Get the answers in writing before you sign.
A good recruiter is a genuine help. The point of this page isn't suspicion — it's making sure the things you were told end up in the contract, where they count. Here's what travelers describe asking, and how to get it on paper. Educational only.
Run your offer through the calculator →The single most useful habit travelers describe is simple: whatever matters, ask for it in writing. A verbal assurance that doesn't appear in the contract is the thing most commonly reported as a later surprise. Asking for written confirmation is normal and reasonable, and a recruiter used to working with prepared travelers will expect it.
Ask to see the full contract
Ask for the complete written contract before you commit, and give yourself time to read it. The quietest question is the most important one: can I see the full contract first? The answer should always be yes.
- Can you send the full contract document so I can read it before I sign?
- How long do I have to review it?
Turn verbal answers into written ones
For each thing you were told on the call — guaranteed hours, the shift, the unit, time off, the stipend — ask for the same in writing so the answer exists on paper.
- Can you confirm the guaranteed hours and shift in writing?
- Is my requested time off approved in writing, and how is it handled?
- Can you confirm the taxable rate and the stipend breakdown in writing?
What this protects
When the details are in writing, a change of recruiter, a change of manager or a busy start week doesn't erase what you were promised.
Confirm the money mechanics
Ask how pay actually works, because the mechanics decide what a slow week costs you.
- Is pay prorated per hour or per day when I work fewer hours?
- When does health insurance start — day one or after a waiting period?
- What is the travel reimbursement, and is it paid on arrival or on completion?
Example — illustrative
A written-confirmation request you can paste
"Thanks for the details today. Before I sign, could you confirm in writing: the guaranteed hours per week, the taxable hourly rate and stipend breakdown, the approved time off, and whether pay is prorated per hour or per day? I'd like these on paper so we're both covered."
Educational material only. This page describes patterns travelers report and questions to ask. It is not legal, tax, financial, accounting or employment advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. Recruiters and agencies vary. Nothing here describes any particular company, and nothing here suggests any agency has acted improperly.