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3 minutes readContents
- What is the RateHawk API Sandbox?
- Key benefits for partners and developers
- How the integration process works
- Quick steps to get started
- Getting the most from the Sandbox
- Build, test, and launch with confidence
What is the RateHawk API Sandbox?
The RateHawk API Sandbox is a secure, simulated environment that mirrors the live production system. It allows developers to make API calls just as they would in real-world conditions — but using sample properties and endpoints instead of live data.
This means you can safely test searches, availability checks, bookings, and cancellations without risking actual transactions or customer data. Every Sandbox user receives dedicated credentials and access to mock properties designed to simulate real scenarios such as taxes, price changes, or meal options.
In short, the Sandbox gives you a realistic testing space to build, validate, and QA your integration workflows — safely and efficiently.
Key benefits for partners and developers
The Sandbox is your playground for prototyping, experimenting, and perfecting your integration before launch.
Here’s what you can do:
- Simulate real-world flows: Test accommodation searches, availability checks, reservations, and cancellations — all without affecting live data.
- Experiment with test properties: Use curated examples to test various cases, including rate changes, meal plans, taxes, and availability updates.
- Improve stability: Reproduce and troubleshoot common error cases to ensure robust, reliable integrations.
- Accelerate development: Work faster with clear documentation, best practices, and API certification guidelines to get to production smoothly.
Each scenario helps ensure that by the time you go live, your integration is fully tested, resilient, and production-ready.
How the integration process works
RateHawk’s integration follows a clear, three-stage process that supports partners from start to certification.
1. Pre-integration
Your personal manager sends a short questionnaire to align technical requirements and expectations.
2. Integration
You independently develop and test your system using the Sandbox environment, supported by full documentation and technical guidance.
3. Certification
The API Launch team reviews your integration, provides feedback, and certifies the product for live use.
Each product — whether API, website, or mobile — requires independent certification, typically completed within 14 – 30 days.
For detailed technical guidance, review
Quick steps to get started
Setting up takes just a few simple steps — and once configured, you can begin testing instantly.
1. Request your Sandbox API key
Contact your manager to obtain your Sandbox credentials.
2. Set your endpoint
Point your code to the Sandbox host: https://api-sandbox.worldota.net
3. Follow the guidelines
Implement the integration according to the official documentation. Use the Sandbox Integration and Certification Guidelines and the Best Practices for Sandbox API to ensure a smooth setup.
4. Test with realistic scenarios
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have a fully functional Sandbox environment — ready to build, test, and validate every API flow with confidence.
Getting the most from the Sandbox
While the Sandbox closely replicates the production environment, some capabilities are intentionally simplified for secure testing:
- Financial transactions and credit card flows are disabled.
- 3D Secure payments are not supported.
- Result limits and test data are predefined (typically in USD/EUR).
These constraints maintain system safety and stability while ensuring you can fully test logic, flows, and error handling.
Build, test, and launch with confidence
The RateHawk API Sandbox is more than a testing tool — it’s a foundation for innovation. It enables developers to integrate smarter, minimize risk, and deliver seamless travel solutions.
Supercharge your development process — explore the Sandbox today.
