Terms of Service

1. Introduction

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

VietBuddy provides destination management services for visitors in Vietnam, including local guiding, private transportation and accommodation arrangements, local experiences, and virtual travel support. Your booking confirms the specific services included.

2. Service Description

2.1 What VietBuddy Is

VietBuddy offers in-person travel services and virtual support, including:

• Local buddies acting as guides for city outings, food discoveries, and local experiences
• Private transportation and accommodation arrangements
• 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 guarantee that every service is included in every package — your confirmed booking sets out the inclusions
• A travel insurance provider - We strongly recommend purchasing separate travel insurance
• Liable for services provided by third-party vendors (hotels, tour operators, restaurants, etc.)

3. Support Packages & Other Services

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 $79 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: $35 USD/day or $129 USD/week
• 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: $15 - $25 USD
• Personal guide for a day: $49 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

Support-package fees cover the listed assistance and coordination. Local guides, accommodation, transportation, meals, and activity tickets are separately priced unless expressly included in your confirmed booking. We confirm inclusions, payment arrangements, and the total price before you book.

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

Virtual support and booking coordination are provided primarily through WhatsApp. In-person guiding and other travel arrangements are delivered as specified in your confirmed booking.

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 provides travel services and support, not travel insurance. 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: +31644555381
• Email: hello@vietbuddy.vn