Both exchanges and visits to hosting members are to be arranged by the 2 parties involved and whatever is acceptable and clearly agreed by both sides is fine. We urge you to put your agreement in writing. It may be just an email specifying dates and times of arrival and departure, names and all necessary contact information, and what you have agreed to , just so everyone is on the same page, has something to look back at, and misunderstandings are minimized. There are one or more sample agreements on the webpage.

These guidelines are primarily to remind members of simple courtesies which will make the visits and exchanges go better for both sides. Thanks to all our members for extending this courtesy to all other Network members.

1. Visits to other members are designed to be of 1-3 days, unless your host is perfectly happy with you staying longer at the agreed-upon rate. Like in any hotel, you pay for the NIGHT you sleep in their bed regardless of what time you arrive (even after midnight) and should arrange with your host the time you will actually be departing their home, so that they can plan their activities accordingly. Sometimes you can arrange a regular rental if you wish to stay a longer time.
2. Treat your host's home with the same care you would your own.
3. Let your host indicate which areas you may use and how much time he/she will spend with you.
4. Pay your gratuity the first evening so that you don't forget.
5. If you are staying in the host's main house, limit your hours in their spaces so that the host/family have some privacy. If you are staying in a separate apartment or casita, you will probably have much more latitude in spending time there and, may be able to bring in food, which you would not normally do in the host's home (you are not renting their kitchen, just getting bed and breakfast).
6. A single member may normally travel with one non-member traveling companion. But do not bring more than one non-member or arrive with a party of more than 2 travelers without clearing with the host.
7. Do not bring more luggage than you are able to handle yourself. You host is not a bellboy.
8. Always call the day before to confirm your visit and arrival times. (better than email for those who don't check email every hour). If you have arranged the visit long ahead, it is especially important to confirm. If you are traveling before arrival at their home, giving them an itinerary and contact info en route (cell phone if available) would be a good idea in case some emergency might affect their availability.
9. Please answer all network emails that come to you promptly as a simple courtesy. It is especially important to acknowledge your potential hosts' acceptance of your request, so that they know for sure that you are coming.