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Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



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  #1  
Old 18 May 2009
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Working In Europe.......here's The Answer!
For anyone interested in an extended stay in Europe at NO expense then this may be the answer. Help Exchange work for accommodation and food in Australia New Zealand Canada Europe not wwoof

You'll find thousands of people who want you to do general work around their homes.
All will give you board and food for free, some will pay you a bit of cash as well depending on what you are willing to do. An ideal opportunity to go to a new country, keep your mind and body active, live for free then head off somewhere else with a bit of money in your pocket.

Chris
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Old 26 May 2009
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Thanks for that post..

I've just signed up. It could be just what I need to escape the long, cold depressing English winter months.
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Old 26 May 2009
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Ted

I haven't used it myself, but I too signed up and have a plan to do so this summer. I don't think you'll get rich going to any of the places offered but wouldn't it be a great experience to do a few hours outdoor work in the sunshine with a proper bed and food in return??

Chris
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Old 26 May 2009
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I'm fascinated to see 317 postings for France, as to all intense and purposes you'd be working "on the black" as you're not paying tax or social charges even though you are receiving something for your labours in the form of board and lodging. While being on the black is actually fairly common over here, it's hugely frowned on and if caught then both you and your "employer" are liable to heavy fines and even imprisonment.

So just a tip if you're considering un été en France.
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Old 26 May 2009
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Originally Posted by Alexlebrit View Post
I'm fascinated to see 317 postings for France, as to all intense and purposes you'd be working "on the black" as you're not paying tax or social charges even though you are receiving something for your labours in the form of board and lodging. While being on the black is actually fairly common over here, it's hugely frowned on and if caught then both you and your "employer" are liable to heavy fines and even imprisonment.

So just a tip if you're considering un été en France.
I dont think there is any wage involved... Don't tell me the French government is taxing what is effect "couch surfing".

I can't see the government getting too irrate that you're recieving a bowl of soup and a bed in exchange for a few hours of farm work.:confused1:


I'm really going to consider this when the winter starts showing its ugly head. The British winter depresses me beyond belief.
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Old 26 May 2009
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Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
I dont think there is any wage involved... Don't tell me the French government is taxing what is effect "couch surfing".

I can't see the government getting too irrate that you're recieving a bowl of soup and a bed in exchange for a few hours of farm work.:confused1:


I'm really going to consider this when the winter starts showing its ugly head. The British winter depresses me beyond belief.
It's payment in kind and as such is liable for tax in the same way that a company car is and an MP's expenses aren't, and yes the French govt will come down heavily on it.
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Old 26 May 2009
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alexlebrit

I'm quite surprised to read what you say. I think this site has been going for quite some time and if there was a problem with it in France (or any other country for that matter) then I'm quite sure it would have been dealt with long before now.

I don't doubt the legalities of the "benefit in kind" principle that you mention because that's how it works in the UK and probably most other countries too. I suspect this type of activity must attract some form of immunity in a weirdly bureaucratic type of way.

Having said that, I could be wrong, but I'll be prepared to take my chances. Maybe I'll give a wrong name when the authorities turn up to arrest me!! lol

But your opinion is most welcome all the same, and indeed the opinions of anyone who has actually used the site would be appreciated.

Chris
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Old 4 Jun 2009
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As a host on HelpX I am all too aware of the French tax situation! Alex is 100% correct but all my HelpX'ers & neighbours know I've travelled a lot & have friends from all over ...

I pay hefty taxes on my own little company here, to put a fellow traveller up for a few weeks being seen as a 'crime' is ridiculous. Even family members that stay for more than a weekend have to help out; so why not HelpX ... the French system can be archaic & monotonous at times!

Kira (who probably shouldn't be putting this on a public forum!)
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Old 4 Jun 2009
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I won't tell a soul....
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Old 4 Jul 2009
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I've just subscribed as a premier member to this site. I think im going to pack up the job and go and work around Europe for a few months...

It will put my UK-Capetown plans on hold but it's gotta be better than a pointless existance stuck behind a computer all day in a soul destroying office.

If anyone fancies coming along, drop me a PM !
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Old 10 Aug 2010
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I just wanted to bump this thread. I did helpx all the way through Europe for the last three months and it has already been a great experience. I am planning to find places on my way to Asia now all the way to Japan.

You can go by the reviews and travel cheap and safe with it. I usually moved on a few hundred kilometres, settled down, disocvered the are, learned a bit about local people and history then moved again. Read about my experiences on my blog if you wish... I can vouch for HelpX.
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Old 9 Sep 2010
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Looks like a great site and no doubt a wonderful experience if it works.

I'd be interested in doing Scandinavia late next year, and who knows - maybe stay over the winter and ride back the next spring..?
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Old 8 Feb 2011
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do any of the jobs pay enough pocket money to pay for fuel to the next place?
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Old 10 Feb 2011
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Originally Posted by Chris1200 View Post
alexlebrit

Maybe I'll give a wrong name when the authorities turn up to arrest me!! lol

Chris
I always use Charles DeGaule when being arrested in France and they really see the funny side of it and usually let me go with a pat on the back.
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Old 27 Mar 2011
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do any of the jobs pay enough pocket money to pay for fuel to the next place?
Some of them do. I was building a roof in the Pyrennees in France, worked about 10 hours a day in the 35C heat. As an appreciation, they paid a small wage and I got full board. The money was enough to ride around while I was there and take a 2k km spin to Spain then get to the next place back in France. Don't rely on it though, most of the hosts only need 5 hours a day from you and can't pay anything. If you are a skilled builder or have any marketable skills, you might find jobs in the area. I do gardening and landscaping, that got me a few nixers.
Still, even if it doesn't pay, you are sleeping in a bed, get warm food 3x a day, you can wash your clothes and ride around in the area without all your luggage. I have yet to find a better system to wander around in Europe and learn about cultures close up, eat their home cooked food and live their life for a while. Hostels became extremely expensive lately anyways and you can't live forever in the forest or the streets.
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