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 can work in hostels 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 guide, 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.
Without further ado, let’s start with what you can expect from hostel jobs.
How To Get A Hostel Job For Free Accommodation
There are a few different ways to get a hostel job abroad.
You can use a platform to find opportunities, or you can try your luck directly in a hostel.
Let’s dive right in!
Using A Platform To Find Hostel Jobs
You can apply for a volunteer position online in hostels using platforms like 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.
Want to learn more about Worldpackers? Read the following guides:
- Worldpackers review
- Workaway vs Worldpackers
- How to get free accommodation in exchange for work
- Worldpackers discount code
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.
Sign up on Worldpackers and get a $10 discount using the code ABROKENBACKPACK.
Get A Hostel Job In Person
The best way to get a hostel job while you’re already abroad is to stay in the hostel where you wish to work or volunteer.
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 on 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 To Ask For A Hostel Job
I found two jobs in hostels without applying online beforehand. It was the case in Kuala Lumpur and in Bali. Here’s what happened.
Hostel Work Exchange 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.
PSSST. Want to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work?
If you're traveling on a budget or want to save and extend your trip, this could be exactly what you’re looking for. Worldpackers is a platform that connects travelers like you with hosts. It’s just like volunteer work –exchange your skills for free accommodation. SAVE $10 using my discount code. Learn more about how it works here.They referred me to another one and I started working the next day.
Hostel Work Exchange 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 It’s Like To Work In A Hostel?
Over the years, I worked in a few hostels in exchange for free accommodation. It was the perfect way for me to travel longer without spending much money.
I’ve always been a fan of slow travel so this option just made perfect sense. I wanted to travel longer, meet many other travelers, and, more importantly, save money.
I had three different experiences working in hostels for free accommodation. In the following section, you’ll get information on my hostel jobs as well as the kind of hostel work I had to do.
Hostel Job In Istanbul, Turkey
My first ever experience working in a hostel for free accommodation 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 and a free bed. Depending on the bookings, I would sometimes have a shared dorm or a private room.
Hostel Job 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 to 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, meaning I had to welcome the guests, 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 many great friends. Read more about hostels in Kuala Lumpur.
Hostel Job In Bali, Indonesia
My third experience working in a hostel for free accommodation 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 in exchange for a bed in a shared dorm.
This dorm would be shared with other guests. I would also get a free breakfast. I stayed there for a few months and I met amazing backpackers during this period.
What Kind Of Hostel Jobs Are Available?
Depending on the hostel, you could be doing different jobs. Below, you’ll find the most popular tasks you could be doing in a hostel. We recommend you ask the owner what to expect before applying for a hostel job.
- Receptionist
- Cleaner
- Tour guide
- Bartender
- Cook
- Event planner
- Social media manager
- Etc.
Benefits Of Working In Hostels Abroad
Working in hostels was a wonderful experience for me. Here are the main benefits for long-term travelers:
- You get free accommodation in exchange for work
- 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.
Tips For Working In Hostels
It’s important to note that working in hostels can be fun and challenging.
In fact, it’s not the perfect job for everyone.
For example, an introvert might find entertaining a hostel crowd at night difficult.
But, if you love socializing, don’t mind sharing a dorm with other people, and are willing to work a lot – working in hostels can be a wonderful experience!
Below, you’ll find our tips for working in a hostel.
- You might have to work more than you would if you’d had a volunteering position on a farm, or in a family. In fact, you’ll have a schedule including shifts. Depending on your tasks, you may have one day off per week, or more – it really depends on the hostel.
- You might have to work even more if there are not enough volunteers. Although, if the position is paid, it might not be a problem.
- If you’re sharing your room with other volunteers, be sure to have good earplugs, because you’ll be working different shifts.
- Some hostels will give you a free bed among guests, which means you’ll need earplugs.
- Working in a hostel is the best way to make friends with people around the world. You’ll become the friendly face – and everyone will know you. It can be a good thing if you’re a social butterfly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hostel Work Exchange
Below, you’ll find popular questions regarding hostel work.
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.
That being said, discussing this with the manager when applying for a hostel job is important.
How do you get a hostel job?
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.
Can I stay in a free hostel?
There are no such things as free hostels unless you’re part of a hostel work exchange.
You can work in hostels for free accommodation.
Final Thoughts On Hostel Work For Accommodation
The hostel jobs were my favorite of all the different volunteering opportunities I’ve done over the years.
I met so many travelers, which was an excellent way for me to socialize as I was mainly traveling alone.
That said, it was great during my twenties, and I’m glad I got to experience hostel jobs so that I could travel longer and further.
