Welcome to Book In Portugal, a platform that connects hosts and guests for local bookings and experiences in Portugal. By using our platform, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions. Please read them carefully. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our platform.

1. Definition

• Platform: Refers to the Book In Portugal website and mobile application.
  
• User: Any individual or entity that uses the platform, including hosts and guests.
  
• Host: A user who offers accommodations or experiences through the platform.
  
• Guest: A user who books accommodations or experiences through the platform.
  
• Booking: The reservation of accommodations or experiences by a guest through the platform.

2. Eligibility

• Users must be at least 18 years old and capable of entering into legally binding agreements to use the platform. By accessing or using the platform, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.
  
• Users must provide accurate and truthful information when registering for an account or using the platform.

3. Account Registration

• Users must create an account to use certain features of the platform.
  
• Users agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process and to update such information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.
  
• Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account information and are liable for all activities that occur under their account.
  
• The platform reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that are found to contain false or misleading information or that violate these terms and conditions.

4. Listings

• Accuracy: Hosts are responsible for providing accurate and complete information about their listings, including pricing, availability, and any applicable rules or restrictions.
  
• Compliance: Hosts must comply with all local laws and regulations, including obtaining any necessary licenses or permits. This includes but is not limited to compliance with tax laws, safety regulations, and local zoning laws.
  
• Intellectual Property: Hosts must ensure that their listings do not infringe on the rights of third parties, including intellectual property rights.
  
• Maintenance and Safety: Hosts must ensure that their accommodations and experiences are safe, clean, and well-maintained. Hosts must also clearly disclose any potential hazards or special requirements for guests.

5. Bookings and Financial Terms

• Booking Process: When a guest makes a booking, they agree to pay all applicable fees, including the accommodation or experience fee, service fees, and any taxes.
  
• Payment Processing: Payments are processed through our secure payment system. Guests will be charged at the time of booking or as specified in the listing.
  
• Host Payouts: Hosts will receive payouts for bookings after the guest has checked in or the experience has commenced, minus any service fees charged by the platform.
  
• Cancellation Policies: Cancellation policies vary by listing and are outlined in the booking confirmation. Guests and hosts must adhere to the cancellation policy specified in the listing. For more information about this subject visit our cancellation policy.
  
• Refunds: In the event of a cancellation, refunds will be processed in accordance with the listing’s cancellation policy. The platform reserves the right to mediate disputes and issue refunds at its discretion.

6. Commission and Service Fees

• Commission for Hosts: As a host listing your property on our platform, a commission fee of 7% will be charged on each booking. This fee is deducted from the total amount paid by the guest for the booking. The commission helps cover the costs of maintaining the platform, marketing your property, and providing customer support. The remaining amount, after the deduction of the commission, will be transferred to your account.
  
• Service Fee for Guests: Guests making a reservation on our platform will be charged a service fee of 7% on top of the booking price. This fee is added to the total cost of the booking and is non-refundable. The service fee supports the operational costs of the platform, including transaction processing, customer service and other administrative expenses.
  
• Payment Processing: All payments are processed securely through our integrated payment gateway. Hosts will receive their earnings, minus the 7% commission, within 48 hours after the guest checks in.
  
• Fee Adjustments: We reserve the right to modify the commission and service fee rates at any time. Any changes to the fee structure will be communicated to hosts and guests with at least 30 days notice before taking effect. Continued use of the platform after the changes have been implemented will constitute acceptance of the new rates.

7. Cancellations and Refunds

• Guest Cancellations: Guests can cancel bookings according to the cancellation policy specified in the listing. Refunds, if applicable, will be processed in accordance with that policy.
  
• Host Cancellations: Hosts are discouraged from cancelling bookings. If a host cancels a booking, the guest will receive a full refund and the host may incur penalties, including but not limited to lower visibility in search results and/or account suspension.
  
• Platform Cancellations: The platform reserves the right to cancel bookings in case of force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics) or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, guests will receive a full refund.

8. Responsibilities and Conduct

• General Conduct: Users agree to use the platform responsibly and to respect the property and privacy of others. Harassment, discrimination, and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.
  
• Host Responsibilities: Hosts agree to provide accommodations and experiences as described in their listings. They must be present or have a representative available to address any issues or emergencies that arise during a guest’s stay.
  
• Guest Responsibilities: Guests agree to adhere to the house rules and any additional terms specified by the host. Guests are responsible for any damage they cause to the property.

9. Dispute Resolution

• Amicable Resolution: Users agree to attempt to resolve any disputes arising from their use of the platform amicably. This includes direct communication between the host and guest to resolve minor issues.
  
• Arbitration: If a resolution cannot be reached, users agree to submit the dispute to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the Portuguese Arbitration Association. The arbitration decision will be final and binding.
  
• Jurisdiction: Any legal actions or proceedings related to the platform must be brought in the courts of Portugal.

10. Liability

• User Responsibility: The platform is not responsible for the conduct of users or the accuracy of listings. Users use the platform at their own risk.
  
• Indemnification: Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless the platform from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from their use of the platform, including but not limited to property damage, personal injury, and legal fees.
  
• Limitation of Liability: The platform’s liability is limited to the amount paid by the user for the booking in question. Under no circumstances will the platform be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

11. Privacy

• Privacy Policy: Users agree to the platform’s Privacy Policy, which outlines how personal information is collected, used, and protected.
  
• Data Sharing: The platform may share user information with third parties as necessary to provide services, process payments, and comply with legal obligations. Users consent to such data sharing.
  
• User Rights: Users have the right to access, correct, and delete their personal information as outlined in the Privacy Policy. Users can exercise these rights by contacting Book In Portugal.

12. Changes to Terms and Conditions

• Modifications: The platform reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. Users will be notified of any changes via email or through notifications on the platform.
  
• Acceptance of Changes: Continued use of the platform after changes have been made constitutes acceptance of the new terms. Users are encouraged to review the terms periodically.

13. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of Portugal. Any legal actions or proceedings related to the platform must be brought in the courts of Portugal.

14. Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding these terms and conditions, please contact us.