Manage Internations

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

What InterNations is and why you might want to leave

InterNations is a global social platform designed for expatriates and international professionals. The service connects you with local groups, events, and networking opportunities in cities around the world - but it's not right for everyone, and that's okay.

Whether you've moved home, found your community elsewhere, or simply want to cut back on subscriptions, cancelling should be straightforward. At Stopee, we've helped thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate subscription cancellations with clarity and confidence, and InterNations is no exception. Here's what you need to know.

Who runs InterNations and where it's based

InterNations GmbH is a German company headquartered in Munich. This matters for your cancellation rights because German consumer law governs your membership contract - not New Zealand law alone. That means you have statutory protections under German consumer legislation, which are often stronger than what you'd expect from a typical online service.

Because InterNations has no local office in New Zealand, all cancellation notices must be sent directly to their German headquarters. Stopee recommends keeping records of every message you send, as this creates an audit trail if you ever need to dispute a charge.

InterNations membership tiers at a glance

InterNations offers several paid membership levels, including monthly premium plans and annual subscriptions. The most common tier is their standard Albatross membership, which 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). Stopee always recommends reviewing your current subscription details before you start the cancellation process, so you know exactly what you're cancelling.

Your consumer rights and protections as a new zealand customer

Even though InterNations is based in Germany, you have legal protections. The key right is your 14-day withdrawal period under German law (Section 246a EGBGB).

The 14-day withdrawal right explained

From the moment your membership contract begins, you have exactly 14 calendar days to cancel without giving a reason. This 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 on time.

Warning: The 14-day window starts from when you first enter the contract, not when you first use the service. If you subscribed on January 1st, your withdrawal period expires on January 14th - even if you didn't log in until January 10th.

What happens after the 14-day period

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 prevent future charges. If you notice you were charged unfairly after the 14-day window - for example, if you cancelled but continued to be billed - Stopee recommends contacting 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 have their own refund policies. Apple typically allows refund requests within 45 days of purchase, while Google offers similar protections. Stopee advises checking the refund policy of your app store before attempting to dispute a charge with your bank.

Your rights under new zealand consumer law

The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (Aotearoa New Zealand) also protects you. If InterNations fails to deliver the service as described, or if the service is of poor quality, you can raise a dispute with the company. If they don't resolve it, you can escalate to the Disputes Tribunal in your region.

For serious concerns about unfair contract terms or misleading conduct, you can also contact the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz). Stopee recommends documenting all communications with InterNations in case you need to escalate.

How to cancel InterNations on the web

Cancelling directly via the InterNations website or by contacting their support team is the most reliable method for New Zealand customers. This method gives you the clearest paper trail and ensures your 14-day withdrawal right is properly documented.

Step-by-step web cancellation process

1. Log into your InterNations account at internations.org.
   • Use the email address associated with your membership.
   • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page.
2. Navigate to your account settings or subscription management page.
   • Look for a "Billing", "Subscription", or "Membership" section.
   • The exact location varies, so check the help articles at support.internations.org if you can't find it.
3. Send a written cancellation or withdrawal notice to InterNations GmbH.
   • If the website doesn't offer a direct cancellation option, send an email to support@internations.org or write to the postal address below.
   • In your message, state that you are exercising your 14-day withdrawal right under Section 246a EGBGB.
4. Include the following details in your cancellation notice:
   • Your full name and email address associated with the account.
   • Your membership tier (e.g., Albatross, InterNations One).
   • The date you started your subscription (the contract start date).
   • The date you are submitting this cancellation notice.
   • A clear statement: "I wish to withdraw from this membership contract."
5. Send your notice by email or registered post (if using post, keep proof of postage).
   • Email is faster and creates an instant timestamp; Stopee recommends this method.
   • If posting, use registered mail so you have proof of delivery.
6. Wait for confirmation from InterNations.
   • InterNations should acknowledge your withdrawal within 2-3 business days.
   • They should confirm the refund status and any remaining access period.

Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your account settings page before you cancel, showing your subscription tier, renewal date, and any recent charges. This gives you a record if you need to dispute anything later.

Postal address for cancellation by mail

If you prefer to send a written notice by post, use this address:

InterNations GmbH
Karlsplatz 3
80335 Munich
Germany

Send your letter by registered mail with proof of postage. Keep the receipt and postage proof for your records. Stopee always recommends email for speed, but registered post is your best option if you need a formal paper trail.

How to cancel InterNations on iOS (Apple app store)

If you subscribe to InterNations through the Apple App Store, you must cancel through Apple's subscription settings, not through the InterNations app itself. Deleting the app does not cancel your subscription, and you will continue to be charged.

IOS cancellation steps

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
   • Look for the grey gear icon on your home screen.
2. Tap your name at the top of the Settings menu.
   • This opens your Apple ID profile.
3. Select "Subscriptions" (sometimes listed as "Media & Purchases").
   • You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
4. Find and tap the InterNations subscription.
   • It may appear as "InterNations" or "Albatross" depending on your tier.
5. Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit Subscription".
   • A menu will appear with options to modify or cancel.
   • Confirm that you want to cancel.
6. Your subscription will stop at the end of your current billing cycle.
   • Apple will send you a confirmation email.
   • You will retain access until the end of your paid period.

Pro tip: If you subscribed within the last 14 days and want a full refund (not just cancellation of future charges), contact Apple Support at support.apple.com and request a refund under the 14-day right. Explain that you are exercising your statutory withdrawal right. Apple often grants refunds within this window even after the purchase receipt has closed.

Warning: Cancelling through the App Store does not automatically trigger a refund. It only stops future charges. If you are within the 14-day withdrawal period, you must separately request a refund from Apple or contact InterNations directly to exercise your German law withdrawal right.

How to cancel InterNations on android (Google play store)

Cancelling an InterNations subscription on Android requires you to use Google Play, not the app itself. Like iOS, simply uninstalling the app will not cancel your subscription or stop charges.

Android cancellation steps

1. Open the Google Play app on your Android device.
   • Look for the Google Play icon (white triangle on a coloured background).
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
   • A dropdown menu will appear.
3. Select "Subscriptions" or "Manage subscriptions".
   • You will see all active subscriptions on your account.
4. Find InterNations in the list.
   • It may be listed as "InterNations" or under the local group name if that's how it appears on your device.
5. Tap the subscription and select "Cancel subscription".
   • Google Play will ask you to confirm and may offer you options to manage or pause instead.
   • Select "Cancel subscription" to proceed.
6. Your cancellation will take effect at the end of your current billing period.
   • Google will send you a confirmation email.

Pro tip: Google Play allows you to request a refund for a cancelled subscription within 48 hours of cancellation if you are within the 14-day window. When you cancel, immediately check the refund option. If you miss the 48-hour window, contact Google Play Support at support.google.com and explain that you exercised your statutory withdrawal right under German law.

What happens to your account and access after cancellation

Cancelling your membership means you stop paying future charges, but your account doesn't disappear immediately. Understanding what happens next helps you avoid surprises.

Access to features and the member community

Once your cancellation takes effect, your access to premium features and events ends. The exact timing depends on your cancellation method:

• Web or email cancellation: Access usually stops immediately if you exercise the 14-day withdrawal right, or at the end of your current billing cycle for regular cancellations.
• App Store or Google Play: Access continues until the end of your current billing period, then stops automatically.

You will lose the ability to RSVP to events, access member-only content, and participate in local group activities. However, your profile and past interactions remain visible to other members unless you request account deletion.

Deleting your account and data

Cancelling your subscription does not delete your account or personal data. If you want InterNations to remove your profile, posts, and personal information entirely, you must submit a separate data deletion request.

To request account deletion, email support@internations.org and include your account email and a clear statement: "Please permanently delete my InterNations account and all associated personal data." Keep a copy of this request for your records. Stopee recommends deleting your account if you have no intention of returning, as this gives you extra peace of mind about data privacy.

Will you get a refund after cancelling InterNations

Refunds are not automatic. Your eligibility depends on when you cancel and which cancellation method you use. Here's how to navigate the refund process.

Refunds within the 14-day withdrawal period

If you cancel within 14 days of entering your membership contract, you have a statutory right to a full refund under German consumer law. InterNations must refund all payments to your original payment method within 14 days of receiving your cancellation notice.

To claim your refund, ensure your cancellation notice clearly states that you are exercising your 14-day withdrawal right under Section 246a EGBGB. Without this explicit statement, InterNations may treat your cancellation as a standard cancellation (no refund) rather than a withdrawal (full refund).

Warning: If you subscribed to multiple tiers or made upgrades, each may have its own 14-day window. Calculate the 14-day period from the date each charge was made, not from the date you first created your account.

Refunds for app store subscriptions

If you subscribed through Apple App Store or Google Play, refund requests go to Apple or Google, not to InterNations directly. Both platforms have their own refund policies:

• Apple App Store: Refund requests are typically granted within 45 days of purchase if you provide a valid reason.
• Google Play: Refunds are usually available within 48 hours of cancellation for subscriptions, but may be extended on a case-by-case basis.

If the app store denies your refund request, contact InterNations directly via support@internations.org and reference your withdrawal right. They may escalate the refund request to the app store on your behalf.

Refunds after the 14-day period

Once the 14-day withdrawal period expires, InterNations is not legally obligated to refund charges for renewals or ongoing subscription periods. However, if you notice you were charged after cancelling, or if the service was not delivered as described, you can:

• Contact InterNations support and request a good-faith refund or credit.
• Dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company if the company refuses.
• Escalate to the Commerce Commission if you believe InterNations engaged in misleading conduct or unfair contract terms.

Stopee recommends keeping records of all charges and communications. Banks typically investigate disputes within 10 business days, and your payment provider may reverse charges if you have evidence that you cancelled on time.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Cancelling a subscription should be simple, but preventable mistakes can cost you time and money. Here's what Stopee has learned from helping New Zealand consumers.

Mistake 1: deleting the app instead of cancelling through settings

This is the most common error. Simply uninstalling InterNations from your phone does nothing to your subscription. Your billing profile remains active, and you will continue to be charged on your next renewal date. Always cancel through the app store settings (Apple Subscriptions or Google Play) or through the InterNations website directly.

Mistake 2: forgetting to mention the 14-day withdrawal right

If you email or write to InterNations without explicitly stating "I am exercising my 14-day withdrawal right under Section 246a EGBGB," the company may assume you are requesting a regular cancellation (no refund). Always include this phrase verbatim in your cancellation notice to trigger your statutory refund right.

Mistake 3: cancelling within 14 days but missing your refund deadline

InterNations has 14 days from receipt of your cancellation notice to process a refund. If they miss this deadline, contact them immediately and request confirmation of the refund status. If they continue to delay beyond 14 days, escalate to your bank or credit card provider for a chargeback dispute.

Mistake 4: not keeping proof of cancellation

Always screenshot or save confirmation emails from InterNations, Apple, or Google confirming your cancellation request. If a dispute arises, proof of cancellation is your strongest defense.

How to avoid InterNations charges in the future

Once your cancellation is complete, take these steps to ensure you are never charged again.

Monitor your statements for recurring charges

Check your bank or credit card statement within 2 weeks of your cancellation deadline. If InterNations charges you after the cancellation should have taken effect, contact your payment provider immediately to report the unauthorized charge. Your bank can typically reverse the charge and may block future attempts.

Remove saved payment methods

If InterNations stored your card details, log into your account (if still accessible) and delete the saved payment method. This adds an extra layer of protection if your account is ever reactivated by mistake.

Unsubscribe from marketing emails

After you cancel, InterNations may still send promotional emails encouraging you to rejoin. Click the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of these emails to remove yourself from their mailing list.

Quick cancellation checklist for InterNations

Contacting InterNations support and escalating disputes

If InterNations refuses to cancel your membership or process a refund, Stopee recommends a structured escalation approach.

First contact: email support

Send a detailed email to support@internations.org with the subject line "Membership Cancellation and Refund Request." Include:

• Your account email and full name.
• The date you subscribed and the current date (to prove the 14-day window).
• A clear statement exercising your withdrawal right under Section 246a EGBGB.
• A request for confirmation of cancellation and refund processing within 7 days.

InterNations typically responds within 2-3 business days.

Second contact: payment provider dispute

If InterNations does not respond or refuses to process your refund, contact your bank or credit card company and report an unauthorized charge. Provide them with your cancellation email and InterNations' failure to refund. Your payment provider can initiate a dispute on your behalf, and the merchant must defend the charge within 10 business days.

Third escalation: commerce commission

If the dispute is unresolved, contact the Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz) in New Zealand. The Commission investigates complaints about misleading conduct, unfair contract terms, and failure to honour consumer rights. Your complaint is free to file, and the Commission may force InterNations to refund or penalize the company if they find a breach.

Stopee has seen the Commerce Commission successfully recover refunds for New Zealand consumers when companies ignore statutory withdrawal rights. Don't hesitate to escalate if the company ignores your cancellation request.

Should you cancel InterNations or stay

Before you cancel, ask yourself whether the membership still delivers value. However, if you've decided to leave, Stopee supports your decision and wants to make the process painless.

Reasons to stay with InterNations

• You actively attend local group events and have built friendships there.
• The networking opportunities align with your career or relocation goals.
• You travel frequently and use InterNations in multiple cities.

Reasons to cancel

• You've relocated back to New Zealand and no longer identify as an expat.
• The annual cost (typically NZD $150-$200+) doesn't justify the value you receive.
• You've found alternative networking communities (professional groups, local meetups, hobby clubs).
• The app experience is poor, or you rarely log in anymore.

If you're cancelling because of poor service or misleading features, Stopee encourages you to leave honest feedback in your cancellation email. Companies listen to exit feedback, and your input may drive improvements for other users.

Final steps and getting help from stopee

Cancelling InterNations doesn't have to be stressful. By following this guide, you now understand your 14-day withdrawal right, the correct cancellation method for your device, and exactly what to include in your cancellation notice to ensure a refund.

If InterNations tries to keep charging you after you cancel, remember: your bank or credit card company is your ally. Payment providers reverse unauthorized charges daily, and you have legal protections under both German and New Zealand consumer law.

If you're unsure about any step in the cancellation process or need help drafting your cancellation notice, Stopee (stopee.com) has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations across dozens of services. Visit Stopee today to access templates, detailed guides, and expert advice tailored to your situation. We're here to make sure you cancel on your terms, get your refund, and move forward without stress.

InterNations contact information for new zealand customers

Email: support@internations.org

Postal address: InterNations GmbH, Karlsplatz 3, 80335 Munich, Germany

Important: InterNations has no physical office in New Zealand, so all correspondence must be directed to the Munich headquarters. Email is the fastest method; registered post is recommended if you need a formal paper trail.