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Figuring out how to get around is one of the most important parts of traveling. But although exploring new places is always fun, it can get overwhelming with so many options and apps.
I've found myself at a loss regarding transportation options more than once. Should I use public transportation at night? Is that ride-hailing app reliable and safe? There's no Uber in this country. What now?
To spare you some trouble finding out which ride-hailing apps you can use globally, I've come up with some of the best Uber alternatives.
What Alternatives Are Available to Uber?
While Uber has spread to many locations, it's not available worldwide. Plus, even in countries where the popular ride-hailing giant does operate, you can find apps like Uber, but cheaper. If you travel on a budget, then this guide is for you!
You can find plenty of Uber alternatives, from Uber's main competitor, Lyft, to more region-specific apps like Careem, Grab, or 99.
The list below contains 11 of the best ride-hailing and ridesharing apps. Several are cheaper alternatives to Uber. Each of these apps serves one or more countries, with many available in many locations.
Before traveling, download and set up your preferred app. That way, you'll always have an alternative to public transportation, taxis, and Uber. All the apps below are available for Android and iOS.
Lyft: The Most Popular Uber Alternative
Lyft is an excellent choice if you're looking for a reliable Uber alternative in the US or Canada. Like Uber, Lyft has a user-friendly interface and a wide coverage area.
Lyft allows you to request rides anytime, track your driver's location, and pay through the app. Additionally, Lyft often offers promotions, discounts, and lower prices than Uber in many US cities.
If you're wondering whether Lyft is safe, they do thorough background checks on drivers and have a live safety support team.
Download Lyft on the App Store
Bolt: Affordable Ride-Hailing in Europe and Africa
Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, is a popular alternative to Uber. It's available in over 500 cities in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The app has various vehicle options, including economy, comfort, and larger vehicles for group travel. Bolt is known as one of the cheapest ridesharing apps, making it an excellent choice for cost-conscious travelers.
Bolt provides 24/7 support and emergency assistance in case of need. Furthermore, the company has driving shift limits to ensure drivers get enough rest.
Download Bolt on the App Store
Download Bolt on the Huawei App Gallery
Grab: Uber Alternative for Southeast Asia
Grab is the ride-hailing app to try if you're traveling to Southeast Asia. It's available in over 500 cities in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Grab offers services such as private cars, carpooling, and first-class riding for extra comfort. The company also offers food and grocery delivery services. It's a one-stop shop and a great alternative to Uber Eats!
One of Grab's security features is sharing your live GPS signal with friends so they can always know where you are.
Download Grab on the App Store
Download Grab on the Huawei App Gallery
Cabify: Ride-Hailing in Spain and Latin America
Travelers heading to Spain or Latin America should take note of the Spanish ride-hailing app Cabify. The company launched in Spain and has expanded to several Latin American countries. Cabify is in Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay.
Besides the individual ride-hailing service, Cabify has an option for business trips. This option comes with dedicated support, invoices, and even discounted prices.
The app has safety features, like real-time ride tracking and in-app emergency help.
Download Cabify on the App Store
Download Cabify on Google Play
Download Cabify on the Huawei App Gallery
DiDi Chuxing: China's Uber Alternative
Didi Chuxing is a popular ride-hailing and ridesharing app in China. DiDi was founded in 2012 and has become one of the biggest ride-hailing apps in China. DiDi also operates in Japan, Australia, Russia, South Africa, and several countries in South America.
Didi Chuxing offers many services, including private cars, luxury cars, taxis, and even minibus rides. It also has robust safety features, including real-time tracking and emergency assistance.
Download DiDi on the App Store
Ola: India's Uber Alternative
Ola Cabs is India's largest ride-hailing app and a strong competitor to Uber in the region, with significantly lower prices. After operating exclusively in India for years, Ola expanded operations to Australia, New Zealand, and the UK and is now active in over 250 cities.
Ola Cabs offers various services, including economic and luxury ride-hailing and ridesharing. You can also try auto-rickshaws, motorbikes, taxis, and carpooling.
Gojek: Ride-Hailing in Indonesia
If you're in Indonesia or a few other Southeast Asian countries, Gojek is a popular app offering more than ride-hailing services. Gojek has a wide range of extra services like food delivery, grocery delivery, and even beauty services.
Gojek is known for its broad coverage and competitive prices. The convenience of accessing many services within a single app is also popular. This Indonesian company also operates in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Download Gojek on the App Store
Careem: Uber Alternative in Africa and the Middle East
Careem is a ride-hailing app widely used in the Middle East. It's prevalent in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan. Like Uber, Careem allows you to easily request rides, track your driver, and make cashless payments.
In 2019, Uber bought Careem, pushing the company to grow. Careem services include a range of rides. Choose from economy options, executive cars, kid-friendly vehicles with a child seat, bikes, and car rentals.
Download Careem on the App Store
Download Careem on Google Play
Kakao T: Ride-hailing in South Korea
If you're traveling to South Korea, Kakao T is a popular ride-hailing app to consider. The app launched in 2015 and offers various services like taxis, chauffeur services, and bikes.
Kakao T rebranded in 2017, offering virtually all transportation services in one app. You can input your destination and get information on the available transport, duration, and cost.
Download Kakao T on the App Store
Download Kakao T on Google Play
99: Brazil's Uber Alternative
For those heading to Brazil, 99, formerly 99Taxis, is a leading ride-hailing app providing reliable transportation services nationwide. 99 offers a wide coverage area, ensuring you can find a ride when needed.
99 was bought by DiDi in 2017, allowing the company to further expand its services. The app will enable you to request taxis or private cars and offers safety features like real-time monitoring, 24/7 support, and driver verification.
Free Now: Taxi-Hailing App in Europe
Free Now is a reliable alternative to Uber if you're in Europe. Formerly known as MyTaxi, Free Now operates in over 150 European cities, including Rome, Barcelona, London, and Paris.
Free Now allows you to book traditional taxis through the app. It offers features like real-time tracking, estimated arrival times, and the ability to pay through the app. The advantage is that you don't have to search the city for a taxi, and it ensures you know the cost of your ride upfront. However, it only offers traditional taxis.
Download Free Now on the App Store
Download Free Now on Google Play
Should You Try Uber Alternatives?
You should absolutely try these Uber alternatives wherever you are. Not only are they a lifesaver in places where Uber is not available, but they can also help you save money while providing a safe and reliable way to get around.
Travel the World With Pilot!
Now that you have various Uber alternatives, you can start to craft your ideal travel experience for you, your family, and your friends.