When you book a tour through GetYourGuide, you’re often working with small local operators who set their own rules within the platform’s flexible standards. Knowing how cancellations and refunds work helps you avoid last-minute stress and unexpected charges. Most activities include free cancellation up to 24 hours before they start, but policies can vary depending on the provider.
This guide breaks down how to read refund terms before booking, how to cancel or modify a reservation, what to expect once you do, and how long refunds usually take.
Jump to: Cancellation Policy • Refund Eligibility • Canceling a Booking • Timelines for Refunds • Non-Refundable Experiences • Customer Support • Refunds Take Longer • Final Thoughts • FAQ
TL;DR
- Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before start.
- Refunds arrive in 3–5 business days via your original payment method.
- Optional Cancellation Upgrade allows cancellations up to 1 hour before.
- Non-refundable activities cannot be changed once confirmed.
- Use your GetYourGuide dashboard or guest cancellation tool to manage bookings.
- Customer support is available 24/7 for refund or modification help.
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Understanding GetYourGuide Cancellation Policy
The default 24‑hour rule
Most experiences listed on GYG include free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity begins.
The platform’s terms say that if you cancel more than 24 hours before the scheduled start, you’ll receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 24 hours or fail to show up, the activity is considered delivered and no refund is owed.
Refunds are issued via the original payment method unless you opt for GetYourGuide credit.
How providers categorize refunds
Activities can be fully refundable, partially refundable or non‑refundable.
The help center notes that most listings allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before start; however, you should always check the exact policy in the “About this activity” section before booking.
After booking, your voucher shows the specific cancellation conditions and whether a booking is fully refundable, partially refundable or non‑refundable.
Non‑refundable activities cannot be canceled for a refund, so reading the policy ahead of time prevents costly surprises.
Cancellation upgrade for extra flexibility
GetYourGuide partners with insurance provider Companjon to offer optional Cancellation Upgrades.
When available, the upgrade lets you cancel a booking for any reason within the 24‑hour window and no later than 60 minutes before the start time.
You’ll receive a payout (usually equal to the booking amount) when you cancel within the covered period.
The upgrade must be purchased during checkout and is only offered if the booking meets eligibility criteria.
Identifying Refund Eligibility on Activity Pages
Before you click “Book now,” scroll down to the “About this activity” section on the activity page.
Here you’ll find a clearly labeled cancellation policy indicating whether free cancellation is available and the deadline for a full or partial refund.
For Reserve Now & Pay Later listings, the help center advises checking this section because only activities with free cancellation and instant confirmation are eligible for deferred payment.
After booking, your voucher and booking summary display the cancellation policy and whether your booking is fully refundable, partially refundable or non‑refundable.
Referencing these details avoids booking a non‑refundable tour by mistake.
Canceling or Modifying a Booking
From your account dashboard
- Access your bookings – Log into your GetYourGuide account and select “My Bookings.” Here you’ll see upcoming and past activities.
- Modify details – If the operator allows modifications, you can change the number of participants or reschedule within the free‑cancellation period. Some bookings require canceling and rebooking to change details.
- Cancel when necessary – Select the booking you wish to cancel and follow the prompts. The platform emphasizes that refunds are usually processed within a few days.
Using the cancellation tool without logging in
If you checked out as a guest or simply prefer a quick option, the help center provides a “Cancel booking” tool.
Enter your booking reference and PIN from your voucher, click submit, and the system will cancel your reservation.
This tool is also useful for checking the status of a refund that hasn’t arrived.
What to expect after canceling
GetYourGuide sends an email confirming your cancellation.
If you have an account, the booking will appear under “Past and canceled bookings” in the app or on the website.
The cancellation policy on your voucher determines whether your refund is full, partial, or non‑existent.
To remove one or more participants instead of canceling the entire booking, contact customer support directly.
Timelines for Refunds and How They are Issued
Refund processing times
GetYourGuide states that refunds are credited via the same payment method used to book.
Most refunds appear in your bank account or PayPal within 3–5 business days.
The help center notes that processing time can vary depending on your payment method and currency.
If the activity provider cancels the tour, GetYourGuide automatically processes a full refund and again notes a typical 3–5‑day timeline.
Tracking a refund
If your refund hasn’t arrived within the expected timeframe, use the refund‑status tool.
Input your booking reference and PIN; the system displays the status and, for many payment methods, provides an Acquirer Reference Number (ARN) that your bank can use to trace the refund.
Should you still not see the credit, contact GetYourGuide support with your booking details.
Non Refundable Experiences and How to Avoid Surprises
Some experiences, such as last‑minute tickets or special events, are labelled non‑refundable.
These bookings cannot be refunded once confirmed; cancelling simply forfeits the fee.
To avoid accidentally booking a non‑refundable tour:
- Check the activity’s cancellation policy before paying. The “About this activity” section states whether cancellations are free, partially refundable or non‑refundable.
- Consider the cancellation upgrade if offered. This optional insurance allows you to cancel for any reason up to one hour before the activity starts in exchange for a payout.
- Choose free‑cancellation tours when plans are uncertain. Many activities offer full refunds up to 24 hours prior.
- Reserve now, pay later for flexibility. GYG’s “Reserve Now & Pay Later” lets you secure a spot without immediate payment. Your card is charged 72 hours before the activity; you can cancel free of charge before then.
Customer Support Channels for Refund Requests
If you encounter issues or need to request a refund for reasons beyond the stated policy, GetYourGuide encourages you to contact them directly.
The help center’s refund‑request form allows you to explain your situation; such requests are reviewed individually.
For general assistance, GYG provides 24/7 multilingual support accessible via live chat, email, or phone.
Using the mobile app makes this even easier; it offers built‑in chat and stores all your bookings in one place.
If you need to remove participants or can’t submit a cancellation online, the help center suggests contacting support; their details are listed at the bottom of the help page.
When Refunds Take Longer
Refunds may take longer if there are banking holidays, currency conversions, or payment‑method issues.
Some users report delays when using international credit cards; in such cases, GetYourGuide’s refund‑status tool can provide the ARN to help your bank trace the transaction.
If an activity provider cancels and you haven’t received a confirmation email from GetYourGuide, the help center advises contacting support to ensure the refund is processed.
Overall, refunds are usually straightforward and timely, but patience and accurate communication with both GYG and your bank help resolve occasional delays.
Final Thoughts
GetYourGuide’s refund and cancellation system is designed to offer flexibility without compromising the needs of local operators.
Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, and the platform processes refunds quickly when you cancel within the policy.
Always check the cancellation terms in the “About this activity” section, and don’t hesitate to purchase a cancellation upgrade if you foresee plans changing.
Using your account dashboard or the cancellation tool simplifies the process of modifying or canceling bookings, while 24/7 customer support is there to help when issues arise.
With careful reading and an understanding of these policies, you can book tours confidently, knowing exactly how refunds and cancellations work on GetYourGuide.
FAQ
What is GetYourGuide’s standard cancellation policy?
Most activities offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, the booking becomes non-refundable.
How long do GetYourGuide refunds take?
Refunds are typically processed within 3–5 business days via the same payment method used for booking.
What is the Cancellation Upgrade?
It’s an optional add-on from Companjon that lets you cancel for any reason up to one hour before the activity begins and receive a payout.
Can I modify my booking instead of canceling?
Yes, if the provider allows it. Log into “My Bookings” to adjust participants or dates within the free-cancellation period.
How can I cancel without logging in?
Use GetYourGuide’s “Cancel booking” tool with your booking reference and PIN. It works for guest checkouts too.
What if my activity is non-refundable?
Non-refundable activities cannot be canceled once confirmed, but you can often avoid these by checking the “About this activity” section before paying.