- Plan ahead.
- If you are not using ServasOnline, send your authorized Letter of Introduction (LOI) as an attachment in your first email enquiry to potential Canadian Servas hosts.
- Put “Servas” somewhere in the email subject line so hosts know it is not spam.
- Continue dialogue with your host until arrival dates and times are confirmed.
- Do not send mass emails to a number of different hosts.
- Try not to stay just in major urban centres or tourist areas. Hosts in these areas are often overwhelmed with travellers while more remote hosts may want more.
- Do not expect to be hosted by Servas through your entire trip. Vary your accommodation.
- If you can’t reach your Canadian host, the local coordinator may be able to help.
- Respect the host list details for each host you contact (e.g., no smoking).
- Respect the host’s right to say no.
- Inform hosts about any medical conditions, allergies, or disabilities that could affect your visit.
- Try not to contact your host before 9am or after 9pm; keep in mind Canadian time zones.
- If you decide not to stay with a host that you have made prior arrangements with, contact that host to cancel.
- If leaving a voicemail on the host’s phone, speak slowly and clearly. Call details should include your name and a 10-digit phone number at which you can be reached.
- Toll-free (free) phone numbers start with 1.800, 1.888, 1.877, 1.866.
- All host and traveller contact information is confidential and to be used for Servas business only.
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