How Much Do Local Guides Actually Make? (Real Numbers)

Everyone advertises "$50-100/hour as a tour guide!" The reality is more nuanced. Here are real earnings from Local Friends on Roavi.

Real Numbers by City

Medellín, Colombia - Average hourly rate: $20-35 - Average meetups per week: 3-4 - Monthly earnings (active): $300-500 - Top earners: $800-1,200/month

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Average hourly rate: $15-25 - Average meetups per week: 2-3 - Monthly earnings (active): $150-300 - Top earners: $500-800/month

Buenos Aires, Argentina - Average hourly rate: $15-30 - Average meetups per week: 2-4 - Monthly earnings (active): $200-400 - Top earners: $600-1,000/month

Bangkok, Thailand - Average hourly rate: $20-40 - Average meetups per week: 3-5 - Monthly earnings (active): $300-600 - Top earners: $1,000-1,500/month

What Affects Earnings

Your profile quality. Good photos, detailed bio, and quick responses get more bookings.

Languages spoken. English is table stakes. Add French, German, Portuguese, or Mandarin and your audience expands significantly.

Reviews. After 5+ positive reviews, booking rates increase 40%.

Specialization. "Nightlife expert" or "food tour specialist" converts better than "general guide."

The Math

If you do 3 meetups per week at $25/hour for 3 hours each: $225/week = $900/month.

In Medellín, where average monthly salary is $350-500, that's significant supplemental income doing something you enjoy.

Apply to become a Local Friend at roavi.com/roavi-local-friend.