How to Take Uber in Mexico
Alejandro, one of a number of favorite Uber drivers in Mexico.
Updated September 2023
Uber : A game-changer for expats and travelers to Mexico
In terms of my life in Mexico as a part-time expat, I am tempted to categorize the years as “B.U.” and “B.U. and A.U., or Before Uber and After Uber, demarcating the grand scale of the difference it’s made in my life here. Uber came to my city in Mexico three years into my move and become a fixture in everyday life. It’s cheaper than cabs and a fun way to get around. Another car sharing service available here is Didi. Some tell me it’s cheaper than Uber. Although I’ve not found that the case, it’s nice to have two ride-sharing options.
How taking Uber in Mexico is different
Uber is safe in Mexico for the same reason it is safe in the U.S. My Mexican friends sign off on their teenage daughters using Uber before they’ll let them take a cab. In Mexico City, they are considered much safer than taxis or public transit. Using the car-sharing service is not exactly the same in Mexico though. When taking Uber as a foreigner, here’s what you need to know.
In the app, you can opt to pay in cash instead of using a credit card. Opt to do so. You should always choose the “cash” option. If you are short, pay what you can and the balance will be put on your credit card and billed later. Uber drivers in Mexico strongly prefer cash and will even ask (against the rules) after they accept the ride and ask how your paying.
Drivers can’t see how you have elected to pay until they arrive. If you have elected to pay with a credit card, they might drive away right in front of you. In that case the app automatically sets you up with another driver. However, if you have an appointment or if it’s uncomfortable weather, it can be annoying to wait for one that will accept the credit card payment.
Airports often don’t allow Uber and taxis are much more expensive than an Uber would be. The way around that is to develop a relationship with an Uber driver you like and ask him to take you. Let him know you understand you’ll have to sit in the front seat during the trips as you would if a friend were taking or picking you up. I’ll particularly do this if I’m picking up a friend at the airport (two trips). It’s worth it. If you don’t feel comfortable with this process, ask a local expat. They will typically know Mexicans who know the drill.
Unlike U.S. cars, which have the Uber stickers on their windshield, Uber drivers flash their lights to let you know it’s them when they pull up.
Americans usually sit in the back seat of an Uber ride, as if they were in a taxi. Mexican passengers at times sit in the front seat in both taxis and when taking Uber. I’ll sometime sit in the front if I want to try having a little conversation to practice Spanish or get better air conditioning.
Drivers have generous self-assessments of what it means to “speak English” as described in their profile on the app. Most won’t understand your English (I’ve often thought people should ask each other if they understand a second language instead of asking if they speak it.)
Write down your complete destination address. Addresses are written differently in Spanish. Make sure to type in every detail. Keep your home address in your wallet also written down. Do not depend on your memory or the application to serve up the address.
To help the driver find you, text them after your driver is confirmed with details (“La entrada está en frente de la restaurant La Casa Country” (The entrance is in front of the Casa Country Restaurant) or “llevo vestido azul” (I am wearing a blue dress). It doesn’t matter if the app says the driver speaks English. Prepare your details (look them up in Spanish) before you call for Uber.
Uber in Mexico is half the cost of Uber in the U.S., Tip them. Unlike the U.S. in Mexico your tip will affect your passenger ratings.
Uber drivers are great sources of information and good places to start if you are looking for other service providers. Uber drivers in Mexico usually are from the city in which they drive. They have extensive local social networks. Prepare for the trip a little and you can get more out of it than just a ride!
To hire an Uber driver per hour for errands will cost about $10 per hour, helpful for a morning of errands.
Uber drivers are usually middle class by Mexican standards. Like in the U.S., many have other jobs and dreams. It’s a great place to practice your Spanish. In fact, I often take a minute to prepare a few “table topics” questions (open-ended questions as described in the book, Turning Small Talk into Big Talk”) when I have a long ride ahead. If you’re a beginner Spanish student, you can still write down a few pleasantries (Que tengas un buen dia!)
Times when you should take a cab instead of car-sharing
This year, I have actually found myself using cabs more often again for the following reasons.
Taxi drivers, frankly, are usually more professional. Use them if the place you are going is harder to find or the place they’re picking you up at is crowded.
Uber drivers will cancel the ride in a heartbeat if they can’t find you or the destination, or if they think you’re paying with a credit card. I’ve had three cancel in a row at 10:00 at night while standing in front of a restaurant. The cancellations will seem completely arbitrary and can get frustrating.
Uber wait times have increased. I’ve had 15-20 minute wait times for Uber. I’ve rarely had to wait over 5 minutes for a cab when I’ve called the cab company. Uber isn’t always cheaper. If a cab is right there and available, compare the price.
Gas is expensive in Mexico. Uber drivers usually have tiny cars. Taxis have bigger trunks, which can make them better for grocery shopping, and airport runs. A taxi driver will be more likely to help you unload (and you should tip him for it.)
Buses are still great if your destination is a straight shot or a short distance. Try an app called MoveIt for bus routes in large cities.
Owning a car in Mexico
Maybe you’re thinking about life in Mexico and wondering about owning a car. If you plan to do so, it’s generally recommended that you purchase the car in Mexico rather than trying to bring your own before begining the accompanying hassle of finding a well-maintained used car (you won’t be able to finance a new one in Mexico), getting a driving permit, insurance and securing the rest of he documentation - all in another language.
But that’s for the future! Until then, try to bear be chauffeured around Mexico by an army of knowledgeable and unfailingly polite Mexican Uber and Didi drivers who appreciate the business.
Related Links:
The question of a car when you’re a part-time expat [blog] - Ventanas Mexico
Most recent:
Two habits necessary to life as part-time expat…two things.
About the author:
Kerry Baker is an author of three books for the aspiring expat. Her most recent is The Lazy Expat: Healthy Recipes That Translate in Mexico. The only way to maintain a healthy diet in Mexico is to cook. This is a book you will want to take with you every single trip.
The second book, If I Only Had a Place is the complete guide to renting luxuriously and well in Mexico, the secrets that realtors don’t want you to know.
The Mexico Solution: Saving your money, sanity, and quality of life through part-time life in Mexico is the ultimate guide to easing into expat life by living in Mexico part-time first. It’s both a practical guide and a romp through the cultural considerations of life in another country.