Questions & Answers
Clear answers to the most common questions from first-time members — how credits work, booking stays, costs, and everything you need to join with confidence.
1. Is there a different credit charge for different star ratings?
Yes. Credit charges vary by grading. Once the swap form is submitted, the system calculates and confirms the transaction automatically.
2. Is there a different system for B&Bs and Self-Catering?
No. Credits are earned equally. B&Bs are not expected to provide meals unless agreed separately.
3. What prevents non-members from requesting accommodation?
Members must provide a valid reference number. Admin verification is available if uncertain.
4. Am I obligated to accept a swap?
No. You are always free to decide whether to accept a swap request based on your availability and preferences, although active participation is encouraged to get the most value from the system.
5. Can friends or family use my credits?
Yes, but all bookings must be made by the registered member, who remains fully responsible.
6. Do I need to use all credits at once?
No. Credits can be used over time and at different establishments.
7. Do I have to accept guests for 6 days?
No. You decide how many days you host.
8. Do I have to host the same people I stay with?
No. Credits are banked and used independently — you are free to stay at any participating establishment and host anyone in return.
9. What if I sell my establishment?
You may qualify for Loyalty Membership.
Please note: the Loyalty Programme is not part of the fixed protocols of Accommodation Swap. It should be regarded as a privilege, and may be modified, changed, or withdrawn entirely at Management's discretion.
Why the Programme is Managed Carefully
The Loyalty Programme is carefully managed to preserve the fairness and ongoing effectiveness of the Accommodation Swap system. Loyalty Members are no longer operating accommodation establishments, but they continue to benefit from swaps without contributing accommodation opportunities back into the network. For this reason, certain controls are necessary to maintain a fair balance between active contributors and Loyalty Members.
Qualifying for Loyalty Membership
To qualify as a Loyalty Member following the sale or closure of your establishment, you are required to introduce one new member. As a Loyalty Member, you may:
- Continue to participate in the Accommodation Swap Credits Insurance Package
- Retain your membership
- Utilise your existing credits
- Apply to purchase top-up credits, subject to administrative approval
If You've Already Paid Your Annual Subscription
If you have already paid your annual membership subscription fee and subsequently decide to sell or close your business, you may remain in the system for that fiscal year as a Loyalty Member and continue using your credits.
Once your credits are exhausted, or at the end of the financial year (whichever comes first), your membership will lapse — unless you recruit one new member annually. Each successful referral extends your membership by a further year, and this may be repeated annually.
10. Can I get more credits?
Yes — you can build your credit balance by hosting other members, referring new members, or through approved top-ups. You earn 5 credits + R500 cash for every successful referral.
11. Can I accumulate credits and use them years later?
Yes. Your credits remain available indefinitely as long as your membership remains fully paid up and active. If membership is cancelled or allowed to lapse, unused credits are forfeited.
12. How many credits should I charge per night?
This varies by star rating:
Up to 3 stars:
0.5 credits per person per night (e.g., 2 people = 1 credit).
4 and 5 stars:
1 credit per person per night (e.g., 2 people = 2 credits).
Entire Cottage / House (Lump Sum):
Take the total commercial nightly rate and divide by 800 (e.g., R2,400 ÷ 800 = 3 credits).
13. How do I track my credit balance?
On the page for choosing an establishment, click on the dropdown button called "Important Usage Links" and choose "My Credit Balance". Please also keep your own records, as our database only stores forms for up to 3 months.
14. How do you prevent fraudulent use of my account?
There are stringent security checks. You will be given a unique reference number and password. The registered person is solely responsible for the security of their login details.
15. What happens if a booking is a "no-show"?
Let us know and we will take disciplinary action against the member. We will still credit your account as though the swap had taken place.
16. Can I charge for services like cleaning?
No. The system is based on a totally cash-free stay. Only breakfasts, other meals, or activities can be negotiated separately for payment — either with additional credits or cash.
17. How much does it cost to join?
Joining consists of a once-off registration fee plus a pro-rata subscription amount for the months remaining until May. Thereafter, only a low annual renewal fee is payable each May. Please see the joining fees table for full details.
18. How do I register?
If you've seen enough and want to participate, go to our Registration page and follow the procedure. Once processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your unique reference/PIN numbers and 6 free credits to start trading immediately.
Still have questions about our accommodation swap or swop and stay network? Contact us directly — we've been helping South African hospitality owners travel smarter since 2003. Whether you call it a swap and stay, an accommodation swop, or a hospitality exchange, we're here to help you make the most of your membership.