Does HomeExchange Work Internationally?

Many travelers first consider home exchange for a trip close to home, then wonder whether it works abroad. It does: HomeExchange operates worldwide, and the same membership applies whether the destination is a two-hour drive away or across an ocean. This article covers where the homes are, how international exchanges work, what they cost and how to organize one.

Over 600,000 Homes in 155 Countries

HomeExchange has more than 600,000 homes in 155 countries and over 300,000 members. Homes range from city-center apartments in Lisbon, Tokyo or Buenos Aires to family houses in small villages. The network isn’t limited to tourist hubs: many homes are in residential neighborhoods and in regions outside the usual itineraries.

International Travel with No Nightly Accommodation Cost

The membership costs $235 per year for unlimited exchanges over 12 months, and an exchange abroad costs the same as a domestic one. There is no nightly charge and no extra fee for traveling to another country. Members stay abroad in one of two ways:

The saving is largest for long stays and for destinations where hotels are expensive, since neither the length of the stay nor the local price level changes the accommodation cost. Getting there, food and activities remain the traveler’s own expenses.

Living Like a Local Abroad

Staying in a member’s home abroad means a kitchen, a washing machine and real living space, plus local advice: hosts often share their favorite bakeries, markets, transit tips and neighborhoods. For families and long stays, a full home makes daily routines easier to keep than in a hotel room. Homes are often in residential neighborhoods, which gives travelers a view of daily life that hotel districts rarely offer.

How to Organize an International Exchange

Organizing an exchange abroad follows the same steps as a domestic one, with a few points to plan earlier:

• Search by destination and dates, then filter by criteria such as the number of beds or the type of exchange.
• Contact members through HomeExchange’s built-in messaging to agree on dates, keys and house rules.
• Check profiles and reviews from past exchanges, and filter results to show only verified homes if needed.
• Arrange the key handover in advance, since hosts abroad are often traveling at the same time.
• Start early for popular periods, such as summer and school vacations.

Frequently Asked Questions

In which countries can I exchange my home with HomeExchange?

HomeExchange has homes in 155 countries, from major cities in Europe, North America and Asia to smaller towns and rural regions.

Does an international exchange cost more than a domestic one?

No. The $235 annual membership covers unlimited exchanges in any country, with no extra fee per stay or per destination.

Do I need to find someone who wants to visit my city?

No. With GuestPoints, members can stay abroad without a reciprocal exchange, using GuestPoints received by hosting other members or the 500 GuestPoints welcome bonus.

Can I use GuestPoints from hosting in the US for a stay in Europe?

Yes. GuestPoints aren’t tied to a country: GuestPoints received by hosting at home can be used in any of the 155 countries where HomeExchange has homes.

What happens if my host abroad cancels?

For members based outside Europe and Africa, HomeExchange finds alternative accommodation or offers compensation of up to $120 per night, subject to conditions.

So, Does HomeExchange Work Internationally?

Yes, it does: one $235 annual membership opens more than 600,000 homes in 155 countries, with no nightly accommodation cost abroad.