Q&A for How to Use Uber

You can get an estimated fee for a ride, but you cannot request a ride hours in advance. You must request the ride at the specific moment you need it.

The Uber app provides information about your driver's vehicle, including its make, model, color, and license plate number, to help you identify it.

Ask the driver "Who are you here to pick up?" Your real driver will know the name on your Uber account.

Yes, you can request an Uber at any time, as Uber operates 24/7. However, you will generally find more drivers available during busy periods, and in less populated areas, it is common to find no drivers available in the middle of the night.

When you open the Uber app, it displays the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for the closest available driver, which helps you decide when to request. In highly populated areas, you typically only need to request a ride 5-10 minutes in advance. However, in rural areas, driver availability may be limited, so having a backup transportation plan is advisable.

You can use Uber's in-app 'Share Trip Status' feature to send your real-time ride progress to contacts. Alternatively, if you use an Apple device, you can share your location through the Find My app.

The price is the same no matter which driver picks you up. Just make sure to order a basic UberX and not one the luxury options. Prices increase when demand peaks, so delaying your journey to a less popular travel time can save money.

To identify your Uber, first confirm the vehicle's make, model, color, and license plate number against the details provided in your app. Also, look for an Uber sticker or emblem and verify the driver's photo in the app. If you are still unsure, you can confirm by asking the driver, "Who are you here to pick up?"

Yes. Enter your friend's location when requesting the ride. After the ride is accepted, phone the driver to let him know who to expect. Use the "Share Your ETA" button to send a text to your friend with the ride details.

Uber runs background checks on its drivers, but it has been criticized for not being thorough enough. An ordinary taxi driver typically undergoes a more detailed background check, but this varies between locations.

No, Uber currently only offers individual ride payment.

Not all debit cards are compatible with the billing system. If you get an error message while trying to add the info, you'll need to find a different option.

You certainly can. For example, if you want to order a ride for a family member, enter their address as the pickup location and then call or text the driver with a description of the rider (e.g., "black coat and blue cane"). This service is helpful for relatives who cannot easily use a cell phone, enabling them to get to appointments or social outings.

No. The only way to do this is to ask a driver for a personal phone number, so you can arrange rides over the phone. He or she may decline to give it to you.

Uber occasionally give existing users promo codes to celebrate special events, but the vast majority are only for new users.

The driver will send you an electronic receipt. You can view all your past receipts at the uber.com riders page .

Earn Uber credits by inviting friends to join Uber using the invite code in your app. Once the credits are added to your account, they are automatically deducted to pay for your fares.

Uber Select is partway between UberX and Uber Black in price. You'll get a high end car, but you aren't guaranteed a luxury vehicle.

The Uber account is linked to your phone number, so you will need to create a new one. If your old and new SIM cards are from the same carrier and country you might be able to request the same phone number to avoid this issue.

Visit the main menu of the Uber app and select the Payment option or credit card icon to enter your payment information. Once your credit card, PayPal, or other payment info is in the app, all fee payments happen automatically.

Each Uber account can only request one car. Someone else in your party will need to order the second car from another Uber account.

You'll need to be at least 21 years old to drive for Uber (and 18 just to use the service).

Only if your device has a location-sharing feature (most laptops do), and only if you visit the mobile version of the site .

Log onto your Partner account and contact Uber to request the change. Depending on how far you are moving, you may need to start over again with a new account and none of your old ratings.

Yes, in most cases you are able to do a round trip but you will be charged for the waiting time and Uber asks that you keep stops to 3 minutes or less. This is ideal if you just need to run into a store or business to grab something, but isn't really for waiting longer than this. So if you have a longer appointment then you would have to order another Uber when you're done.

No, you don't get charged extra. The price is based on the distance, not what you bring or how many people are in your party.

This is possible in select cities now with the Scheduled Ride feature, but in most places no, you cannot set up a ride in advance.

You can add instructions for pick up, or text/call the driver through the Uber app to give them further instructions on how to find you.

Yes. You can schedule a ride in advance through the Uber app. There is an option to select the date and time you would like them to arrive. Uber also has a pick up guarantee on this, if your driver is late you will receive a $10 credit. In the very rare case that a driver isn't available for your scheduled trip you would be notified and given a $10 credit.

In most cities you are not able to pay by cash. Check the payment options in your app, if you don't have a cash option then you have to pay with a debit/credit card.