What is Swap My City Pad?
How does Swap My City Pad work?
Added peace of mind
Random stuff
What is a city swap?
Swapping is a simple and secure way of taking a city break, without forking out for a hotel. You swap your home for someone else's in a different city for a holiday.
We help people to swap their homes through a unique database that features hundreds of properties in cities all over the world. Simply enter your dates and destination, and we'll find the right one for you.
We can't guarantee there will be mints on your pillow before bedtime. But we can guarantee a unique travel experience that promises a genuine home away from home.
Can anyone take part in a city swap?
Yes they can! Whether you own outright, have a mortgage on a home, rent your property, have a time share property or a second home, anyone can particpate in a city swap. Always ensure you are truthful about your abode and if you rent, ensure you have checked with your landlord whether you can have non-paying guests to stay whilst you are away.
There are so many different people who want to try a city swap; from city breakers, expats looking to try out a different city as a local before they emigrate, expats who want to explore their new country or business travelers. Swap My City Pad will find you likeminded people to swap with.
How long can I swap for?
Swap My City Pad specialises in city breaks and most people are looking for a long weekend break, however others may wish to swap for longer periods of time for instance a week or two or even the entire summer period. As long as your exchange partner is happy to swap for the same period of time, you can arrange a swap for as long as you both want.
What are the advantages to city swapping?
There are so many good reasons to house swap, it would be criminal not to spell them out in a handy cut-out-and-keep list. So we’ll spell them out in a handy cut-out-and-keep list:
- No accommodation costs.
- A great alternative to a cheap city break.
- The comfort of living in a proper home rather than a roadside B&B.
- If agreed, cars or even boats can be included in the exchange and cut out the need of car rental.
- No accommodation costs.
- More money available for you to spend on life’s luxuries, like eating out, shopping, a spa treatment, or flutter on the dog track. We would never judge.
- The opportunity to live like a local and discover things off the beaten track
- No accommodation costs.
- A greener way to travel. Admittedly, your towels won’t be changed every day, but Mother Nature will smile on you for keeping her in such great shape.
- Your pets can stay at home and be cared for by your exchange partners, if you (and they) wish.
- Your home is occupied and being looked after while you’re away.
- No accommodation costs.
My city pad isn’t particularly large or luxurious. No one will want to swap with me surely?
As long as you are upfront, honest and clear about your home, potential home exchangers may not always be looking for a similar home to theirs to stay in; their priorities may be location, car exchange, comfort etc. As long as both parties are happy, then you can proceed to the next step of organising and confirming a city swap.
I have a rather swanky pad, can I swap as well?
You will be able to find a like for like arrangement if you wish, or some members may prefer to compromise on size over location. So, if you have a city pad that you are proud of whether it is a bijou apartment in the heart of the city or a large villa in the outskirts of town, Swap My City Pad can find you that home away from home.
I don’t live near a tourist area. Will people still want to stay in my pad?
Some people aren’t looking to stay in the heart of the tourist areas. Always be honest about your location and distance to local attractions, transport and airports etc. Some people are happier staying in a quieter district with a short journey into the centre of town.
Business people may need to stay close to exhibition centres, factories etc which are not situated in the heart of the tourist areas.
If I decide to swap my pad, I will need to have a clean and tidy before I go, that sounds like a lot of hassle!
We understand that this could seem like a lot of trouble for people, however the money you are saving means that a small amount of effort will save you thousands in hotel bills.
Give your home a tidy; not only will it make your fellow swappers stay more pleasurable it will be a cathartic experience for you. Clear out space in your wardrobe, drawers and food cupboards if your guests are staying for more than a few days. Stock up on toilet rolls and clean an extra set of bedding and towels.
On the money you save on hotel bills why not get a cleaner to come in the day before your guests arrive and give your home a spruce before you leave and again before you return. Otherwise, get those marigolds on and give your home an all important polish. You want your city pad to be in the same condition as you would like to find your home exchangers home.
How is home exchange green?
Swap My City Pad aims to be kinder on the environment and help bring communities together. Staying in someone else’s home is a greener way to travel than staying in a hotel or B&B. Home exchange balances incoming and outgoing tourism without placing excess demand on destinations.
Towels and bedding are not washed and changed every day, members are encouraged to explore their local area by foot or by bike (which can also be swapped) and there are no complimentary chocolates/bottles of shampoo/shower gel etc that get thrown away half eaten/used etc. Members will also be able to recommend the best ways to travel around a city using public transport instead of relying on cars.
How much is it to be a Swap My City Pad member?
Swap My City Pad offers three levels of membership; bronze, silver and gold. You can list your property for FREE with a bronze membership until you find that perfect bolthole, after which you can upgrade to silver or gold membership that enables you to start communicating with other members and arranging that well earned city swap at a mere £39.99 a year or £49.99 a year respectively.
Over that year you can swap as many times as you like in as many cities that takes your fancy.
Gold members (£49.99 a year) have the added benefit of joining a network relating to their profession. This will enable members to search for city pads belonging to someone in a similar profession as them. Not only is this a great networking tool, but gives members the added peace of mind when exchanging, for instance a doctor/teacher/financier/lawyer in London can swap with a professional in the same industry as them but in a different city.
Once I’ve joined and paid my membership fee are there any further charges?
No. Silver and Gold membership to the site will enable you to make contact with fellow city swappers and arrange an unlimited number of home exchanges during the duration of your membership for one year.
If you are unable to home swap during the first year, you will be entitled to a further year for FREE. Please note that a free year will only apply to members who have completed their profile fully including photographs of their home and have made attempts to communicate with other members.
What does the process of listing my home involve?
Swap My City Pad has thought of everything so you don’t need to! When you sign up first you will be asked to provide a few basic details then be guided to the full listing that can be completed in your own time. We recommend that you try and complete as much information as soon as you join and include as many pictures of your home as you can (See our “Guide on taking photographs”).
Once you have completed your property listing you will be able to start actively looking for properties to swap with. Whilst searching for your next city break home exchange, take time to complete your house book. Again, Swap My City Pad has thought of everything and all you need to do is provide the information we prompt you for.
How do I contact other members?
Swap My City Pad has a secure online messaging system for silver and gold members to use to communicate with one another. When a new message is received you will be sent a notification to your personal email inbox, much like how Facebook works.
Bronze members will not be able to use this messaging service, but will be able to send an indication of interest alert to other members stating they are interested in arranging a swap. If a bronze member wishes to progress to arranging a swap they will need to upgrade to silver or gold membership.
What is the “My City” section of the website?
My City enables members to contribute information about their city’s hidden gems, so when visiting a particular city you get to see what members have recommended in their local area and even better, you get to experience parts of your own city you never knew existed before.
Member contributions to My City are held all in one place so city swappers can find all the information they need in one short hop and a skip.
Can I join a network? For instance I am a teacher/lawyer/doctor/financier and would be interested in swapping with people in the same profession as me.
All you have to do is sign up as a Gold member. Don’t worry, if you aren’t a Gold member yet you can upgrade your membership level at any time. As a Gold member, you can sign up to join as many networks that relate to your profession. This will enable you to communicate easily with other like minded people as well as swap with people who are in the same profession as you. The possibilities are endless, maybe you are a musician or artist who travels the world for work, what better way to meet other people and network than to swap homes with them.
There isn’t a network available for me to join. Can I create one?
Absolutely! If you are a Gold member you can join any of our existing networks, however if you can’t find a suitable network for you, all you need to do is send to us a request for a new network. You will be able to send the request from the “Networks” page. Just give us a couple of days to approve your suggested network and once it is up and running, you can join up.
I have my own business and need to travel, can I use Swap My City Pad?
We understand that many business people need to keep their travelling costs down, and we would suggest you sign up to Gold membership where you can swap with other business people who need to travel. Maybe there is a trade show or event you need to attend in a city and another member needs to come to your city for work too. House swapping with people in a similar profession can also be a very useful networking tool for business people.
Can I list my second property or time share?
Yes. Each listing will indicate whether the property is your primary, secondary residence or timeshare. Usually a primary residence will have more amenities available, and a secondary home will be empty most of the year enabling swappers to have non simultaneous swaps if they wish.
Can I arrange a non simultaneous swap?
Absolutely! Non simultaneous house swapping can be arranged between both parties, and is more common with members who have second homes/timeshares. If it is mutually agreeable, you can swap at different times and for differing periods of time, for instance, one party may want to spend 7 days in Paris in January and the other city swap party will want to spend 4 days in Marrakesh in March.
How do I go about arranging a city swap?
Once you have signed up to be a member, take time to list your property then search for listings in areas that you are interested in visiting, or search for listings available for the dates you are looking to travel and see what destinations come up in your search results. Sometimes exchangers can be pleasantly surprised by the destinations available if they keep their options open.
You will be able to notify other members if you are interested in swapping with them via our secure online messaging system and you will also receive emails from interested swappers who want to stay in your city pad. Always be courteous and respond to requests, even if you are not interested in swapping. When you find a city pad you are interested in swapping with, ask a few questions to ensure their pad is suitable for your needs and if all goes well you will be ready to arrange a city swap. Don’t worry though, Swap My City Pad provides a step by step online process for you to follow in order to arrange a successful home exchange.
What if I don’t have any success in arranging a city swap when I join?
If you are not successful arranging a swap in the first year we will extend your membership for a further year FREE OF CHARGE! All you need to do is contact us before your membership expires (don’t worry, we will send to you a reminder that your membership is coming to an end) and request a free year’s membership.
Please note that a free year will only apply to members who have completed their profile fully including photographs of their home and have made attempts to communicate with other members.
Are all the listings up to date?
All the listings found on our website are current for all active memberships. Once a membership expires, the listing is either downgraded to a bronze membership or removed from the site. All listings are clearly labeled with the dates of when that property was last updated for your ease of use.
What if I only want to exchange with fellow teachers, doctors, academics, musicians etc
If you join our Gold membership you will be able to join a network such as teachers, doctors, lawyers etc and narrow down your search to people in the same network as you. Silver members will have the same access to these listings however they won’t be able to undertake a search to find these specifically.
Who pays the bills?
Members will usually agree to continue paying their household bills such as rent, mortgage, and utilities etc. Any additional payments (if any) are agreed upon prior to finalising a swap.
What do I do about my pet(s)?
This really is up to you. First you need to establish whether your fellow city swapper wouldn’t mind looking after your pet(s) whilst you are away. Sometimes fellow swappers won’t mind feeding, watering and/or walking your pets. Obviously it is important that all pet care information is included in your house book and pre agreed with your fellow exchangers. Some swappers prefer to leave their pets with people their animals are familiar with such as friends or family, or for their pets to stay at a local boarding home and have a holiday themselves. If it is decided that your fellow city swapper is happy to feed and water your pet, just ensure you have stocked up with enough pet food and treats.
Can swappers also exchange their cars/boats etc?
Over half of exchangers also exchange their vehicles. Exchanging can also extend to bicycles and boats! Be aware that you need to ensure you have adequate insurance to cover for your cars use by your fellow exchangers and it is essential that you speak to your car insurance company to confirm cover. You will also need to check whether you need an international driving license before agreeing to swap cars.
Swappers are advised to fill their vehicles tank with petrol before going on your holiday, and for your fellow exchangers to fill the tank after they have used it. In some cases exchangers prefer to limit the mileage (in particular if you have a leased car, or if there are restrictions for vehicle operation). The house book will guide you through, and we also require in these instances that you obtain written permission in the form of an automated vehicle agreement provided by Swap My City Pad and a copy of the valid driver’s licenses.
How do I get from the port/airport to the city pad?
Some home exchangers will arrange for a friend, neighbour or family member to meet their fellow swappers at an agreed location (airport/train station/port etc) and drive them to their city pad holiday home. Others will leave very clear directions on how to get to the address via public transport. If city swappers are leaving from and arriving via the same location (airport/train station/port etc) they will sometimes arrange for the car to be left in a car park with keys left with a concierge and directions to the city pad in the glove compartment.
I don’t seem to be able to get any interest in my property, what shall I do?
If you have done the following and are still having problems finding a city swap, please contact us and we will see what we can do to advise and help you:
- Have you included lots of lovely pictures of your home? Make sure your home is tidy, cushions are plumped and beds made before you take any pictures. Remember, the photos you take should show potential swappers what they will find when they open the front door to your home.
- Have you completed your property listing with all relevant details relating to your home and area?
- Are you in an obscure part of a city? If people have never been there before or are unaware of what your locality looks like, why not include pictures and descriptions.
- Have you added any recommended things to do in your city in the My City section?
Some home exchange clubs are free, why should I pay to be a member when somewhere else is offering it for nothing?
Sites that offer exchange memberships for free unfortunately attract people who are not as motivated or serious about home exchanging, and are not as willing to spend the time to make the home exchange successful.
I would like to swap with people who are in a similar profession to me, is this possible?
In the world of Swap My City Pad everything is possible! If you sign up to become a Gold member you will be able to join a network relating to your profession, and be able to search for city pads belonging to people in your profession. For instance if you are a teacher, you can swap with other teachers around the world. Swap My City Pad believes networks will give members an additional peace of mind.
I don’t want anyone to know my personal email/contact details until I say so.
We take your privacy extremely seriously and our Privacy Policy will have more details on this.
None of your personal contact details are shown to anyone including fellow members unless you decide to divulge that information yourself. All communications will be sent via our secure online messaging system so you will not need to swap email addresses.
Additional steps you can take to protect yourself can include:
- Dont disclose your house number or too much detail on the exact whereabouts of your home in your property listing. (Remember postcodes/zip are ok and useful in locating the general area of your property on the map. They are not unique to your home alone and will cover a street of properties)
- Dont include a photo of the front of your property if you are concerned about giving too much information away about which home is yours.
- Only submit your first name in the “About Me” section of listing your property.
What about my home and vehicle insurance?
You need to make a couple of quick phone calls prior to agreeing and exchanging your Home Exchange/Vehicle agreements.
One to your home insurance provider to ensure it is up to date and valid and to explain to them that you will have non-paying guests in your home during this period whilst you are on holiday. Insurance companies are known to prefer a home being occupied, than being left empty when you are away.
Another call is to your vehicle insurance provider, if you have agreed to swap cars, bikes etc check that your insurance covers for use by your exchange partners. You will need the designated driver(s) details before making this call. Be aware that some UK car insurance companies don’t insure American nationals to drive.
I have some valuable items at home such as jewelry and computers, what should I do with them?
In the many years that home exchanging has taken place, theft and damage is extremely rare. However, just to be safe rather than sorry it is advisable to remove any valuable/irreplaceable or particularly sentimental items out of your home. Either leave with a trusted family member, neighbour, or friend, or lock away in a cupboard or spare room. Clear and lock away any bank statements or sensitive information.
Sometimes fellow city swappers will leave a computer out for use by the exchanger, however if you are not sure then put it away with your other valuables.
Will my home be safe when I swap?
Home exchanging has been in existence for over 50 years and it is extremely rare for any problems to arise! Most of the home exchange clubs have never reported any thefts and the only issues that have ever come up (very very rarely) are due to the differing levels of cleanliness.
It’s quite normal to feel anxious if this is your first time! Even your reciprocal exchangers are nervous and remember, you are staying in their house whilst they are in yours! This is why it is important to ensure you have a house book put together before you swap, as well as contact with your fellow exchanger prior to the swap to iron out any concerns beforehand. We believe that as long as everyone is upfront and honest a successful city swap will follow.
We have a ratings system so that previous exchangers can rate their experiences, and from this you will be able to gauge your fellow exchangers. See “Prepare your City Pad” checklist in your Account area for further steps to take on security such as locking valuables and sensitive information away.
The key to a successful exchange is to be honest and open. If you have any concerns or doubts, feel free to ask more questions. If at any point you don't feel you want to proceed you must feel comfortable declining a swap.
I still want peace of mind in case something goes wrong.
This is completely understandable, and we would suggest that you join up (for a small fee) to CHECtravel (Certified Home Exchange Communities travel) the home exchange certification organisation who will provide safety and security to help exchangers feel confident and comfortable in exchanging. They provide mediation and demand the highest ethical standards of its members. Even though Swap My City Pad are not a member (we are too young and will do once we have been up and running for a year) we maintain these same standards.
CHEC also provides a home exchange insurance protection plan for travelers in the US and Canada. The Travel Guard plan covers the insured if he or his home swap partner cancels the vacation home exchange due to a covered reason (maximum of $10,000 per booking). See the CHEC Travel website for more details.
The plan also covers:
- All prepaid non refundable expenses for the exchanger
- Trip and baggage delay
- Emergency medical expenses
- Damage waiver ($1500)
- Includes the well-known Travel Guard Assist Program.
What if something does go wrong?
In the rare cases where something goes wrong it is important that you contact the agent or your city swappers immediately and they will be able to assist if you are unable to work or use something in the home. If it is something more serious (like a prang in the car) you will need to contact your fellow home swappers directly as soon as possible.
What if my fellow city swapper cancels on me last minute?
Remember it’s vital to book ONLY once you have completed all of the steps up to and including exchanging the agreements since most travel costs are non refundable. Agree with your fellow swapper when you are both going to book your travel, and if it helps to reassure you, send each other copies of your tickets once booked.
When you buy your travel insurance it is worth checking whether your travel insurance covers if your exchange partners have to cancel due to death or serious illness. If you are travelling in the US or Canada you may be interested in taking out an additional insurance offered by CHEC Travel that is specifically tailored to home exchangers. For more information go to the CHEC Travel website directly.
Any city swapper known to cancel last minute without a valid reason will be removed from the website immediately with no refund on any costs incurred.
I am concerned about handing my keys to a stranger.
It is completely understandable to be worried about handing your keys across to someone you have never met. This is why we ask you to communicate fully before arranging a swap via our online messaging system and/or telephone, get to know your fellow swappers and ask lots of questions. Some people prefer to overlap their travel arrangements, where one party will meet their guests at their home, before embarking on their own journey.
We advise our members to elect a family member, friend or neighbour to act as an agent and meet your guests. If you prefer, ask your agent to meet your fellow swappers at your home, show them around and then hand over the keys. Your agent can also check on the home during the stay, and offer to be a point of contact if your guests have any questions whilst also checking on your home.
Who created this beautiful website?
The stunning illustrations were the pen work of the fabulously gifted Chris Dent. Chris is a London based illustrator who takes a fresh and unique approach to the modern metropolis, and whose clients have included Wallpaper, American Vogue, XBox and Warner Music to name a few.
Zoe Hine came up with the concept and was the driver behind this wonderful idea.
Swap My City Pad is the product of bright minds and plenty of laughter.
You still haven't answered my burning question.
If we still haven't been able to answer your question, just get in touch via the Contact Us page or if you prefer, give us a call on +44 20 8221 0251 or email info@swapmycitypad.com. We would be delighted to hear from you!