Q&A for How to Use Uber

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Can I request ride hours in advance and get an estimated fee?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can get an estimated fee, but you can't request a ride in advance. It has to be at the specific moment you want to ride it.
  • Question
    How will I find my Uber driver in a crowd?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The app will give information about your driver's car, including the make, model, color and license plate so you can spot it.
  • Question
    How can I verify that the person who showed up is my Uber driver?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Ask the driver "Who are you here to pick up?" Your real driver will know the name on your Uber account.
  • Question
    Can I request an Uber at any time?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Uber operates 24/7. That said, more drivers will be online during busy periods. It's not unusual to find no drivers available in the middle of the night in less populated areas.
  • Question
    How long before my appointment time do I need to call Uber?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    When you view the app it shows how far away your closest driver is at that time, gauge accordingly. If you're in a highly populated area you only need request 5-10 min in advance. In rural areas there may not be a driver available so you should have a back-up plan.
  • Question
    How can I let my family monitor my location while riding in Uber?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you have an iPhone or an Apple product, you can turn on Find my iPhone and your family can monitor where you are.
  • Question
    How do I get the cheapest Uber ride?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The price is the same no matter which driver picks you up. Just make sure to order a basic UberX and not one the luxury options. Prices increase when demand peaks, so delaying your journey to a less popular travel time can save money.
  • Question
    Since they look like any other car, how do you recognize the Uber car when it arrives?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Think of these questions: Is it that car displayed on my phone? Is there an Uber sign, in the car? Is there only one person (besides you and who you are riding with), the driver? If you're still unsure, ask the driver: "Who are you here to pick up?".
  • Question
    Can I request a ride for someone without an Uber account?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Enter your friend's location when requesting the ride. After the ride is accepted, phone the driver to let him know who to expect. Use the "Share Your ETA" button to send a text to your friend with the ride details.
  • Question
    How are drivers vetted and certified?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Uber runs background checks on its drivers, but it has been criticized for not being thorough enough. An ordinary taxi driver typically undergoes a more detailed background check, but this varies between locations.
  • Question
    Can I pay a monthly fee for unlimited rides?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, Uber currently only offers individual ride payment.
  • Question
    Can I use a debit card for Uber payments?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Not all debit cards are compatible with the billing system. If you get an error message while trying to add the info, you'll need to find a different option.
  • Question
    Can I use my card for a family member?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You certainly can. For example, if you wanted to order a driver for your elderly mother, just put in her address as the pick up location, then call or text the driver with her description (black coat and blue cane). If you have a relative who he can't see well enough to use a cell phone, this is a great way to get them to the doctor or out to lunch with friends.
  • Question
    Can I request a specific driver?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No. The only way to do this is to ask a driver for a personal phone number, so you can arrange rides over the phone. He or she may decline to give it to you.
  • Question
    Can I use the promo code for uber after I already signed up?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Uber occasionally give existing users promo codes to celebrate special events, but the vast majority are only for new users.
  • Question
    Will the driver give me a receipt?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The driver will send you an electronic receipt. You can view all your past receipts at the uber.com riders page.
  • Question
    Where do uber credits come from?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Earn Uber credits by inviting friends to join Uber using the invite code in your app. Once the credits are added to your account, they are automatically deducted to pay for your fares.
  • Question
    What is uber select?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Uber Select is partway between UberX and Uber Black in price. You'll get a high end car, but you aren't guaranteed a luxury vehicle.
  • Question
    Can I use the same Uber account if I change SIM cards?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The Uber account is linked to your phone number, so you will need to create a new one. If your old and new SIM cards are from the same carrier and country you might be able to request the same phone number to avoid this issue.
  • Question
    How does the Uber payment method work?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Visit the main menu of the Uber app and select the Payment option or credit card icon to enter your payment information. Once your credit card, PayPal, or other payment info is in the app, all fee payments happen automatically.
  • Question
    How can I call for two or more Uber cars?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Each Uber account can only request one car. Someone else in your party will need to order the second car from another Uber account.
  • Question
    How old do you have to be to become an Uber driver?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You'll need to be at least 21 years old to drive for Uber (and 18 just to use the service).
  • Question
    Can I book a car from the Uber website instead of the app?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Only if your device has a location-sharing feature (most laptops do), and only if you visit the mobile version of the site.
  • Question
    How do you change the city you are signed up to drive for?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Log onto your Partner account and contact Uber to request the change. Depending on how far you are moving, you may need to start over again with a new account and none of your old ratings.
  • Question
    Can I set up a round trip with Uber?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, in most cases you are able to do a round trip but you will be charged for the waiting time and Uber asks that you keep stops to 3 minutes or less. This is ideal if you just need to run into a store or business to grab something, but isn't really for waiting longer than this. So if you have a longer appointment then you would have to order another Uber when you're done.
  • Question
    What if I'm catching a flight and have luggage with me? Do I get charged extra?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, you don't get charged extra. The price is based on the distance, not what you bring or how many people are in your party.
  • Question
    Is there a way to set up a ride a day ahead?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This is possible in select cities now with the Scheduled Ride feature, but in most places no, you cannot set up a ride in advance.
  • Question
    What if the driver has a hard time finding me?
    Stephen
    Stephen
    Top Answerer
    You can add instructions for pick up, or text/call the driver through the Uber app to give them further instructions on how to find you.
  • Question
    Can I book a ride in advance?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can schedule a ride in advance through the Uber app. There is an option to select the date and time you would like them to arrive. Uber also has a pick up guarantee on this, if your driver is late you will receive a $10 credit. In the very rare case that a driver isn't available for your scheduled trip you would be notified and given a $10 credit.
  • Question
    Do I have to pay by card? Can I just pay cash upfront to the driver?
    Stephen
    Stephen
    Top Answerer
    In most cities you are not able to pay by cash. Check the payment options in your app, if you don't have a cash option then you have to pay with a debit/credit card.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

Return to Full Article

You Might Also Like

Contact Uber Eats6 Easy Ways to Contact Uber Eats About Order Issues
Delete Your Uber HistoryDelete Your Uber History
Pay for an Uber Ride6 Easy Steps to Pay for an Uber Ride
Check if Uber Is Available in Your Area3 Easy Ways to Check if Uber is Available in Your Area with the Website and the Mobile App
Cancel an Uber RequestCancel an Uber Request
Dispute an Uber FareDispute an Uber Fare
Contact Uber Eats Australia Contact Uber Eats Australia for Order Issues, Concerns, and More
Track Your Uber History2 Easy Ways to Track Your Uber History
Is Uber One Worth ItIs an Uber One Membership Worth It? Perks & Pricing Explained
Get an Uber Fare Estimate in AdvanceGet an Uber Fare Estimate in Advance
Use Uber with an International PhoneUse Uber with an International Phone
Use UberEATSEverything You Need to Know About Using UberEATS
Request Multiple Uber VehiclesRequesting More Than One Uber at a Time: Is it Possible?
Give Uber Credit As a Gift Give Uber Credit as a Gift