What is Pimsleur
Overview
Pimsleur is an audio-based language learning service focused on spoken practice, spaced repetition and pronunciation training. It offers courses for many languages via a website, mobile apps and physical media.
How it is typically sold
Pimsleur subscriptions are offered directly on Pimsleur.com and through in‑app purchases on Apple App Store and Google Play. Physical CDs and one‑off purchases are available through retailers.
How to cancel Pimsleur
Cancel via the Pimsleur website (direct purchases)
- Sign in at store.pimsleur.com/account/dashboard.
- Go to "Subscriptions".
- Click "Cancel Subscription" and confirm the cancellation.
- Note: cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period; you retain access until then.
Cancel via mobile app stores (in‑app purchases)
- iOS (App Store): Open iPhone Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions → Pimsleur → Cancel Subscription; confirm. Cancel at least ~24 hours before renewal.
- Android (Google Play): Open Google Play Store → Profile → Payments & Subscriptions → Subscriptions → Pimsleur → Cancel subscription; confirm. Cancel at least ~24 hours before renewal.
- Important: deleting the Pimsleur app does NOT cancel your subscription.
What happens when you cancel
Access after cancellation
When you cancel a subscription bought directly from Pimsleur.com, access typically continues until the end of the current billing period.
Renewals and billing
Cancellations stop future auto‑renewals but do not produce prorated refunds for the unused portion of the billing period unless a refund policy applies or local law requires it.
Will I get a refund?
30‑Day money‑back guarantee (direct web purchases)
- Available for subscriptions purchased directly from Pimsleur.com (not for in‑app purchases).
- Not available if you purchased a subscription that included a 7‑day or longer free trial.
- Must request within 30 days; you may need to request by phone or email and submit a sworn declaration within 7 days. Refunds are credited to the original payment method in about 4 - 6 weeks.
General refund rules and in‑app purchases
- All fees are generally non‑refundable except under the 30‑day guarantee or as required by applicable law.
- Purchases made through Apple App Store or Google Play are governed by Apple/Google refund mechanisms, not Pimsleur's web refund policy.
Pimsleur plans and pricing
Current price overview (ZAR)
Prices in South African rand (ZAR) as found for local app store and retail listings. Verify in your store before purchase.
Notes on pricing
- Monthly and annual subscription prices and one‑off CD prices are listed below.
- Exact prices may vary by store, promotions or taxes.
| Plan | Price (ZAR) | Period (期間) | Features |
| All Access (Monthly) | R369.99 | Monthly | Access all 51 languages and app features |
| All Access (Annual) | R3,499.99 | Annual | Access all 51 languages and app features |
| Premium (one language) | R349.99 | Monthly | Access to one language and app features |
| Japanese Basic Course (Level 1 CDs) | R480.00 | One‑off | 10 lessons on 5 CDs |
| French Quick & Simple Course (Level 1 CDs) | R1,021.00 | One‑off | Lessons 1 - 8 on CDs |
Your consumer rights in South Africa
Legal protections
South African consumer law (Consumer Protection Act) provides protections against unfair, deceptive or unconscionable business practices.
How those rights may help
- If a business misrepresented trial terms, auto‑renewal or refunds, you may be entitled to redress under the Consumer Protection Act.
- If Pimsleur declines appropriate redress, consider raising the issue with your payment provider, the relevant app store or a South African consumer protection body.
Customer experiences
Positive feedback
Many users praise Pimsleur's speaking‑focused, audio‑based spaced repetition approach for improving pronunciation and spoken confidence.
Common complaints
- Difficulty cancelling subscriptions and unexpected or repeated billing are frequently reported.
- Some users find customer support slow or unhelpful and report issues getting refunds, especially for in‑app purchases.
- Content pacing, lack of transcripts and repetitive lessons are other recurring criticisms.
Documentation checklist
What to gather before contacting support
- Account email and username used to purchase the subscription.
- Order confirmation or receipt showing date, price and payment method.
- Screenshots of your subscription page, renewal date and any error messages.
- Bank or card statements showing the charge (if relevant).
For refund requests
- If claiming the 30‑day guarantee, be prepared to provide a sworn declaration within the required time frame.
- For in‑app purchases, be ready to follow Apple or Google refund procedures and provide their case reference if one is issued.
Common mistakes
Deleting the app instead of cancelling
Deleting the Pimsleur app does not cancel your subscription. Many users assume removing the app stops billing, but the subscription remains active with your app store or Pimsleur account.
Waiting too long to cancel or request a refund
Waiting until after the renewal or beyond refund windows makes refunds unlikely. For web purchases, the 30‑day guarantee requires prompt action and documentation.
Comparative recap
Quick method comparison
The table below summarizes ease, refund likelihood and recommended action for each cancellation route.
How to choose
- Cancel on the platform where you originally subscribed.
- For refunds, prefer direct web purchases when possible because of the 30‑day guarantee.
| Method | Ease | Refund likelihood | Period (期間) | Notes |
| Web (Pimsleur.com) | High - self‑service via account dashboard | Possible under 30‑day guarantee for direct purchases | At end of current billing period | Best route for refund requests if eligible |
| App Store (iOS) | Medium - via iPhone Settings | Depends - Apple handles refunds | At end of current billing period | Cancel via Apple ID subscriptions; deleting app won't help |
| Google Play (Android) | Medium - via Play Store subscriptions | Depends - Google handles refunds | At end of current billing period | Cancel via Google Play subscriptions; request refunds through Google |
After cancelling
Immediate checks
- Confirm cancellation in the platform where you subscribed and keep screenshots of confirmation.
- Monitor your bank or card statement to ensure future charges stop.
Follow‑up steps
- If you requested a refund, keep proof of your request and any case or reference numbers.
- If you need further redress in South Africa, consider contacting your payment provider or a consumer protection agency.
Address
Corporate mailing address
Pimsleur Language Programs, Simon & Schuster Audio, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, United States.
Notes about contacting
Use your Pimsleur account support channels or the app store support path that applies to your purchase. Keep all transaction documentation when you contact support or a consumer protection body.