under the age of 18.
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What is the maximum age for using the website?

There is no maximum age. In fact, many HostLancers prefer StayLancers who have more experience, as well as the skills & talents acquired over time. Mature professionals are always welcome!
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How seriously does StayLance take health and safety?

It is important to us that you take precautions and follow laws to protect yourself. This is why we encourage both parties to take out insurance in case of an accident. Accidents can happen, but they can be reduced by following the laws of the HostLancer’s country and taking necessary precautions. Please see our Health & Safety page for more details. Although StayLance offers lots of advice on keeping healthy and safe, we cannot take responsibility for your individual situations. However, if you are concerned about a HostLancer’s or a StayLancer’s behaviour, or feel threatened, unsafe or distressed by anyone you have met through the StayLance platform, please click on ‘Report’ and we will do everything we can to investigate before taking the necessary steps for your safety and that of all our members.
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Why is it necessary to leave reviews?

We encourage both HostLancers and StayLancers to leave reviews for the following reasons. A review is a great way for both parties to get a better idea of what they are going into. It provides transparency and clarity to other members. It helps the cream of the crop to rise to the surface, as the best HostLances and StayLancers will receive 5* reviews. Members with consistently great reviews will receive recognition by receiving the label of ‘Super HostLancer’ or ‘Super StayLancer’. Leaving reviews also enables those with negative experiences to voice their concerns. The safety of all members of our community is our priority, and negative reviews can warn others of a HostLancer or StayLancer who may not share the same values as StayLance. If you have a bad experience, then our community will want to know, and if it is a good one, then we will certainly want to know! There may be times when you do not want to leave a negative review openly because you might be worried that it would reflect badly on you, or that you will receive a bad review in return, in which case we encourage you to email us in confidence about any negative experiences. We will investigate any concerns you communicate to us very seriously.
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What should I do if things don't work out?

There are times when reality doesn’t meet your expectations. For whatever reason things become challenging and/or uncomfortable. We encourage our members to take a step back and reflect on whether it is down to personality clashes, cultural differences, miscommunication or unreasonable expectations from either party. It is always best to keep calm if things don’t work out, don’t take things personally and try to be philosophical about it. Remember either party can decide to finish the arrangement at any point. We also highly recommend that you have a backup plan. If, however you think the situation is serious and puts either the HostLancer or the StayLancer at risk then we want to hear about it. StayLance always takes your concerns seriously and will investigate both sides of the story and, if necessary, take appropriate action. Please remember that StayLance is essentially a platform to allow members to connect with each other either, make StayOffers and negotiate StayDeals. Any arrangements and agreements made through the platform are your responsibility.
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What degree of privacy can I expect?

Once you are logged-in, all options for privacy can be found on your account. Please look for the tab which reads ‘keep my profile private’. If you click on it, only HostLancers and/or StayLancers who are logged in will be able to see your profile including your photos and location map. Your profile will not show up in any internet searches, whether it is Google, Firefox or another search engine. Also, we will never reveal your email address, photos or other personal information to third parties. We certainly do not sell on your information to advertisers and spammers! Only the information you provide about yourself in your profile can be seen by other members looking to connect with you. For more information about our privacy policy, see our Data Protection page
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How do I know StayLance is safe?

We encourage all our members to take necessary precautions in accordance with the laws of each country. With Covid19, we recommend that HostLancers only take StayLancers if there is a separate space for them to self-quarantine for two weeks while also being able to carry out their tasks. If you have elderly or immune compromised people living at your abode, then please do not invite StayLancers. We recommend all StayLancers take out travel insurance, and we also advise our HostLancers to take out necessary insurance to protect themselves and their property. Please read our Health & Safety page
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How do I know StayLance is not a scam?

It is free to sign up with StayLance. Once you have created an attractive profile, you can send out up to 3 CONNECT’S a day for free too. This gives you time to explore our global online community and navigate our platform before deciding to commit to being a Premium Member. By then, it will be obvious to you that we are not a scam!
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How does StayLance screen its members?

At StayLance, we strive to provide our members with the right tools to make informed decisions regarding who they interact with online and in real life. While we do check every profile that is created, we don't routinely perform background checks, though we do reserve the right to. HostLancer and StayLancer profiles must meet all of our requirements before we will put them online. We are not your agent. StayLance is simply a tool to facilitate contact with likeminded people.
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How can I update my profile?

If you are registered with us, you just need to Log In to your account by entering your email and password. Then you can edit your profile easily by following the instructions on your screen.
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How do I upload a photo?

Once you are logged in, follow the instructions as you build your profile. All instructions are clear as you click through. We recommend that you upload a good photo when contacting HostLancers or StayLancers. Make a good first impression as this will influence their decision on whether to invite you/accept you or not.
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How can I show that I am traveling with another person?

You can connect your account to another’s if you are interested in travelling together or collaborating.
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How do I freeze my account or take it offline?

This can be easily done through your account profile. There are easy to follow instructions on the screen.
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How can I remove a negative review?

Sorry, this is not possible. Once feedback has been left it is non editable. This is why we ask you to leave feedback that is as constructive as possible and only write the truth, keeping personal feelings and differences out of the equation. If you feel that a HostLancer or StayLancer may be a danger to other members, please click on ‘report concern’ on their profile and send us your feedback in a private email. We will investigate it and take any necessary action. We prefer to deal with these matters privately. Please don’t worry though, as we do not publish insulting feedback.
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Why are some buttons or menus not working or opening for me?

If parts of the site seem to not be working, it is worth deactivating any browser extensions or add-ons that you might be running because these can sometimes interfere. Try with another browser or device to see if you can isolate the problem.
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Why are the icons for mail and logout not showing for me?

Usually this issue is caused by your browser's settings. If so, we suggest trying a different browser to see if the icons are showing correctly. If the problem persists: Make sure your browser's extensions are not blocking webfonts (noscript, ublock or adblockplus, etc.) You should also check your operating system's settings to ensure that webfonts are not being blocked.
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Can I see who has added my profile to their favourites?

Sorry but no. We keep information private for the protection of all our members, including you. If you ‘favourite’ another member’s profile they cannot see that you have done this either.
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Why has the StayLance van icon been running on my computer screen for so long?

When you first create your profile or update/edit your profile using photos, sometimes it takes time for the file to upload, and is dependent on your internet speed and the size of your photos. Please be patient. Your internet might also have dropped out, in which case you will need to refresh the bar and start that page again.
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Why do I get an error message when I submit my details?

At StayLance, our programmers are working hard on improving the platform. As we continually develop, coding bugs or errors occasionally escape our testing. Please contact us with a screenshot or copy of the full error message and we will fix it before it causes further problems. We are always grateful for platform glitches to brought to our attention. Using higher speed search engines like Google Chrome of Firefox may also fix these issues.
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I have forgotten my password. What should I do?

If you have forgotten your password you need to go to the login page. You will be directed to ‘forgot your password?’ There is one link for HostLancers, located in the 'HostLancer Login' box. StayLancers can click on the link in the StayLancer login page. Enter the email address you used to register with us, and you will receive a new password. You can change your password once you are logged into your account.
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How do I reset my password?

Just enter your email address in the ‘forgot your password?’’ link in the login box, then click on ‘reset password’’. You will then immediately receive an email containing a link to reset your password.
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How do I change my email address?

You will need to contact us to do so. Your email can’t be changed by you, as your account is non-transferrable.
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I’m having trouble accessing my account! How do I log in?

Please check the following: That you are clicking on the ‘’Log In’ section at the top left-hand corner of the landing page. That you are typing the correct username and password. That you are not using an old username or password. If you are still having problems, please contact us with your original email address and/or username and we will reissue you a password manually.
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May I use StayLance to find paid work?

StayLance is primarily a cultural exchange platform that should be used for gaining new experiences, making new friends and learning new skills & talents. We are about collaboration, sharing and helping each other in a global community. We prefer not to monetise the StayLance experience. That said, if a HostLancer requires extra help and more hours with their business, property or home, they may offer payment to ensure that they are meeting the minimum wage requirements of their country. If a HostLancer is offering payment, this will be clearly indicated in their StayOffer on their profile.
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How do I connect with my ideal HostLancers?

Once you have found a HostLancer you like the look of, all you need to do is click on the ‘connect’ button. If you get a ‘connect back’ you can then communicate freely. So long as you have Premium Membership, you can continue your conversation and make a plan!
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As a StayLancer, what am I expected to do?

It depends on your skills and talents. If you are highly qualified and experienced in your professional field, then you might negotiate a StayDeal exchange that is fewer hours of work for greater benefits. However, generally for most StayLancers the recommended number of hours are four to five hours a day five days a week. Jobs should not be something that your HostLancer wouldn’t do. If your health or safety feels threatened then you can always refuse to complete the task, but the HostLancer may ask you to leave their property. You should never feel obligated to carry out work that make you feel uncomfortable or in danger. HostLancers should always provide health and safety equipment and training. You may occasionally get a hard or nasty job (e.g. shovelling horse dung or cleaning toilets) but this is normal. HostLancers will generally balance things out so that you have fun and interesting tasks more often than not, particularly if you are highly skilled & talented.
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What should I expect from HostLancers in exchange?

In exchange for four to five hours a day of sharing your unique skills & talents, as well as your professional experience, we recommend that HostLancers offer comfortable accommodation and all your meals. Of course, utilities and Wi-Fi should be included in this. However, once again, this is something you must negotiate before you close your StayDeal. If you are asked to work more hours, then your HostLancer should offer you a paid allowance equivalent to at least the minimum wage of their country of residence. All agreements and conditions will vary, and what you should expect from each HostLancer will be different in each situation. This is why we have designed our platform so that HostLancers can create StayOffers and StayLancers can negotiate and agree on a final StayDeal. Each StayOffer will depend on your skills & talents as well as the requirements of each HostLancer. We advise that you to communicate as much as possible during your negotiations with your HostLancer before closing your StayDeal, so that you are both clear on each other's expectations.
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How can HostLancers find me?

HostLancers can search for you primarily by your skills & talents so please be thorough in what you list on your profile. They can also search for StayLancers by your travel destination or current location. They are also notified of last minute or urgent listings. This is why it is vital that you keep your profile updated on where you currently are and where you are travelling to, as well as your dates of travel. You can easily update and edit your profile through your account.
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Do I require a visa to work as a StayLancer?

It depends on the country you are visiting and your country of origin. For example, those who live in the EU will be able to work as a StayLancer in other EU countries and those travelling to Australia and New Zealand can do so with a Working Holiday Visa. StayLance will not be able to arrange visas for you as we are a platform which connects you with HostLancer listings and nothing more. Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland and Canada have Working Holiday Schemes for young people from certain countries, which you may wish to investigate further. Ultimately it is your responsibility to obtain the correct visa for any country you intend visiting.
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Does StayLance assist with work visa applications or travel expenses?

No, StayLance cannot assist with visa applications or travel expenses, nor can any of our HostLancers, so please do not ask. The HostLancer will let you know here they will be able to collect you or may even offer you use of their car. It is up to the HostLancer to make the offer in their StayOffer. You are responsible for your own travel and insurance costs.
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Do I need to invest in getting insurance?

It is always a good idea to make sure that you have travel insurance, especially if you will be participating in a lifestyle or activities where an accident is possible, such as using machinery, riding horses or taking part in a dangerous sport. Some HostLancers may also have insurance, but we advise that each induvial should be responsible for their own cover.
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Do I need my own transport?

If you can afford to buy or rent your own vehicle, it is always easier and more convenient for both you and your HostLancer. However, many people who use StayLance are aiming to keep the costs or travel low and will not be willing to invest in this expense. Some HostLancers who live remotely might offer their StayLancer the option of using their vehicle, but please always check that you are insured to drive it. StayLance takes no responsibility for accidents. When negotiating your StayDeal with your prospective HostLancer, always ask if he/she can collect you from the airport, train station or bus stop, and if they can offer you the use of a vehicle such as a car, bike or other. This should be mentioned in their StayOffer anyway.
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Will I need to join in with my HostLancer’s lifestyle?

Not always. Some HostLancers will want to share their lifestyle more than others. While one HostLancer might prefer the StayLancer to live separately in an outside cabin and not socialize at all, other HostLancers might wish to include the StayLance in everything from meals to family activities and more. Some HostLancers might be big drinkers and smokers, enjoying a party every night, while other HostLancers might be clean living and will not want a StayLancer who smokes or drinks. Again, please indicate what sort of StayLancer you are on your profile and look for HostLancers that you feel you would fit in well with. Agree this in your final StayDeal.
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How can I be sure that the place I am going to will meet my expectations?

Okay, so maybe you have been dreaming of going to the Maldives for years, but do you think that the StayDeals and HostLancers on those pristine white beaches are a match for you? Are you well suited? First off, do you think that they might be interested in what you have to share? Will your skills & talents benefit them in some way? Secondly, it might look like paradise, but can the HostLancer provide you with the living standards that you are comfortable with? Some StayLancers might be happy sleeping on a beach in a hammock and heading into the jungle with a spade. You might be more used to a four-poster bed with mosquito nets, a ceiling fan, high speed wi-fi, an ensuite bathroom and a lavatory that flushes! Don’t go too far out of your comfort zone. Communicate your needs clearly while negotiating your StayDeal so you both know what to expect.
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How do I connect with my ideal StayLancers?

Once you have found a StayLancer you like the look of, all you need to do is click on the ‘connect’ button and send them a message. If they send you a ‘connect back’, showing an interest in you too, then so long as you have Premium Membership, you can continue your conversation and make a plan!
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How can StayLancers find me?

StayLancers will search for you primarily by your location (and their travel destination) before looking at your StayOffer, so please be thorough in what you list on your profile. StayLancers will definitely be looking at your photos. They will also want to know what skills & talents you need from them, and whether they feel they will fit in with your life. The more information you put up, the better your chances of finding high calibre StayLancers. StayLancers are also notified of last minute or urgent listings, which is why it is vital that you keep your profile up to date. You can easily update and edit your profile through your account.
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How many hours a week should my StayLancer share their skills & talents

StayLance is flexible for whatever StayOffer you wish to create. Remember, StayLancers will also be looking for the best StayOffers and HostLancers on the platform. We recommend that you ask your StayLancer to do no more than 4 – 5 hours work a day, 5 days a week. If you need them to work more hours per day, then discuss this with your StayLancer before he/she arrives and offer them something extra. As StayLance is all about finding StayLancers with skills & talents, you might find StayLancers who have a highly skilled profession, in which case they might expect to work fewer hours a week in exchange for meals and accommodation. If you don’t wish to feed your StayLancer, and expect them to buy their own groceries, you should not expect them to give you more than 2 – 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. All agreements and conditions will vary, and what you should expect from each StayLancer will be different in each situation. This is why we have designed our platform so that HostLancers can create StayOffers and StayLancers can negotiate and agree on the final StayDeal. Each StayOffer will depend on the StayLancer’s skills & talents as well as the requirements of each HostLancer. We advise that you communicate as much as possible in your negotiations with your StayLancer before closing your StayDeal, so that you are both clear about each other's expectations.
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What should I offer my StayLancer in my StayOffer?

The beauty of StayLance is that the platform allows for flexibility. Each StayOffer is unique to your own lifestyle, needs and expectations. In general, treat every StayLancer as a dear friend. Offer them a comfortable place to sleep and all or some of their meals. You can tailor make each StayOffer to suit your requirements. For example, you may not have much money and so you may only wish to offer accommodation in exchange for slightly less commitment from your StayLancer. Or, if you have a really helpful StayLancer who has all the skills & talents you need, as well as a positive mental attitude, you might not want to let them go, in which case, the more you give them more you’ll get back!
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Do I have to spend all my time with my StayLancer?

Not at all! Some HostLancers love having company, enjoy being a guide, and want to have their StayLancer over for dinner every night and include them in all their activities. Other HostLancers prefer less social interaction with their StayLancer. Neither is right or wrong; it is just about preferences. If you are a HostLancer who prefers your own space, you might suggest that your StayLancer lives slightly separate from you (if you have something like a yurt or cabin on your property), arranging to see each other during certain times each week. Some HostLancers prefer to provide their StayLancers with a fridge full of groceries and a wish list of jobs to do, while others enjoy having the company of their StayLancer with all their meals. Some HostLancers use StayLance as a way to improve their social life, meet people and make friends, while others just need someone to help out around their home a few hours a week. If you are a HostLancer who prefers to have your own space, mention this in your profile and StayOffer, and discuss it with your StayLancer before you make a StayDeal.
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Am I responsible for the health and safety of my StayLancer?

While you are not responsible for your StayLancers, we do advise that you take precautions and follow the laws of your country to protect yourself and your StayLancer. This is why we encourage both parties to take out insurance in case of an accident. Please see our Health & Safety page for more details.
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Do you carry out background checks on StayLancers?

This is not something we offer. We advise that HostLancers look at the reviews and feedback that the StayLancer has received from previous HostLancers. If the StayLancer has no reviews, then you can always ask them to provide references. Ultimately it is up to you to screen your own StayLancers by interviewing them thoroughly over the phone, getting good references from them and, above all else, listening to your gut.
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What if my StayLancer turns out to be a problem?

Although StayLance offers advice on this in our Health and Safety page, we cannot take responsibility for your individual situations. However, if you are concerned about a StayLancer’s behaviour, or feel threatened, unsafe or distressed by anyone you have met through the StayLance platform, please click on ‘Report Concern’ and we will do everything we can to investigate before taking the necessary steps for your safety and that of all our members. If your question is not shown here then contact us by clicking here
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