Hopefully by the time you arrive at your destination, you have communicated many times with your exchange partner and know exactly what to expect. Best case scenario, you arrive at the destination, you get or already have the key and you find a "Trader's Home Companion" that points out how everything works and where everything is. Of course that does not always happen. Though most home exchangers go out of their way to make their exchange partner comfortable, sometimes expectations do not meet reality. You may have seen six pictures of the apartment, but somehow the antique kitchen was not evident. The bed may be a water bed, which you find terribly uncomfortable to sleep on, but never asked about.

The bottom line is that you are going into another person's world and since it is usually for only a short period of time, it is best to adjust and go with the flow.

Common courtesy rules to follow:

• If you use more than a small amount of food, replace it.
• If you use the phone and you are not sure if the call was a toll call, tell your exchange partner so that a bill can be sent to you afterwards. A PayPal account works well for this.
• If your exchange partner does not leave room for you in a closet or cupboard and you have to move things around, replace them in their previous position. If you have to make significant changes, take a digital picture before you move things.
• Home exchangers often agree to have a cleaning service after the exchange. If not, be sure to wash linens and clean. Always leave the home the same or better than the way you found it.
• It’s always nice to leave a thank you note and a small gift of appreciation.
• As homeexchange.com says: Always abide by the three rules of home exchange: Responsibility, Respect, Relax