Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to VietBuddy. By using our services, you agree to these Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.

VietBuddy is a travel support and concierge service for visitors in Vietnam. We provide personalized assistance via WhatsApp and other messaging platforms to help make your Vietnam travel experience stress-free and authentic.

2. Service Description

2.1 What VietBuddy Is

VietBuddy provides 24/7 travel support and concierge services including:

• Trip planning and itinerary assistance
• Restaurant, cafe, and activity recommendations
• Booking support for rides, tours, and restaurants (Plus and Premium packages)
• On-trip problem solving and translation help
• Emergency support and interpretation services (Premium package)

2.2 What VietBuddy Is Not

VietBuddy is NOT:

• A tour operator - We recommend and book existing tours but do not run tours ourselves
• A travel insurance provider - We strongly recommend purchasing separate travel insurance
• A licensed travel agency - We are a concierge and support service
• Liable for services provided by third-party vendors (hotels, tour operators, restaurants, etc.)

3. Service Packages & Pricing

3.1 Buddy Basic

• Price: $5 USD/day or $19 USD/week
• 24/7 support via WhatsApp
• Food, itinerary, and transport suggestions
• Recommendations for trusted tours
• Help with small issues during your trip

3.2 Buddy Plus

• Price: $15 USD/day or $76 USD/week
• All Basic features, plus:
• Booking Grab/taxi/private car
• Booking restaurants, cafes, and local experiences
• Checking prices and bargaining on your behalf
• Detailed area-specific recommendations

3.3 Buddy Premium

• Price: $33 USD/day or $133 USD per 5-7 day trip
• All Plus features, plus:
• Full detailed trip planning and itinerary
• Booking tours (transport, guide, tickets)
• Emergency support (lost documents, illness, translation)
• Live interpreting over phone or in person (where available)

3.4 Add-on Services

• Airport pickup: $14 - $23 USD
• Personal guide for a day: $38 USD/day
• On-site interpreter: $10 USD/hour
• Small event organization: On request

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Accepted Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

• Cash (VND)
• PayPal
• Wise (formerly TransferWise)
• Local Vietnamese bank transfer
• VNQR (where available)

4.2 Payment Schedule

Payment terms will be discussed and agreed upon when you book our services. We typically require payment before or at the start of service delivery.

4.3 Third-Party Costs

Our service fees cover VietBuddy's support and assistance only. You are responsible for paying third-party vendors directly for their services (hotels, tours, restaurants, transportation, etc.) unless otherwise arranged.

5. Booking, Upgrades & Cancellations

5.1 How to Book

Contact us via WhatsApp to discuss your needs and book a service package. You can start using VietBuddy before your trip or upon arrival in Vietnam.

5.2 Package Upgrades

You may upgrade your package (Basic → Plus → Premium) at any time during your trip. Additional charges will apply based on the upgraded service level and remaining trip duration.

5.3 Cancellation Policy

Cancellation terms will be discussed at the time of booking. We aim to be fair and flexible, but refunds for unused services are provided at VietBuddy's discretion.

6. Communication & Support

6.1 Primary Channels

We provide support primarily through WhatsApp. Additional channels (Messenger, Telegram) may be available upon request.

6.2 Response Times

We strive to respond within 10-15 minutes during normal operations, often faster. During high-demand periods or emergencies, response times may vary.

6.3 Language Support

Our primary language of service is English. However, if you require support in another language, we will make every effort to accommodate your request subject to availability.

7. Liability & Disclaimers

7.1 Service Limitations

While we strive to provide accurate, helpful, and timely assistance, VietBuddy:

• Cannot guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of third-party services we recommend or book
• Is not responsible for delays, cancellations, or issues caused by third-party vendors
• Cannot control external factors such as weather, political situations, or force majeure events
• Provides recommendations based on available information but cannot guarantee outcomes

7.2 Limitation of Liability

VietBuddy's total liability for any claim arising from our services shall not exceed the amount paid by you for those services.

7.3 Travel Insurance Requirement

Important: VietBuddy is a travel support service, not a travel insurance provider. We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings, and other travel-related risks.

8. User Responsibilities

When using VietBuddy services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate information about your travel plans and needs
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with VietBuddy staff
• Make timely payments as agreed
• Take responsibility for your own safety and decisions while traveling
• Verify important details (times, prices, locations) independently when possible
• Comply with Vietnamese laws and regulations
• Respect the terms and policies of third-party service providers

9. Privacy & Data Protection

We collect and use your personal information (contact details, travel plans, preferences) solely to provide our services. We do not sell or share your information with third parties except as necessary to deliver the services you request.

For full details, please see our Privacy Policy.

10. Modifications to Terms

VietBuddy reserves the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. We will notify active users of significant changes. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

11. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of Vietnam. Any disputes shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation or, if necessary, in accordance with Vietnamese law.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

• WhatsApp: +31647722491
• Email: hello@vietbuddy.vn