Cookie Policy
Last updated: July 2026
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device by your web browser. They allow websites to remember information about your visit — such as whether you are signed in or what language you prefer. Some are essential for the site to work; others help site owners understand how people use their service.
Cookies we use
The table below lists every cookie and local storage item that ExpatStarterGuide sets. We do not use any third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking cookies.
| Name | Purpose | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| sb-*-auth-token | Supabase authentication session. Keeps you signed in across page loads. | Session / up to 1 week | Essential |
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent choice so the banner does not reappear. | Persistent (localStorage) | Essential |
| theme | Remembers your dark/light mode preference. | Persistent (localStorage) | Essential |
| esg_unlocked | Caches which premium countries you have unlocked, to avoid a loading flash. | Persistent (localStorage) | Essential |
| expat_wizard_data | Temporarily stores your onboarding wizard progress so you can resume if you navigate away. | Persistent (localStorage) | Essential |
| pending_toast | Carries a one-time notification message across a page redirect (e.g. after email confirmation). | Single use (sessionStorage) | Essential |
Tracking cookies (consent-based)
We may use tracking and analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use the site. These cookies are off by default and are only loaded after you explicitly opt in via the cookie consent banner or preferences panel. No boxes are pre-ticked.
Because specific tracking tools are managed by our administrators and may change over time, we describe them here by category rather than listing every individual cookie name. When tracking is enabled, the following types of cookies may be set:
| Category | Example provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analytics | Google Analytics | Measures page views, session duration, traffic sources, and approximate visitor location to help improve the site. | Up to 2 years |
If you reject tracking cookies or withdraw consent later, these scripts are never loaded and no tracking cookies are set. You can change your preference at any time via Cookie Settings in the footer.
Third-party cookies
We load Google Fonts for typography. Google may set cookies or log requests when serving font files. This is a connection to Google's servers but does not involve analytics or advertising tracking on our part.
When tracking cookies are enabled (with your consent), third-party analytics providers may also set their own cookies according to their privacy policies.
Managing your preferences
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the Cookie Settings link in the site footer. This will open the preferences panel where you can toggle non-essential cookie categories on or off.
You can also manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. Note that blocking essential cookies will prevent you from signing in or using core features.
Changes to this policy
We will update this page if we add or remove cookies. The "Last updated" date at the top will always reflect the most recent revision.
Contact
Questions about our use of cookies: privacy@expatstarterguide.com or use our contact page.