FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Using Uber while abroad
View Single Post
Old Sep 23, 2015 | 3:13 am
  #84  
Tiki
All eyes on you!
20 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Programs: AA, UA, SQ, VA, QF, AF, BA
Posts: 2,885
Originally Posted by lurkgoddess
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.
I've only used Uber twice, once in MEL and once in BNE. Both times the driver texted me to clarify where we were although neither place was a crowded location. That's my main worry about using Uber overseas.

I probably will get a US sim card but it still wouldn't be the same number in my account and iirc, it's a bit of a pita to verify the phone number.

It's been over a year since we last used Uber so I was hoping they had some system in place for people who are using Uber outside their home country. All they need is some comment field where I could put "Standing in front of ABC Shop" or whatever. Our photo is in the Uber profile on both our accounts.
Tiki is offline