GuideSL is built on radical transparency. Tourists know exactly what they pay. Guides know exactly what they earn. Here's every number.
Consultation Fee
$10 – $20
Paid once to begin planning
Agree a Quote
Free
Negotiate your final tour price
Service Charge
15% of quote
Paid to confirm the booking
Total cost example: A 5-day trip with a $200 agreed quote costs you USD 15 (consultation) + USD 30 (15% of $200, at minimum) = USD 45 to the platform, plus the $200 that goes to your guide.
For every confirmed tour, guides receive 85% of the final agreed quote as their payout — paid out after tour completion.
If a consultation is cancelled after payment but before the budget is locked, guides receive a $5 compensation for their planning time.
Applying to be a guide on GuideSL is completely free. No subscription, no listing fee. Guides only earn when they complete tours.
Is the consultation fee refundable?
The consultation fee is non-refundable once a guide has been assigned and the consultation has commenced. It compensates the guide for planning time regardless of whether the tour proceeds.
What currency are prices charged in?
All payments are processed in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) at the exchange rate applicable at the time of payment. USD amounts shown are the underlying benchmark used to calculate LKR charges.
Is there a cost to list as a guide?
No. Applying and listing your profile on GuideSL is completely free. GuideSL only earns when a tourist confirms a booking — so we're as motivated as you are to match you with the right clients.
What does the 15% service charge cover?
The service charge funds the platform infrastructure: guide identity verification, SLTDA licence checks, real-time booking and milestone tracking, dispute resolution, and customer support. It keeps GuideSL free for guides to list on.
When do guides get paid?
Guide payouts are processed after tour completion. The payout amount is 85% of the final agreed tour quote, settled through GuideSL's internal payout system.
What if I want to cancel after confirming?
Cancellation refund eligibility depends on the timing relative to the tour start date and the guide's cancellation policy agreed during consultation. Contact hello@guidesl.com for cancellation requests.
Still have questions? hello@guidesl.com