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Safety Tips

Last updated: 8 October 2026

 

Most people you'll meet through Checked In are travellers and locals who love the same things you do. But we don't run background checks or verify identities, and private messages are end-to-end encrypted, so we can't see who you're talking to or what you've arranged. These tips help you stay in control.

 

Before you travel

  • Check official travel advice for where you're going (for Australians, smartraveller.gov.au) and register your trip if it's offered.

  • Get travel insurance that covers what you plan to do.

  • Share your itinerary with someone at home and agree when you'll check in with them.

  • Save local emergency numbers and your embassy or consulate's details on your phone.

 

Protect your information

  • Keep your accommodation, room number, home address, passport details and travel dates out of public posts.

  • Set check-ins to community-only or private if you'd rather not be visible, or pause location features in Settings.

  • Consider checking in publicly after you've left a place, not while you're still there.

  • Never share bank details, card numbers, passwords or one-time codes with another user.

 

Messaging and calls

  • People aren't always who they say they are. Take your time getting to know someone.

  • Red flags: asking for money or help paying for something, pushing to move to another app quickly, a sad story that escalates, stories that don't add up, or pressure to meet somewhere private.

  • You can end a call or leave a conversation at any time. You don't owe anyone an explanation.

  • Don't show documents, cards or anything personal on a video call.

  • If someone makes you uncomfortable, stop replying and report them to info@checkedin-app.com.

 

Meeting in person

  • Meet somewhere public and busy, ideally in daylight, for your first meeting.

  • Tell a friend who you're meeting, where and when, and share your live location with them if you can.

  • Arrange your own transport there and back. Don't accept a ride to an unfamiliar place.

  • Keep your phone charged and your belongings and drink with you.

  • Know your limits with alcohol, especially somewhere new.

  • Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave. It's fine to cut a meet-up short.

  • Checked In doesn't organise, host or supervise meet-ups, including ones arranged in The Lounge, so use your own judgement about any group plan or event.

 

Booking tours, stays and services

  • Book through official websites or trusted platforms, and pay with methods that offer buyer protection.

  • Be wary of anyone who approaches you in messages offering tours, accommodation or currency exchange.

  • Check that tour operators are licensed and insured where required.

  • Sponsored listings are labelled. Being in the Directory doesn't mean we've vetted every detail of a business, so read their terms before you book.

 

If something goes wrong

  • Emergency: call local emergency services (000 in Australia, 112 in the EU, 911 in the US). Checked In isn't a phone service and can't contact emergency services for you.

  • After an incident: contact local police, and your embassy or consulate if you're overseas.

  • Report the user to us at info@checkedin-app.com (in-app reporting is coming soon). You can choose to share the relevant messages so we can review them, and we may suspend or close their account.

  • Feeling unsafe or upset? In Australia you can contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support.

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