Friday 7 March 2003

Free Ride? What Every First Time Uber User Needs To Know

If you feel that you will never get a taxi cab during rush hour, then Uber might be the next best thing. Now before you "jump on the bandwagon" and call the first available driver, it still pays to know what the app basically is and what are the cons that you have to deal with as well as the pros. This way, you will know when it is right time to call a regular taxi or your favorite Uber driver.

What?

The app became quite popular because it allows smartphone users to contact a registered driver and take them literally anywhere in the city. The app not only works in the US, but also in other parts of the world. All one has to do is to download the app and share your location via GPS or Wi-Fi for you to be picked up by your driver. Users must be 18 years old in order for them to be able to use this app.

Users can receive free rides or account credits by inviting their friends to sign up using their personal invite code. Do note though that the personal code should only be shared via one's personal site or social media as spamming other sites with one's personal code would suspend your account and revoke the already existing credits earned.

How it Works?

When you download the app, it allows you to share your location to the driver so all you have to do is to wait for them to come. You can choose the vehicle type and see the other options including the rates for each vehicle. Payment is done through the credit card that you indicated in your account. Note that some charges may apply such as toll fees, surcharges and if you make a mess, you might also be charged with cleaning fees. The app has a fare estimate so you can get an estimated cost of how much the service is before booking for the ride.

Things to Consider

Now that you know something about how the app works, there are some things that you have to take note of when requesting for a ride. One is that the vehicles are owned by private individuals and as such, there are no tell-tale signs that it is for hire. Before jumping into a car, it is important to talk with your driver so you can identify the right vehicle to hop on. Rates also differ depending on time of the day and the fare during rush hours tends to increase as well as late night hours. If you have to go and use the service during these hours, you might want to check on the fare so you will not be surprised when you receive your credit card billing statement.