Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how First Time in China (“the app”, “we”, “us”) handles information when you use our iOS travel handbook. We built the app to work offline and to collect as little data as possible.
By using the app, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the app.
Summary
- No account required. We do not ask you to sign up or log in.
- No ads or analytics SDKs. We do not use third-party advertising or analytics tools.
- No sale of personal data. We do not sell your information.
- No cross-app tracking. We do not track you across other companies’ apps or websites.
- Data stays on your device except where Apple processes purchases or you choose to open external links.
Who we are
First Time in China is a travel survival handbook for international visitors to China. The app is published by Zhiyi Shen, an individual member of the Apple Developer Program.
Privacy questions: 50894409@qq.com
Information we do not collect
We do not collect, store on our servers, or receive from the app:
- Your name, email address, or phone number (unless you email us voluntarily)
- Your precise location or GPS coordinates
- Your contacts, photos, or files
- Health, financial, or passport/visa details you may view in the handbook
- Device identifiers for advertising or profiling
We have no backend user database for the app.
Information stored on your device
The app stores the following locally on your iPhone using Apple’s on-device storage (UserDefaults). This data is not transmitted to us:
- Language preference — your selected app language
- Hotel information — hotel name and address you optionally enter to show a driver
- Recently viewed pages — titles and page IDs of handbook pages you opened recently (up to 8 entries)
- Purchase status — whether premium content is unlocked (also verified through Apple)
This information remains on your device until you delete the app or clear its data. We cannot access it remotely.
Network use
Handbook content is bundled in the app and works offline. The app may connect to the internet only in these situations:
Content update check (optional)
If you tap Check for Updates in Settings, the app requests a small public file from our website (content-manifest.json) to compare content version numbers. This request does not include your name, hotel details, or other personal information. We may see standard server logs (such as IP address and request time) handled by our hosting provider.
App Store purchases
When you buy or restore the full handbook, Apple processes the transaction through the App Store. See Payments below.
Links you open
If you tap official resources, app download links, support email, or legal pages, those open in Safari, the App Store, or your mail app. Those services have their own privacy policies.
Payments
The app offers a one-time in-app purchase to unlock the full handbook. All payments are processed by Apple through the App Store. We do not receive or store your payment card or bank details.
Apple may share with us non-financial purchase confirmation needed to unlock content (for example, that a valid purchase exists for your Apple ID). Refunds and billing disputes are handled under Apple’s terms.
Apple-required APIs
The app uses Apple system APIs to save your preferences on device (UserDefaults), as disclosed in our app privacy manifest. We use this only for app functionality described above—not for tracking.
Children’s privacy
The app is intended for a general audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Because we do not collect personal information through the app, no parental consent mechanism is required for the app itself.
Your choices and rights
- Hotel data: You can edit or clear hotel information in the app at any time.
- Recent pages: Clear app data by deleting and reinstalling the app.
- Purchases: Use Restore Purchase in Settings on a device signed into the same Apple ID.
- Contact us: Email 50894409@qq.com with privacy questions or requests.
Depending on where you live, you may have additional rights under local law (for example, access or deletion). Because we do not hold personal data on our servers, we generally cannot retrieve data stored only on your device.
Data retention
On-device data is kept until you delete the app or change/clear the relevant fields. We do not retain personal app usage data on our servers.
International users
The app is available in multiple countries. If you contact us by email, we will handle your message according to this policy.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised version at this URL and update the “Last updated” date. Continued use of the app after changes means you accept the updated policy.
App Store privacy label
Our App Store privacy nutrition label reflects that the app is designed not to collect data linked to your identity. On-device storage described above is not collected by us.
Contact
Privacy questions or requests: 50894409@qq.com