The Roavi Blog
Stories from people who live there.
Travel tips, city guides, and local insights from the Roavi team.
453 articles
Become a Local Friend · Bangkok
A Day in the Life of a Bangkok Local Friend
There's no uniform, no shift, and no script. Here's what a typical day actually looks like for someone earning as a Local Friend in Bangkok.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Become a Local Friend · Santiago
How to Make Money as a Local Friend in Santiago, Dominican Republic (2026)
Santiago gets a fraction of the tourists Punta Cana does, which means less competition for the Local Friends who are already there. Here's how to earn in 2026.
Oscar Garcia··3 min read
Comparisons · Bangkok
Bangkok on a Budget vs. Luxury: What a Local Actually Pays
The same bowl of noodles can cost 40 baht or 400 baht in Bangkok, ten meters apart. Here's the real price gap between the tourist version and the local version of this city.
Oscar Garcia··6 min read
City Guides · Bangkok
What Locals Do in Bangkok That Tourists Miss
It's not a secret list of places. It's timing, routine, and the version of the city that only shows up once you stop following a checklist.
Oscar Garcia··6 min read
Become a Local Friend · Manila
How to Make Money as a Local Friend in Manila (2026)
Manila welcomes millions of foreign visitors a year, and Filipinos are already the world's most in-demand English-speaking freelancers. Here's how to turn your local knowledge into dollar income as a Local Friend in 2026.
Oscar Garcia··3 min read
Become a Local Friend · Manila
Best Side Hustles in Manila for 2026
Looking for extra income in Manila? From showing travelers around to online English tutoring, here are the best side hustles in the capital for 2026.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Become a Local Friend · Manila
How to Earn US Dollars in Manila Without Leaving Home
Earning in dollars while spending in pesos changes everything. Here are real ways to earn USD in Manila in 2026 — including one most people overlook.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Become a Local Friend · Bangkok
How to Become a Local Friend in Bangkok: A Step-by-Step Guide
From setting up your profile to meeting your first traveler safely — here's exactly how to start earning as a Local Friend in Bangkok.
Oscar Garcia··3 min read
Become a Local Friend · Bangkok
วิธีเป็น Local Friend ที่กรุงเทพฯ: คู่มือแบบทีละขั้นตอน
ตั้งแต่การสร้างโปรไฟล์ไปจนถึงการพบนักท่องเที่ยวคนแรกอย่างปลอดภัย — นี่คือวิธีเริ่มหารายได้ในฐานะ Local Friend ที่กรุงเทพฯ แบบละเอียด
Oscar Garcia··1 min read
Become a Local Friend · Bangkok
How Bangkok Students Can Earn US Dollars in Their Free Time
You already know the city, you're often free between classes, and your English is probably better than you think. Here's why Bangkok students are especially well-suited to earning as a Local Friend.
Oscar Garcia··2 min read
Become a Local Friend · Bangkok
นักศึกษาในกรุงเทพฯ หารายได้ดอลลาร์ในเวลาว่างได้อย่างไร
คุณรู้จักเมืองนี้อยู่แล้ว มักมีเวลาว่างระหว่างคาบเรียน และภาษาอังกฤษของคุณอาจดีกว่าที่คุณคิด นี่คือเหตุผลที่นักศึกษาในกรุงเทพฯ เหมาะกับการเป็น Local Friend เป็นพิเศษ
Oscar Garcia··1 min read
City Guides · Bangkok
The Best Things to Do in Bangkok: A Local's Guide (2026)
Temples, markets, river boats, and one of the world's great street food scenes. Here's what's actually worth your time in Bangkok in 2026.
Oscar Garcia··7 min read