Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eat at a Local’s?

Eat at a Local’s is a platform which aims to connect hosts and guests from different cultures at the same table, in search of a real and unique experience centred around the authentic Portuguese cuisine.

Who can sign in at Eat at a Local’s?

There are two kinds of people who can sign in: Hosts and Guests. Hosts are those who enjoy welcoming people into their homes and share with them a unique and amazing gastronomic experience. Guests are national or international tourists who are looking for different ways of connecting with local people and their culture.

How can I contact Eat at a Local’s team?

You can email: info@eatatalocals.com or call: +351 916 496 488.

Is the registration as a Eat at a Local’s Host free?

Signing in and registering as a Host to promote your events on Eat at Local´s website is free of charge. A 20% service fee will be charged for each confirmed reservation. You can increase the exposure of your event by creating a featured ad for a 25% service fee instead of a 20% fee. You will then benefit from an enhanced exposure and have a higher chance of being chosen by potential guests.

What do I need to do to become a host?

To become a host at Eat at the Local’s you need to create a guest account. Please login on our homepage, select the option “Become a Host”, and register. Once your registration is approved, you are officially a host. We recommend that our hosts carefully read the Terms and Conditions and accept the contract. Wait for our approval. Once your host profile is approved, you can start hosting people in your home.

Do I need to be a professional cook or a chef?

To become a host, you don´t need to be a professional cook or a chef. The expectation is that you, as a host, are able to welcome guests from different cultures and backgrounds in your home, passionate about Portuguese gastronomy, and enthusiastic about sharing our cultural richness.

Should I declare the income earned from this activity?

Eat at a Local’s recommends that their hosts declare the income earned as a result of this activity.

How do I create an experience?

Creating an experience is very simple. Access your host’s back office, select the option “Create Experience”, and follow the instructions. Share with your guests why you decided to become a host and why they should book an experience with you.

How much should I charge for the experience?

We believe it is important that you define a well-balanced price, by considering the duration of the experience, the quality and the exclusivity of your event.

Is it possible to redefine prices according to the number of guests?

No. The price previously defined per person will always be the same no matter what the number of guests is.

What kind of pictures should I add to the experience?

We suggest that you add a photo of yourself and photos of the dishes included on the menu. We also recommend that you post a picture of the place where the guests will enjoy the experience.

What is the latest I can accept reservations for an experience?

Guests need to book their experiences at least 48 hours in advance. The host has then 24 hours to accept it. This 48-hour period allows both the host and the guest to prepare for the event.

How am I notified about a reservation?

Every time a guest books an experience, an email will be sent to you. Then, you will have 24 hours to analyse the guest’s profile and accept or decline the reservation.

How do I know if the guest is someone trustworthy?

We suggest that you carefully check the guests’ profile and read comments from other hosts about that guest’s experience in their homes.

What happens if I need to cancel my event?

Please, read our cancelation policies.

What happens if the guest cancels the experience?

Please, read our cancelation policies.

How can I contact my guests?

Once the reservation is confirmed hosts and guests can communicate through a message box in the back office.

How do I get paid for the experiences I host?

As soon as you accept the reservation, your guests will pay through our safe payment system. The payment to the host will be processed 2 to 3 business days after the beginning of the experience.

How do I review a guest? Why should I do it?

You will receive an email with a link where you can review your guest. We strongly recommend you do this review. In doing so, you are helping hosts like yourself access more information about the guest. This information will hopefully assist hosts in deciding whether or not accept a reservation from that guest. We appreciate you taking the time to do this review.

Is the registration as a guest free?

Absolutely. The registration as a guest is free.

How do I register as a guest?

To be a guest and book an experience at Eat at a Local’s, you just need to open the menu Login and register as a guest.

How do I add an experience to my favourite’s list?

To add an experience to your favourite’s list, all you need to do is click on the heart of the experience´s main image.

Can I book an experience at Eat at the Local´s even if I’m allergic to certain types of food?

If you are allergic to any kind of food, we recommend that you carefully go over the menu before booking the experience. If you decide to book the experience, we also recommend that you contact the host to let him know about your food allergy(ies).

How do I know if the host is a good cook? How do I know if this is going to be a genuine experience?

Before selecting a host and booking an experience, we recommend that you read the comments from other guests about that host. After that, you will be better informed and ready to make a decision.

Does the host speak my language?

Selecting an experience, gives you the chance not only to read all the comments from other guests, but also to access the host’s profile information, languages spoken, and personal interests.

Will I be the only guest taking part in the experience or will other guests be there as well?

When you select an experience and then the number of guests, you will be able to see the number of people who can potentially participate in that experience.

What is included in the cost of an experience?

The cost includes the meal and any other activity that the host decides to add to enrich your experience.

Is it safe to pay using Eat at a Local’s payment system?

It is absolutely safe to pay for your experience through our system. Stripe is a platform that works with thousands of companies worldwide, including Amazon, Microsoft, Facebook and Unicef; on this type of platforms, security is the main concern, and Stripe is not any different. Eat at a Local’s will never access one’s personal information. No information will ever be kept on our servers. Please learn more about this on Stripe’s security policies (https://support.stripe.com/).

How can I find an experience?

To look for the best experience at Eat at a Local’s, you will need to visit our homepage and select the location, the date, and the type of meal you would like to try. After that, you just need to choose according to your preferences.

Will my reservation be immediately accepted?

Your reservation will need the host’s approval. Make your booking request and wait for approval. The host has 24 hours to accept your request.

When do I receive confirmation of my reservation and all the details regarding the location of the experience?

The host has 24 hours to confirm or decline the reservation. You will be notified. Once you receive the notification, you will be able to access all the information you need to participate in the experience.

When do I pay for the experience?

As soon as the host confirms your participation in the experience, the payment will go through our secure payment system.

How far in advance do I have to book an experience?

Guests need to book their experiences at least 48 hours in advance. The host has then 24 hours to accept it. This 48-hour period allows both the host and the guest to prepare for the event.

What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?

Please, read our cancelation policies.

What happens if the host cancels the experience?

Please, read our cancelation policies.

How can I contact the host?

Once the reservation is confirmed, hosts and guests can communicate through a message box in the back office.

How do I review the host and the experience? Why should I do it?

You will receive an email with a link where you can review your host and the experience. We strongly recommend you do this review. In doing so, you are helping guests like yourself access more information about the host. This information will hopefully assist guests in deciding whether or not book an experience with that host. We appreciate you taking the time to do this review.