Au pairs are entitled to receive pocket money throughout their stay from their host family. The amount of pocket money they receive depends on their host country or in some cases, city, and the associated cost of living. The pocket money can range between €250 and €800 for their area and should be used by the au pair in their free time as a way to further their cultural immersion. For more information on a specific country, check out the table below.
Pocket money is the monetary amount au pairs are entitled to receive either weekly or monthly in exchange for their participation in the cultural exchange program. Every country has a minimum amount and many have caps on the maximum amount as well.
Au pairs receive free room and board, holiday days, language and academy courses, and insurance through their program. Additionally, they receive money to go toward their expenses in their free time if they wish to travel, buy clothes, or save up their money for a future endeavor.
Sometimes pocket money is paid out directly by the host parents and other times the agency pays the au pair to ensure accountability for both parties.
Pocket money is essential in ensuring the au pair feels valued and compensated fairly for her efforts and time. It should be paid in a timely fashion and any additional work (if allowed by the country’s regulations) should also be paid out immediately. Au pair pocket money is her source of independence during her cultural exchange and gives her the freedom to explore all her host country has to offer in her free time.
It is additionally important that the au pair keep track of her pocket money in case it is subject to taxes in her host country.
Below you will find a table about the pocket money for au pairs in different countries.
