Working as an escort in London isn’t about glamour or movies. It’s a job-complex, risky, and demanding. People think it’s easy money, but the reality is different. Those who last don’t rely on looks alone. They rely on boundaries, strategy, and self-protection. If you’re considering this path, you need to know what no one tells you before you sign up.
Understand the Legal Landscape
In London, prostitution itself isn’t illegal, but many related activities are. Soliciting in a public place, running a brothel, or pimping are crimes. That means you can’t work from a fixed address with another person. You can’t advertise openly on street corners or in public forums. Most successful escorts operate independently, using private websites or vetted platforms. You’re not breaking the law if you arrange meetings yourself, work alone, and avoid third-party control. But one misstep-like letting someone else book your appointments-can land you in serious trouble.
The police don’t target clients as often as they target workers. That’s the imbalance. Your safety depends on staying under the radar. Never use your real name in ads. Never share your home address. Never accept payment in a way that leaves a digital trail you can’t control.
Build a Professional Online Presence
Your website is your storefront. It needs to look clean, professional, and trustworthy-not flashy or desperate. Use a domain name that doesn’t include your real name or anything that can be traced back to you. Host it on a secure server with SSL encryption. Include clear, high-quality photos that show your face and body in natural lighting. Avoid overly edited images. Clients can spot fake photos instantly.
Your bio should be honest but vague. Mention your interests, your vibe, and what kind of experience you offer. Don’t list services in explicit terms. Use phrases like “relaxed evenings,” “companionship with intimacy,” or “discreet arrangements.” This avoids triggering automated filters on platforms and keeps you safer from law enforcement scrutiny.
Use reputable platforms like OnlyFans, SugarDaddyMeet, or private escort directories that require verification. Avoid Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Those platforms ban escort content aggressively, and your accounts will be shut down fast. Even private messaging apps like Telegram can be monitored. Stick to encrypted services like Signal for client communication.
Set Clear Boundaries-and Stick to Them
The biggest mistake new escorts make is saying yes to everything. You will be pressured. Clients will ask for things outside your limits. Some will get angry. Others will try to manipulate you. If you don’t have firm boundaries, you’ll burn out-or worse.
Write down your hard limits. No unprotected sex. No drugs. No going to their place unless you’ve vetted them. No cash-only deals without a prior agreement. No meeting after midnight unless you’re in a well-lit public area first. These aren’t suggestions. They’re survival rules.
Use a screening questionnaire. Ask clients: “What are you looking for tonight?” “Have you booked with an escort before?” “Will you be alone?” “Do you have any health concerns?” If they hesitate, refuse. If they push back, block them. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Know How to Screen Clients
Screening isn’t optional. It’s your first line of defense. Always meet new clients in a public place first-café, hotel lobby, bar. Never go straight to a private location. Bring a friend along if you can. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Use a check-in app like Circle of 6 or even just text a trusted contact every hour.
Check their online footprint. Ask for a photo of them holding a handwritten note with today’s date. Look them up on Google. Search their name, phone number, email. If they have no social media presence, that’s a red flag. If their profile is empty or fake, walk away. Most predators avoid leaving a trail.
Pay attention to small things. Do they ask too many personal questions? Do they try to control the conversation? Do they seem nervous or overly aggressive? These aren’t just personality quirks-they’re warning signs.
Manage Your Finances and Taxes
You’re running a business. That means you need to track income, expenses, and taxes. Even if you’re paid in cash, keep a ledger. Record the date, client code (not name), service, and amount. Use a simple app like Wave or Excel. You’ll need this for your self-assessment tax return.
London has a personal allowance of £12,570 (2026). If you earn more than that, you owe income tax. You can deduct expenses like car fuel, phone bills, cleaning supplies, website hosting, and professional photos. Don’t try to hide income. HMRC audits high-income cash workers. If you’re caught underreporting, penalties can be worse than any arrest.
Open a separate bank account. Never mix personal and work money. Even if you use cash, deposit it regularly. A clean financial trail makes it harder for anyone to claim you’re involved in illegal activity.
Protect Your Mental and Physical Health
This job takes a toll. You’ll deal with rejection, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion. Many escorts develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD. You need support. Find a therapist who specializes in sex work or trauma. Organizations like the English Collective of Prostitutes offer free counseling and legal advice.
Get regular STI tests. Every three months is standard. Use clinics like the London Sexual Health Clinic or Marie Stopes. Don’t rely on home kits-they’re not always accurate. Keep records. Show them to clients if asked. It builds trust and shows professionalism.
Take days off. Schedule them like appointments. Don’t work seven days a week. Burnout kills faster than any client. Sleep, eat well, move your body. This isn’t a side hustle. It’s a career. Treat it like one.
Know When to Walk Away
Some people stay in this work for years. Others leave after six months. There’s no right timeline. But there are signs you should quit: if you feel unsafe, if you’re losing your sense of self, if you’re using substances to cope, if you’re scared to say no anymore.
You don’t owe anyone your body or your silence. You have the right to leave at any time. Save money. Build skills. Network with people outside this world. Take classes. Learn digital marketing. Learn accounting. Learn coding. Your next chapter doesn’t have to be defined by this job.
The most successful escorts aren’t the ones with the most clients. They’re the ones who lasted longest-without losing themselves.
Is it legal to be an escort in London?
Yes, selling sexual services is legal in London, but many related activities are not. You can’t run a brothel, solicit in public, or let someone else book your clients. Working independently, using private websites, and meeting clients in safe locations keeps you within the law.
How do I stay safe as an escort in London?
Always screen clients thoroughly. Meet new clients in public first. Use a check-in app. Never go to a client’s home without verifying their identity. Keep your real name, address, and personal details private. Trust your instincts-if something feels wrong, leave immediately.
Can I use social media as an escort?
No. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok ban escort content and will shut down your accounts instantly. Even private messaging apps can be monitored. Use encrypted services like Signal for communication, and only promote your services on vetted escort directories or your own secure website.
How much can I realistically earn as an escort in London?
Earnings vary widely. Entry-level escorts make £80-£150 per hour. Experienced workers with strong screening and reputation can earn £200-£400 per hour. Some top-tier escorts earn over £1,000 per session. But income isn’t steady. You need to account for downtime, taxes, and expenses.
Do I need to pay taxes as an escort?
Yes. All income, including cash, must be declared to HMRC. You’re considered self-employed. You can deduct business expenses like website fees, travel, phone bills, and health checks. Failing to report income risks audits, fines, or criminal charges. Keep detailed records.
What should I do if a client becomes threatening?
Leave immediately. Don’t argue. Get to a safe place and call the police if you feel endangered. Report the incident to support groups like the English Collective of Prostitutes. They can help you file a report anonymously. Never try to handle threats alone. Your safety comes before everything else.
If you’re serious about this path, treat it like a business-not a fantasy. Build systems. Protect your identity. Prioritize your health. And remember-you’re not invisible. You’re in control. The most powerful thing you can do is walk away when it stops serving you.
