First-time GoWith bookers tend to make three predictable mistakes: they do not look at the venue pin before leaving, they do not have a trusted contact ready, and they rush to GPS check-in from an approximate location that triggers a false confirm. Each has an easy fix. Here is the complete pre-meet checklist, in the order it matters.
Before you leave home
1. Open the booking screen and tap the venue pin
This opens Google Maps or Apple Maps with the exact meeting coordinates. Check that it is where you think it is. If your partner said "the main gate of Lodi Garden" and the pin is at the Khan Market gate, message them now, not after you arrive.
2. Confirm the partner's verified badge
A verified Activity Partner has a green check on their profile — PAN + Aadhaar + live selfie + bank-verified. If the badge is missing, the booking shouldn't have been accepted (our backend enforces this) but it is worth a 5-second verification before you leave.
3. Save the partner's masked phone number
GoWith shows a masked call-forwarding number on the booking screen 60 minutes before the meet. Save it to your contacts under the booking name — if the app has any trouble, a direct call lands you on the partner's phone without exposing either real number.
4. Add a trusted contact
Settings → Trusted contacts → add 2-3 people. Trusted contacts receive your live location + the partner's basic details if you fire SOS. If you have no trusted contacts set, now is the moment. One minute of setup.
On the way
5. Do not GPS check-in until you are actually at the venue
The 100-metre check-in radius is forgiving but not unlimited. Checking in from an auto that is 200 metres away triggers a false confirmation that starts the paid clock early. Walk the last stretch and tap check-in when you are at the entrance.
6. Message the partner your ETA if you are more than 5 minutes late
In-app chat is the normal channel. The partner has not left — their check-in is also pending — but courtesy here sets the tone of the meet.
At the venue
7. Both of you check in — not just you
The paid timer only starts when BOTH pings land in the 100m radius. Confirm with the partner that they have checked in before you start the actual activity. The screen shows "Meet in progress" when both check-ins are counted.
8. If anything feels wrong, use SOS, not DIY exit
The SOS button is top-right of the Meet screen. Pressing it alerts your trusted contacts + the GoWith safety team with your live location + the partner's details. Preferable to walking off alone and leaving the meet in an ambiguous state.
After the meet
9. Tap Complete and rate
Both of you tap Complete when the activity is done. The paid clock stops at that moment; escrow releases to the partner 2 hours later. Rate within 24 hours or you lose the chance (ratings close automatically to keep them timely).
What this list does not cover
Weather. Traffic. Last-minute cancellations from either side. Those are the ordinary friction of city life — the GoWith refund policy covers you if the partner no-shows (full refund), and the 12-hour cancellation window covers you if you decide not to go. Our GoWith escrow guide walks through the full refund rules.