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ToursByLocals vs Viator
ToursByLocals and Viator are both tour platforms. Fees — ToursByLocals: Commission agreed when the guide account opens, deducted from gross tour price. Viator: $29 non-refundable submission fee per experience + commission on completed bookings.
Updated · from each platform’s published fees and payout terms · how we verify
Key differences
- Fees — ToursByLocals: Commission agreed when the guide account opens, deducted from gross tour price. Viator: $29 non-refundable submission fee per experience + commission on completed bookings.
- Both pay out via Bank transfer and PayPal. Only Viator offers Payoneer.
- ToursByLocals screens providers before they can join, while Viator is open to anyone.
- Viator is the older platform — founded in 1995, 13 years before ToursByLocals (2008).
- ToursByLocals is based in Canada, Viator in United States.
Which should you choose?
Choose ToursByLocals if…
- You are an experienced professional ready to pass a screening.
Choose Viator if…
- You want to withdraw via Payoneer.
- You are just starting out and want to sign up without a screening.
- You prefer a long track record (since 1995).
Side by side
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ToursByLocals
A private tour marketplace connecting 400,000 travelers a year with 5,000+ vetted local guides in 175 countrie…
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Viator
The TripAdvisor experiences marketplace - suppliers list tours and activities, with commission around 20%-30%…
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|---|---|---|
| Type | Tour platforms like GetYourGuide | Tour platforms like GetYourGuide |
| Category | Travel & Experiences | Travel & Experiences |
| Vetted | Yes | No |
| Work from home | No | No |
| Fees | Commission agreed when the guide account opens, deducted from gross tour price | $29 non-refundable submission fee per experience + commission on completed bookings |
| Payout speed | — | After the travel date, weekly via PayPal or monthly via bank transfer or Payoneer |
| Withdraw via | Bank transfer, PayPal | PayPal, Bank transfer, Payoneer |
| Availability | 175 countries | Worldwide |
| Founded | 2008 | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Vancouver, Canada | Needham, Massachusetts, US (Tripadvisor) |
| Popularity | 61 views · 0 likes | 41 views · 0 likes |
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, ToursByLocals or Viator?
ToursByLocals: Commission agreed when the guide account opens, deducted from gross tour price. Viator: $29 non-refundable submission fee per experience + commission on completed bookings.
Where are ToursByLocals and Viator available?
ToursByLocals: 175 countries. Viator: Worldwide.
Which is easier to join, ToursByLocals or Viator?
Viator — anyone can sign up, while ToursByLocals screens providers before accepting them.