Last updated: August 2026. This policy explains what Travel Buddy collects, why, and the choices you have. Plain language, no dark patterns.
1. Who we are
Travel Buddy ("we", "us") operates travelbuddy.cn, providing tours and travel services in China. For questions about this policy or your data: privacy@travelbuddy.cn.
2. What we collect
Information you give us: name, email, phone/WhatsApp number, country, traveller details (party size, dates, dietary or accessibility notes), and any messages you send us.
Booking information: orders you place, payment confirmations (we never see or store your full card number — our payment providers handle it), and communication history.
Technical information: IP address, browser type, pages visited — standard server logs used for security and to understand which pages help travellers.
3. Why we collect it
- To deliver the tours you book (scheduling, buddy assignment, tickets, transfers)
- To contact you about your booking or enquiry — via email or WhatsApp, which you chose by giving us those details
- To meet legal obligations (accounting records, tax)
- To improve the website, with aggregated statistics only
4. What we never do
- We never sell your personal data. Full stop.
- We never share it with advertisers or data brokers.
- We never send marketing email without your explicit opt-in — and every email carries one-click unsubscribe.
5. Who processes data for us
Trusted processors only, under contract: our payment provider (card processing), our email service, and our hosting provider. Guides receive only the traveller details needed to run your specific tour (names, dates, dietary notes) and are contractually bound to confidentiality.
6. Where data lives
Our servers are located in China and/or Singapore. Where required by law (e.g. GDPR), we rely on the appropriate safeguards for international transfers, including standard contractual clauses.
7. How long we keep it
Booking records: 7 years (tax law). Marketing consents: until you unsubscribe. Enquiries that never became bookings: 24 months, then deleted.
8. Your rights
Wherever you live, you can: request a copy of your data, correct it, delete it (beyond what tax law requires), object to marketing, and ask where it was shared. Email privacy@travelbuddy.cn and we will respond within 30 days — usually much faster.
9. Cookies
We use a small number of strictly-necessary cookies (session, security) and, with your consent, privacy-respecting analytics. No advertising trackers.
10. Children
Our services are directed at adults. We collect children's data (ages, dietary notes) only as part of a family booking made by their parent or guardian.
11. Changes
If this policy changes materially, we will notify booked travellers by email. Continued use after changes means acceptance.