Money · Au pairs and families
Au pair travel expenses: who pays for flights and transport?
Flights, visa fees, local transport and trips with the family — what's typical, what some programmes require, and how to agree it.
4 min read · Updated September 2026
Flights
There's no single rule. In most of Europe the au pair buys their own flight. Many families offer to pay the return flight, or half of both, as a reward for completing the agreed stay. Write any contribution — and the conditions — into the agreement.
Visa and documents
Visa fees are usually paid by the au pair, though some families reimburse them. In a few countries the host family must cover specific costs — check the official rules.
Local transport
If the job involves school runs or activities, the family pays: a transport pass, fuel, or use of the family car. A monthly pass for free time is a popular extra that costs families little.
Family holidays
If the au pair joins a family trip to help with the children, the family covers travel, accommodation and food. Time spent working on holiday counts towards weekly hours.
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