The honest answer to "how much does it cost to rent a friend?" is: it depends on the person, because on a platform like Roavi, each person sets their own rate.
That's not a dodge. It's the reason the model works. Here is what goes into the number, and how to avoid surprises.
How pricing works on Roavi
- Each Local Friend sets their own hourly rate, shown on their profile before you message.
- You agree the plan, the hours and the total in chat before meeting.
- Roavi takes no commission from either side. The rate on the profile is what the Local Friend receives.
So the real question is what makes one person's rate higher than another's.
What changes the rate
The city. Rates follow local prices. A Local Friend in New York and one in Medellín live in different economies.
Languages. Someone fluent in your language, especially in a country where few people are, is doing more than showing you around: they're your interpreter.
Whether they drive. In places like Punta Cana, being collected from your resort changes the whole day, and it's worth more.
Experience and reviews. Profiles with a track record tend to charge more, and tend to be worth it.
How long you want. A half day is the most common; some people offer a better rate for a full day.
What the total usually includes (and doesn't)
The rate pays for their time. Everything else is what you agree:
- Food and drink. Commonly the visitor covers shared meals, but it's not automatic.
- Transport. Taxis, fuel, a boat. Say who pays.
- Entry fees. Museums, parks, the cable car.
Put all of it in the chat before you meet. It's the single thing that prevents awkward moments at the end.
How other platforms differ
Rent-a-friend sites differ mostly in who pays the platform: some charge travellers a membership or booking fee, some take a cut from the person you meet. Read the terms before you sign up for anything. RentAFriend alternatives and RentAFriend vs Roavi compare them.
Versus a private tour
A private tour sells a fixed itinerary. A Local Friend sells their time, and the day follows what you turn out to be interested in. For many travellers that's both cheaper and better; compare profiles with private tour prices for the same city and decide.
Keep it simple
- Browse Local Friends in your city and compare rates.
- Message two or three with your dates and what you'd like.
- Agree the plan, hours, total and extras in chat.
Nervous about the rest? Is renting a friend weird? The honest answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a friend?
It depends on the person and the city. On Roavi each Local Friend sets their own hourly rate and it's shown on their profile before you message. The total is that rate times the hours you agree, plus any food, transport or entry fees you agree to cover.Do rent-a-friend websites charge fees?
Some charge travellers a membership or a booking fee; some take a cut from the person you meet. Roavi takes no commission from either side, so the rate on the profile is what the Local Friend receives.Do I pay for my local friend's food?
Only if you agree to. It's common for the visitor to cover shared meals and entry fees, but it's not automatic. Settle it in chat before you meet.Is it cheaper than a private tour?
Often, and it's a different thing: a private tour sells a fixed itinerary; a Local Friend sells their time, and the day follows what you want. Compare the hourly rate on profiles with private tour prices for the same city.Can I negotiate the rate?
You can ask, especially for a longer day, but the rate is the Local Friend's to set. The better approach is to message a few people and choose the profile that fits your budget.