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Help Center

How can we help you today?

Quick answers about bookings, payments, hosting, ride-hailing and account management. If you can't find what you need, our team replies in English, Tetum, Portuguese and Bahasa Indonesia.

Bookings & Reservations

How do I make a booking?

Search for a destination, pick dates and the number of guests, choose a property, then confirm. You'll get a confirmation email and a booking reference. If the host requires payment on arrival, you'll see "Pay at property" clearly displayed before you confirm.

Can I change my booking dates?

Yes, depending on the host's cancellation policy and how close to check-in you are. Open the booking from your dashboard and click "Request change". The host has 24 hours to approve. If they decline you keep the original booking.

What's the cancellation policy?

Each property sets its own policy — Flexible, Moderate or Strict — and it's shown on the listing page before you book. Refunds are processed within 5–10 business days back to the original payment method.

Can I book for someone else?

Yes. Make the booking under your own account, then add the lead guest's name and email in the "Guest details" step. They'll receive a copy of the confirmation.

Payments & Refunds

What payment methods do you accept?

Visa, Mastercard and JCB cards for online payment. Many properties also accept cash on arrival — look for the "Pay at property" badge on the listing.

How does cash payment work?

Reserve online with zero upfront cost, then pay the host in cash on arrival in USD. The host marks the cash received in their app, and you get a receipt by email. Your booking is held with a confirmation code — no card details required.

When will I receive my refund?

Online card refunds appear back on your card within 5–10 business days, depending on your bank. Cash refunds are handled directly by the host at the property.

Why was my card declined?

Cards are sometimes blocked for foreign transactions. Call your bank to authorize Timor-Leste / Stripe payments, or try a different card. Our payments are processed by Stripe — we never see or store your full card number.

Hosting a Property

How do I list my property?

Open the partner onboarding form, fill in your details, upload 5 or more photos and your rate. Our team reviews within 2 business days, and your listing goes live once approved. There is no signup fee.

What does Stays of Timor charge?

We charge a flat 10% commission on confirmed bookings, paid out of the host payout. There are no listing fees, no monthly software fees, and no charges for cancelled bookings.

When do I get paid?

Card payments are paid out to your bank account within 7 days of guest check-out, after the commission is deducted. Cash bookings are kept directly by you — we don't touch them.

Can I manage my listing from my phone?

Yes. The host dashboard is mobile-first and we have a free Android app. You can update availability, prices, photos and reply to guests from anywhere with mobile data.

Transport & Rides

Do you have a ride-hailing app like Uber?

Yes — for our partner drivers in Dili and select municipalities. Search "Transport" in the main menu, pick your pickup and drop-off, and a nearby driver will accept. Pay cash to the driver on arrival.

Can I book a multi-day driver for a tour?

Yes. Use the "Hire a driver" option in Transport for full-day or multi-day hires. You and the driver agree on price and route up-front. Payment is cash at the end of the trip.

Is there transport between municipalities?

Yes — search the destination municipality and a driver willing to make the trip will respond. Prices are agreed before the journey starts. For longer trips, we recommend booking the day before.

Account & Privacy

How do I change my language?

Click the language flag at the top of any page to switch between English, Tetum, Portuguese and Bahasa Indonesia. The choice is remembered for your next visit.

How do I delete my account?

Open your profile from the account menu and click "Delete account". Active bookings will need to be completed or cancelled first. All personal data is removed within 30 days, in line with our privacy policy.

Where is my data stored?

Personal data is stored encrypted on servers managed by our hosting provider. We don't sell your data, we don't share it with advertisers, and we only use third-party analytics with your explicit consent (via the cookie banner).

I forgot my password.

Use the "Forgot password" link on the login screen. You'll get a reset email within a few minutes. If it doesn't arrive, check your spam folder or contact support.

Travel in Timor-Leste

Do I need a visa?

Most travelers can get a 30-day visa on arrival at Dili airport for USD 30. Some passports must apply in advance. Read the full visa guide →

What currency does Timor-Leste use?

The country uses the US dollar (USD). Small coins are local centavos. Many hosts and drivers prefer cash. Read more about currency →

When is the best time to visit?

Dry season runs May to November and is the most popular. Wet season has fewer crowds and greener landscapes. See the seasonal guide →

What languages are spoken?

Tetum and Portuguese are the official languages. English and Bahasa Indonesia are widely understood in Dili. Read the language tips →

Still need help?

Our team is available Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm Dili time (GMT+9). We reply in English, Tetum, Portuguese and Bahasa Indonesia.

For hosts and drivers

Partners have a separate priority line so booking and payout issues can be resolved fast. Sign in to your host or driver dashboard, then use the in-app support chat.