Terms of Service

Last updated: January 15, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using SimpleStayChina's services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our platform or services.

2. Our Services

SimpleStayChina is an online platform that helps foreigners find and book apartments in China. We provide:

  • English-language support throughout the booking process
  • Multi-currency payment options (CNY, USD, GBP, and others)
  • Assistance with police registration requirements
  • Access to verified apartment listings
  • Customer support and booking management

We act as an intermediary between tenants and property owners/providers. We facilitate bookings but do not own or operate the properties listed on our platform.

3. Bookings and Payments

Booking Confirmation: All bookings are subject to availability and confirmation by the accommodation provider. Once you submit a booking request, you must complete payment within 24 hours to confirm your reservation. If payment is not completed within this timeframe, your booking request may be cancelled.

Pricing and Currency: Our platform supports multiple currencies, including CNY (Chinese Yuan), USD (US Dollars), GBP (British Pounds), and others. Prices are displayed in the currency you select during booking. Currency exchange rates are determined by our payment processors and may vary.

Payment Methods: We accept various payment methods including:

  • Credit/Debit Card Payments
  • Bank Transfers (including Airwallex, CNY, CNH, USD, GBP transfers)
  • Other payment methods as may be available from time to time

Payment Timing: Full payment or initial deposit (as required) must be made before occupancy. Payment schedules may vary for longer-term stays. Specific payment terms will be communicated during the booking process.

Deposits and Fees: A security deposit may be required by the accommodation provider. This will be clearly communicated during booking. Service fees, cleaning fees, and other charges may apply and will be disclosed before you confirm your booking.

4. Cancellation Policy

Provider-Dependent Policy: Cancellation terms are determined by each individual accommodation provider and may vary from property to property. There is no standard cancellation policy across all listings.

Cancellation Requests: To request a cancellation, please contact us at support@simplestaychina.com. All cancellation requests are handled on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the accommodation provider.

Refund Processing: If a cancellation is approved and a refund is applicable, refunds will be processed according to the accommodation provider's policy. Processing times may vary. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for the booking.

No Guarantee: We cannot guarantee that any cancellation request will be approved or that any refund will be provided. All decisions regarding cancellations and refunds are at the discretion of the accommodation provider, subject to their individual policies.

5. User Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate and complete information when creating an account and making bookings
  • Maintaining the security and confidentiality of your account credentials
  • Compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations, including police registration requirements for foreigners in China
  • Treating properties with respect and care during your stay
  • Paying all fees and charges as agreed upon during booking
  • Communicating promptly with us and the accommodation provider regarding your booking
  • Using our services only for lawful purposes
  • Not engaging in any fraudulent, abusive, or harmful activities
  • Ensuring all information provided (including passport details for police registration) is accurate and up-to-date

You agree not to use our services for any illegal purposes or to harm others. Any violation of these responsibilities may result in the immediate termination of your account and access to our services.

6. Limitation of Liability

Platform Role: SimpleStayChina acts as an intermediary platform connecting tenants with accommodation providers. We facilitate bookings but do not own, operate, or manage the properties listed on our platform.

Disclaimers: We are not liable for:

  • Disputes or issues arising from rental agreements between tenants and property owners
  • Property conditions, amenities, or services not matching descriptions
  • Changes to property availability, pricing, or policies made by accommodation providers
  • Third-party services (payment processors, accommodation providers, etc.)
  • Any damages, losses, or inconveniences resulting from your stay at a property
  • Acts or omissions of accommodation providers or other third parties

Maximum Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability for any claims arising from your use of our services shall not exceed the amount you paid to us for the specific booking in question.

7. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. We collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on the SimpleStayChina platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, software, and website design, is the property of SimpleStayChina or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, republish, download, store, or transmit any of the material on our platform without our prior written consent.

9. Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, without prior notice, if:

  • You violate these Terms of Service
  • You engage in fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activities
  • You provide false or misleading information
  • Your account is inactive for an extended period
  • Required by law or court order

Upon termination, your right to use our services will immediately cease. We may delete your account and related data at our discretion, subject to our Privacy Policy and applicable legal requirements.

10. Age Restrictions

Our services are available only to individuals who are at least 18 years of age. By using our platform, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements.

11. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page.

Your continued use of our services after any changes to these terms constitutes your acceptance of the modified terms. We encourage you to review this page periodically to stay informed about our terms.

12. Dispute Resolution

If you have a dispute with us, we encourage you to first contact us at support@simplestaychina.com to attempt to resolve the issue directly.

For disputes related to accommodation providers or properties, please contact us and we will work with you and the provider to facilitate a resolution. However, we are not obligated to resolve disputes between you and accommodation providers, and such disputes should be resolved directly with the provider or through appropriate legal channels.

13. Governing Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which SimpleStayChina operates. Any legal disputes arising from these terms or your use of our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that jurisdiction.

14. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance under these terms that is due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, war, terrorism, labor strikes, government actions, internet failures, or any other force majeure events.

15. Contact Us

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