Tolk2Go Interpreter FAQ: Rates, Payments, Cancellations, No-Shows and CBR Rules

In short: This FAQ explains how Tolk2Go works for freelance interpreters: how to join, what requirements apply, how rates and payments work, how bookings and cancellations are handled, what to do in case of issues, and the special rules for CBR assignments.

Key terms used on this page:
Request = an interpreter request that is not yet confirmed.
Booking = a request confirmed through the Tolk2Go platform.
Assignment = the actual interpreting service linked to a confirmed booking.
Cancellation = ending a confirmed booking before the start time.
No-show = when one party is absent or unreachable at the scheduled start time.
Proof of presence = evidence such as a photo, screenshot, check-in, app log, or written confirmation.

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Tolk2Go: Freelance Interpreter Platform – General Information

Short answer: Tolk2Go is a platform where freelance interpreters offer interpreting services via their own profile, with transparent pricing and client choice.

What is Tolk2Go?

Tolk2Go is an online platform where sworn and qualified interpreters offer their services. Each interpreter has a dedicated profile page, and you set your own fees.

When did Tolk2Go launch?

We launched in November 2018 after one year of preparation. Our initial 50 sworn interpreters signed up quickly.

How many interpreters are on board?

1,400+ interpreters from Europe have joined, and our network grows yearly through referrals and marketing.

What types of clients and languages do you serve?

Our clients include notaries, lawyers, health services, media, schools, and many more. Over 100 languages are in demand—from English and Polish to Thai, Indonesian, and Japanese.

Do you offer translation services?

No. Tolk2Go connects customers with interpreters for remote or on-site assignments only (interpreting is spoken language support, not written translation).

What is the work arrangement?

You work as a freelancer or self-employed interpreter. Tolk2Go does not employ interpreters.

Joining Tolk2Go and Interpreter Requirements

Short answer: Create a profile, share languages and specialisations, complete verification, and then you can start receiving requests.

How do I join as an interpreter?

Register by creating a profile. List your language pairs, specializations, fees, and experience. You can register on our website or via the Tolk2Go for Interpreters app.
Register here or download our Tolk2Go App for Interpreters.

What are the interpreter requirements?

You must be sworn in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, or France, or provide diplomas and at least 100 hours of experience to demonstrate your language and interpreting skills.

Do I need to provide a VAT number?

Yes. Log in to your account, navigate to your profile's financial section, enter your VAT number, and save the details.

Rates, Pricing, and Payment

Short answer: You set your own rates. The total client price includes your fee, travel (if applicable), and a platform fee. Payments follow after completion and correct closure in the app.

How do I set and adjust my rates?

Set your hourly rate (minimum typically around €70) when you register. You can update your rates anytime. Changes apply to new assignments only.

How do I set half-day or full-day rates?

In the "Interpreter Rates" section, select half-day or full-day options and set your desired rate.

Are there special weekend or evening rates?

No, we do not offer separate weekend or evening rates.

How can I avoid phone interpreting requests?

Log in to your account and set a high rate for telephone requests in the "Travel and Other Rates" section.

How is the total price calculated?

The total price equals your interpreting fee plus travel costs (including travel time) and a platform fee of at least 40%. Your hourly rate is converted into a per-minute rate, with a minimum amount guaranteed.

How is interpretation time calculated?

After the assignment, mark it as complete in the app. Adjust start/end times and add any agreed extra preparation or costs. You receive payment for the booked time. Any additional time must be confirmed by the client before payment is processed.

How does travel reimbursement work?

Enter a rate per kilometer for both travel time and expenses. Distances are calculated in a straight line. Adjust your rate to cover any extra distance in real life.

What should I know about preparation time?

Your hourly rate may include some preparation time. If extra preparation is needed, request it via the app so that it is sent to the customer. If agreed, you will be paid extra. Note that if you charge for preparation, the client may cancel without charge.

Why is the hourly rate higher for notary assignments?

Notary work requires detailed study of legal documents. You often need 1–2 hours of preparation per hour of interpreting. Your rate for these notary assignments includes that preparation time. Minor overtime (up to 15 minutes) is included for notary bookings covering up to two deeds.

What about overtime or extra deeds at the notary?

Short answer: Up to 15 minutes extra is included (for up to two deeds). Extra deeds or longer sessions must be approved.

Minor overtime (up to 15 minutes) is included in the standard notary rate for up to two deeds. No extra charge applies.

If a third deed is added or the session runs significantly longer, please email us after the assignment and put the notary in CC. We will verify the additional work and request approval before any extra costs are processed.

How do I get paid?

After your assignment, Tolk2Go invoices the client. You receive a credit note the next day, and payment is transferred within two weeks—provided you have correctly completed the assignment in the app.

What happens if an assignment is longer, shorter, or cannot be completed as booked?

Short answer: The booked time remains leading. Extra time must be approved and properly documented.

If an assignment runs longer than booked, the extra time must be agreed with the client and properly recorded in the app. If no prior approval was recorded, Tolk2Go must verify the extra time with the client before payment is processed.

For on-site assignments, obtain a client signature in the app after completion. ⚠️ No client signature means payment is only possible if the client pays or confirms the service.

📸 If no one is available to sign, take a photo at the location at the end time as proof that you remained present until the booked or extended end time.

You can help speed up the process by asking the client to confirm the overtime directly to Tolk2Go by email.

If an assignment is shorter than booked, this does not automatically reduce payment. If the client did not attend, the standard no-show rules apply.

Missing signatures, missing approval, or unclear documentation may delay or prevent payment.

Booking, Communication, and Assignment Management

Short answer: You respond to availability requests, clients confirm the booking, and you close the assignment in the app after completion.

How does it work for interpreters at Tolk2Go?

Tolk2Go connects clients with independent freelance interpreters. You set your availability and rates. The client selects one interpreter from the available options. A request becomes a booking only when the client confirms it through the platform.

For a detailed step-by-step explanation, see: How Does It Work for Interpreters at Tolk2Go?

How do availability requests work?

When you respond "Yes", you confirm that you are genuinely available for that request at the stated date, time, location, and rate.

A "Yes" means you keep that time available until the client confirms the booking or the request expires.

If your availability changes, update it immediately via the app or the email buttons.

What is expected from me after a booking is confirmed?

After a booking is confirmed, you should contact the client directly to confirm practical details such as arrival, access, documents, video link, or call method.

You are responsible for being prepared, on time, reachable, and professionally equipped for the assignment.

Inform Tolk2Go only if something affects the agreed scope, time, payment, cancellation status, or legal compliance.

What if I arrive late to an assignment?

You are expected to arrive on time. Late arrival may result in reduced or no payment.

Plan your journey well in advance and account for traffic, public transport delays, and other disruptions. Traffic or travel delays do not change the scheduled start time.

If you are running late despite planning ahead, contact the client immediately.

Do I need to indicate additional availability or use ad hoc options?

No. At the moment, Tolk2Go does not use a separate ad hoc availability button.

Can I work with another interpreter?

Yes. You may collaborate with another qualified interpreter if you discuss it with the client first.

How is simultaneous interpreting arranged?

For assignments longer than 30 minutes, a second interpreter may be arranged for simultaneous interpretation if needed. Please check with the client to confirm if a second interpreter is required.

What information is shared after booking and how do I communicate with the client?

After a booking is confirmed, you receive the assignment details by email or in the app. You then communicate directly with the client about practical details such as arrival, access, documents, video link, or call method. Inform Tolk2Go only if something affects the agreed scope, time, payment, cancellation status, or legal compliance.

How do I close an assignment correctly?

Short answer: Close it, enter the correct times, and collect the required proof.

Immediately after the assignment, open it in the app and:

• Adjust the actual start and end times
• Obtain the required client confirmation or signature

Correct closure and proof help prevent payment delays and disputes.

Where do I interpret: by phone or on location?

You can work via telephone (or video call) or travel to a location specified by the client.

What is expected of me during a phone or video assignment?

For telephone and video assignments, you must be reachable on your registered phone number for the entire booked time window — even if the client does not call immediately.

Make sure your phone is charged, your connection is stable, and your chosen call or video app is tested before the scheduled start time.

If the client does not call, answer, or connect, follow the standard no-show procedure, save proof of availability, and remain reachable until the end of the booked period.

How are changes to a booking handled?

Changes to the date, time, or location of a confirmed booking must be processed through Tolk2Go.

As a rule, changing a booking is treated as a cancellation of the original booking followed by a new request. Standard cancellation terms apply.

If a client asks you to change a booking directly, tell them to process the change via Tolk2Go first. Do not agree to informal rescheduling if you want the original cancellation terms to remain valid.

What if I want to change the agreed terms before or during an assignment?

The terms confirmed at the time of booking — including rate, duration, and scope — are binding.

If you propose different terms, such as a higher rate, additional fees, or changed conditions, the client is not required to accept them.

If the client refuses those changes, the assignment may be cancelled without cancellation compensation for the interpreter.

Always use the Tolk2Go app to propose changes to agreed booking terms.

How do I handle extra work or overtime during an assignment?

If extra work is needed beyond the original booking — for example extra time, extra preparation, or additional tasks — you must follow the steps below:

1. Agree it with the client first — including the rate and any Tolk2Go service fee.
2. Propose the extra time or fee in the app using the “Propose extra time/fee” function.
3. Wait for client approval before performing the extra work.

Extra work that was not agreed in advance and not approved in the app cannot be guaranteed for payment.

Exceptions:

• Notary assignments: preparation time is included in the notary rate. Minor overtime up to 15 minutes for up to two deeds is also included.
• CBR assignments: extra time needed for the exam is included in the all-in CBR rate.

What happens if a client cancels a booking?

Standard rule: A client can cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before the scheduled start time.

If the client cancels within 48 hours, the interpreter receives the applicable cancellation compensation, including travel time and travel costs where applicable.

Special exception: If the booking was confirmed less than 72 hours before the scheduled start time, the 48-hour cancellation protection does not apply.

• The client may cancel without late-cancellation fees.
• No cancellation compensation is payable to the interpreter for that booking.

This exception applies because the booking was confirmed on short notice and the normal 48-hour protection window was never available.

How must clients cancel a booking?

Clients must cancel via the Tolk2Go website or app.

Cancellation requests by phone or email are not valid cancellations.

If a client cannot cancel through the platform because of a technical problem, the cancellation is only valid if Tolk2Go confirms it in writing.

Changing the date, time, or location of a booking is treated as a cancellation followed by a new request. Standard cancellation terms apply.

⚠️ Do not agree to informal rescheduling directly with the client if you want the original cancellation terms to remain valid. Always tell the client to cancel the current booking through Tolk2Go first and then submit a new request.

What if a client has a complaint?

If a client has a complaint, first try to resolve it professionally and directly with the client. If the issue affects payment, scope, legal compliance, or the outcome of the assignment, inform Tolk2Go and provide clear supporting proof. Until the issue is resolved, payment cannot be guaranteed.

How long do I have to report a complaint or issue as an interpreter?

Any concerns, complaints, or issues related to an assignment must be reported within 7 days after the assignment. After this period, the assignment is considered completed and closed.

Can I cancel a booking?

Yes, you can cancel a confirmed booking through the app or website.

Important: If you cancel a confirmed booking within 48 hours before the start time, you will not receive interpreter cancellation compensation on a later booking if that later booking is cancelled by the client within 48 hours.

In other words: if you cancel late, you lose your right to late-cancellation compensation on a future booking that would otherwise qualify.

Cancelling confirmed bookings on short notice undermines client trust and may affect your position on the platform.

How does a client choose an interpreter?

The client selects the needed languages, date, time, and location. You then receive a notification to indicate your availability. The client chooses one interpreter from a shortlist, and you are only booked when selected.

What if I need to update my availability?

You can always change your availability using the buttons in the interpreter availability request email and through the app.

What should I do if something goes wrong during an assignment?

Short answer: Resolve practical issues directly with the client first. Inform Tolk2Go only when the booking terms are affected.

As a professional interpreter, you are expected to handle minor practical issues directly with the client, such as delays, misunderstandings, access questions, or small coordination issues.

Inform Tolk2Go if the issue affects the agreed scope, time, payment, cancellation status, safety, or legal compliance.

Always collect and retain proof such as emails, screenshots, photos, signed confirmations, or written messages. Clear proof protects both you and Tolk2Go.

What if the client does not show up (no-show)?

No-show procedure:

• If the client is absent or unreachable at the scheduled start time, wait 5 minutes.
• If the client is still absent or unreachable, send a No-Show alert in the Tolk2Go app.
• Save proof of presence such as a timestamped photo, screenshot, location check-in, call proof, or written confirmation.
• Remain available until the end of the booked time.

For phone or video assignments, the same no-show logic applies if the client does not call, answer, or connect.

If the No-Show button does not work:

• Immediately send a written message or email to the client.
• Put Tolk2Go in CC.
• State clearly that you are present at the location or waiting for the call.
• Send this at or shortly after the official start time.

This written communication serves as official proof of presence.

If you leave before the end of the booked time, payment is limited to the time you were actually present, unless the client confirms in writing — with Tolk2Go in CC — that you may leave and that the full booked amount will still be honoured.

⚠️ No No-Show alert and no proof of presence = payment cannot be guaranteed.

CBR Assignments (Important)

Short answer: CBR assignments have specific requirements and separate cancellation rules. Follow the official instructions and use the terminology lists.

What are the requirements for CBR assignments?

CBR jobs are for sworn interpreters only. You must follow the official work instructions and code of conduct, and prepare using the terminology lists. Start here:
• Work instructions: tolk2go.com/page/cbr-instructions
• Terminology lists: tolk2go.com/page/cbr-list
• Code of Conduct (download, sign, send): tolk2go.com/page/cbr-code

Where can I find the official CBR work instructions?

The official instructions (unchanged CBR wording) are published here: tolk2go.com/page/cbr-instructions.

Where are the CBR terminology lists?

Use the official lists to prepare (some terms are not translated during the exam). Find them here: tolk2go.com/page/cbr-list.

What are the cancellation rules for CBR?

CBR has special cancellation rules that differ from standard Tolk2Go terms. See the summary here: tolk2go.com/nl/page/cbr-cancellation.

Are travel time and travel costs included for CBR?

Yes. For CBR jobs, the shown price is all-in (includes travel time and travel costs). Therefore, you will see €0 for travel time and travel costs on the booking.

Do I need to sign anything for CBR?

Yes. Download, complete, sign, and send the CBR Code of Conduct here: tolk2go.com/page/cbr-code.

How do I close a CBR assignment in the app?

For CBR assignments, no client signature is required.

After the exam, open the assignment in the app, press Complete, and enter "T" in the signature field.

This confirms completion of the assignment. The standard client signature rule does not apply to CBR bookings.

What should I know about interpreting during CBR exams?

During CBR exams, you will sit at a distance so the candidate's screen is not visible, translate only what the CBR staff member indicates, and make sure all communication goes through the staff member (not directly with the candidate). You may use the official CBR terminology lists during the exam.
📄 Work instruction: tolk2go.com/page/cbr-instructions
📄 Terminology lists: tolk2go.com/page/cbr-list

Account Management and Privacy

Short answer: Clients do not see your date of birth. After booking, key contact details are shared so you can coordinate the assignment.

Is my date of birth visible to clients?

No, your date of birth is never visible to clients. When booking, we share your full name, phone number, and email with the customer. A photo is not compulsory; however, if you add a photo, your chances of being chosen by a customer may increase. For example, see this: profile of an interpreter and how your data is used.

Can I include my own website in my profile?

No. Tolk2Go manages advertising and client acquisition, so personal websites or phone numbers are not allowed in your profile.

Can I pause or delete my account?

Yes. Pausing your account cancels all pending assignments, but your profile remains available for future bookings. Deleting your account removes your personal information, except for data required by law.

Benefits for Interpreters

Short answer: For a complete overview of benefits, see the dedicated page.

What benefits do we offer?

Learn more about the benefits we offer to interpreters at Tolk2Go by visiting: Benefits for Interpreters.

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