FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about how Local Buddy works, what helpers can help with, and what is outside the scope of the pilot.
About Local Buddy
What is Local Buddy?
Local Buddy is a helper service for foreigners in Taiwan who need practical support in everyday situations where Chinese is a barrier.
What can helpers help with?
Helpers can help with practical everyday situations where Chinese is a barrier, such as:
- appointments and bookings
- admin and everyday services
- shopping and service issues
- housing and living
- translation and communication support
Helpers support communication, ask questions, clarify information, and help you handle everyday tasks more smoothly when Chinese is a barrier.
What can helpers not help with?
Helpers cannot help with things that go beyond normal support and communication, such as:
- legal, medical, or financial advice
- making decisions for you
- handling your money or accounts
- signing or committing you to anything
- representing you in disputes or emergencies
- illegal, unethical, dangerous, or physically risky tasks
Where does the pilot operate?
For the pilot phase, Local Buddy is available in Hsinchu City and Zhubei only.
Booking and payment
How does booking work?
Booking works in a few simple steps:
- Send your booking request through the form
- We review your request and check that it fits the pilot
- We find a suitable helper and contact you on LINE
- Your booking is only finally confirmed after payment has been verified
How much notice is needed?
All bookings must be made at least 2 hours in advance.
How does payment work?
The pilot uses bank transfer. Payment is required before the session, and your booking is only finally confirmed after payment has been verified.
What is the cancellation policy?
- More than 24 hours before your booking: no cancellation fee
- Less than 24 hours before your booking: 20% cancellation fee
- Within 2 hours of your booking: 50% cancellation fee
- No-show: 100% charge
What happens if no helper is found?
If no helper is found after continued efforts, Local Buddy may contact you after about 2 hours to offer an alternative time or ask whether you still want help.
Timing, lateness, and live issues
What happens if my helper is late?
If your helper arrives within 15 minutes, the session starts when the helper arrives and the session time shifts forward.
If your helper is more than 15 minutes late, please contact Local Buddy immediately. The booking is treated as a helper no-show.
What happens if I am late?
Your helper will wait up to 15 minutes.
If your helper is on time and has checked in correctly, the timer still starts at the booked time. The session does not get extended because you were late.
If you have not checked in within 15 minutes of the scheduled booking time, you may be treated as a no-show.
What should I do if something goes wrong?
If something goes wrong, you can submit a complaint through the complaint form. Local Buddy aims to respond within 1 hour during operating hours, and the first response will acknowledge the issue and explain the next step.
Important boundaries
Can the helper make decisions for me?
No. Helpers assist. Customers decide.
You remain responsible for your own decisions, documents, payments, and actions.
Can the helper handle money, sign documents, or represent me?
No.
Helpers do not handle your money, make payments for you, sign documents for you, or represent you in disputes, legal matters, or emergencies.
Is Local Buddy an emergency service?
No. Local Buddy is not an emergency service.
It must not be used for police situations, accidents, medical emergencies, or dangerous urgent situations.