Terms and conditions

1. Introduction

This document lays out the rules and responsibilities for you, as a Withlocals host or guest, who wants to host or book experiences through Withlocals. It covers things like payments, cancellations, and what happens if something goes wrong. The goal is to make sure everyone knows what's expected of them.

Effective Date: 16 October 2024.

2. Applicability of the Terms & Conditions

By accessing or using the Withlocals website and services—whether as a visitor, guest, or host—you agree to these Terms & Conditions in full. This agreement signifies that you understand, accept, and comply with all terms outlined here.

Both hosts and guests must adhere to the Withlocals Code of Conduct, which forms an integral part of these Terms & Conditions.

3. Terms and Definitions

In these Terms & Conditions, the following terms are defined as:

  • Hosts: Hosts are individuals or entities offering services through Withlocals. A host is officially recognized when their profile is listed on the Withlocals platform and they are eligible to accept bookings.
  • Guests: Guests are individuals or entities using the Withlocals platform to make reservations or communicate with local hosts.

4. Legal Entity

Withlocals BV is a private company registered in the Netherlands, with its offices located at Ten Hagestraat 4, 5611 EG Eindhoven, The Netherlands. The company is registered with the Chamber of Commerce in Eindhoven under registration number 58173382.

5. Taxes

Withlocals provides services to hosts and, as such, considers the host to be the legal customer in our transactions. We will issue an invoice directly to the host, which will include our company details, any applicable taxes, and a summary of the services provided by the host to the guest. As a host, it is your responsibility to provide the guest with any required documentation or invoice in accordance with applicable tax laws.

It is solely the host’s responsibility to determine which taxes are applicable to their activities and to comply with local tax regulations. This may include, but is not limited to, value-added taxes (VAT), sales taxes, surcharges, or personal/corporate income taxes on reservations made through our platform. Hosts must ensure that all taxes are paid in a timely manner and in full compliance with the relevant laws. By using Withlocals, hosts agree to fulfill these tax obligations.

6. Intellectual Property and Use of Content

All content on the Withlocals website, including but not limited to text, graphics, data, formatting, designs, HTML code, photographs, music, videos, software, and other materials (collectively referred to as "Proprietary Material"), is owned by Withlocals or used with the permission of the respective owner. This Proprietary Material is protected across all forms, media, and technologies.

Users are prohibited from copying, downloading, reproducing, modifying, redesigning, reconfiguring, or retransmitting any of the content on this website without the prior written consent of Withlocals.

7. Quality of information

While Withlocals makes every effort to verify the quality of the experiences provided by our hosts, we cannot guarantee that all experiences will be flawless, nor can we ensure that the content on our website is entirely free of errors. In the case of any misleading information or misconduct related to experiences hosted through our platform, Withlocals may, at its sole discretion, offer a refund or partial refund to the traveler and charge the corresponding amount to the host. However, no action taken by Withlocals should be interpreted as accepting liability beyond what is expressly mentioned here.

The information we provide on the platform is based on details submitted by our hosts. While we apply reasonable skill and care in delivering our services and verifying hosts, we cannot guarantee that all information is accurate, complete, or free from errors. Hosts remain fully responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and correctness of the descriptive information displayed on the Withlocals platform.

We encourage guests to exercise their own judgment when using services provided by hosts. Furthermore, all information, including but not limited to content and data provided on the platform, is offered on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis, without any warranties, express or implied. This includes, but is not limited to, implied warranties of title, non-infringement, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or suitability for specific use.

8. Warranties

Withlocals does not guarantee that the website or services will be uninterrupted or free of errors. We reserve the right to correct, modify, amend, enhance, improve, or make any other changes to the website and services at any time, and may also discontinue the display or provision of any content or features without prior notice to users.

9. Disclaimer

We strive to ensure that all the information we provide is accurate, but as human errors can occur, we cannot guarantee complete accuracy. Accordingly, we disclaim all warranties and conditions related to the use of our website and services, including but not limited to the availability, reliability, or quality of the website, services, and events offered through our platform. This includes the nature and quality of the experiences hosted. Withlocals is not responsible for any errors, faults, or inaccuracies in the content or information provided by users, whether hosts or guests. Furthermore, we do not endorse any entity, product, or service mentioned in user-generated content available on our platform.

10. Liability

Withlocals’ responsibility is limited to facilitating access to our website, application, and services. Participation in any event hosted by our hosts is entirely at your own risk. Withlocals' liability for any damages is limited to the amount paid by the guest for the booking. Beyond this, Withlocals shall not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages of any kind, whether arising from negligence or any other legal theory, resulting from or related to participation in any event hosted by our hosts.

11. Issues and complaints

Withlocals is committed to assisting you with any issues or complaints you may have. If you encounter a problem related to the platform, app, or services, please contact Withlocals promptly to seek resolution. For complaints related to an experience, you agree to notify Withlocals within 24 hours of the issue arising and to cooperate in good faith to resolve the matter. You also agree to provide any information or take any actions reasonably requested by Withlocals to address the issue.

  • Hosts: In the case of a no-show or significant dissatisfaction caused by deviations in the experience, the guest will be entitled to a refund, and the host will forfeit payment.
  • Guests: If the experience is interrupted, incomplete, or not attended due to your actions as a guest, you will be responsible for any damages up to the amount paid for the booking.

For any claims or complaints related to the event that exceed the amount paid, Withlocals will mediate between the guest and the host to help find a reasonable solution.

Any claim or complaint against Withlocals regarding our services must be submitted within 14 days of the event. Claims or complaints submitted after this period may be rejected, and the claimant will forfeit the right to any compensation for damages or costs.

To the extent permitted by law, these Terms & Conditions, and the provision of our services, are governed by and construed in accordance with Dutch law. Any disputes arising from these Terms & Conditions or our services will be exclusively submitted to the competent court in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

2. For guests

1. Reservation

All reservations made through the Withlocals platform—whether via the website or app—are automatically directed to the host selected by the guest.

  • Instant Confirmation: When a reservation is marked for Instant Confirmation, it means the booking will be automatically confirmed for the chosen time, date, and host. However, Withlocals reserves the right to suggest changes to the host, time, or date if necessary.
  • On Request Bookings: For reservations marked as On Request, the booking is subject to confirmation by the host, depending on their availability or that of the activity or tickets, where applicable. By making an On Request booking, guests commit to the payment, and Withlocals guarantees that the reservation will either be confirmed or denied within 48 hours.
  • Confirmation Validity: A reservation is considered valid only when confirmed by Withlocals via an official email notification.

By making a reservation with Withlocals, guests acknowledge and accept the Withlocals cancellation policy.

2. Payment

When making a reservation on Withlocals, full payment is required upfront. The amount paid by the guest covers the total price stated on the website.

  • Payment Process: Once the booking has been completed to the guest’s satisfaction, Withlocals will transfer the payment to the host within 72 hours, after deducting the applicable Withlocals service fee. No further payments will be required from the guest after the reservation is confirmed.
  • Final Payment Settlement: Once the guest has made the payment through the Withlocals platform, the payment obligation is considered fulfilled. This means the host’s claim on the guest is settled in full.

3. Service definition towards Guests

Withlocals is an online platform designed for travelers seeking authentic experiences with local hosts around the world. We serve as a marketplace where guests can connect with local hosts to book unique food experiences, tours, and activities.

Through our platform, guests can book a variety of experiences with local hosts globally. By making a reservation, guests enter into a direct contractual agreement with the host offering the service. From the moment the booking is confirmed, Withlocals functions solely as an intermediary, facilitating the connection between the guest and the host. Withlocals is not a party to the agreement between the guest and the host and is not liable for any failure to perform or other damages resulting from this relationship.

For every booking, at least one person aged 18 or older must be present during the experience.

4. Complaint & resolution policy

Guests must submit any complaints regarding their experience within 48 hours after the scheduled end of the tour. Complaints submitted beyond this period will not be eligible for refund.

Complaints must be submitted to the Withlocals support team by email via support@withlocals.com or via phone at +31202440 076. Guests should provide relevant details, including booking reference, a description of the issue, and any supporting evidence (e.g., photos, messages).