FAQ
Questions people ask before joining.
The basics
Is Au Pair Nation really free?
Yes. Families and au pairs both join free. There is no placement fee and no commission. If we ever introduce a paid option for families, au pairs will still never pay.
Where is it available?
We're launching in South Africa first. The United States, United Kingdom and Australia will follow. You're currently viewing Australia; join the waitlist and we'll tell you when your region opens.
Are you an agency?
No. We introduce families and au pairs and give both sides the tools to get to know each other safely. We don't place, employ, or sponsor visas. The arrangement is between you.
Matching and chat
How does matching work?
Your non-negotiables act as filters. Everyone who passes gets a score out of 100 based on languages, experience with your children's ages, dates, distance, pocket money, certifications and lifestyle. You see the top reasons for every match.
Can au pairs contact families first?
Not at launch. Families send connection requests; au pairs accept or decline. This keeps au pairs in control of who can reach them.
What happens when a request is accepted?
A private chat opens inside Au Pair Nation. You can share photos and, when you're ready, phone numbers. Either side can end the conversation at any time.
Safety
How are profiles verified?
Every family and au pair verifies their identity with an ID document or passport and a selfie check through our verification partner. Profiles only appear in matching once verified.
What information about my children is stored?
Only an age band per child and any care notes you choose to write. Never names, photos of their faces, school names or your street address.
What if something feels wrong?
Every profile and every chat has a report and block button. Reports are reviewed by a person, and blocking is immediate and permanent unless you undo it.
Money and legal
What should we pay an au pair?
That depends on where you live, hours, and whether it's live-in. We publish typical ranges for each region and a guide to what a fair arrangement looks like.
Do you handle visas?
No. Au pairs must already have, or independently obtain, the right to live and work in the family's country. In the United States in particular, the formal J-1 au pair programme runs only through designated sponsor agencies, which we are not.
Do you provide a contract?
We provide a template agreement covering hours, pay, time off and house rules that you can adapt. We recommend you both sign something written.