The Escort in London Survival Guide: How to Stay Safe and Smart in the World of Companionship
Working as an escort in London isn’t just about showing up and getting paid. It’s a high-stakes job where your safety, reputation, and mental health depend on the choices you make before, during, and after every meeting. The city moves fast, the rules are unclear, and the risks are real. If you’re new to this world-or even if you’ve been doing it for a while-you need a practical, no-fluff survival guide that actually works.
Know the Legal Reality
Prostitution itself isn’t illegal in the UK, but almost everything around it is. Soliciting in a public place, running a brothel, pimping, and controlling someone else’s work are all criminal offenses. That means if you’re working independently, you’re technically in a legal gray zone. You can advertise your services online, you can meet clients in private locations, and you can set your own terms-but you can’t share a space with another worker if you’re both operating under the same arrangement. The police don’t arrest escorts for selling sex, but they will arrest you if you’re seen as part of an organized operation.
That’s why most experienced escorts in London work solo, use encrypted apps, and never reuse the same meeting spot twice. If you’re renting a hotel room, book under a fake name, pay with cash, and leave no trace. If you’re meeting at a client’s place, always confirm the address through multiple channels before you go. Never rely on a single message or a vague description like “near King’s Cross.” Get the full postcode, a photo of the building, and verify it on Google Street View.
Screen Clients Like Your Life Depends on It
Most escorts who get into trouble didn’t get unlucky-they got careless. The biggest mistake? Skipping screening. You don’t need to run a background check. You need to ask the right questions and trust your gut.
Start with a voice or video call before any in-person meeting. If they refuse, walk away. If their voice sounds rushed, aggressive, or overly eager, that’s a red flag. Ask them: “What are you looking for tonight?” and “Have you worked with escorts before?” Watch how they answer. If they give a vague response like “I just want company,” or they start describing violent fantasies, stop the conversation. Real clients know how to communicate clearly. They respect boundaries. They don’t test you.
Use a client database. There are free tools like EscortList a community-driven platform where sex workers share verified client reviews and warnings and Vera a safety app designed for sex workers that lets you send alerts and share live location with trusted contacts. Never meet someone who’s been flagged as abusive or predatory. Even if they offer double your usual rate, it’s not worth it.
Set Boundaries Before You Even Leave the House
Your services are not negotiable once you’re in the room. If you say no to anal, no to bondage, no to drugs, that’s final. No exceptions. Write your boundaries down and keep them visible-on your phone, on a sticky note in your bag, even printed and laminated. If a client tries to push, you don’t need to argue. You just say, “That’s not part of the agreement,” and leave. No apologies. No explanations.
And never let a client dictate the location. If they say, “Let’s go to my place,” and you’re not comfortable, say no. Offer alternatives: “I can meet at the Soho Hotel on Oxford Street,” or “I have a private studio in Shoreditch.” If they push back, that’s your exit cue. You’re not there to please them. You’re there to do your job safely.
Use Technology to Stay Invisible
Privacy isn’t optional. It’s survival. Use burner phones for client communication. Don’t use your real number. Don’t use WhatsApp if you can help it-switch to Signal or Telegram with end-to-end encryption. Delete messages after each job. Don’t keep screenshots. Don’t save photos of clients. Don’t post about your work on social media-not even anonymously. People who stalk escorts don’t always look like threats. Sometimes they’re just curious. And curiosity can turn dangerous fast.
Use a virtual address for your business. Services like Mailboxes Etc. a global network of private mailboxes used by professionals to maintain anonymity let you receive mail without revealing your home. Use a separate email for your escort work. Don’t link it to your bank, your Netflix, or your Instagram. Treat your escort identity like a separate person. Because in practice, it is.
Plan Your Exit Strategy
Before you even walk into a meeting, plan how you’ll leave. Know the nearest exit. Know the time you’ll be done. Set a timer on your phone for 30 minutes before your scheduled end time. That’s your cue to start wrapping up. If the client is still talking, still touching, still pushing-you’re already in danger.
Always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. That person doesn’t need to know details. Just say, “I’m meeting a client at 8 PM at the Hilton on Park Lane. I’ll check in at 10.” If you don’t check in, they call the police. No questions asked. That’s your safety net.
Carry a personal alarm. A small keychain device that screams at 120 decibels. Keep it in your pocket. If you feel threatened, press it. It won’t stop an attacker, but it will draw attention-and that’s often enough. Most predators don’t want witnesses. They want silence.
Protect Your Mental Health
This work can be isolating. You’re not supposed to talk about it. You’re not supposed to ask for help. But burnout is real. Depression is common. Anxiety spikes after every meeting. You’re not weak for feeling this way. You’re human.
Find a therapist who specializes in sex work. Organizations like The English Collective of Prostitutes a long-standing advocacy group offering legal and emotional support to sex workers in the UK and The National Ugly Mugs Scheme a UK-wide system for reporting violent or suspicious clients anonymously offer free counseling. You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. You just need to be tired.
Build a network. Connect with other escorts. Not on public forums. On encrypted group chats. Share tips. Share warnings. Share stories. You’re not alone. And you don’t have to carry this alone.
What Not to Do
- Don’t accept cash payments from strangers at ATMs. Always meet in a public place first, then move to a private location.
- Don’t drink or use drugs before or during a session. Even one drink lowers your judgment. You need to be sharp.
- Don’t let clients take photos or videos of you. Ever. Even if they promise they won’t share them.
- Don’t work when you’re emotionally drained. You’re more vulnerable when you’re tired or sad.
- Don’t trust anyone who says, “I’ll make you rich.” That’s how trafficking starts.
When to Quit
There’s no shame in walking away. Some people do this for a few months. Others for years. But if you’re losing sleep, if you’re scared to answer your phone, if you’re dreading every call-you’re not cut out for it anymore. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
You don’t need to justify your decision. You don’t need to explain it to anyone. You just need to protect yourself. And that means knowing when to stop.
Final Rule: You Are Not a Statistic
The media paints escorts as victims or villains. The law treats you as a loophole. Clients often see you as a service, not a person. But you’re not a number. You’re not a risk. You’re not a mistake.
You’re someone who chose a job that pays well, gives you control, and lets you set your own hours. And if you’re doing it right-you’re doing it safely. That’s not something to hide. It’s something to be proud of.
Stay smart. Stay sharp. Stay safe.
Is it legal to work as an escort in London?
Yes, selling sex is not illegal in the UK. But activities around it-like soliciting in public, sharing premises with another worker, or advertising in certain ways-are. Most escorts operate solo, use encrypted communication, and avoid public spaces to stay within legal boundaries.
How do I screen clients safely?
Always do a voice or video call first. Ask direct questions about their expectations. Use safety platforms like Vera or EscortList to check for red flags. Never meet someone who refuses to communicate before the appointment. Trust your instincts-if something feels off, walk away.
Should I use my real name or phone number?
Never. Use a burner phone, a separate email, and a virtual mailbox. Keep your escort identity completely separate from your personal life. This isn’t paranoia-it’s standard practice for anyone working in this industry.
What should I do if a client becomes aggressive?
Leave immediately. Don’t argue. Don’t negotiate. Use your personal alarm if needed. Call your safety contact. Report the incident through the National Ugly Mugs Scheme. Your safety comes before everything else, including payment.
Are there support services for escorts in London?
Yes. The English Collective of Prostitutes offers free legal and emotional support. The National Ugly Mugs Scheme lets you report dangerous clients anonymously. Many escorts also join encrypted peer groups for advice and community.
Can I work part-time as an escort?
Absolutely. Many people start part-time while studying, working another job, or transitioning careers. The key is structure: set clear hours, stick to boundaries, and never let it bleed into your personal life. Part-time work can be safer because it’s more controlled.
Next steps: Download Vera, create a burner phone, write your boundaries on paper, and share your location with one trusted person before your next meeting. Do that, and you’re already ahead of 80% of new escorts.