Uber is available in more than 700 cities around the world, and this number will only increase.
Visit theUber web siteto verify if Uber is in your city or a city you plan to visit.
Uber Facts
Uber is not a taxi service.
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Drivers cannot pick up riders off the street.
Instead, Uber is a car-for-hire service that relies on smartphone technology to dispatch drivers and manage fees.
Uber’s smartphone app takes care of the entire ride-hailing and payment process.
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Use your credit or debit card to pay right in the app, with no need for cash.
You must be 18 years or older to have an Uber account and use the service.
Uber is designed so that the rider doesn’t need to carry cash.
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How Uber Works
Uber is intended to be easier than using a taxi.
Here’s how the Uber process works.
Before Using Uber
load the app on your smartphone and create an online Uber account.
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(More on Uber ride tiers below.)
Rides are commonly three to 10 minutes away in major centers.
Uber will alert you when the ride has arrived.
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During and After the Ride
Enjoy your ride.
Similarly, the driver rates you from 1 to 5 (politeness).
You have the option of adding a tip.
The entire trip is tracked through the Uber app for accountability and ease.
Fees can climb significantly for a few hours.
As a rule, though, Uber rides are still cheaper than taxi cabs.
Quality
Uber cars tend to be cleaner, newer, and better-smelling than many taxis.
The accountability built into the Uber app motivates drivers to keep their cars in good shape.
Convenience
The payment process is easy and stress-free.
Likewise, the app frees you from the often frustrating process of hailing a cab.
UberX is the cheapest and most commonly used form of Uber.
Vehicles are ordinary, four-door, models that fit up to four riders.
Fares are about half the price of taxis in major cities.
UberXL can accommodate six passengers, using an SUV or minivan; it’s more expensive than UberX.
Uber Comfort is for riders who are constantly on the go and want a little extra comfort.
Uber Select is a premium ride in a high-end car.
(Minimums vary by city.)
Uber deactivates drivers who fall below this standard.
And yes, every driver rates you right after you leave the Uber vehicle at the dropoff point.
If your rating is too low, Uber can bar you from using the service temporarily or permanently.
To encourage kinder, gentler Uber rider behavior (stop slamming doors!
), the app displays rider ratings right underneath names in the Uber app’s menu.
Uber requires that drivers:
Your car must:
Uber will confirm all these details with the appropriate authorities.
For example, a driver in Las Vegas working 20 hours can make around $565 per week.
From a web net web client, go tohttps://myprivacy.uber.com/privacy/deleteyouraccountand follow the directions to delete your account.
Riders can go to theUber Help websiteto report trip issues, ask for refunds, and more.
Generally speaking, Uber provides a wider variety of vehicle options and is better for international travel.
Lyft may be better for more frequent riders, thanks to itsLyft Pink subscription service.
