Austin is a city of newcomers, which should make it easy to meet people and doesn't: everyone arrived recently and everyone is busy. "Rent a friend Austin" is the search from the ones who've been here three months and have colleagues, not friends.
What an Austin Local Friend is for#
| Plan | Why a local matters |
|---|---|
| Barton Springs | The afternoon the whole city has, with someone to have it with |
| The barbecue line | Which one is worth two hours, and the two hours themselves |
| East Austin | Bars, tacos, the part of town people actually go out in |
| Live music off Sixth | The venue a local would pick tonight |
| Festival and conference weeks | The city fills with people alone in hotels |
How it works#
Browse Local Friends in Austin, message one, agree a plan, meet in public. Each sets their own hourly rate; worldwide most charge $15 to $50 an hour (what moves the price). Rent a friend in the USA explains the model; Houston and Dallas cover the rest of Texas.
For Austinites: getting paid#
Sign up free on Roavi, add real photos and a bio, say which side of the river you're on, set a rate and your free evenings. Roavi takes no commission. Getting paid for your time in Austin covers who books and when: the festival weeks in March and October are the peaks, and newcomers are the steady work in between.
Live in Austin? Get paid to show newcomers the city.
Become a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
Can you rent a friend in Austin?
Yes. On Roavi, Austin Local Friends offer their time by the hour for the springs, the food, the music and a night out. Company, not dating.How much does it cost to rent a friend in Austin?
Each Local Friend sets their rate; worldwide most charge $15 to $50 an hour. Food, cover and rides are agreed before you meet.Who rents a friend in Austin?
Tech transplants in their first months, people here for a festival or a conference, visitors who want the Austin that isn't Sixth Street, and anyone who's found a friendly city where everyone's group is already full.How do Austinites get paid?
Sign up free on Roavi, add real photos and a bio, set a rate and your free times. People message you; you meet in public. Roavi takes no commission.