Terms of service and privacy policy

Cuenca Expat Hub: Privacy Policy

Last Updated: July 5, 2025

Welcome to the Cuenca Expat HUB Group LLC! This Privacy Policy explains how Cuenca Expat HUB Group LLC ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you visit and use our website known and traded as Cuenca Expat HUB, including all its subdomains, services, digital products, community features, and direct services (collectively, the "Services").

We are committed to protecting your privacy. By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information from and about users of our Services:

a. Information You Provide Directly:

Account & Profile Data: When you register for an account, access community features, or purchase products/services, we collect your name, email address, password, and any other information you choose to add to your profile (e.g., profile picture, location, interests, relocation status).
Service & Purchase Data: If you purchase digital products (e.g., courses, e-books), subscribe to the interactive map, or request direct services (reception, onboarding, welcoming), we collect information necessary to process your order and provide the service, such as billing address, payment information (processed by third-party payment processors, we do not store full credit card details), and details related to your service request.
Community Content: Any content you post, upload, or submit to our Community features, including forum posts, comments, images, and private messages (if direct messaging is implemented), will be collected.
Communications: When you communicate with us via email, support tickets, or other channels, we collect the content of those communications.
Survey & Feedback Data: Information you provide when participating in surveys, polls, or providing feedback.

b. Information Collected Automatically:

Usage Data: We automatically collect information about your interactions with our Services, such as the pages or content you view, the time spent on those pages, the features you use, and the dates and times of your visits.
Device Information: We collect information about the device you use to access our Services, including IP address, browser type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
Location Information: We may infer your general geographic location from your IP address.
Cookies & Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies (e.g., web beacons, pixels) to track activity on our Services and hold certain information. These are used for functionality, analytics, personalization, and advertising. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

c. Information from Third Parties:

We may receive information about you from third-party services integrated with our platform (e.g., payment processors like Stripe/PayPal, analytics providers, email marketing services like Brevo). This information is governed by their respective privacy policies.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

Providing and Maintaining Services: To operate, deliver, and improve the functionality of the Cuenca Expat HUB, including managing user accounts, processing transactions, providing access to digital products, and facilitating direct services.
Personalization: To tailor your experience on the Services, such as recommending relevant content, courses, or community discussions based on your interests and activity.
Communication: To send you service-related notifications (e.g., account updates, purchase confirmations), marketing communications (e.g., newsletters, promotions, new product announcements), and responses to your inquiries. You can opt-out of marketing communications at any time.
Community Facilitation: To enable and manage user interactions within the Community, including displaying your public posts and profile information to other members.
Business Connections (with consent): If you explicitly opt-in, we may share your contact information (e.g., email address) with relevant businesses within our HUB system that offer services or products aligned with your expressed interests (e.g., real estate agents, immigration lawyers). Your consent will be obtained prior to any such sharing.
Analytics & Improvement: To understand how users interact with our Services, identify trends, track the effectiveness of our content and marketing efforts, and make improvements to our platform.
Security & Fraud Prevention: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, and other illegal activities, and to protect the security and integrity of our Services and users.
Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, legal processes, or governmental requests.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Other Users (Public Content): Information you post in public areas of the Community (e.g., forum posts, public profile details) will be visible to other members and potentially to the public.
With Service Providers: We share information with third-party vendors, consultants, and other service providers who perform services on our behalf and require access to your information to do so (e.g., website hosting, payment processing, email delivery, analytics, customer support). These providers are bound by confidentiality obligations and are prohibited from using your personal information for any other purpose.
With Businesses (Explicit Consent): As part of our "HUB" system, if you explicitly opt-in to receive information or be contacted by specific types of businesses (e.g., by checking a box or selecting a category of interest), we will share your relevant contact details with those businesses.
For Legal Reasons: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court order or government agency request).
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email or a prominent notice on our Services of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information.
With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties when we have your explicit consent to do so.

4. Your Choices and Rights

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

Access & Correction: You can access and update most of your account and profile information directly through your account settings. For information you cannot access or correct, please contact us.
Deletion: You may request the deletion of your account and personal information. Please note that some information may be retained for legal obligations, fraud prevention, or legitimate business purposes. Content you have posted publicly may remain visible even after account deletion, but it will no longer be associated with your name.
Marketing Communications: You can opt-out of receiving promotional emails from us by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in those emails. Even if you opt-out, we may still send you non-promotional communications, such as service-related alerts or account notifications.
Cookie Preferences: Most web browsers are set to accept cookies by default. If you prefer, you can usually choose to set your browser to remove or reject browser cookies. Please note that if you choose to remove or reject cookies, this could affect the availability and functionality of our Services.
Business Connections: You have the right to control whether your information is shared with third-party businesses through our HUB system. This will always require your explicit consent.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. Therefore, while we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

6. International Data Transfers

Your information may be stored and processed in any country where we have facilities or where we engage service providers. By using our Services, you understand that your information may be transferred to countries outside of your country of residence, which may have different data protection laws than those in your jurisdiction.

7. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information from our records.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the Services after any modifications to this Privacy Policy will constitute your acknowledgment of the modifications and your consent to abide and be bound by the modified Privacy Policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

By email: support@cuencaexpathub.com

By visiting the following page: contact us.

Cuenca Expat HUB: Terms of Use

Last Updated: July 5, 2025

Welcome to the Cuenca Expat HUB ! These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Cuenca Expat HUB website, including all its subdomains, digital products, community features, direct services, and any other services offered by Cuenca Expat HUB Group LLC ("we," "us," or "our").

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and our Community Rules & Guidelines. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our Services.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, making a purchase, posting content, or otherwise using any part of the Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use our Services. By using the Services, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement.

3. Account Registration and Security

Account Creation: You may be required to register for an account to access certain features of the Services, including community forums, courses, and the interactive map. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during the registration process and to update such information to keep it accurate, current, and complete.
Account Security: You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account login credentials (username and password) and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security. We will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with these obligations.

4. Services Offered

The Cuenca Expat HUB provides a comprehensive suite of resources and services for individuals interested in moving to, or already living in, Cuenca, Ecuador. These include:

Digital Products & Courses: Access to and purchase of online courses, e-books, guides, and other digital content designed to provide information and guidance on various aspects of living in Cuenca (e.g., "What to Expect from Cuenca," "How to Navigate Things in Cuenca").
Interactive Map Access: Subscription-based access to our proprietary interactive map highlighting neighborhoods, points of interest, and detailed ratings for various lifestyle factors.
Community Features: Access to our online forums and community groups where members can share information, ask questions, and interact with other expats and potential expats.
Direct Services (Reception, Onboarding, Welcoming): Facilitation of personalized services such as airport reception, initial orientation, and welcoming assistance upon arrival in Cuenca. These services may be provided directly by us or through trusted third-party partners.
Business Connection System: A platform designed to connect users with businesses and service providers relevant to their relocation and living needs in Cuenca.

5. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

You agree to use the Services only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of, restrict, or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of the Services. Specifically, you agree not to:

Violate Community Rules: Adhere strictly to our Community Rules & Guidelines (separate document, linked from the Community section), which govern posting, interaction, and general conduct within the forums.
Unsolicited Commercial Activity (Spam): Directly solicit, promote, or advertise products or services outside of the designated "Business Listings," "Services," or "Promotions" topics/sections within the Community. Any unauthorized spamming or self-promotion is strictly prohibited.
Harassment or Abusive Behavior: Engage in any form of harassment, intimidation, threats, personal attacks, hate speech, or discriminatory language towards other users or our staff.
Impersonation: Impersonate any person or entity, or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity.
Illegal Activities: Use the Services for any illegal purpose or in violation of any local, national, or international law.
Malware & Security Threats: Upload or transmit viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Services or of any related website, other websites, or the Internet.
Data Harvesting: Collect or store personal data about other users without their explicit consent.
Disruption: Interfere with or circumvent the security features of the Services or any related website, other websites, or the Internet.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

Our Content: All content on the Cuenca Expat HUB (excluding user-generated content), including text, graphics, logos, images, digital downloads, data compilations, and software, is property of Cuenca Expat HUB Group LLC, or the property of our content suppliers and protected by international copyright and intellectual property laws.
User-Generated Content: You retain ownership of any content you post, upload, or submit to the Services ("Your Content"). By posting Your Content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, and sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, publicly perform, and publicly display Your Content in connection with the operation and promotion of the Services. You represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights to grant us this license.

7. Purchases and Refunds

Digital Products & Subscriptions: All sales of digital products (e.g., courses, e-books) and subscriptions (e.g., interactive map access) are generally final. Refund policies for specific digital products or subscriptions will be clearly stated on their respective sales pages.
Direct Services: Refund and cancellation policies for direct services (reception, onboarding, welcoming) will be outlined in the specific service agreements or on the relevant service pages.
Pricing: Prices for products and services are subject to change without notice.

8. Disclaimers

No Professional Advice: Information provided on the Cuenca Expat HUB Group LLC, including content within courses, community discussions, and direct services, is for general informational and guidance purposes only. It does not constitute professional legal, financial, immigration, real estate, medical, or any other specialized advice. You should always consult with qualified professionals for advice tailored to your specific situation.
"As Is" Basis: The Services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.
Third-Party Services & Businesses: We may connect you with third-party businesses or service providers. We do not endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for the quality, accuracy, reliability, or legality of any services, products, or information provided by such third parties. Your interactions and transactions with any third parties found through our Services are solely between you and the third party.
No Guarantee of Outcome: We do not guarantee specific outcomes regarding your relocation, integration, or success in Cuenca. Our Services are designed to provide information and support, but individual results will vary.
Accuracy of Information: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not warrant the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of any content on the Services.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall Cuenca Expat HUB Group LLC, its affiliates, directors, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including without limitation, loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from (i) your access to or use of or inability to access or use the Services; (ii) any conduct or content of any third party on the Services; (iii) any content obtained from the Services; and (iv) unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content, whether based on warranty, contract, tort (including negligence), or any other legal theory, whether or not we have been informed of the possibility of such damage, and even if a remedy set forth herein is found to have failed of its essential purpose.

10. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Cuenca Expat HUB Group LLC and its affiliates, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees), resulting from or arising out of (a) your use and access of the Services, by you or any person using your account and password; (b) your breach of these Terms; or (c) Your Content posted on the Services.

11. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account and access to the Services immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason whatsoever, including without limitation if you breach these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Services will immediately cease. If you wish to terminate your account, you may do so by contacting us.

12. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify or replace these Terms at any time. If a revision is material, we will provide at least 30 days' notice prior to any new terms taking effect. What constitutes a material change will be determined at our sole discretion. By continuing to access or use our Services after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms. If you do not agree to the new terms, please stop using the Services.

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of Ecuador, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services shall be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador.

14. Contact Us

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