How LangMate works

Everything you need to know
before your first session

From booking to saying goodbye โ€” here's exactly what to expect when you book a Language Companion.

How a LangMate session actually works

Four simple steps from finding your companion to completing your session and leaving a review.

1

Search and choose your Language Companion

Enter your destination city and the language you want to practice. Browse verified native speakers available on your travel dates, read reviews, and check their hourly rate.

๐Ÿ”

Filter by language

Search by specific language โ€” European Portuguese, Castilian Spanish, Parisian French, and more.

๐Ÿ“…

Check real availability

Each companion has a live calendar. You only see companions available on your dates.

โญ

Read verified reviews

Every review comes from a traveler who completed a real session.

๐Ÿ’ฐ

Compare prices

Each companion sets their own rate. Sessions range from โ‚ฌ15 to โ‚ฌ40/hour.

2

Send a booking request

Select the date, time, and duration (minimum 2 hours, maximum 8 hours). Write a short message about your language level and goals. Your companion has 24 hours to accept or decline.

โœ‰๏ธ

Send a message

Introduce yourself and share your language goals. Companions appreciate knowing your level.

๐Ÿชช

Verify your identity

First-time bookings require a quick ID verification via Stripe. Takes under 2 minutes.

3

Pay securely and confirm

Once your companion accepts, pay securely via credit or debit card through Stripe. Your companion receives the funds only after the session is completed โ€” your money is protected.

๐Ÿ”’

Secure payment

All payments processed by Stripe โ€” the same technology used by Amazon and Airbnb.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ

Funds held until completion

Your companion only receives payment after the session ends and both parties check out.

4

Meet, walk, and speak

Meet your Language Companion at the agreed public location. They speak to you in their native language throughout the session. Walk the city, have real conversations, practice in context. At the end, both of you check out and leave a review.

๐Ÿ“

Public meeting point

Always meet in a public space. Never at a private address.

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ

Native language only

Your companion speaks their native language throughout. Full immersion.

โฑ๏ธ

Check-in & check-out

Both parties confirm the session start and end on the platform.

โญ

Leave a review

Rate your experience. Your companion rates you too โ€” it builds trust for everyone.

What a 4-hour session looks like

Every session is different โ€” but here's an example of how a morning in Lisbon might unfold.

10:00

Meet at a local cafรฉ

You meet Ana at a cafรฉ in Chiado. She greets you in Portuguese โ€” from this moment, the session is fully in the language.

10:30

Walk through Bairro Alto

You walk the neighbourhood together. Ana explains what you see in Portuguese. You ask questions, she corrects you gently and naturally.

11:30

Visit the local market

You practice asking prices, ordering food, chatting with vendors. Real conversations with real people โ€” Ana is right there to help.

12:30

Lunch โ€” your treat, your choice

You grab lunch. You pay for your own meal โ€” Ana joins for conversation but is under no obligation to eat anything.

14:00

Check-out and review

The session ends. Both check out on the platform. You leave Ana a 5-star review. Payment is released to her within 48 hours.

๐Ÿ’ก Good to know: Your Language Companion is not a teacher and not a tour guide. They are a native speaker who walks the city with you and speaks their language naturally. Think of it as spending time with a local friend who happens to be patient with your Portuguese.

Session summary
Duration4 hours
Companion rateโ‚ฌ18/hour
Total paid via platformโ‚ฌ72
Your lunch (optional)~โ‚ฌ12 (yours only)
Museum entry (if any)You pay for both
Language learnedPriceless โœ“

What's allowed and what's not

LangMate has clear rules to protect everyone. Please read these before booking.

โœ… What's included
โœ“Walking and exploring the city in public spaces
โœ“Practicing the language in real-life situations
โœ“Visiting free public spaces โ€” parks, squares, neighbourhoods
โœ“Paid attractions โ€” tourist pays entry for both
โœ“Cafรฉs and restaurants โ€” tourist pays their own only
โœ“Conversation about culture, local life and history
โœ“Gentle correction of pronunciation and grammar
โŒ What's not allowed
โœ—Sessions in private spaces โ€” homes, hotel rooms
โœ—Asking the companion to pay for anything
โœ—Requesting services outside language practice
โœ—Exchanging contacts to bypass the platform
โœ—Paying the companion outside of LangMate
โœ—Recording the companion without consent
โœ—Any inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour

What you pay for

Simple, transparent pricing. No hidden fees, no surprises.

๐Ÿ’ณ
Companion's hourly rate
Paid via LangMate at booking. Each companion sets their own rate. Held until the session is completed.
โ‚ฌ15โ€“โ‚ฌ40 / hour
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ
Paid attractions & entry fees
If you visit a museum, monument, or any paid attraction, you cover the entry fee for both you and your companion.
Tourist pays for both
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ
Food & drinks
Each person pays for their own food and drinks. Your companion is never obligated to eat or drink anything.
Each pays their own

Frequently asked questions

The most common questions from first-time users.

Is my Language Companion a certified teacher?โ†’
No โ€” and that's intentional. Language Companions are native speakers, not teachers. They speak their language naturally with you, which is often more effective than formal lessons. Think of it as immersion, not instruction.
What if I'm a complete beginner?โ†’
LangMate works for all levels. When sending your booking request, mention your level. Many companions are experienced with beginners and will adapt their pace and vocabulary accordingly.
What if my companion cancels last minute?โ†’
If your companion cancels less than 24 hours before the session, you receive a full refund automatically. Companions who cancel repeatedly are removed from the platform.
Can I book the same companion again?โ†’
Absolutely. Many travelers book the same companion for multiple sessions during the same trip. Simply visit their profile and make a new booking request.
What happens if I feel unsafe during a session?โ†’
Use the emergency button available on every page of the platform. It immediately alerts our safety team and temporarily suspends the other party's account pending investigation.

Find your Language Companion
for your next trip

Browse verified native speakers in 14 European cities. Book in minutes, speak from day one.