Uber and similar ride-hailing apps have made getting from one spot to another a whole lot easier. This can be especially true in foreign countries where you can catch a lift from your hotel, hostel or guest house doorstep straight to your destination – no struggling to navigate new places required. Here are some things to consider if you do plan to use Uber when travelling outside of South Africa.
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1. Data considerations
If you plan to turn off your roaming data (and save yourself a potentially massive bill when you get back home) it’s a good idea to buy a local SIM card and data, if your phone allows you to switch SIM cards. Then you can download and use the Uber app away from your hotel and Wi-Fi. If your phone doesn’t allow this, make sure you select a specific pick-up point using available hotel or tourist facility Wi-Fi, and be sure to wait at the pinned spot.
2. Communicating with your driver
As mentioned above, the Uber app allows you to choose a pickup point where you’ll meet your driver. Wait in the exact location of your pin to make it easier for your driver to find you. If your driver is struggling to find you, share some of your specific details such as what you are wearing and what colour your bag is. You should also ask for the driver’s information, such as what colour the vehicle is.
3. Payment
As in South Africa, you can select a cash or card payment option. If you select the second, Uber app’s payment system automatically charges your credit card, so you won’t need to worry about having the exact change in the local currency. Payments are given in local currency. The Uber app will never charge any extra fees to travellers in another country, however the fee will be calculated according to the bank’s current exchange rate. Do make sure that you have contacted you bank before leaving South Africa to ensure it has a record of which countries you are travelling to and for how long, so that your payment is not blocked by the bank as a possible fraudulent transaction.
4. Carry a powerbank with you
Having a fully-charged powerbank can be vital to extending your phone’s battery life. Perhaps you forgot to charge your phone overnight in the hotel, didn’t check that it was plugged in properly, brought the incorrect plug convertor. or if your phone is a little older and you’ve been using it to record video and take photos all day, the battery may run a little low. You don’t want your phone battery to die at the end of a day (or evening) out when you are tired and ready to head back to your lodgings.
5. Take safety precautions
Before getting in the car, check that the driver’s name is the same as that listed on the app and that the license plate is also correct. If you’re travelling alone choose the back seat behind the driver. This makes it a bit trickier to reach you if the driver has nefarious intentions.
6. Don’t exit the vehicle until the driver does
Although most Uber drivers are good at checking that you have all your belongings, you wouldn’t want to get out at your destination and have the driver absentmindedly drive away with your travel bags in the boot.
7. Trust your gut
If it feels wrong, don’t get in. Having to say no and reorganise your ride when you are tired and in a strange country can be stressful, but if you feel really uncomfortable it may be better to err on the side of caution.
