How to cancel Hola VPN in malaysia and avoid surprise charges
What is Hola VPN and why you might want to cancel
Hola VPN is a freemium virtual private network and proxy service that lets you mask your location, access geo-restricted content, and browse privately. The company offers a free tier at no cost and paid Premium plans with broader server access and faster speeds. In Malaysia, you can sign up through its official website at hola.org, but the service does not maintain a dedicated Malaysian support office or local payment address, which creates friction when you need to cancel.
The reason cancellation matters is straightforward: Hola VPN operates on a recurring subscription model, meaning your card will be charged again on your next billing date unless you actively stop the payment before that moment arrives. Unlike a one-time purchase, you must take deliberate action to prevent the next charge. This guide walks you through the legal framework and practical steps to cancel safely, keep proof of cancellation, and protect yourself from unwanted billing.
Why malaysian consumers struggle to cancel Hola VPN
Hola VPN's published End User License Agreement and Terms of Service lack a clear, step-by-step cancellation procedure. The company does not publish a straightforward "How to Cancel" page, does not display a refund policy upfront, and does not mention a statutory cooling-off period. This opacity creates a common complaint: users who want to exit the service must hunt for the cancellation option or contact support via email without knowing whether their request will be honoured within a reasonable timeframe.
Furthermore, the company's mailing address on file is a P.O. Box in Natanya, Israel, listed in the EULA for registered mail requests. An alternative contact point is its UK registered office. Neither location is Malaysian, which means postal delays and international correspondence add extra cost and time if you must escalate a dispute.
For Malaysian subscribers, the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (the principal consumer law in Malaysia) requires suppliers of services to act fairly, disclose material terms transparently, and honour cancellation requests within a reasonable time. If Hola VPN fails to cancel your subscription promptly or continues to bill you after you have requested termination, you have grounds to lodge a complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDNHEP), Malaysia's primary consumer protection authority.
Key features and what the premium plan actually costs
Hola VPN Premium is priced in US dollars on its official sales page (hola.org/premium). Common subscription options include monthly, annual, and three-year terms. Using the conversion rate of approximately 1 USD to RM4.72, a typical monthly Premium subscription costs around RM50-RM70, whilst annual plans are roughly RM200-RM280. The exact price fluctuates based on promotional offers and the exchange rate on your billing date.
When you purchase Hola VPN Premium, you are not buying a single licence or app. You are entering a recurring contract that renews automatically unless you cancel. The Terms do not specify a lock-in period, free trial conversion clause, or grace period-all red flags that indicate you must be extra diligent about tracking your billing cycle.
Understanding your consumer rights when you cancel
The Consumer Protection Act 1999 sets out your baseline rights as a Malaysian consumer purchasing services, including VPN subscriptions. This section explains your legal position and how it applies to cancelling Hola VPN.
Your legal position under malaysian consumer law
Under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, when you purchase a service such as Hola VPN Premium, you enter a contract with the supplier. The Act requires that contract to be transparent, fair, and free from misleading or deceptive conduct. Key rights include:
- The supplier must disclose the material terms of the contract clearly before you pay, including the price, billing cycle, and cancellation method.
- You have the right to cancel a subscription service within a reasonable time, unless the Terms explicitly state a non-cancellable period (which Hola VPN does not).
- The supplier must honour your cancellation request and stop charging you within a reasonable timeframe, typically within one billing cycle.
- If the supplier continues to bill you after you have cancelled, that constitutes unfair contract terms and potential breach of contract.
- You have the right to dispute unauthorised charges with your bank and request a refund (chargeback).
In addition, the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA) protects your personal and payment information. If Hola VPN suffers a data breach, the company must notify you and the relevant regulator, the Personal Data Protection Commissioner.
What to do if Hola VPN refuses to cancel or keeps billing you
If you submit a cancellation request-via email, account portal, or registered mail-and Hola VPN does not acknowledge it or continue to charge you, you have several escalation routes:
- Contact your bank or card issuer. Report the unauthorised charges and request a reversal or chargeback. Provide your cancellation request email and screenshots as proof you tried to stop the service. Most banks will reverse at least one unwanted charge whilst they investigate.
- File a complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDNHEP). Visit konsumer.kpdnhep.gov.my or call the consumer hotline. Provide your subscription details, cancellation request, and proof of continued billing. KPDNHEP can investigate and instruct the company to refund you and cease billing.
- Small claims court. For disputes under RM5,000, you can file a claim in the Small Claims Court without a lawyer. Submit your evidence (receipts, cancellation email, bank statements) and the court will order a refund if you have met your burden of proof.
How to cancel Hola VPN step by step
Cancellation is most successful when you use the method through which you subscribed and keep detailed proof of every action. This section covers the primary cancellation routes available to Malaysian users.
Method 1: cancel through your Hola VPN account portal (quickest)
The online account portal is the fastest cancellation route if it is available and working correctly.
- Visit hola.org and sign in using your registered email and password.
- If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.
- Navigate to your account settings or billing area. Look for labels such as "Account", "Subscription", "Billing", "Premium", "Manage Plan", or "Cancel Subscription".
- Some VPN providers hide this menu inside a settings gear icon or under a dropdown menu in the top right corner.
- Find the option to cancel your subscription or downgrade to the free plan. Click it.
- If you only see a "Downgrade" option, click it only if the page clearly states that your paid renewal will stop and you will revert to the free tier at no cost.
- Confirm the cancellation. The system may ask you to state a reason or offer a discount to keep you. Do not accept the discount unless you genuinely want to stay; proceeding with cancellation is your goal.
- Screenshot the final confirmation message that shows your cancellation is complete.
- Check your email. Hola VPN should send you a confirmation email within 24 hours. Save this email and the cancellation date.
- If you do not receive a confirmation email within 48 hours, proceed to Method 2.
- Verify in your account portal that your plan now shows as "Free" or "Cancelled". Check again 72 hours later to ensure your status has not reverted.
- You should also see a refund or credit issued if you have been overcharged or are within a refund window (see the Refunds section below).
Method 2: cancel via email to Hola VPN support
If the portal does not work or you want a documented record of your cancellation request, use email.
- Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line "Request to Cancel Hola VPN Premium Subscription".
- Example body: "I am writing to request immediate cancellation of my Hola VPN Premium subscription registered to [your email]. My next billing date is [date]. Please confirm cancellation within 48 hours and provide a reference number."
- Include in the email:
- Your registered email address.
- Your next scheduled billing date (from your bank statement or last invoice).
- A request for a confirmation email or reference number.
- Your current date and the date you are sending the email.
- Send the email from the same address used to register your account.
- Use a tracked email service (e.g. Gmail read receipts or a registered mail service if sending by post) to prove delivery.
- Keep a copy of your sent email and any reply. Hola VPN support states it aims to respond within 24-48 hours, although actual response times often exceed this.
- If you do not receive a reply within 5 working days, escalate to your bank or KPDNHEP.
- Once you receive a cancellation confirmation email, verify your account portal again to confirm your plan status has changed to Free.
- Monitor your next scheduled billing date closely and check with your bank to ensure no charge is processed.
Method 3: cancel via registered mail to Hola VPN (slowest)
If email and the portal do not yield results, you can escalate via registered mail to the company's mailing address listed in its EULA. This route takes longer but creates a dated, traceable record.
- Compose a formal cancellation letter. Include:
- Your full name and registered email address.
- Your next billing date.
- A clear statement: "I hereby request cancellation of my Hola VPN Premium subscription, effective immediately."
- The date of the letter and your signature.
- Send the letter via registered mail to the address listed in Hola VPN's Terms of Service. The primary address is:
- Hola VPN Ltd, P.O. Box [number], Natanya, Israel (exact details from the EULA).
- Alternative: Hola LTD (UK registered office, if available in the Terms).
- Obtain a postal receipt and proof of delivery from the Malaysian post office (Pos Malaysia). Keep this document.
- International registered mail to Israel typically takes 10-21 days to arrive and a further 10-14 days for a reply.
- After 21 days, send a follow-up email to [email protected] referencing your registered letter, the postal tracking number, and the date sent.
- Inform them that if the cancellation is not confirmed within 5 working days of your follow-up, you will file a complaint with KPDNHEP and your bank.
- Monitor your bank account for billing on your next scheduled date. If a charge appears after your registered letter was due to arrive, contact your bank immediately for a chargeback.
- Provide the bank with a copy of your letter, the postal receipt, and proof that you tried email and the account portal first.
Method 4: cancel via your payment method (direct card/bank cancellation)
If Hola VPN does not honour your cancellation after you have tried Methods 1-3, you can instruct your bank or card issuer to block recurring payments.
- Contact your bank's customer service by phone or online banking portal.
- Inform them you are cancelling a subscription to Hola VPN and do not want future charges from this merchant.
- Ask your bank to decline or block all future recurring charges from Hola VPN. Most banks call this a "recurring payment block" or "merchant block".
- Your bank may ask for proof that you requested cancellation from Hola VPN; provide your email or portal screenshots.
- Request a written confirmation from your bank that the block has been applied. Keep this document.
- The block usually takes effect within 24-72 hours but may take up to one billing cycle.
- Continue to monitor your account. If Hola VPN attempts to charge you after this date, report it as fraud and request a chargeback.
- Your bank will reverse the charge and investigate; most banks side with the consumer if a recurring payment was blocked on instruction.
Refunds: what you are entitled to and how to claim
Hola VPN does not publish a clear refund policy on its website, which is itself a breach of fair trading principles under the Consumer Protection Act 1999. Nonetheless, you may be entitled to a refund in the following scenarios.
Scenarios where you can claim a refund
| Scenario |
Your entitlement |
Action |
| You cancelled mid-billing cycle (e.g. paid on day 1, cancelled on day 15 of a monthly plan) |
Partial refund for unused portion (pro-rata refund) |
Email [email protected] with cancellation date and request pro-rata refund. If refused, escalate to your bank or KPDNHEP. |
| You were charged after you submitted a cancellation request and the cancellation was confirmed |
Full refund of the unauthorised charge(s) |
Email [email protected] with proof of cancellation and proof of the duplicate charge. If refused, contact your bank for chargeback. |
| You purchased via a credit card and the transaction was fraudulent or made without your consent |
Full refund, plus bank protection |
Contact your bank immediately and dispute the charge as unauthorised. Provide all evidence of cancellation attempts. |
| You subscribed within the last 14 days and have not received the service (e.g. app does not work) |
Full refund under consumer protection grounds |
Email [email protected] stating service failure and cancellation within 14 days. Attach screenshots of the issue. Escalate to KPDNHEP if refused. |
| Your account was hacked or used without authorisation |
Full refund and account security review |
Email [email protected] and your bank simultaneously. File a police report if identity theft is suspected. Contact KPDNHEP if the company refuses to cooperate. |
| You signed up during a free trial and were charged without explicit consent to upgrade |
Full refund of first paid charge |
Email [email protected] with proof you did not authorise the upgrade. Escalate to KPDNHEP; this is a common misleading practice. |
How to request a refund from Hola VPN
Send a formal refund request email to [email protected]. Include your registered email, the dates you were charged, the amounts, and the reason you believe you are entitled to a refund. State a deadline: "Please process this refund within 14 days or I will escalate this matter to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living and dispute the charge with my bank."
Hola VPN has no published refund timeline, so the Consumer Protection Act 1999 standard of "reasonable time" applies-typically 30 days from receipt of your request. If the company does not respond or refuses without valid grounds, proceed to a bank chargeback or KPDNHEP complaint.
What happens after you cancel Hola VPN
Once your cancellation is confirmed, you need to understand what access you retain and what obligations you still have. This section covers the post-cancellation period.
Your access after cancellation
When you cancel Hola VPN Premium, your paid subscription ends, and your account reverts to the free tier. You will lose Premium features such as faster speeds, priority support, and access to all server locations. The free plan remains functional unless you explicitly delete your account.
Hola VPN's Terms do not state how long free-tier accounts are retained after cancellation. In practice, you should assume that your account history, stored passwords, and device settings may be deleted after 30-90 days of inactivity. If you need to preserve any data, download or export it before cancelling.
Your login credentials (email and password) should continue to work on the free tier. If you lose access immediately after cancellation, contact [email protected] and ask them to confirm that your free account is active.
What to do with connected devices
You will need to re-configure your VPN settings on each device where you used Hola VPN Premium. The app will still function on the free plan, but you may experience slower speeds and server restrictions. If you do not want to use the free service, uninstall the Hola VPN app from your device.
On Android and iOS, simply open your device's settings or app store, find Hola VPN in your installed apps, and select "Uninstall". On Windows or Mac, open the Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac), locate Hola VPN, and delete it. Uninstalling does not delete your account; you can reinstall the app at any time and log back in.
Your billing after cancellation
Your next billing date should pass without a charge. Check your bank statement and email 5-7 days after the expected billing date to confirm. If a charge appears, take the following steps immediately:
- Screenshot the unauthorised charge from your bank statement.
- Email [email protected] with proof of your cancellation and the unexpected charge. Ask for an immediate refund.
- Contact your bank and initiate a dispute or chargeback if Hola VPN does not respond within 5 working days.
- File a complaint with KPDNHEP if the charge was not reversed within 30 days.
Common mistakes that delay or block your cancellation
Cancelling Hola VPN is usually straightforward, but a few common missteps can leave you stuck or charged again. This section identifies those pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Not taking screenshots or proof before cancelling
The single most useful piece of evidence you can create is a screenshot of your account showing your current paid plan, next billing date, and the cancellation button or completed cancellation message. Hola VPN's account portal can change or reset; if a dispute arises later, your screenshot proves you were a paying customer on a specific date.
Capture at least three images before you cancel: (1) your account billing page showing the active Premium plan and next billing date, (2) the cancellation confirmation message or pop-up, and (3) your next account login (72 hours later) showing the plan has reverted to Free.
Waiting until the last moment to cancel
If your next billing date is tomorrow, do not wait until the morning of that date to cancel. Billing systems process charges at midnight or early morning, and if your cancellation request is still pending at that moment, the charge may still be processed. Cancel at least 3-5 working days before your next billing date to allow time for the system to update.
If you have already missed the deadline and been charged, do not worry-you can still dispute the charge with your bank and request a refund, especially if you have proof you submitted a cancellation request.
Confusing downgrade with cancellation
Some account portals offer a "Downgrade" option that shifts you from Premium to the free plan. If the page clearly states this is free and you will not be charged again, downgrade is equivalent to cancellation. However, if the label is ambiguous, always choose the explicit "Cancel Subscription" button instead. Do not rely on downgrade alone unless you see the word "Free" and "no charge" in the confirmation.
Not saving your cancellation email or reference number
If you cancel via email to [email protected], Hola VPN should reply with a confirmation reference number or ticket ID. Save this email in a folder labelled "VPN Cancellation" along with your original request. If a dispute arises months later, that email proves you took action on a specific date.
Ignoring discount offers after submitting cancellation
After you click "Cancel", Hola VPN may display a pop-up or email offering a 50% discount to stay. Do not be swayed. If you have decided to cancel, proceed. Accepting a discount resets your commitment and billing cycle, which defeats your goal of ending the subscription.
Pricing table: what Hola VPN premium costs in malaysia
Use this table to understand the cost in Malaysian ringgit (RM) based on current USD pricing and the conversion rate of approximately 1 USD to RM4.72. Prices may fluctuate based on promotions and exchange rates.
| Plan |
USD price |
Estimated MYR price |
Billing frequency |
Best for |
| Hola VPN Free |
$0 |
RM0 |
Forever |
Basic VPN, geo-unblocking |
| Hola VPN Premium (monthly) |
$9.99 |
RM47 |
Monthly |
Testing the service |
| Hola VPN Premium (annual) |
$59.88 |
RM283 |
Yearly |
Committed users, longer savings |
| Hola VPN Premium (three-year) |
$129.99 |
RM614 |
36 months upfront |
Very committed users, best rate |
| Hola VPN Premium (promo rate) |
$3.99-$6.99 (varies) |
RM19-RM33 |
First month or first year |
New customers, introductory offers |
Note: Hola VPN displays prices in USD on its website. The conversion to RM is approximate and will vary with daily exchange rates. Your bank or card issuer may also add a foreign exchange markup, increasing the final charge by 2-5% above the converted amount. Always check your exact billing amount in your bank statement a few days after purchase.
How yafee helps you cancel subscriptions safely
Cancelling a software subscription without losing money or access to data can be stressful, especially when the company does not make the process obvious. Yafee is a contract-law resource platform designed to guide Malaysian consumers through subscription cancellation, refund claims, and consumer rights disputes.
At Yafee, we translate complex consumer laws-such as the Consumer Protection Act 1999-into clear, actionable steps. Our guides walk you through cancellation procedures specific to each service, highlight the legal framework that protects you, and provide contact details for escalation if a company refuses to honour your request.
Yafee also helps you understand what counts as unfair contract terms, when you are entitled to a refund, and how to file a complaint with KPDNHEP or dispute a charge with your bank. We focus on Malaysian law and Malaysian payment systems, so every piece of advice is relevant to your location and currency.
If you are struggling with Hola VPN cancellation or any other subscription, visit Yafee and search for the service by name. Our guides have helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions without losing money or facing hidden charges.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling Hola VPN in Malaysia is a three-step process: (1) attempt cancellation through your account portal, (2) if that fails, send a cancellation email to [email protected] with a deadline, (3) if the company does not respond within 5-10 working days, contact your bank to block future charges or file a complaint with KPDNHEP.
The law is on your side. The Consumer Protection Act 1999 requires Hola VPN to honour cancellation requests within a reasonable timeframe and stop billing you immediately. If the company breaches this obligation, you can recover unauthorised charges through your bank's dispute process or by filing a complaint with KPDNHEP.
Before you take any action, screenshot your current plan, note your next billing date, and save your registration email. These three pieces of evidence are invaluable if a dispute arises later. After cancellation, monitor your bank account for 60 days to ensure no further charges appear.
Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and recover refunds by providing clear legal guidance and step-by-step procedures. If you need further support or want to understand your rights in more detail, visit Yafee today and explore our full library of subscription cancellation guides for Malaysian services and international providers operating in Malaysia.
Contact address for Hola VPN (last resort)
If you must contact Hola VPN by registered mail (Method 3), use the mailing address stated in its End User License Agreement:
Hola VPN Ltd
P.O. Box [as stated in EULA]
Natanya, Israel
Alternative (UK-registered office):
Hola LTD
[UK address as stated in Terms]
Email support (preferred): [email protected]
Support portal: hola.org/support
Always email first and keep a copy of your message. Registered mail should be your last resort after email and account portal attempts have failed.