Should You Use Rent a Local Friend on Your Next Trip?

In recent years, travel has become more than just visiting popular tourist destinations. People are looking for unique and authentic experiences. Connecting with locals is a great way to learn more about the culture of the places you visit. 

That's where Rent a Local Friend comes in. This website connects travelers with locals eager to share their knowledge and show people around their city. This review will explore Rent a Local Friend in more detail, so you can decide if it's right for you!

What Is Rent a Local Friend?

Rent a Local Friend is a travel service that connects travelers with locals who offer personalized tours. Whether you're looking for a food tour in Colombia or a historical walking tour in Chile, you can find a local friend eager to show you around. 

Rent a Local Friend operates in more than 170 cities worldwide. So, wherever you go, you'll for sure find a friend who can help you explore the city you're visiting!

The Story Behind Rent a Local Friend

Rent A Local Friend was founded in 2012 in Rio de Janeiro by Alice Moura. 

Moura was passionate about showing visitors her city in an authentic and personal way. She wanted to create a platform to connect travelers with locals who could share their stories and experiences. Locals can offer an insider's perspective on the best places to eat, drink, and explore in a city.

The platform has since grown into a global network of more than 2,500 "friends" in over 160 countries. It provides travelers with unforgettable personalized experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions.

Who Is Rent a Local Friend For? 

Rent a Local Friend is an excellent choice for an authentic travel experience. The website covers a wide range of interests, with passionate locals who are clued up on the cities they live in.

The service is easy to use, with reasonable prices. Whether you're a solo or group traveler, it's an effective way to make new friends and learn more about the culture of the city you're visiting.

How to Rent a Local Friend

To rent a local friend, simply visit Rent a Local Friend's website and search for the city you're visiting. You'll be able to browse the profiles of local friends in that city and select one that best matches your interests. 

Once you've chosen a local friend, you can message them to discuss your tour details. Tour prices vary depending on length and type but are generally reasonable.

Cost of Renting a Local Friend

The cost of hiring a local friend on Rent a Local Friend varies depending on the city, type of tour, and your local friend's expertise. The average hourly rate ranges from $15 to $50, with most tours lasting between two and six hours. Some tours can cost significantly more, especially if they involve special activities or require a lot of planning.

When selecting a local friend, it's important to consider your budget and the type of experience you're looking for. Some local friends offer more affordable rates but may not be as experienced or knowledgeable as others. Although some tours are more expensive, they may offer a more memorable experience. 

Ultimately, the cost of hiring a local friend is a small price to pay for the valuable insights and experiences they can offer. It can be a great way to make the most of your travel experience!

Benefits of Renting a Local Friend

One of the biggest pros of Rent a Local Friend is the personalized services. You can choose a local friend who shares your interests and create a tour tailored to your needs. 

The local friends have a wealth of knowledge about their city and the best places to explore. You can live like a local and try unique, non-touristy experiences. You'll be sure to learn a lot about the culture and history of the place you're visiting. The service is also very affordable, making it accessible to travelers on a budget.

Renting a local friend can also help you improve your social skills, as you'll be interacting with people from various backgrounds. It's an excellent opportunity to make new friends and connections from all around the world!

Downsides of Renting a Local Friend

One downside of Rent a Local Friend is that the quality of the tours can vary depending on your local friend. While most local friends are knowledgeable and passionate, some may be less experienced or not as engaged. You may also have to deal with last-minute cancellations or changes to tour plans. 

Becoming a Local Friend

If you want to share the ins and outs of your city with travelers, you can also become a local friend on Rent a Local Friend!

To become a local friend, you'll need to create a profile and provide information about your interests and the tours you can offer. Then, set your hourly rate, and Rent a Local Friend will review your profile. Once you're approved, you can start offering tours to travelers.

Becoming a local friend allows you to earn extra income while sharing your passion for your city. However, creating tours and promoting your profile will require time and some marketing skills.

Is Rent a Local Friend Worth It?

Rent a Local Friend is an excellent service for travelers to immerse themselves in the culture and history of new places. The personalized tours offered by local friends are affordable and engaging. This makes them a compelling choice for solo travelers, couples, and families. 

If you plan on taking a trip soon, check out Rent a Local Friend to enhance your travel experiences!

Our Rating: 3.5/5

Pros:

• Personalized services
• Variety of local friends to choose from 
• Experience authentic tours and activities
• Affordable

Cons:

• Unpredictable quality of tours 
• Local friend may be unengaged 
• Might experience last-minute cancellations

Explore With Pilot!

Rent a Local Friend is a great option to connect with and gain insights from locals on your travels alongside platforms like Workaway or ViaHero.

Now that you've got your local friend to show you around, start planning your next adventure with Pilot, your travel planner friend.