To Uber or not to Uber, that is the question I ask of thee. Actually it’s the question you should be asking yourself every time you pull out your smartphone for a ride now that the world has been taken over with Uber replacing taxis pretty much everywhere. Uber is great but it’s not perfect and so here are a few strategies to get the most out of your Uber experiences.
The most important question is when and where to use the service.
Big cities are the ones to avoid. You may save a little money getting an Uber versus a London black cab, but with the network of streets and one way systems that make London errr special, it can be hard for the Uber drivers to find your exact location and frankly can be more hassle than it’s worth it.
Same goes for New York. Yellow cabs are everywhere and the difference is mink all. New York streets and avenues are all based on one ways so again this makes it a challenge for your driver to find you. The one real exception here though is during rush hour when getting a cab is a big challenge. In this case Uber is your best friend.
Now there is also another hurdle. When you are away and paying huge roaming charges, your Uber may call you and that in itself can cost a fortune. I am on a US network for cellular data and don’t use my phone abroad. When I was in the rain waiting for an Uber doing my Paleo book photo shoot recently, I was waiting 20 extra minutes for an Uber to arrive. He could not find my street in the depths of Camden. Feeling like a complete tourist in my birth country, I could not advise him. He called me and my network charged me $25 for an activation one off fee for using the phone internationally. I would have been better in a limo.
Then there is the issue of airports. Most airports ban Uber from picking you up. They can usually stop at drop offs so typically Uber becomes a one way airport service. I have hear of people setting an Uber pick up at a nearby hotel and then taking the shuttle bus, but that seems like a huge hassle to save a few bucks when you’ve just arrived after along flight. American limo companies are far more luxurious and depending what city you’re traveling to, maybe worth the difference.
In Asia limos from hotels are the least expensive in the world. So indulge where you can. Nothing is better than the Shangri-la Bangkok picking you up with a meet and greet service. They have wifi access in the car, cold iced water and a cold towel in the latest Mercedes Benz.
Next time you click to grab an Uber, do consider these points because it pays to debate if now is the best time to Uber or not to Uber.
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
To contact Daniel or learn more visit www.themodelcook.com or follow on Twitter and Facebook.
