Uber for newbies?
Originally Posted by Annalisa12
(Post 24857617)
I'm technologically stupid and too scared to use Uber.
I am stupid and scared, too. Is the only way to use Uber with a smartphone app? In U.S. cities, are some better than others? How about San Francisco vs. New York (Manhattan or the airports) vs. New Orleans vs. other cities? |
Yes, Uber is mobile app only. That's the whole point... a mobile-based cashless transaction.
You could install the app onto a tablet, but you need a mobile phone number. Def some cities are better than others in terms of coverage and ability. SF (being their home city) is usually great, won't wait longer than 5 minutes for a car. Had a 7 minute wait in Boston today in the suburbs. Do you fear taxis as much as Uber? Hope that helps. |
Download the app...easy and free:
Uber 101: Uber X=random dude in personal car...cheapest fare Uber XL= same as X with a larger vehicle that can accommodate 4 adults Uber Plus=Nicer towncar type service but still a personally owned car and driver Uber Black=Towncar or better by a limo type driver Uber SUV=Uber Black service but a larger SUV like a Suburban |
You will both get $15 credit if a current user sends you an invite. I used Uber last month as a newbie in Paris and London and was very pleased.
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Originally Posted by PAX62
(Post 25649209)
Download the app...easy and free:
Uber 101: Uber X=random dude in personal car...cheapest fare |
Since the thread title is Uber for newbies, can someone point me to a users' guide? I mean how do I request a ride (with a Windows phone)? After signing in, I get a map with my location pinpointed and a menu icon at the lower right. None of the menu options are "request a ride". What do I do triple tap the pin while picking my right nostril and whistling Dixie?
I know it is bad form to design a user friendly interface these days. Uber's help is useless. |
When you sign in your screen should look like this.
http://i.imgur.com/WEDZgd9.jpg If it doesn't, either Uber has no service in your area, or there's a technical glitch, at which point you may consider using http://m.uber.com from a web browser instead. |
I used Uber extensively in Bali last month, and really enjoyed it. 1/4 of the price of the ripoff taxi from the airport.
I've only used it a couple of times in the US, as I rarely have a cellphone there. |
Originally Posted by jobtraklite
(Post 25945929)
Since the thread title is Uber for newbies, can someone point me to a users' guide? I mean how do I request a ride (with a Windows phone)? After signing in, I get a map with my location pinpointed and a menu icon at the lower right. None of the menu options are "request a ride". What do I do triple tap the pin while picking my right nostril and whistling Dixie?
I know it is bad form to design a user friendly interface these days. Uber's help is useless.
Once your pickup location is set, drag the slide selector at the bottom to the service you want (e.g., UberX (cheap), UberBLACK (black car), etc.) Once that's set, it's 2 taps to request the ride:
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I used it for the first time in Cape Town and it worked like a charm. Much better and cheaper than regular taxi service.
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Thank you davie355. That explains it since I doubt there is UBER service in my small west central Illinois city. I was hoping to familiarize myself with the app before stepping off the train in Florida after a 3 day ride.
My screen. http://biketrain.net//WindowsPhoneUber.png I'll see what it looks like while I'm waiting for connecting trains in Chicago and DC. Thank you IceTrojan. I will save your instructions for the real thing. |
Does it tell you the cost of the trip before you confirm the pick up? And do you tip? I've never used it either but just downloaded the app to use soon. I don't want to keep clicking through in case I reach the point of no return.
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Originally Posted by Finkface
(Post 25950901)
Does it tell you the cost of the trip before you confirm the pick up? And do you tip? I've never used it either but just downloaded the app to use soon. I don't want to keep clicking through in case I reach the point of no return.
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Originally Posted by iamflyer
(Post 25951572)
It will tell you current rates and allow you to get a fare quote but the actual fare is based on miles and minutes.
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Originally Posted by Finkface
(Post 25951689)
Do you tip as you would a taxi driver in places where a tip is customary and/or expected, like in the US? Or is it truly a cashless system?
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I don't tip in Asia, and wouldn't worry too much about it in the US.
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Originally Posted by Finkface
(Post 25952097)
And I should say that I did read the Uber website and it says no tip is necessary (other than the taxi sefvice where it is automatically added) but then it says later that tips are appreciated. So which is it? The prices seem steep already pre-trip from the estimates I've done but I don't want to look like a schmuck if one is supposed to tip.
Originally Posted by Jaimito Cartero
(Post 25952511)
I don't tip in Asia, and wouldn't worry too much about it in the US.
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Originally Posted by CodeAdam10
(Post 25952528)
Do you also not tip your taxi driver or waiter ...or is this just a 'Uber only' rule? I've always heard that Uber was all about one charge, and no tipping. |
Originally Posted by Jaimito Cartero
(Post 25952535)
I've always heard that Uber was all about one charge, and no tipping. Now the case in most Uber markets is that uberX drivers are working for half of what a local taxi would cost, in a cleaner / newer car (usually), and not getting any tips either. The culture Uber started 4 years of 'there's no need to tip' sounded awesome all around but then drivers rates got cut more than half while the riders still believe there's no need to tip or that the tip is included. |
Originally Posted by CodeAdam10
(Post 25952577)
Yeah that was the idea which Uber worked hard to promote. Then they started cutting rates...and they did it multiple times. Then they increased their base commission to drivers from 20% to 25%, as well as the introduction of the 'Safe Ride Fee' all of which goes to Uber (aka Uber's built-in "tip" for themselves on every fare)
Now the case in most Uber markets is that uberX drivers are working for half of what a local taxi would cost, in a cleaner / newer car (usually), and not getting any tips either. The culture Uber started 4 years of 'there's no need to tip' sounded awesome all around but then drivers rates got cut more than half while the riders still believe there's no need to tip or that the tip is included. And the sample quotes I just got for three different cities on routes I normally use taxis for were higher than cab rides in two of the places and about the same in the third. So if I'm adding another 20% on top, it's no bargain. Without a tip, it's definitely a better deal but factor in the tip and there is no advantage that I can see. |
In re: tipping, it's not supposed to be necessary to tip, and I generally don't unless the driver goes beyond to provide great service, or i ask the driver to do something out of the ordinary.
That said, I've heard of several reports saying that Uber drivers in NYC will rate a passenger poorly for not giving a tip. |
I never tip with Uber. You're of course free to, but Uber's specific that tipping isn't required or expected, and if the drivers don't like that, they're welcome to drop the platform. In NYC, UberX rates are set so that they're very very close to taxi rates, including a tip for the taxi, but not for Uber.
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Originally Posted by cestmoi123
(Post 25959530)
I never tip with Uber. You're of course free to, but Uber's specific that tipping isn't required or expected, and if the drivers don't like that, they're welcome to drop the platform. In NYC, UberX rates are set so that they're very very close to taxi rates, including a tip for the taxi, but not for Uber.
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Originally Posted by Finkface
(Post 25959677)
NYC was one of the cities/trips I estimated. The rates seem as high or higher than a taxi. But if tipping is truly not necessary, then I'd rather use Uber just for the cashless aspect and not having to fumble for a tip. But it's NYC, lol. Not tipping could have serious health implications :D. I don't want to not tip if that's what's expected even if the model is supposed to be a tip-less one.
FYI, you can also pay for cab rides (automatically including a tip) in NYC using the Way2Ride app. Get to your destination, machine beeps as paid, you're done. |
Uber let me specify a 20% tip, when I entered my credit card details, but I've never seen any evidence of this actually being applied.
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Originally Posted by Internaut
(Post 25964523)
Uber let me specify a 20% tip, when I entered my credit card details, but I've never seen any evidence of this actually being applied.
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Directly from Uber Help:
"DO I NEED TO TIP MY DRIVER? You don’t need cash when you ride with Uber. Once you arrive at your destination, your fare is automatically charged to your credit card on file — there’s no need to tip." |
Originally Posted by cestmoi123
(Post 25965768)
It only applies for the UberTaxi service (which uses regular yellow taxis).
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Originally Posted by Jaimito Cartero
(Post 25948014)
I used Uber extensively in Bali last month, and really enjoyed it. 1/4 of the price of the ripoff taxi from the airport.
I've only used it a couple of times in the US, as I rarely have a cellphone there. |
Originally Posted by DeepUnderground
(Post 25970127)
Where do they pick you up?
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Originally Posted by Jaimito Cartero
(Post 25973416)
At the Bali airport? They give you a few options at the domestic terminal. (Solaria restaurant, Circle K, etc)
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According to Bali Discovery blog, Uber has been banned in Bali. I'd be willing to bet this will be overruled.
The Department of Transportation, responding to protests from local taxi drivers, has banned UBER from operating in Bali with immediate effect. |
Originally Posted by Jaimito Cartero
(Post 25973416)
Quote:
Originally Posted by DeepUnderground Where do they pick you up? At the Bali airport? They give you a few options at the domestic terminal. (Solaria restaurant, Circle K, etc) |
Originally Posted by TrojanHorse
(Post 26090795)
There is a Circle K and Bali? Lol
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