Uber

Achy Breaky Heart

I'm going away in a few weeks and transport around the city is a bit of an issue. Mostly to and from the airport in a few cities I'm going to. I'm reading so much about Uber on TripAdvisor. But from an Irish perspective, what is Uber like to use on holidays? Is it a taxi app? How is it used?

pl4ichjgy17zwd

It depends where you're going I guess, but I found it excellent in LA. Cheap, quick, nice cars, friendly drivers. You just put your destination in and accept your driver.

You can see it approaching on the map and get an estimated price. As long as you have wifi or data it works perfectly.

Achy Breaky Heart

Alex Substantial Hijacker wrote: »

It depends where you're going I guess, but I found it excellent in LA. Cheap, quick, nice cars, friendly drivers. You just put your destination in and accept your driver.

You can see it approaching on the map and get an estimated price. As long as you have wifi or data it works perfectly.

Nice one. Do you tip the uber drivers as well?

pl4ichjgy17zwd

Achy Breaky Heart wrote:

Nice one. Do you tip the uber drivers as well?

I believe they have in-app tipping now, they didn't when I was using it. I would always just give them a few bucks cash, but they didn't expect it and one even tried to give it back!

Ripping

I used Uber for about 4 months and loved it. The fastest is where It took 2 minutes between hailing a driver on the app. Prices are given upfront. They come to you, and you make payment through your card linked on the app. So just get in and get out with no extra costs or tips needed. At the end of the trip you get to rate the driver and they rate you. If they had it in Ireland I wouldn't be owning a car. Oh keep your log in details and passwords and cell number you register with as it is a real headache if you forget this.... My wife had this problem and it became a nightmare for her to get back in the app.

Spanish Eyes

Just wondered about this. Used Uber (well not the registered taxi, more a transfer) in Spain recently and the registered taxi drivers were driving by our pick up point and slowing down. A bit menacing I thought. But it all worked out in the end.

Naturally the registered taxis don't like anyone other than themselves much! But it made me a bit nervous at the start!

The car we got was a lovely Mercedes, the driver was clean and well presented, and did the run to the airport as requested.

The official taxi was 50 euro dearer than the transfer.

Achy Breaky Heart

Ripping wrote: »

I used Uber for about 4 months and loved it. The fastest is where It took 2 minutes between hailing a driver on the app. Prices are given upfront. They come to you, and you make payment through your card linked on the app. So just get in and get out with no extra costs or tips needed. At the end of the trip you get to rate the driver and they rate you. If they had it in Ireland I wouldn't be owning a car. Oh keep your log in details and passwords and cell number you register with as it is a real headache if you forget this.... My wife had this problem and it became a nightmare for her to get back in the app.

Can you use your Irish number setting it up? But won't have the number on holidays. Will have WiFi connection no bother.

MayoSalmon

Used it when in Chicago earlier in the year. Absoulte brilliant invention and got me around the city for bloody pennies

Ripping

Achy Breaky Heart wrote:

Can you use your Irish number setting it up? But won't have the number on holidays. Will have WiFi connection no bother.

You should be able to if you have roaming on as I still access my account with roaming. You will need data to work the app as well. When you register it will request the number so you will know as you install the app.

pl4ichjgy17zwd

OP it might be well worth your time getting a SIM card for wherever you're going. If it's around Europe, I believe the 3 UK ones are worth looking into, if it's America there's lots you can get that will work everywhere. Not sure about Asia but might be worth googling to see. It's very handy to have the data when out and about for maps/uber/etc

whomitconcerns

I've used it pretty much everywhere it's available. Am regular London and Paris user. Wouldn't do without it. So much handier.. Sadly because it's linked to your cc you can see exactly how much you have spent on it in the last year.... Over £1000.....(including work trips.... But still...)

endofrainbow

I've used it many times in the US. As most places have free wifi you can just log in and order an Uber. Significant savings compared to regular cabs but depends on what country you are traveling in.

munchkin_utd

if going to Europe Uber is likely to be no more than a taxi ordering app which means you'd be likely better just get a day ticket for an average of 5 to 7 euros and spin about on undergrounds trams and busses to your hearts content, often even including frequent night busses (in Munich for example every 15min all night at weekends)

from the sounds of it youre going somewhere with crappy public transport though, if youre anticipating needing a car of some sort to cart you about.