Show your appreciation to your host for welcoming you into their home.
Communicate your travel dates
Before you head to the airport, send your host your travel details (i.e. your check-in/check-out dates and estimated arrival time.) If there are any changes to these dates and timing, let your host know right away.
Keep yourself informed
Before you check-in, take time to read through your host’s house rules and cancellation policy. If your host didn’t set any house rules, ask your host when you check-in so you avoid any misunderstandings.
Respect the space
The place you are renting is someone’s home, treat it like you would your own. Keep the place neat and be mindful of your host’s belongings.
Be courteous
Before you head out for the day, make sure that you let your host know what time you expect to be back to avoid any inconvenience.
Be considerate
If you are sharing the place with your host or other guests, be considerate of the use of the common areas, like the shared bathroom and kitchen. Keep these areas clean after use.
Don’t invite other people to your place before clearing this with your host first.
It is common courtesy to check with your host before inviting others into his/her home.
Be aware of cultural differences
Take note of the basic etiquette in your destination. Here are some common practices across Asia Pacific:
- Asians are typically more formal, especially on first meeting. Following the basic greetings in your destination is polite and shows that you have an interest in the culture.
- Traditionally, shoes are not worn inside homes in countries such as India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Usually, shoes are removed and left (neatly, of course!) in the foyer before entering the home.
- If your host invites you to join their family for a meal, wait for the eldest member or the head of family before you start eating. This is to show respect for the family. If you are using chopsticks, remember to follow the acceptable use of chopsticks (gesturing with the chopsticks or spearing your food with them are seen as rude, don’t leave your chopsticks standing in a bowl of rice or other food as this is seen as a resemblance of sticks of incense in a bowl used to honour the dead ancestors)
- In Philippines, it is customary for hosts to serve a snack to guests. Accept the offer and consume the food. Declining is considered rude to the host. Also, be prepared to sing a song or two at the family’s karaoke session.
- In Vietnam, it is frowned upon for unmarried couples to share a room. Clear with your host first if this setup is acceptable to him/her before you book.
- If you are staying at a Muslim home, remember that the Muslims practice halal dietary restrictions. Remember this when bringing in food into their home.
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