Skip to main content
tripcost

Privacy policy

Last updated: 5 May 2026

We collect as little as possible. Here's exactly what, why, and what you can do about it.

What we collect

Anonymous analytics

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how people use the site — which routes are popular, which pages people visit, and how traffic changes over time. GA4 data is anonymised; we cannot identify individual visitors. GA4 sets cookies (see below).

Email address (optional, opt-in only)

If you sign up for our newsletter or request our free road-trip cost report, we store your email address via Resend. We use it only to send what you asked for. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link in every email. POPIA requires — and we use — double opt-in: you'll receive a confirmation email before we add you to any list.

Saved trips (localStorage, opt-in only)

If you toggle "save my trips", the planner stores your recent route calculations in your browser's localStorage. This data never leaves your device and is not transmitted to our servers. You can clear it at any time through your browser settings or by toggling the feature off.

What we don't collect

  • We do not pass any personally identifiable information (PII) to third-party APIs such as our routing or toll data providers.
  • We do not sell, rent, or share your data with advertisers or data brokers.
  • We do not track you across other websites.
  • We do not collect payment information (we never process payments on this site).

Cookies

We use one category of cookies: those set by Google Analytics 4 for anonymous usage measurement. GA4 sets cookies with names like _ga and _ga_*. These cookies expire after 2 years.

We do not use advertising cookies, tracking pixels, or session-recording tools.

You can opt out of GA4 tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on or by using a browser with tracking protection enabled.

Affiliate links

Some links on this site (to insurance providers, accommodation, or car rental) are affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase or enquiry, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links are disclosed wherever they appear. They do not affect our editorial recommendations.

Your rights under POPIA

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) gives South African residents the following rights with respect to their personal information:

  • Right to access — you can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Right to correction — you can ask us to correct inaccurate information.
  • Right to deletion — you can ask us to delete your personal information (for example, your email address if you're on our newsletter list).
  • Right to object — you can object to the processing of your personal information at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, get in touch via the contact page with your request. We will respond within 30 days.

Cookie consent

When you visit tripcost.co.za for the first time, a banner at the bottom of the page asks whether you accept or decline analytics cookies. GA4 does not load until you click Accept.

What we collect when you accept

  • Anonymous pageview events (page URL, referrer, country — IP address is not stored)
  • Custom events triggered by the planner (e.g. share-button clicks, plan submissions) — no route data or personal information is included

What does not happen

  • No ad personalisation — GA4 is configured with IP anonymisation enabled
  • No cross-site tracking or remarketing audiences
  • No data is shared with Google Ads or any advertising network

How to opt out or change your mind

  • Clear your browser's localStorage for tripcost.co.za (the key is cookie-consent). The banner will reappear on your next visit and you can choose Decline.
  • Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on for a browser-wide opt-out regardless of stored consent.

Data retention

Email addresses on our newsletter list are retained until you unsubscribe. GA4 data is retained for 14 months (Google's default). localStorage data exists only on your device and is under your control.

Changes to this policy

If we make material changes to how we handle personal information, we'll update this page and change the "last updated" date at the top. We won't notify existing newsletter subscribers of minor policy clarifications.

Contact

Responsible party: tripcost.co.za
Questions or requests? Use the contact page.