Uber - how to pay?

[Disney Addicted]

I've never used it before and am heading to Los Angeles (LAX) in 3 days. I put the app on my phone and thought I would try it while there.

While reading up on Uber, it seems electronic payments via debit, paypal or Uber gift card are the only options. How do you pay for Uber? Have you had any problems linking paypal to it? Where can I purchase an Uber gift card if I'd like to go that route?

 

[SMD]

https://www.uber.com/gift-cards/

 

[RynB11]

I live here in the LA area and use Uber religiously for getting around when I don't want to deal with driving and/or parking my car.

The idea of Uber is to eliminate the need for any cash transactions between you and the driver. All transactions are handled through the Uber app itself, electronically.

Upon setting up Uber you would choose your form of payment. I personally use my debit card information and have also linked Apple Pay as well. There is an area to add an uber gift card code as well. I believe I've seen uber gift cards for sale at my local grocery stores gift card section.

Based off your GPS Uber will identify your current location or you can manually enter this info as well. You will then input your destination address as well. You can do this by entering the physical address or by searching the name of the location, for example the hotel name. In the LA area you will be provided with the fare cost in advance so that there are no surprises in how much this trip/ride will cost you.

Upon pick up, your uber driver will start your trip/ride. Upon dropping you off they will stop your trip/ride. All you have to do is thank your driver for the ride and exit the vehicle. No need to approve anything on your phone. The payment will be automatically deducted from your form of payment you set up in the app. Shortly after the ride the Uber app will ask you to rate your driver based on a 5 star rating system, Uber relies on these as drivers are required to maintain a minimum rating to drive for Uber.

Helpful tip for LAX. LAX has recently created Uber/Ride Sharing Pick Up Zones. These are actually upstairs at the departures area. They are identified by a letter. You would select your pick up zone based on which letter is closest to your terminal. This will be easily identifiable through the app as well as the posted ride sharing/pick up zone signs at the airport.

I hope this information helps. I use Uber all the time for pick up and drop off at LAX when traveling for work.

EDIT to say: Upstairs departures area, previously I said upstairs arrivals.

 

[tzeitel]

I live here in the LA area and use Uber religiously for getting around when I don't want to deal with driving and/or parking my car.

The idea of Uber is to eliminate the need for any cash transactions between you and the driver. All transactions are handled through the Uber app itself, electronically.

Upon setting up Uber you would choose your form of payment. I personally use my debit card information and have also linked Apple Pay as well. There is an area to add an uber gift card code as well. I believe I've seen uber gift cards for sale at my local grocery stores gift card section.

Based off your GPS Uber will identify your current location or you can manually enter this info as well. You will then input your destination address as well. You can do this by entering the physical address or by searching the name of the location, for example the hotel name. In the LA area you will be provided with the fare cost in advance so that there are no surprises in how much this trip/ride will cost you.

Upon pick up, your uber driver will start your trip/ride. Upon dropping you off they will stop your trip/ride. All you have to do is thank your driver for the ride and exit the vehicle. No need to approve anything on your phone. The payment will be automatically deducted from your form of payment you set up in the app. Shortly after the ride the Uber app will ask you to rate your driver based on a 5 star rating system, Uber relies on these as drivers are required to maintain a minimum rating to drive for Uber.

Helpful tip for LAX. LAX has recently created Uber/Ride Sharing Pick Up Zones. These are actually upstairs at the departures area. They are identified by a letter. You would select your pick up zone based on which letter is closest to your terminal. This will be easily identifiable through the app as well as the posted ride sharing/pick up zone signs at the airport.

I hope this information helps. I use Uber all the time for pick up and drop off at LAX when traveling for work.

EDIT to say: Upstairs departures area, previously I said upstairs arrivals.

Thanks for the detailed info! Thinking of using Uber and was not sure how it actually worked. I do have one question, are you allowed to tip? I thought I read somewhere that drivers do not take tips.

 

[lilmissfoodie]

I have given cash tips before

 

[RynB11]

@tzeitel I don't typically tip my Uber driver. For many reasons but usually because I don't carry cash, but it doesn't mean that I haven't, especially for those drivers who went above and beyond. I do tend to add a good comment when rating my driver in addition the 5 Stars, however.

The tipping thing can usually be a hot debate, however, Uber has made an official statement on tipping. From the Uber website:

Do I need to tip?

The Uber app cannot include a tip when billing you for a trip fare... In most cities, Uber is a cashless experience. Tipping is voluntary. Tips are not included in the fare, nor are they expected or required. As a rider, you are not obligated to offer your driver a gratuity in cash. If you decide you would like to tip, your driver is welcome to accept.
​

 

[SMD]

Lyft allows you to tip in the app.

 

[Nevada Jen]

I've never used uber either. How do you know which car to get in? I know it's probably a stupid question. Does it work the same at sna?

 

[ParkHopper1]

I've never used uber either. How do you know which car to get in? I know it's probably a stupid question. Does it work the same at sna?

Once you ride is confirmed the app will tell you the driver's name, type of car, license plate number and their real time location that you can watch on a map. If it is say a Toyota Camry Plate 1234567...I just look for a Toyota and the last three of the plate...567. There should also be an Uber logo sticker up in the top passenger side of the windshield. Once located the driver should confirm your name to make sure they got the right folks. Sometimes the driver will call you to confirm your location...or you can text message the driver (#'s are run through Uber app and neither party ever sees the driver's or passenger's real phone #)

At SNA the app will ask you select the column # that you are standing near in passenger pickup when you request the ride...it will make sense once you are there.

Funny story...picking up a friend once from an airport and had a random lady hop in my car thinking I was her Uber...and I don't drive for Uber!

On the tipping issue...part of Uber's schtick is that tips are included and no cash or financial info need to trade hands. That being said, you can indeed tip your Uber driver and they will accept it.

 

[RynB11]

@Nevada Jen I have not used it at SNA. However, Uber does serve SNA and my understanding is the driver will meet you curbside at the arrival levels of your terminal.

You'll know which vehicle to get in as the app will provide you the make and model, usually the color of the car, license plate number, and name and picture of the diver. The driver will confirm you're his correct passenger by asking for you by name.

 

[klmcleod]

Good info here! I'll be using uber for the first time too in May. I know there are things with codes etc for your first ride. Will I get one of those through my email when I sign up or will it be obvious where and how to put that code in when I go to use it for the first time. I'll be going from sna to best western park place inn. Thanks for all the detailed info above! This is the best thread so far on being specific on how to use uber!

 

[StormyCA]

We used Uber on our last trip for to and from the Parks. It was pretty much a breeze. $5.15 each way so cheaper than parking.

The only 'blip' we had was that for some reason using my debit card via Apple Pay didn't work. Luckily I had linked a 'regular' credit card, which worked fine. So my suggestion would be to be sure that either you have 2 cards linked to your Uber, or that someone else in your party downloads Uber, too.

BTW, if you are 'new' to Uber, get someone with it to send you an invite before you download and create an account. You'll get a free ride ($20 value) and so will they. You can manage up to 3 free Ubers if you do it right and have another new user in your party

1-someone sends you an invite and you set up Uber (= one free ride)
2-you send an invite to someone in your DL party who does not and never has had an Uber account. They'll get their first ride free AND you'll get a free ride for having referred someone who then signed up (= 2 free rides)

Voilá, three 'free'** Uber rides!

** 'free' as in a $20.00 value

 

[bumbershoot]

Tip your uber driver. Please. And that means bring cash.

 

[MillauFr]

I have given cash tips before

Use Lyft if you want to tip. You can do it via the app.

 

[DLgal]

You can link a regular credit card. Doesn't have to be a debit card.

 

[RynB11]

@klmcleod You will usually need to have an invite code from somebody who already uses the app. Also, some airlines and hotels have partnered with Uber and they will provide you a code as well if you're utilizing them. I would also bet a search for an invite/promo code would yield many results.

To enter the code, you can find this by clicking on "Payments" on the app. This is the same place you would enter your payment method, for example your credit card. Below that you'll find the option to enter a promo code to access the specific discount that relates to that code.

The tip above about sharing your invite code with someone else on your trip is a great way to get a couple of free rides out of it as well.

Hope this helps!

 

[Disney Addicted]

https://www.uber.com/gift-cards/

Thanks! I'll try purchasing one tomorrow. If I have trouble, then maybe I'll link my paypal to it.

I live here in the LA area and use Uber religiously for getting around when I don't want to deal with driving and/or parking my car.

Based off your GPS Uber will identify your current location or you can manually enter this info as well. You will then input your destination address as well. You can do this by entering the physical address or by searching the name of the location, for example the hotel name. In the LA area you will be provided with the fare cost in advance so that there are no surprises in how much this trip/ride will cost you.

Upon pick up, your uber driver will start your trip/ride. Upon dropping you off they will stop your trip/ride. All you have to do is thank your driver for the ride and exit the vehicle. No need to approve anything on your phone. The payment will be automatically deducted from your form of payment you set up in the app. Shortly after the ride the Uber app will ask you to rate your driver based on a 5 star rating system, Uber relies on these as drivers are required to maintain a minimum rating to drive for Uber.

Helpful tip for LAX. LAX has recently created Uber/Ride Sharing Pick Up Zones. These are actually upstairs at the departures area. They are identified by a letter. You would select your pick up zone based on which letter is closest to your terminal. This will be easily identifiable through the app as well as the posted ride sharing/pick up zone signs at the airport.

Great information, thank you! I've been wondering how it works.

I've never used uber either. How do you know which car to get in? I know it's probably a stupid question. Does it work the same at sna?

lol - I was wondering the same thing. I'm glad you asked.

Once you ride is confirmed the app will tell you the driver's name, type of car, license plate number and their real time location that you can watch on a map. If it is say a Toyota Camry Plate 1234567...I just look for a Toyota and the last three of the plate...567. There should also be an Uber logo sticker up in the top passenger side of the windshield. Once located the driver should confirm your name to make sure they got the right folks. Sometimes the driver will call you to confirm your location...or you can text message the driver (#'s are run through Uber app and neither party ever sees the driver's or passenger's real phone #)

You'll know which vehicle to get in as the app will provide you the make and model, usually the color of the car, license plate number, and name and picture of the diver. The driver will confirm you're his correct passenger by asking for you by name.

Thanks for providing these answers. I feel more comfortable about trying out Uber on Saturday now.

 

[Disney Addicted]

Actually, I do have another question. Do most of you ride by yourself/with friends, or have you used the "pool" feature. Is the Uber picking up people who all want to go to the same location for this?

 

[wongck]

I used UBER to get from LAX to DLR hotel for the 1st time when I visited DL back in Dec last year.
It is really easy to use. I setup the App and Payment back in my own country and no issues using it in US.
As first time users, you can also get a $22 off the 1st ride by using coupon code FEELING22.
( expires 31-Dec-2017 but not sure if it's only for users from overseas- Google Uber promo feeling22 to check if it's apply for you)

 

[mya1k9]

Lots of great info here, thanks!! I will also be taking Uber for the first time and bought a Groupon for new users, 3 rides for 6 dollars. I'm just wondering, when I book my uber will my poor driver get any payment other than my tip? Just wondering if Groupon reimburses the driver for their expense or how that works???