Last updated: June 2025
Your privacy matters here. When I started Alaverdi Guides, I was simply sharing notes from the road — but as the site grew into a trusted resource for people moving to India, renting, or buying property, the responsibility to handle personal information with care grew too. This policy explains what data I collect, why I collect it, and how I keep it safe. It’s written in plain language, without legalese, because transparency builds trust — and trust is the foundation of any guide worth following.
What information is collected
When you use Alaverdi Guides, a few types of information may come my way:
- Information you give directly. If you subscribe to the newsletter, download a neighborhood guide, or fill out a contact form, you’ll typically share your name and email address. Sometimes you might add details about your relocation plans or property interests — that’s entirely voluntary.
- Information collected automatically. Like most websites, I use basic analytics (through privacy-focused tools) to understand how people find and use the guides. This includes things like your IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on the site. None of this identifies you personally.
- Cookies. Small files stored on your device help the site function smoothly and let me see which articles are most helpful. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work as intended.
How your information is used
I use the data I collect for a few straightforward purposes:
- To send you the newsletter or guides you’ve requested — usually practical advice on renting, expat-friendly neighborhoods, or the property buying process in India.
- To reply when you reach out with a question or a personal situation. Many readers write in looking for tailored suggestions, and I do my best to respond thoughtfully.
- To improve the site. Knowing which guides are most read helps me focus on creating content that genuinely helps people settle in India.
- To keep the site secure and prevent misuse.
I never use your data to make automated decisions that affect you, and I don’t build profiles for advertising purposes.
Who has access to your data
I don’t sell, trade, or rent personal information to anyone. The only situations where your data might be shared are:
- Service providers I trust. For example, the email platform that delivers the newsletter or the analytics tool that helps me understand site traffic. These providers are carefully vetted and contractually bound to keep your data secure.
- Legal requirements. If required by law, I may need to disclose information, but I’ll always question such requests and inform you if possible.
No real estate agent, developer, or third‑party advertiser gets your contact details from me — ever.
How long data is kept
I keep your personal information only as long as it’s needed. If you unsubscribe from the newsletter, your email is removed promptly. Contact form submissions are retained just long enough to answer your query and then deleted unless you become an ongoing reader who wants further help. Analytics data is anonymized and retained in aggregate form.
Your rights over your data
You’re in control. At any time you can:
- Ask to see what personal data I hold about you.
- Request corrections or updates.
- Ask me to delete your data.
- Withdraw consent for the newsletter (every email includes an unsubscribe link).
Just write to me at [email protected] — I’ll handle your request personally, usually within a few days.
Cookies and tracking
I use a minimal set of cookies. Some are essential for the website to work (like remembering your cookie preferences), while others help me understand which guides are most useful. I don’t run intrusive ad trackers or behavioral profiling scripts. If you’d rather not be tracked at all, your browser’s incognito or private mode, or a simple ad‑blocker, will do the job.
Links to other sites
Occasionally I link to external resources — a government portal for visa rules, a reputable rental platform, or an expat forum. I can’t control how those sites handle your data, so please check their privacy policies when you click through.
Security
I take reasonable precautions to protect your information — secure hosting, encrypted connections, and limited access to personal data. That said, no online platform is 100% immune to risks. If I ever become aware of a breach, I’ll notify affected users as quickly as possible.
Changes to this policy
If anything changes in how I handle your data, I’ll update this page and, for significant shifts, send a clear notice to newsletter subscribers. The date at the top will always reflect the latest revision.
Get in touch
If you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat about privacy over a virtual chai, reach out. I’m a real person behind these guides, and I treat your trust seriously.
Email: [email protected]
Response time: Usually within 48 hours, often sooner.
Thank you for letting Alaverdi Guides be part of your journey — whether you’re still exploring or already unpacking boxes in a new Indian neighborhood.