Ride hailing services

Ride hailing or ride sharing services are apps that connect passengers and local drivers using their personal vehicles. Examples of ride hailing services include Bolt, Lyft and Uber.

Similar to taxicabs in many ways, they are particularly convenient for the traveller since you can simply enter the address of your destination in the app, avoiding any language barriers. Since fares are estimated in advance, you can also avoid many common taxi scams like being overcharged or being taken on a scenic route. Usually they are cheaper than using licensed taxis, although the apps use dynamic "surge" pricing, so at peak times the fare can be higher than a taxi.

In some countries the ride hailing services are regulated in the same way as regular taxicabs, while in others they operate in a legal grey zone. Like in taxis, if you have a common language with the driver, a conversation with the driver can in many instances provide you with inside information of the area which might not be written in guidebooks.

The apps used allow the drivers and passengers to rate each other. This compensates to some degree for the lack of company control over the drivers. It may also make drivers eager to be as nice as possible.

Tips for riding a ride hailing service

Consider the alternatives. Public transport may be much cheaper and urban rail is usually faster than driving if it gets you close. In rush hours and during special events driving may be very slow.

Be aware of the fine print and make sure you're aware of what fees you're liable for. Check your bill after the drive. You might be able to contest inflated charges through the company's customer service. Better of course to get it straight at once, with the driver.

Like always when travelling with an unfamiliar driver, sit in the back seat of the vehicle and have at your luggage with you if practical, at least your passport, money and other essentials. That way you are less vulnerable if the driver happens to be a jerk. Note plate numbers.

Multinational companies

Many countries have their own local ride sharing operations, but the large companies below operate in many countries.

Bolt — covers most of Europe and increasingly branching out elsewhere
Didi — Chinese juggernaut taking its first steps elsewhere in Asia & Oceania
Grab — ubiquitous across Southeast Asia
Uber — the original and still by far the largest, with services in over 70 countries
Yandex Taxi (Yango) — hailing from Russia, but very popular across the former Soviet Union

Alternatives

If you are staying in a place with good mass transit using it might often work out to be not only cheaper but faster compared to the ride hailing service.
Walking is a great way to get to know a place and you can simply enter any interesting shops, restaurants or museum you might pass without the driver having to look for (often scarce) inner-city parking space. Many city-centers are entirely walkable; if you aren't carrying heavy luggage and aren't mobility impaired, a two- or three-kilometer stroll is not too hard.
In more and more places, cycling is the best way to go short to medium distances and several cities around the world have implemented bike-sharing programs that are a great alternative for visitors as well as locals. Bikes are available for rent in many more places.
You may ask whether your hotel offers pick up and drop off service to and from the airport. This is sometimes free to encourage you to stay at their hotel and more often than not cheaper than a taxi.
If you are staying in a place where a car is needed for a longer time, or plan to go on a road-trip at your destination, consider renting a car, with or without a driver.

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