How to Ride With the Uber App
Once you’ve downloaded the Uber app, enter a credit or debit card number to pay for rides. You may see a few dollars worth of “ghost charges” on your account for a few days as part of the verification process.
Enter a pickup location and tap Confirm Pickup. You can then watch your driver navigate to you on the map and view their photo, license plate number, rating, and car make and model.
Getting Started
Before you can use Uber, you need to download its app and sign up for an account. You’ll need to provide an email address and phone number. You’ll also need to grant the app access to your location and choose a payment method.
Once you’re ready to ride, you can select a pick-up and drop-off point. The app will give you an estimate of the cost before you confirm your trip – it works the same way a taxi meter would.
You can also set a destination filter, which will eliminate any ride requests that don’t match your desired route. The app will notify you when your driver is nearby, and you can track your progress on the map. You can even tip your driver right from the app if you want to show your appreciation for their service. This feature helps drivers earn more money.
Getting a Ride
Once the ride request is submitted, the app will attempt to pinpoint your location using GPS. If the app is unable to determine your exact location, you will be prompted to enter it manually.
The app will then display the estimated time of arrival and the price of your ride. You will also be given the option to add a tip.
Uber will then match your request with a driver in the area. In a few seconds, you will receive a notification in the app that a driver has been selected and is on their way to your pickup location.
You will see the driver’s photo, vehicle make and model, and license plate number in the app. It is always a good idea to check these details to ensure that you are getting in the correct car. The Uber app will also provide you with a map to follow the driver as they approach. You can also rate your driver once the trip is completed.
Finding a Driver
Unless you’re scheduling a ride far in advance, it’s not likely that you can request a specific driver. For one thing, the driver may be busy driving another passenger or not available that day. On the other hand, some drivers do have favorites and would like to be matched with them when possible.
While Uber does not give out direct driver phone numbers in the interest of privacy, it does allow you to contact your driver via its app during and after a trip. It also provides a map that shows where your driver is at your pickup location and can be used to help find you if you’re lost.
You can access your Uber account by tapping the black icon on your home screen or in the app drawer (Android). Once logged in, you’ll see the list of rides that you’ve taken. Tap on a trip to view your driver’s rating. You can also add a driver to your favorite list from the settings tab.
Payment
The app provides riders with a number of payment options, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, Uber Gift Cards, ZaakPay, vouchers and cash (where available). Riders will see the fare upfront through the app, which is subject to dynamic pricing.
When your ride is complete, your default payment method will be charged automatically. You can add a tip through the app as well. You’ll also be asked to rate your driver from one to five stars based on their politeness, cleanliness and safety.
If you are planning to pay in cash, select this option through your wallet in the app before requesting your ride so that your driver is aware of it. Drivers often don’t carry change and may require a larger bill than what you have in cash. You can also set this as your default payment method if you wish.