Questions about costs for the au pair stay

• How much does AuPairWorld cost?
• Is there a placement fee?
• How much does it cost to become an au pair?
• How much does it cost to host an au pair?
• Will I receive a salary as an au pair?
• Who pays for the au pair's travel costs?
• Should au pairs buy a round-trip ticket in advance?

How much does AuPairWorld cost?

AuPairWorld offers a platform connecting host families and au pairs without charging placement fees. Au pairs can use the service free of charge, while host families need a Premium Membership to access full functionalities, including direct communication with au pairs. Premium Membership is available from € 49.90.

Is there a placement fee at AuPairWorld?

No, AuPairWorld does not charge placement fees. Unlike traditional agencies, we don’t assign au pairs to families. Instead, you search and choose your own match through our platform. To contact au pairs and arrange a stay, host families need a Premium Membership.

How much does it cost to become an au pair?

The costs for becoming an au pair vary based on your home country and host country. As a general rule, you cover expenses in your home country, including:

• Visa & Medical Checks (if required)
• Travel Costs (flights, train, etc.)
• Language Courses (in most cases)

Exact costs depend on factors like visa fees, travel distance, transport type, and course prices. Nonetheless, you can now get a detailed overview of the costs for an au pair stay for both au pairs and host families. Once you’ve chosen a host country, you can estimate these expenses more accurately.

Finally, at AuPairWorld we recommend that host families make a contribution to the cost of the language course, as well as the return trip of the au pair.  

How much does it cost to host an au pair?

As a general rule, families pay for the expenses once the au pairs have arrived. These include:

• Free board and lodging (including a private room)
• Pocket money (amount varies by country)
• Insurance (required in some countries)
• Language course fees (in some cases).

Tip: While au pairs pay for their travel, visa, and medical checks, we recommend contributing to their language course and return travel.

Get a detailed overview of the costs for an au pair stay for both au pairs and host families.

Will I receive a salary as an au pair?

In most countries, au pairs do not have the status of a normal employee as au pairing is a programme of cultural exchange. For this reason, au pairs do not typically receive a salary in the classic sense, but rather pocket money from their host family. The amount of pocket money depends on the host country and also to some extent on the number of working hours.  

Who pays for the au pair's travel costs?

Au pairs are generally responsible for their own travel expenses. This ensures they are committed to the experience and helps protect host families from scams. We strongly advise against making advance payments to avoid fraud.

Tip: If the stay has been positive, host families may choose to reimburse part or all of the return travel costs as a gesture of appreciation.

Special rules for the USA

Au pairs traveling to the U.S. must go through a designated agency. Travel costs are included in the agency placement fee. Learn more about regulations for au pairing in the USA.

Should au pairs buy a round-trip ticket?

A round-trip ticket is often cheaper than two one-way tickets and may be required for visa approval. However, many au pairs prefer to buy a one-way ticket for more flexibility, especially if they extend their stay. Particularly for European au pairs travelling inside of Europe, it may also be that one-way tickets offer better deals.

Tip: If booking a round-trip ticket, choose an open-return option to adjust the return date without extra fees.