Frequently Asked Questions

Nara is a GPS audio tour app. As you drive or walk, stories and local history play automatically when you reach points of interest. Think of it as a knowledgeable local friend riding along, sharing the stories behind every place you pass.

Yes. All tours are free with short audio mentions from local businesses every 2–3 stops. If you prefer uninterrupted narration, you can go ad-free from $3.99 for a single tour, $11.99 for a whole destination, $3.99/month (or $31.99/year) for everything, or a one-time $39.99 All Access lifetime pass.

iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (API 26+). You need GPS and an internet connection to start a tour. Once started, tours work even with spotty or no signal — audio is downloaded to your device before you begin so you never lose narration mid-tour.

Never. Audio plays automatically based on your GPS location. When you're driving, speed-lock mode dims the screen and blocks touch input. You can use voice commands (“Hey Nara”) for hands-free control. Your navigation app stays in the foreground.

Say “Hey Nara” followed by a command: “pause,” “resume,” “skip,” “repeat,” “what did you say?,” or “help.” In driver mode, voice commands are the only way to control playback — keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

No. Nara runs alongside your navigation app. Use whatever nav app you prefer for directions. We add a layer of storytelling on top — we never give turn-by-turn directions or suggest routes.

Narration pauses automatically. You'll hear a brief note that you've left the tour area. Follow your navigation app. If your new path passes other points of interest, Nara will ask if you'd like to continue hearing stories.

Yes. Start a tour and share a session code with up to 5 friends. Everyone hears synchronized audio at the same time. The host controls playback. Friends need to be within 500 meters to join the session.

Local businesses along tour routes offer exclusive discounts to Nara users. When you're physically near a participating business, the discount code appears on your screen. Show it when you walk in. Discounts are GPS-verified — they only appear when you're actually there.

Nara's tours are crafted using a mix of research and creative storytelling. Like any good storyteller, we aim for accuracy but prioritize making your experience engaging. Always verify practical details (hours, accessibility, safety conditions) independently. Tour content is for entertainment and general information — it's not a substitute for official tourism advisories or safety guidance.

Travelers on our GPS audio tours pass by your business. When they get within 50 meters, your exclusive offer appears on their screen with a personalized recommendation from the narrator. You only pay when a user completes at least 60% of the tour and hears your mention. No completions, no charge.

Sponsorship pricing is a flat $1.50 per GPS-verified completion. You only pay when a listener completes at least 60% of the tour and is verified near your business. You set a daily budget cap so you never spend more than you want. No monthly fees. No contracts. Cancel anytime.

GPS. We verify the listener's phone was within range and that they completed at least 60% of the tour segment containing your mention. No fake clicks, no drive-by impressions. You only pay for real, verified completions.

Yes. Promote Nara on your business channels and each one earns a discount on your bids. Google Business Profile (15%), your website (15%), Instagram (15%), Facebook (10%), and TikTok (10%). Discounts stack — use all five and you save up to 65% on every completion. We verify each channel automatically.

Yes. Set your hours once and your mention only plays when you're open. Closed on Mondays? No wasted impressions. We use your local timezone, not the tourist's.

Sign up at narrativeguides.com/merchants. Setup takes less than 5 minutes — no app download required. You'll set your business name, location, offer, and connect a payment method. No tech skills needed.