Using Uber while abroad
 

I will be traveling to Manila this week. Has anyone used Uber while abroad? If so, how does it work with an US cell phone (I would dislike very much to get charged for data roaming if I need turn data on). I have already contacted Sprint for texts/calls when Im abroad, and obviously my data roaming will remain off during my trip. Suggestions? Thanks!!


~Efilon87

Well, you'll need data for it to work...

Could you hail from WiFi? Do you need data beyond just the hailing process?

Strictly speaking, you don't need data beyond the hailing process, and of course data doesn't care if it travels over cellular or wifi.

But you might want to be connected so you can track the driver as they approache your location so you can find each other or know if something happens that delays their arrival.

It works better if you have data service, IMO.

-David

I've used Uber in Bogota, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Paris.

I've had about 9 good experiences, and one bad.

Here's the issue: while technically you just need data/WiFi for the hailing, I highly recommend some scenario where you have data for the whole process.

Before I started using SIMs/buying data -- basically, the days when I only had WiFi - I hailed a cab from the lobby of the Park Hyatt Vendome in Paris using their wifi. Once Uber said "we're on our way, see you in 3 minutes" or whatever, we left.

We sat, and sat, and sat....nothing.

He's calling, we can't find him, blah blah blah.

Next thing we know I'm checking my AMEX statement and see a 45 euro charge...for thirty minutes or so of "waiting" - ha!

Über refunded me the money, but refunded it in euros, so I can't use it until next time I'm back in EU.

The reason I say "get data" is because, if we were connected the whole time, I would have been able to see his GPS coordinates and I would have known where he was.

Furthermore, I've had friends who weren't connected to data and the uber driver took them on the most convoluted/fee heavy route imaginable. Being able to track this on the phone would have been a huge perk.

So, yeah....doubt you "need" data for anything but the hailing...but now I make sure to have data so I can watch where driver is/where he's going/etc

A data point. I was in Shanghai and used my Über app to check prices from the center of Shanghai (Puxi side) to the airport. . And the prices were higher than normal cab prices. And during my normal taxi drive to airport times they were multiples higher. That may work in the US but in Shanghai not so much.

So far I have used Uber in London,Manchester,Dubai and Delhi. Did not have any issues anywhere.

Unless things have changed during the past 2 months, Uber has a flat fee of Y350 to PVG and Y200 to SHA. While that's 2-3x more than a taxi, the cars tend to be much nicer. And, in town pricing is quite reasonable. If you need a ride on a Friday night, even if it's not raining, Uber can be a godsend in SH. I dare say it works VERY well. (Beijing is a bit tougher because they don't have enough drivers yet.)

Just used it in London a few weeks back, they have a flat rate for slightly longer trips. Had a lovely A8 L, perfect condition show up, drove is about 30 minutes back to the Sofitel at LHR and it was just flat 70 lb.

What happens when I change to a local sim card for data? I've done it once and it sent a confirmation code to my original cell phone to confirm it is still me. Have you had the same issue?

did you figure out the problem with uber and PHV?

the doormen at PHV were well aware of that issue. For some reason, they default to going to the rear entrance of the hotel. When the doorman figured out I was waiting for an uber driver he used my phone to call them and tell them to come around to the front entrance .. but I had bought a local sim in Paris (Orange?), so I had data. With the data we had the drivers info right in the app. But you would have that with wifi at the hotel also. You are spot on about being able to track their location if you have a data connection.

I don't think uber cares about it, you might have to log back into the app though.

There are other apps that use your phone# that want you to reconfirm it, but they should do that with the new number. I think whatsapp does that, for example. I don't recall ever needing to do that with uber. You could just use the web interface if you wanted to, but it's not as good on the phone as the app. The app keeps getting better.

-David

The refund you received in Euro's should be converted back to your local currency when posted to your account.

I've used Uber in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Paris, London, Cape Town, Johannesberg and Orange County. The only "bad" experience I had was getting charged for a toll on the way to JFK when the driver took the Queensboro Bridge (no toll).

You can hail from WiFi. I did that many times in London and Toronto before T-Mobile introduced their free international data roaming.

The issue with having to watch the driver is a bit moot now that Uber added the function to input the destination. Then, they will be given the Google Maps directions and turn-by-turn navigation.

And even sent back to your card.

I'm about to go to Johannesburg and Capetown as well and was hoping to use Uber for alot of transit while in town. I also have T-Mobile. How was your experience with Uber there? Also, I assume you had no problems with the local network using the app?

Thanks!

That's what I thought - but when I called Uber customer care, they said (and I'm paraphrasing): because the refund was in Euro, it stays in Euro.

Interesting that it works over WIFI. I would never have guessed that.

Uber needs data to run. WiFi provides data. Just like iMessage, Instagram, or the web, Uber too just needs a WiFi connect to work.

Mrs. now in Taipei for extended stay [got 2 bdrm apt via airbnb] and has been using it since her arrival this past Tuesday. Uber picked her up at airport, she's called them to drop off and pick up at Costco, and to/from visits to friends.

She says its comparable pricing to regular taxi service and excellent on time service. Plus driver helped with her bags at Costco. Airport pick up was a Benz, other vehicles primarily Camry....so far ^!

Uber refunds in Euro. But if your Amex is American, they charged you in USD, so the refund of 45 EUR goes back onto the card and converted back into USD. And that sits as a credit on your card unless you request a check from Amex. The credit is usable for your whole bill - not just in Europe

I've used Uber in Paris and Bangkok. No issues. I'd definitely recommend having data/voice if possible as I've had drivers call me when unable to find me.

Uber can also be request from a computer at http://m.uber.com.

Will it work with:

1. prepaid mobile number? In other words, if you set up at home with mobile account but then travel overseas and use another mobile number that is local prepaid?
2. iPad on either wifi or cellular [without phone number]?

Yes to both. You just need to be able to log into your account. Nothing else matters.

Interesting.

It's not that I don't believe you, it's just that Uber told me the exact opposite thing. I quit pushing after the second call and figured I'd use the Uber credit next time I'm in Europe (a few days!).

Very strange but hope that it all works (worked?) out!

You know, this happened in March, so I forget the details, but...

I believe instead of refunding my Chase Sapphire, they gave me a credit, in Euro, for my issue.

Uber customer service gave me a refund credit, in Euro. (Again, refused to let me use credit in the states).

I suspect I will use this credit in France next week.

So it sorta worked out? :D

Wait - did they credit your Uber account or did they refund your charge?

This is awesome- taking Uber to Costco in TPE :cool:

Two days ago, she got a 5 series BMW -- her thought was this guy using Uber to collect a pool of regular customers for his own account! She got his biz card for reference....smart guy!

Former.

Have used Uber in London, Paris, Frankfurt. Didn't try Bogota. Only bad experience when the car was waiting on the other side of a hotel. No charge for this, though.

Understood - in that case, I understand it staying in EUR, but I don't understand it not working outside Europe. How does Uber imagine Europeans pay when outside Europe?

I would imagine that uber charges Europeans credit cards in whatever the local currency is. Much like how yesterday uber charged my credit card in Czech crowns. Unfortunately it seems that any sort of credit in ones account cannot be used in a different uber currency zones. I for some reason have uber credit in Singapore dollars which keep sitting... I think the main problem is that if uber needs to issue a refund, it does not refund the card used but merely just issues uber credit. Thus, pricesquire who is us based is unfortunately saddled with euro credit.

Fdw

This is what I was thinking as well

Lot of local SIMs are for data only, no minutes to use.

So maybe they should implement some kind of messaging into the app.

Uber doesn't sound like a bargain option, you could just as easily get a taxi at comparable prices? Surprised the taxi drivers in these foreign cities aren't complaining, if they had to pay to get a license.

Saw something on CNBC about some Uber premium service where the car is a RR Ghost.

Ummm... do you read the news at all? :confused:

Regards

Obviously, you haven't used the service. The ability to text your specific driver is built into the app.

I personally have not used Uber and can only relay second hand info from the Mrs.; who by the way is using it like a taxi service on a daily basis in Taipei for past two weeks. Couple of data points:

1. She calls from a post paid Taiwan number, hasn't and doesn't need to text. But that option is available to her.

2. After every trip, an email is sent to her with a confirmation of the charge, the routing of the trip. It includes a google like map, with detail breakdown of fee: basic fee, traffic/stop time, etc.

3. Everything is linked to a Chase Sapphire credit card -- so no cash exchanged. CC automatically sends email alert/update on every charge. Slightly OT, this auto alert is unbelievable -- I will have charged gas or purchase and before I even drive off or walk out of store, it pings the email already!

4. As far as pricing, she is amazed how competitive it is to local taxi. She is originally from Taipei, so knows the city and local taxi fees.

She uses a gmail account for above and filters are set up to automatically file/label under 'Uber service'....

One of the drivers that I had in Europe has his own car service. Ever since he started with Uber, he said he is making more money with them then he was on his own. His business is now 80% UberBlack and 20% his own. He , now, only works privately with his old, regular customers.

He said that Uber expects drivers to make, at least, 45(?) trips/month. (don't quote me on the 45. I think that was the #.) if you drive 45+x trips, Uber gives the driver a bonus. If a driver goes 45+x+y trips/month, they get another bonus. The driver I had loves that system.

Can you prebook days in advance?

Like say you have to be at the airport very early, like say 6 AM.

Can you arrange for a ride to pick you up at say 5 or 5:30 AM the day before?