I finally got a cell phone, as much as I hate them.
Lately traveling it has been hard to find conventional taxis, both here and abroad.
Guess it is time to download an app. I have heard Uber is now as expensive as regular taxis, and Lyft is supposedly cheaper. Is that right? How do you get those driverless taxis?
Which apps should I install on my phone? Does my credit card need to be stored on the phone, or can I just give it to the driver? I am hesitant to store things on my phone.
I have both on my phone and compare them to see which is the cheapest. I have only used them when I travel so I don’t have a lot of experience, but I have found Lyft is usually cheaper but not always. I don’t know about the driverless taxis as I have never gotten one.
Yes, you need to put your credit card into the app. No, you can’t give it to the driver. That is the beauty of the apps, you don’t have to interact with the driver at all. You just get in, they already know where you want to go and you just get out when you get there. You enter their tips in the app too.
Uber is ubiquitous outside the U.S. Spectacular service. Type in your proposed destination and let the bids come in. The only downside is that sometimes my cell phone doesn’t work outside the U.S. Then, you use your hotel’s wi- fi to order Uber.
For both Uber and Lyft, you save your credit card info in each service, not your phone.
I would setup and install both, not just to compare prices but so you have a backup. If the driver for one service decides to accept and then ghost you, you can switch to the other sevice so you’re not hit with the penalty for canceling a ride request.
Historically, Lyft has been less expensive than Uber; that’s why I prefer Lyft. Yes, must store credit card information in the app. Driver doesn’t touch your credit card.
One tip I have for booking either on your return trip from airport to home. Do not book ahead! You will get significantly more expensive options than if you book once you’ve retrieved any luggage and are heading to the pickup area.
I don’t do that for flights TO the airport as there is a time I need to be there. Going home rarely has a time constraints, but I’ve never had to wait more than a very few minutes.