Originally Posted by
Tiki
I'm Aussie based and plan to use Uber on an upcoming trip to South America and the USA. I won't be using global roaming as it's very expensive here. So assuming I can order an Uber using wifi, what happens if the driver tries to call the number and no one answers? What if they can't find you?
When you order an Uber using wifi, is there a comments section where you can tell them you don't have a phone and where they can find you?
I would recommend narrowing your location down as close as possible to where you will be. I don't think there is a comments section, though. You would want to call or text, but it sounds like you won't be able to do that.
Some folks are able to use wifi calling apps (outside of hangouts) , and if that is possible, this may allow you to reach your driver. On an android phone, u can use hangouts to call but the quality varies and if wifi is spotty, the call may not complete. Plus the Uber app seems to want to route calls through the native calling app, not hangouts (even if it is set as default).
That said, some things to keep in mind is that u won't be able to text from another phone (or have someone do it for you) since the driver's actual phone number is masked. I also couldn't text using the google voice app, although my google voice number is listed on my account because, again, Uber wanted to use the native messaging app. There maybe around this but I gave up. lol
I've been in your situation and I have often requested an uber with my tablet but did not have a phone (or was roaming). I simply requested the uber once I was in the spot so I would make sure not to miss them. A few times, the uber would cancel on me but I was always able to request another one. If I noticed that the driver had some trouble finding me or attempted to call, I always apologized and informed them that my phone wasn't working. Just be sure to avoid surge times if you can, and you should be good.