Au pair - FAQs

This varies, however, generally, you should expect to help with the housework (as the rest of the family does). Possibly up to an hour's worth, of either cleaning, ironing, or washing. This tends to be more, if you are an Au Pair Plus.

Do I pay for my own travel arrangements?

Yes. Unless the family offer to pay or part pay for your travel ticket, you should arrange to pay for travel yourself. NOTE: You should always have a return ticket, or have enough money to buy a return ticket.

What about driving?

Sometimes, a family will need someone who can drive their children to school/nursery and back. If you can drive confidently, you should state this in your application form. (The family may offer you one or two driving lessons to build up your confidence of driving on the opposite side (this will be specified in the family's application form).)

What is the general pay range for au pairs?

For the UK, Home Office guidelines recommend a minimum of £55 per week (£75 for Au Pair Pluses). This is paid weekly.

Republic of Ireland (ROI):

In the ROI, au pairs' pocket money is covered by the minimum wage structure, therefore the minimum equation in the ROI is as follows:

25 hrs & Eur5.97 per hr = Eur149.25

Minus government set live in allowance of Eur57.14

Total minimum pocket money to au pair Eur92.11.

France:

The minimum for a "Normal" (30hrs/week) au pair is Eur72.

Can I expect extra money for extra hours worked?

Yes. Unless you are doing routine housework, you should expect to be paid an additional amount for extra hours worked. This will normally occur during school holidays, and sometimes when a child is off school due to illness. In the UK, a general guide for extra pay during holidays is around £6.50 per day. Always agree the rates beforehand with your family.

What about Social Security?

UK: If you are an EU citizen, you are entitled to free medical attention under the National Health Service. Otherwise, we strongly advise you to take out your own medical insurance before you leave.

France: For long term au pairs, the family will register you with the appropriate ministry, so that social security can be paid. We also advise you to take out your own medical insurance before you leave.

Where can I get information on travel arrangements?

Contact your local train station or airport for travel times and costs. Alternatively, click here for useful web sites.

Will the family pay for my phone calls?

Some families may have a policy on phone calls from the home, whilst the general rule is that the au pair may call home for a short chat each week to keep in touch with her relatives, some families choose to include this in the au-pairs privileges and some choose to deduct it from the pocket money. Paying half the cost of a phone card (which offers lower tariffs) is a good compromise. Make sure you come to an arrangement early in your stay.

What happens after I have sent my application form?

We'll acknowledge receipt, and begin our search for a suitable family. We will contact you by email/phone on a regular basis to update you on the progress of your application. Once we have found a suitable family, we will send you all the details, including a letter of invitation by the family. You may have a conversation with the family, and then decide whether you would like to accept the family. If you accept, you should agree a start date, and inform us. We'll help with any travel arrangements, if required, and send you your Starter Pack. Once in your host country, we'll contact you to ensure you have arrived safely and are settling in well.

How long will it take to find a family?

Generally, we can find a suitable family within a three to four weeks. (This will depend on the completeness and strength of your application form.)

Who will meet me when I arrive in the host country?

Your host family will probably meet you. It is important for you to arrive at the nearest airport/station to your host family's home (if you are unsure about this, contact your host family or us).

If your host family is not able to meet you, either a taxi (paid by the family) will be provided or we will inform you how you can reach the host family's home.

Do you offer free accommodation for the au-pairs who have serious problems with their host families?

Yes. If you urgently need free accommodation, we have an Au Pair home for your use.

How can I contact you while I am an au pair in the host country?

You can use the 24-hour Au Pair Care^TM telephone number for any problems or issues you want to discuss with us.

Any more questions? Contact us!