Check to see whether the country you live in is a full member of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) by visiting the Hostelling International Web site (hihostels.com).
Contact your national Youth Hostel Association office (information about which is also available through the Hostelling International Web site) if your country is a member of the IYHF.
Obtain a membership card, which is valid for both local and international hostels. You can get the card online or via telephone, fax or in person. You also can purchase a membership at a local Hostelling International Council office or at one of the affiliated hostels across the country.
Contact the Youth Hostel Association and request welcome stamps, if your country is not a member of IYHF. Welcome stamps are temporary passes that allow you to stay at hostels.
