> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hostelmate.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hostelmate.co/finance-management/settings/general-settings.md).

# General Settings

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The General Settings page is the engine room of your property. Rather than dealing with text and descriptions (which is handled in the Property Profile), this page controls *how* the system behaves.
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## 1. Workflow Automation

The **Automation** tab lets you put some of your repetitive daily tasks on autopilot.

| Setting                      | What it does                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Waiting List Enforcement** | If you run a strict ship and don't want unpaid reservations cluttering up your calendar, flip this switch to `"Strict"`. Any booking that arrives without an accompanying payment will be hidden from the main calendar and held in the Waiting List until the money clears. |
| **Linen Change Cycle**       | Tell the system exactly how many nights a guest can stay before housekeeping needs to change their bed sheets.                                                                                                                                                               |

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**Linen Change Cycles:** Checkouts automatically trigger a sheet change; this setting only applies to long-term stays!
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## 2. Regional & Local Settings

The **Settings** tab handles the fundamental data types your property operates on.

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**Currency:** You'll see your property's locked, baseline currency here. Because changing the currency mid-operation would destroy historical financial reporting and cross-currency exchange rates, this field is read-only. (If you've made a terrible mistake during setup and need to change your baseline currency, please contact support.)
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