Terms of Service

Last updated: April 9, 2026

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the TripBento website at tripbento.com and all related services (collectively, the “Service”) operated by TripBento (“we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using our Service, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement. If you use the Service on behalf of an organization, you represent that you have authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

2. Description of Service

TripBento provides:

• AI-powered travel itinerary planning for destinations in China
• A marketplace connecting travelers with verified local guides, drivers, and tour operators
• Booking facilitation with escrow payment protection
• 24/7 concierge support via WhatsApp, Telegram, and email

TripBento acts as an intermediary platform. We are not a travel agency, tour operator, or transport provider. The guides, drivers, and operators listed on our platform are independent service providers.

3. User Accounts and Responsibilities

• You must provide accurate and complete information when making booking requests
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your contact information
• You must not use the Service for any unlawful purpose or in violation of these Terms
• You agree not to submit false or misleading booking requests

4. Booking Terms

4.1 Booking Process

When you submit a booking request through our Service:

1. Your request is received by our team along with your preferred itinerary, guide selection, and service type
2. Our team contacts you within 2 hours to confirm details, availability, and pricing
3. A booking is confirmed only after mutual agreement on all details and receipt of payment
4. You will receive a booking confirmation with a unique reference number

Submitting a booking request does not guarantee availability. All bookings are subject to guide/driver availability and confirmation.

4.2 Pricing

• Prices displayed on the platform are indicative and may vary based on specific requirements, group size, season, and availability
• Final pricing is confirmed during the booking confirmation process
• All prices are quoted in USD unless otherwise specified
• Additional costs (entry tickets, meals, transportation not included in the service) are the traveler's responsibility unless explicitly included

5. Payment and Escrow Protection

5.1 Payment Terms

• Payment is required to confirm a booking
• We accept major credit cards and other payment methods as specified during checkout
• All payments are processed through secure, PCI-compliant payment processors

5.2 Escrow Protection

For your protection, TripBento uses an escrow payment system:

• Your payment is held securely by our escrow system upon booking confirmation
• Funds are released to the guide/driver 24 hours after successful completion of the service
• If there is a dispute, funds remain in escrow until resolution
• This system ensures you only pay for services that are actually delivered

6. Cancellation and Refund Policy

6.1 Cancellation by Traveler

6.2 Cancellation by Guide/Driver

If a guide or driver cancels:

• You will receive a full refund regardless of timing
• We will make reasonable efforts to arrange an alternative guide/driver of equal or higher quality
• If no suitable replacement is available, a full refund is processed within 5–7 business days

6.3 Force Majeure

In cases of force majeure (natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, severe weather, etc.), we will work with you to reschedule or provide a full refund. Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform due to force majeure events.

6.4 Refund Processing

• Approved refunds are processed within 5–7 business days
• Refunds are issued to the original payment method
• Bank processing times may add an additional 5–10 business days

7. Service Quality and Disputes

7.1 Quality Standards

All guides and drivers on TripBento are:

• Verified through our multi-step verification process
• Required to maintain a minimum service rating
• Subject to regular quality reviews based on traveler feedback

7.2 Dispute Resolution

If you are dissatisfied with a service:

1. Report within 48 hours of service completion via email or WhatsApp
2. Our team will investigate, contacting both parties
3. Resolution may include partial/full refund, rebooking, or other appropriate remedy
4. Escrow funds are held until the dispute is resolved

8. Intellectual Property

• All content on tripbento.com (text, graphics, logos, software) is owned by TripBento or its licensors
• You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written permission
• User-generated content (reviews, feedback) grants us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute such content

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• TripBento acts as a marketplace platform and is not liable for the acts or omissions of independent guides, drivers, or operators
• We are not responsible for travel disruptions, accidents, injuries, illness, or loss of property during tours
• Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the specific booking in question
• We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for your trip.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TripBento, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, or damages arising from your use of the Service, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any third-party rights.

11. Privacy

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

12. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with applicable law. For EU residents, this does not affect your mandatory consumer protection rights under the law of your country of residence. Any disputes shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation first, then through binding arbitration or the courts of competent jurisdiction.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

15. Contact

For questions about these Terms:

• Email: info@tripbento.com
• WhatsApp: +1 (909) 220-3166