At HomeExchange, there are two types of exchanges:
- Reciprocal exchange (you come to my place, and I come to yours, either at the same time or not)
- Non-reciprocal exchange, with GuestPoints (you come to my place while I’m not there, or I come to yours while you’re not there)
In both cases, you don’t always have the opportunity to meet your exchange partners. So, how can you exchange keys?
Several options are possible:
- The simplest: you wait for your exchange partners to arrive and hand over the keys in person.
- Ask a neighbor or a trusted person to welcome your guest and give them the keys.
- Leave the keys with a local shopkeeper in the neighborhood.
- Hide the keys in a secret spot.
- Send the keys by mail.
- Install a key box and share the code with your exchange partner.
Additional tips
We recommend avoiding arrangements based on an exact arrival time for your guests, given the possibility of unexpected delays, regardless of the mode of transport.
In general, you’ll always find a solution to exchange keys. However, for added security, we recommend providing your guests with two phone numbers in case they need to contact you. For instance, the number of the person welcoming them to your home and a second number of someone living in the city for emergencies.
In summary
The question of key exchange is one of those “details” to discuss with your exchange partner before the exchange. Make sure to find a solution that works best for both parties, and you’re all set! As we say, communication is key (pun intended) to a successful exchange!