Cancel Internations: The Right Way

How to cancel your InterNations membership and protect your rights in new zealand

Why you might want to leave InterNations

InterNations is a global networking platform designed for expatriates and international professionals, connecting you with local groups, events, and community opportunities across cities worldwide. It's a valuable service for many, but it isn't right for everyone-and that's perfectly acceptable.

You might want to cancel if you've relocated back home, found your community elsewhere, upgraded to a different platform, or simply decided to reduce your subscription expenses. Whatever your reason, you have clear legal rights as a New Zealand customer, and cancelling should be straightforward. Tocancel has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate subscription cancellations with clarity and confidence, and InterNations is no exception.

Who runs InterNations and where it's headquartered

InterNations GmbH is a German company based in Munich. This matters significantly for your cancellation rights because German consumer law governs your membership contract-not New Zealand law alone. You therefore have statutory protections under German consumer legislation, which are frequently stronger than the standard protections you'd expect from a typical online service.

Because InterNations operates no local office in New Zealand, you must send all cancellation notices directly to their German headquarters. Keep records of every message you send, as this creates an audit trail if you ever need to dispute a charge or escalate your complaint.

What InterNations membership includes

InterNations offers multiple paid membership tiers, including monthly premium plans and annual subscriptions. The standard tier-their Albatross membership-gives you access to local group events, networking features, and premium content. Your cancellation rights and refund eligibility depend on which tier you subscribe to and how you access the service (web, iOS app, or Android app).

Before you start the cancellation process, review your current subscription details so you know exactly what you're cancelling and which payment method is being charged.

Your consumer rights and protections as a new zealand customer

Even though InterNations is based in Germany, you have robust legal protections as a consumer, including a statutory cooling-off period.

The 14-day withdrawal right under german law

From the moment your membership contract begins, you have exactly 14 calendar days to cancel without providing a reason. This withdrawal right applies to your initial subscription and any upgrades you purchase. InterNations must refund all charges within 14 days of your cancellation notice if you exercise this right within the deadline.

The 14-day window starts from when you first enter the contract, not when you first use the service. If you subscribed on 1 January, your withdrawal period expires on 14 January-even if you didn't log in until 10 January. This is a strict timeline, so act quickly if you want a full refund.

What happens after the 14-day period expires

Once the 14-day withdrawal right expires, you lose the automatic right to a refund. However, you can still cancel your membership at any time to stop future charges. If you notice unfair charges after the 14-day window-for example, if you cancelled but continued to be billed-contact your payment provider (your bank or credit card company) to dispute the charge.

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, those platforms operate their own refund policies. Apple typically allows refund requests within 45 days of purchase, while Google Play offers similar protections. Check the refund policy of your app store before disputing a charge with your bank, as this may provide a faster resolution.

Your rights under the consumer guarantees act 1993

New Zealand law also protects you through the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. If InterNations fails to deliver the service as described, or if the service is of poor quality or unfit for purpose, you can raise a dispute. Your legal position is clear: the service must match what InterNations promised, and it must work as advertised.

If InterNations breaches these guarantees, you can request a repair, replacement, or refund. The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's consumer protection authority and can investigate complaints if InterNations refuses to comply with your rights. Tocancel recommends documenting every service failure so you have evidence if you need to escalate.

How to cancel your InterNations membership

Your cancellation method depends on how you subscribed: directly via the InterNations website, through the Apple App Store, or via Google Play Store.

Cancelling via the InterNations website

Follow these steps to cancel your account directly:

1. Log in to your InterNations account at the main website.
2. Navigate to your account settings or profile menu (usually found in the top-right corner).
3. Look for a "Subscription" or "Membership" section-this shows your current plan and billing details.
4. Select "Cancel membership" or "Cancel subscription"-the exact wording varies.
5. InterNations will ask you to confirm your cancellation and may offer a retention discount. You are under no obligation to accept this offer; proceed with cancellation if you've made your decision.
6. Confirm your cancellation in writing. Send a follow-up email to InterNations at their German headquarters (address provided below) stating: your full name, email address associated with the account, membership number, and the date you want the cancellation to take effect. Request written confirmation of the cancellation and the date it becomes effective.
7. Keep copies of all emails and confirmation messages.

This written confirmation is critical. Email provides proof that you sent a cancellation request, and InterNations' response proves they received it. If you cancel only via the website but charges continue, an email trail protects you when disputing the charge with your bank.

Cancelling an apple app store subscription

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store, cancel directly through your Apple account:

1. Open the App Store app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Tap your profile icon (usually in the top-right corner).
3. Select "Subscriptions."
4. Find "InterNations" in your active subscriptions list.
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" and confirm the cancellation.
6. Apple sends a confirmation email to your registered Apple ID address. Save this email as proof of cancellation.
7. Send a separate cancellation notice to InterNations' German headquarters (address below) via email, stating your intention to cancel and the date you submitted your App Store cancellation. This creates a full record.

Apple typically processes cancellations immediately, and your subscription ends on the next renewal date. If you cancelled within 14 days of purchase, request a refund through the App Store by selecting "Report a Problem" under the subscription.

Cancelling a google play store subscription

If you subscribed via Google Play Store, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Play on your Android device or visit play.google.com on a computer.
2. Log in with your Google account.
3. Navigate to your account settings (usually found in the menu or under "Manage your Google Account").
4. Select "Payments and subscriptions" or "Subscriptions."
5. Find "InterNations" in your active subscriptions.
6. Select "Cancel subscription" and follow Google's prompts to confirm.
7. Google sends a confirmation email. Keep this for your records.
8. Email InterNations' German headquarters separately to confirm your cancellation in writing, providing your full name, email, membership number, and the date you cancelled via Google Play.

Google typically ends your subscription on the next renewal date. If you cancelled within 15 days of purchase, you can request a refund through Google Play by reporting an issue with the subscription.

Refunds and what to expect after cancellation

Your refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and how you subscribed.

When you're entitled to a refund

You have a right to a full refund if you cancel within 14 days of purchase under German consumer law (Section 246a EGBGB). InterNations must process this refund within 14 days of receiving your withdrawal notice. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit to your card account; if you paid by bank transfer, the funds return to your original bank account.

If you cancel after the 14-day withdrawal period, you lose the automatic right to a refund. However, if you were charged after cancelling, or if the service failed to meet its description, you can dispute the charge. Contact your bank or credit card company to initiate a chargeback, explaining that you cancelled your membership and should not have been charged further.

Processing times and follow-up

InterNations typically processes refunds within 14 days, but bank processing times may add 3 to 5 business days. If you don't see a refund within 21 days of your cancellation notice, contact InterNations' support team with your cancellation confirmation email and ask for a status update.

If InterNations refuses to refund you within the 14-day withdrawal period, or if charges continue after you cancelled, escalate to the Commerce Commission or contact a consumer law centre. Tocancel recommends keeping all email correspondence as evidence for any dispute.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

Many customers cancel without documenting the process, only to discover charges continuing weeks later. Protect yourself by avoiding these pitfalls.

Mistake 1: cancelling only through the website without written confirmation

The InterNations website interface may confirm your cancellation request, but InterNations' support team doesn't always see this confirmation immediately. Always send a separate email to their German headquarters. Without this paper trail, you have no proof that InterNations received your cancellation request. If charges continue and you need to dispute them, your bank will ask for evidence that you cancelled-a website screenshot is weaker evidence than a timestamped email.

Mistake 2: assuming app store cancellation is enough

Cancelling via Apple App Store or Google Play Stop your payments to the app store, but InterNations' account may remain active. Some users discover they can no longer access the service, but the subscription itself wasn't cancelled at InterNations' level. Send a cancellation email to InterNations as well, confirming the date you cancelled through the app store.

Mistake 3: missing the 14-day withdrawal deadline

The 14-day window is strict. Count from the day your contract began (usually the day you subscribed), not from when you first logged in. If you wait until day 16, you lose the automatic refund right. Circle the expiry date on your calendar the day you subscribe.

Mistake 4: not keeping copies of confirmation emails

Delete nothing. Save every email from InterNations, Apple, Google, or your bank related to your subscription and cancellation. If a dispute arises months later, these emails prove what you did and when.

Cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you've cancelled correctly:

After you cancel: what happens next

Cancellation doesn't end instantly-a few things happen behind the scenes.

Access to your account

Once your cancellation takes effect (usually on the next renewal date or immediately if you're within the 14-day withdrawal period), you lose access to premium features. Free features may remain available, depending on InterNations' terms, but you won't be able to attend paid group events or access member-only content.

Monitoring for unauthorized charges

Watch your bank or credit card statement for 30 days after your cancellation date. If InterNations charges you again, contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback. Provide your cancellation email as evidence that you cancelled before the charge was processed. Banks typically reverse fraudulent charges within 14 days of your dispute.

Data and account deletion

Cancelling your membership doesn't automatically delete your account or personal data. If you want InterNations to erase your profile and data, contact them separately and request account deletion under the German version of GDPR (the EU's data protection law, which applies to InterNations as a German company). InterNations has 30 days to comply with a deletion request.

Pricing comparison and subscription tiers

Understanding InterNations' pricing helps you confirm what you should be charged and what you're entitled to refund:

Your refund is calculated based on your tier and the pro-rata amount you've used. For example, if you paid for a full month but cancelled after 7 days, you may be entitled to a partial refund-but only if you cancel within the 14-day withdrawal period.

Your legal position: consumer rights recap

You hold significant legal power as a New Zealand customer of a German company. Tocancel summarizes your key rights:

• 14-day withdrawal right: Cancel within 14 days of purchase for a full refund, no questions asked.
• Consumer Guarantees Act 1993: InterNations' service must be of acceptable quality, safe, and fit for purpose. If it isn't, you can demand a refund or repair.
• Chargeback protection: If InterNations charges you after you cancelled, your bank can reverse the charge on your behalf.
• Commerce Commission escalation: If InterNations refuses to honor these rights, report them to the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer protection authority.
• Data protection: You can request that InterNations delete your personal data under GDPR within 30 days.

Your legal position is straightforward: you have the right to cancel, and InterNations has a legal obligation to honor that cancellation and refund you if you act within 14 days.

How to contact InterNations for cancellation

Send your written cancellation notice to InterNations' German headquarters. Email is the fastest and most traceable method:

InterNations GmbH
Schwanthalerstraße 39
80336 Munich
Germany

Email: [email protected]

In your email, include:

• Your full name (as registered on the account)
• Your email address associated with the InterNations account
• Your membership number (if available)
• The date you want the cancellation to take effect
• A clear statement: "I wish to cancel my InterNations membership effective immediately" or "effective [date]"
• If within 14 days of purchase, add: "I am exercising my right of withdrawal under Section 246a EGBGB and request a full refund within 14 days"
• Request a written confirmation of cancellation

Keep a copy of the email you send, and save any reply from InterNations. This record is your proof if InterNations disputes your cancellation later.

When to escalate: next steps if InterNations won't cooperate

Most cancellations are processed smoothly, but if InterNations refuses to cancel or stops refunding you, escalate immediately.

Step 1: contact your payment provider

If charges continue after you've sent a cancellation email, contact your bank or credit card company and request a chargeback. Provide your cancellation email as evidence. Your bank has a legal obligation to investigate and can reverse the charge on your behalf.

Step 2: report to the commerce commission

If InterNations doesn't respond within 14 days, or if your bank declines your chargeback, lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). The Commission investigates consumer disputes and can force companies to comply with New Zealand consumer law. This is a free process.

Step 3: contact a consumer law centre

Your local community law centre or consumer advocacy organization can provide free legal advice if InterNations continues to breach your rights. Tocancel recommends reaching out if you've exhausted bank and Commerce Commission remedies.

Final summary

Cancelling InterNations is straightforward if you act decisively and document every step. You have a 14-day automatic withdrawal right under German consumer law, a refund protection under New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act, and chargeback protection from your bank if charges continue after cancellation. Cancel via your subscription method (website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store), then send a written confirmation email to InterNations' German headquarters. Keep all emails and confirmations. If InterNations refuses to cooperate, your bank or the Commerce Commission can intervene on your behalf.

Tocancel has helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel subscriptions with confidence and clarity. You have the legal right to cancel, and InterNations has a legal obligation to honor it. Act within 14 days of purchase for a guaranteed refund, keep your email trail, and escalate to your bank or the Commerce Commission if you encounter any resistance. Your consumer rights are not suggestions-they are law.