How can we help?
Common questions below. If you don't see your answer, we usually reply within a day.
How do I make my first card?
Open Saivo, set your severity (celiac, sensitivity, or preference), pick a language, and choose which cross-contamination risks and hidden gluten sources apply to you. Tap Preview card to see the finished card — then hand your phone to a server, or save the card as a PDF/PNG to print.
What's the difference between Celiac, Sensitivity, and Preference?
Saivo uses different language depending on what you select, so the card reflects the seriousness of your needs:
- Celiac — frames the request as a medical necessity. Includes "even trace amounts" language. Use this if you have celiac disease.
- Sensitivity — firm but not emergency. Use this for non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
- Preference — polite request framing. Use this when you're choosing to avoid gluten without a medical condition.
You can change severity per-trip in trip setup, or globally in Settings.
What is "Waiter mode"?
Waiter mode is a full-screen view of your card designed for handing your phone across the table. It keeps your screen on (so it won't dim or lock while the server reads it), increases brightness, and shows a language switcher at the bottom in case you're crossing borders. Exit by tapping the back arrow.
How do I restore purchases on a new device?
Open Saivo → Settings → Restore Purchases. Make sure you're signed into the same Apple ID you used for the original purchase. Apple will re-grant your entitlements within a few seconds. You can also restore from the paywall screen.
Which languages are free?
Spanish, German, and Japanese are free forever, no purchase required. All other languages (85+ total) are unlocked individually for $1.99 each, or all at once with the $4.99 full unlock.
If I buy the full unlock, do future languages cost extra?
No. The $4.99 full unlock covers every language currently in Saivo and every language we add in the future. One-time payment, yours forever, no subscription.
How do I request a new language?
Email support@saivo.app with the language and (if possible) the country/region you're traveling to. We prioritize languages by traveler demand and usually ship a new pack within 2–4 weeks of a request.
How do I get a refund?
All purchases are processed by Apple, and refunds are handled through them. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com and select your Saivo purchase. Apple typically responds within 48 hours. If the issue is a translation error on our side, email us first — we'll fix it.
Does Saivo work offline?
Yes — completely. Every translation is bundled inside the app. Once installed, Saivo works in airplane mode, on a long-haul flight, in rural areas with no signal, anywhere. The only time it needs the internet is the first time you make a purchase (so Apple can process payment), and even then, restoring on a new device works the same way.
Can I save my card to print or carry as a paper backup?
Yes. On the card preview screen, tap Print PDF to export a wallet-sized PDF (3.5" × 2.5") suitable for printing on cardstock. Or tap Save to Photos to keep a high-resolution PNG in your camera roll. Both work offline. Many travelers keep a printed backup in their wallet in case their phone battery dies.
Why is the card color the same in light and dark mode?
Intentional. A waiter in Tokyo or Rome should recognize a Saivo card on sight — consistency is part of the design. The card face uses a soft warm white (#FFFDF5) that reads well under low restaurant lighting and stays identical regardless of your device's appearance setting.
I found a translation that seems off. What do I do?
Please tell us — quickly. Email support@saivo.app with the language, the specific text, and what you think it should say. We'll review and push a fix in the next app update, usually within 2 weeks. Translation quality is the whole reason this app exists; we take it seriously.
Does Saivo collect any data about me?
No. Saivo has no backend, no account system, no analytics, and no tracking. Your trips, settings, and language unlocks live only on your device. Read our full privacy policy for details.
What happens if I delete the app?
Your trips and settings are deleted with the app — there is no cloud backup on our side. Your purchases are not lost, though: Apple remembers them. Reinstall Saivo, tap Restore Purchases in Settings (or on the paywall), and your language unlocks will return. You'll need to recreate any saved trips.
What devices does Saivo support?
Saivo runs on iPhone and iPad with iOS/iPadOS 17.0 or later.