A Beginner's Guide to Becoming an Escort in London
You’re curious about becoming an escort in London. Maybe you’ve seen ads online, heard stories from friends, or just wondered what it’s really like. You’re not alone. Thousands of people in the UK explore this path every year-not because it’s easy, but because it offers freedom, control, and income that other jobs don’t. But here’s the truth: this isn’t a side hustle you can wing. It’s a business. And if you don’t treat it like one, you risk more than just your reputation-you risk your safety, your mental health, and your future.
What Being an Escort Really Means
An escort isn’t just someone who shows up for dates. You’re a service provider offering companionship, emotional presence, and sometimes physical intimacy. The key word here is choice. Unlike stereotypes, most independent escorts in London set their own rules: who they meet, where, when, and what happens. No one tells you what to wear, how to act, or what to say. That’s the power. But that power comes with responsibility.
In London, escorting is legal as long as you’re not soliciting in public, running a brothel, or forcing anyone into it. Working independently-through your own website or vetted platforms-is the safest and most common route. Agencies exist, but they take 40-60% of your earnings. Most experienced escorts avoid them. Why? Because you keep more money, control your schedule, and build your own brand.
Why People Choose This Path
Let’s be real: money is a big reason. A full-time escort in London can earn between £800 and £2,500 per week, depending on experience, location, and how many clients you see. Some make more. Some make less. But here’s what most people don’t tell you: it’s not just about cash.
People choose this work because they want autonomy. No boss. No 9-to-5. No commute. You work when you want, take time off when you need it, and build a life on your terms. One escort I spoke with-let’s call her Lena-left her admin job after her daughter was born. She started escorting part-time to cover childcare costs. Within a year, she was earning more than her old salary and had full control over her time. She now works three days a week and spends the rest with her kids.
Others use it to fund education, travel, or debt repayment. Some just like the human connection. Clients aren’t all creepy guys. Many are lonely professionals, divorced men, or older clients who just want someone to talk to without judgment.
Types of Services Offered in London
Not all escort work is the same. Here’s what’s common in London:
- Companionship-only: Dinner dates, theater trips, events. No sex. Often higher rates because it requires more emotional energy.
- Full-service: Includes sex. This is where most of the income comes from, but it’s also the most legally and emotionally complex.
- GFE (Girlfriend Experience): You act like a girlfriend-texting, cuddling, talking, being affectionate. Clients pay extra for this. It’s emotionally draining but highly profitable.
- Outcalls: You go to the client’s place. More flexible, but riskier.
- Incalls: Client comes to you. Safer if you have a secure, private space.
Most new escorts start with companionship or GFE to test the waters. You don’t need to jump into full-service right away. In fact, waiting lets you build confidence, screen clients better, and set boundaries before things get physical.
How to Start as an Escort in London
Here’s how real people do it-step by step:
- Do your research. Read forums like EscortReviewUK and Reddit’s r/escorts. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and what red flags to watch for.
- Decide your boundaries. What will you do? What won’t you do? Write it down. Stick to it. No exceptions. Ever.
- Get a separate phone and email. Use a Google Voice number or a burner phone. Never use your personal info.
- Create a simple website. Use WordPress or Squarespace. Include clear photos (no nudity), a bio, pricing, and booking info. Don’t use your real name. Use a professional alias.
- Choose your platforms. List on trusted sites like Eros, London Escort Directory, or SDC. Avoid sketchy forums or Facebook groups. They’re full of scams and predators.
- Set your rates. New escorts start at £100-£150/hour. Increase as you gain reviews and confidence. Don’t undercut others-it makes you look desperate.
- Start slow. Book one client a week. Test your comfort level. Adjust your approach. Don’t rush.
What to Expect During a Session
First-time sessions can feel weird. That’s normal. Most clients are polite, quiet, and just want to relax. Some talk. Some don’t. Some bring gifts. Some are nervous. Your job isn’t to fix them-it’s to be present.
Most sessions last 1-2 hours. You’ll chat, have a drink, maybe go for a walk, then move to intimacy if agreed. Always confirm boundaries before anything happens. Say it out loud: “We’re agreed on GFE only, right?” Then wait for their yes. Never assume.
Afterward, some clients tip. Some don’t. Some text you later. Some disappear. Don’t take it personally. This isn’t a relationship. It’s a transaction. Keep it professional.
Pricing and Booking
Here’s what pricing looks like in London right now (2025):
- Companionship: £100-£180/hour
- GFE: £180-£350/hour
- Full-service: £250-£500/hour
- Overnight: £800-£1,500
Always charge for travel time if you’re doing outcalls. Charge extra for weekends or holidays. And never accept cash only. Use bank transfers or apps like Revolut or Wise. Keep records. You’ll need them for taxes.
Book through your website or a trusted platform. Never arrange meetings via WhatsApp or Telegram unless you’ve vetted the person thoroughly. Always use a screening form: name, age, occupation, reason for booking, and confirmation of consent.
Safety Tips You Can’t Afford to Ignore
This is the most important part. If you skip everything else, read this.
- Never go to a client’s place alone. Start with incalls only until you’ve built trust.
- Always tell someone where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you’ll be back. Use a buddy system. Even if it’s just a friend you text before and after.
- Check IDs. Ask for a photo ID. Don’t let someone talk you out of it.
- Use a safe room. Lock the door. Keep a phone charged. Have a panic button app like bSafe or Circle of 6 installed.
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, cancel. No apology needed. Your safety is non-negotiable.
- Know the law. In the UK, it’s illegal to solicit in public, share premises with another sex worker, or run a brothel. Stay independent. Stay legal.
There are organizations that help. UKSA (United Kingdom Sex Workers’ Action Network) offers legal advice, safety training, and peer support. They’re free. Use them.
Escort vs. Sex Worker: What’s the Difference?
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there’s a real difference in how they’re perceived-and how they affect your safety and income.
| Aspect | Escort | Sex Worker (Street-Based) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Setting | Private homes, hotels, apartments | Streets, parks, public areas |
| Client Screening | High-website, forms, vetting | Low-often impulsive, no background check |
| Income Potential | £800-£2,500/week | £100-£400/day (unstable) |
| Legal Risk | Low (if independent) | High (soliciting is illegal) |
| Control | Full control over schedule, rates, boundaries | Little control-often pressured by pimps or clients |
If you want safety, stability, and dignity, become an independent escort-not a street worker. The difference isn’t just in the job-it’s in how you protect yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to be an escort in London?
Yes, it’s legal to sell sexual services privately in the UK. But it’s illegal to solicit in public, run a brothel, or live off someone else’s earnings. Working independently from your own space, with no third parties involved, keeps you within the law.
Do I need to register as a business?
You don’t have to, but you should. Registering as a sole trader with HMRC lets you claim expenses like website costs, phone bills, travel, and safety gear. It also protects you if you’re ever audited. You can do it for free online in under 10 minutes.
How do I screen clients safely?
Use a screening form asking for full name, age, occupation, reason for booking, and confirmation of consent. Check their social media (if they have any). Ask for a photo ID. Never agree to meet without this. If they refuse, walk away.
Can I do this while keeping my current job?
Many do. Start part-time. One or two clients a week. Use weekends or evenings. Keep your personal life separate. Don’t tell coworkers. Use a pseudonym. As your income grows, you can transition fully if you want.
What if I change my mind later?
You can quit anytime. No one owns your body. Delete your profiles, close your business account, and move on. Many escorts leave after a year or two to pursue other goals-school, travel, starting a family. It’s not a life sentence. It’s a choice.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an escort in London isn’t glamorous. It’s not a fantasy. It’s hard work. It requires discipline, emotional strength, and a clear head. But it can also be empowering. You’re not selling your body-you’re selling your time, your presence, your intelligence, and your ability to make someone feel seen.
If you’re ready to take this step, start slow. Learn the rules. Build your boundaries. Protect yourself. And remember: you’re not broken. You’re not desperate. You’re making a smart, adult decision-and that’s something to be proud of.
There’s no rush. Take your time. Do it right. Your future self will thank you.
