Work in Hostels for Free Accommodation

Dreaming of working in hostels abroad? Wondering HOW to work in a hostel? This post is for you. Finding hostel jobs is a great alternative for travelers. If you want to travel further and longer, you work in a hostel for free accommodation.

Some hostels can give you allocations too, but these are harder to find. Generally speaking, you get a free bed in a dorm in exchange for your work.

In this article, you’ll find information on what it’s like to work in a hostel, how to find a hostel that allows you to work in exchange for accommodation and what are the benefits of doing so.

What it’s like to work in a hostel?

Over the years, I worked in a few hostels. It was the perfect way for me to travel longer without spending a lot of money.

I’ve always been a fan of slow travel so this option just made perfect sense. I wanted to travel longer, meat lots of other travelers and more importantly, I wanted to save money.

I had three different experiences with hostels.

Volunteering in a Hostel in Istanbul, Turkey

My first ever experience working in a hostel was in Istanbul. My tasks were pretty easy – help with the breakfast and help with minor tasks (fix pictures on the wall, etc.). It required me to work a maximum of one hour a day for a free breakfast as well as a free bed. Depending on the bookings, I would sometimes have a shared dorm or a private room.

Volunteering in a Hostel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

My second experience volunteering in a hostel was in Kuala Lumpur. This time I was desperate to find an option since I was pretty much broke, ha. I needed to take a break from spending money so I can save up a bit. As I was working online, it was a brilliant idea since I would get free accommodation in exchange for work. We also got a bit of pocket money for every shift once a month.

This one required more work from me. I would work 6 or 7 days a week, 6 hours per shift. My job would be the reception which means I had to welcome the guest, check them in and show them their room. In exchange, I would get a free breakfast, a shared dorm (the dorm was shared with other volunteers) as well as pocket money. This was one of my favorite experiences in hostels since I met many travelers and made a lot of great friends. (The top photo is actually from the time I worked in the hostel in Kuala Lumpur.)

Volunteering in a Hostel in Bali, Indonesia

My third experience working in a hostel was in Canggu in Bali. I got a free bed in exchange for help with social media. I would post photos on Instagram and Facebook for a bed in a shared dorm. This dorm would be shared with other guests. I would also get free breakfast. I stayed there for a few months and I met amazing backpackers during this period.

How to find a job in a hostel for free accommodation?

There are a few different ways to get a job in a hostel abroad. You can use a platform to find opportunities or you can try your luck directly in a hostel.

Using a platform to find a hostel job

You can apply for a volunteer position online using platforms such as Worldpackers, HelpX or Workaway. I believe Worldpackers is the best platform since it comes with insurance and they can help you in case of an emergency which is a rare feature.

You can read more about Worldpackers here and get the promo code here.

Worldpackers connects travelers and hosts around the world. You will find MANY options for hostel positions all over the world. Choosing a listing with reviews is a great way to ensure your safety abroad.

How to ask for a job in a hostel

The best way to get a job in a hostel while you’re already abroad is to stay in this hostel. Sometimes, you will see signs or posters that indicate they might be looking for staff. Go to the reception and ask to speak with the manager.

If you stick around the hostel, talk with everyone and show how friendly you are, you can always ask for a job. If they have something available, you could get lucky. Although a lot of places run without volunteers, it really depends where you’re traveling to.

This is why many travelers prefer to apply to hostel positions online. This way, they know they will have a position before they arrive at their next destination.

How I asked for a job in a hostel

I found two jobs in hostels without applying online. It was the case in Kuala Lumpur and in Bali. Here’s what happened.

My story in Kuala Lumpur

Every time I went to Kuala Lumpur, I stayed in the same hostel. This hostel works mostly with volunteers. The manager liked me and asked me if I would be interested in working there. At the time, I wasn’t staying in the city long enough. Eventually, I had to stay longer in the city, and I decided to request a job. They didn’t need volunteers in this hostel, but they had sister hostels on the same road. They referred me to another one and I started working the next day.

My story in Bali

When I checked in my hostel in Canggu, Bali, I asked the manager how good the wifi was since I needed it to work. She asked me what kind of work I was doing and she started asking me questions about Instagram. At first, she asked me if I could teach her about Instagram in exchange for three free nights. I said yes. Eventually, she discovered it was too complicated for her and she asked me if I could take care of the social media in exchange for free accommodation. And I said yes.

What are the benefits of working in hostels?

Working in hostels was a wonderful experience for me. Here are the main benefits for long-term travelers.

You get free accommodation
You meet new friends from around the world every day
You improve your self-confidence
You won’t have to worry about feeling lonely
You get free breakfast in most hostels

I’m glad I got to work in hostels during my twenties. I’ve met so many great people, it put me outside my comfort zone and allowed me to travel longer.

FAQ

💰 How much do hostels pay?

In this article, we discuss volunteer positions. Although, sometimes, hostels give you pocket money. Read all the details above to learn more.

🔎 How do you get a job in a hostel?

You can get a job in a hostel by finding a volunteer position online or you can talk with the hostel manager during your stay. In this article, we answered these questions.

💸 How much does it cost to live in a hostel?

If you volunteer, your stay is free. In fact, volunteering in a hostel means you will exchange your work for accommodation.

Have you ever worked in a hostel? Share your experience in the comments.

‣ Backpacking in Southeast Asia
‣ Backpacking in Bali
‣ Bali or Thailand?

BEFORE YOU GO

☑ Book your flight: If your flight isn’t booked yet – check out the flights on Skyscanner or via Google Flights. My top saving tip is flexibility. If you’re flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight.

☑ Book your accommodation: I always use Airbnb and Booking.com. If you’d rather stay in a hostel, you should take a look at the options on Hostelworld. If you click on the Airbnb link and you don’t have an account yet – you’ll get a $30 discount on your first booking.

☑ Protect your cute face: Oh, you may want to protect your cute face with a travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers. Otherwise, you can also take a look at World Nomads.

☑ Pack the essentials: You can consult this list when it’s time to pack your bag! Do not leave without a universal charger, a power bank and your passport!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren’t sure if you need a visa, it would be a smart idea to take a quick look before you go. You can use iVisa – it’s super useful and easy to use.

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