Contrary to popular belief, Uber is not a taxi service. This is a great service you can use to get around abroad and a great way to earn extra money if you have a spare car. But in essence, it is a car rental service entirely controlled by a smartphone app.
Unlike regular taxis, Uber drivers cannot pick people off the street and offer them rides. Drivers also don’t need a special license to get started with Uber
They just need to be over 18 (21 in the US) and own a car. Because it is easier for drivers to get started using Uber, this app makes it a great alternative to any other taxi service you find in your city. They are easier to use, and most importantly cheaper.
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Uber currently operates in over 700 cities around the world and even has its own food delivery service called Uber Eats. So, if you’ve never used this app before, here’s a beginner’s guide to using their services with all the information you need to get started using Uber
How to get started with Uber
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To start using Uber, download and install the iOS or Android app.
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When you first open the app, you will be prompted to create an Uber account. The app will take you to the Uber website. You will need to provide details such as your name, work phone number, email address, and come up with a password to complete this process.
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When you return to the app and log in, Uber will ask you to access your device’s location in order to place you on the map. Now all you need to do before booking your first ride with Uber is choosing a payment method.
How to book your first Uber ride
Follow these steps to book your first ride with Uber
- When booking an Uber ride, the first thing you need to do is select the type of car you want to rent. You can choose from five different types, the cheapest and most common is UberX. You will find that Uber will show you different types of car services in different cities. For example, in some locations, you can choose Uber Pool – share your ride and save money.
- After you have selected the type of vehicle, you will need to specify the pick-up location. You can select it manually by entering it, or use your GPS location to make it automatic.
- Now all that remains is to confirm your order.
How to pay for your Uber ride
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Once you confirm your order, the app will navigate to the payment options. You can choose to pay by cash, credit or debit card, Google Pay, PayPal, or Uber You can change your payment method before or during your trip and you will be charged the corresponding fee upon completion.
You can track your driver using the Uber GPS system. While waiting for a ride, you will also see the average waiting time, as well as your driver’s details such as name, photo, and the type of vehicle you need to look out for. The app will alert you when your trip arrives at the pick-up point.
Even if you choose to pay online, you can tip the driver in cash at the end of the trip.
Learn the basics of Uber Hacks
Once you start using Uber on a regular basis, you might want to take it to the next level by learning and applying a couple of important tips and tricks. Here’s how you can improve your overall app experience.
Get Free Uber Ride Credit
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There are two ways to get a free Uber loan. One of them is to use a friend code when you first register in the app. Second, get other people to sign up for Uber using your referral code.
Listen to Spotify on Uber
One of the latest new features introduced by Uber is the collaboration with Spotify. You can now listen to your Spotify playlists on your Uber using the driver’s sound system. The only downside is that this cool feature is only available to Spotify Premium users and is not yet available in every city with Uber
Don’t use bad drivers
If you ever have an unpleasant meeting with one of the Uber drivers, you can make sure that the app will never assign them to you again. To do this, wait for your trip to end and give them a rating of 3 stars or less. This way, you will never meet Uber again.
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Additionally, if you think your ride was unsafe or for any other reason, you can file a complaint with Uber Support. If it’s a valid claim, Uber will provide you with free credit that you can use to pay for future rides.
To contact Uber Support, go to the Ride Details and scroll down to the Help section. Then select the reason why you are not satisfied with the trip and fill in the details.
Regularly check the passenger rating
If you find it takes a long time before you get assigned to ride with Uber, it might be worth checking your own passenger ratings. Just as you can rate your driver, he can also rate you after the ride is complete. Then other Uber drivers will see this rating when they decide to pick up your order or not.
To see your passenger rating, log into the Uber app and tap the three lines in the upper left corner. You will find your personal rating right under your name in the dropdown menu. However, if you are new to Uber, the rating will not appear yet, as you need to be a regular Uber user to get it.
Using Uber Online
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On the rare occasion that you need a ride and your phone isn’t working, you can still order Uber through the mobile website Just find a laptop or tablet, connect to the Internet and book your ride online.
Time to order your first Uber
While this is enough to get you started with Uber, the app and the services it offers are so much more. If you’re new to Uber, we also recommend checking out their official Uber guide on the company’s website.
If you’ve used Uber before or are just getting started with the app, would you prefer it to a regular taxi? Or do you prefer the old car rental system? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
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