- Using the AARP App
- Finding Interesting Accommodations with the Airbnb App
- Using Foursquare to Enhance Your Travel Choices
- Exchanging Homes Is a Great Way to See the World
- Arranging Travel Using the Kayak App
- Finding Your Way Using the iPad Maps App
- SeatGuru by TripAdvisor
- Communicating in a Foreign Country Is Easy When You Use Talking Translator
- Getting Travel Advice from Others Using TripAdvisor
- Getting a Ride Using the Uber App
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Getting a Ride Using the Uber App
You can now use your iPad to get from one place to another, including from the airport to a destination or home. Uber has become a transportation phenomenon. Now, with a few taps, you can request a ride, type in the car of your choice (similar to a cab service but with more options), watch as your driver arrives in minutes, pay with your mobile device, and usually save money. Note: You will need to either be in an area that has wireless capability or have an iPad that works on cellular.
As we are writing this, Uber is located primarily in major cities, but we fully expect that this service will expand quickly.
Open the App Store by tapping its icon on your home screen, and then type Uber in the Search field in the upper-right corner.
To locate Uber in the App Store, you first need to change the type of apps from iPad Only to iPhone Only at the top of the search results screen. When you see the Uber app in the search results, tap it. You can use the options on this screen to review the details about this app as well as read reviews from other users.
Tap Get when you are ready to download and install it, and then tap Open.
Tap Register to create an account, or tap Sign In if you already have an Uber account.
You can create an account by completing your email address, adding your mobile phone number, and creating a password. As noted, Uber will use this information to send you ride confirmations and receipts. Tap Next in the upper-right corner.
Create a profile with your name and photo to help the driver identify you at pickup. Type your name in the fields, and then tap the picture button to add a photo of yourself for the driver to see. You can take a new photo or choose one from your photo library. When finished, tap Next.
Now you can enter arrangements for making payment for your ride. This can be done using a credit card or via PayPal (a secure way to make payment on the internet). I chose to use my PayPal account.
After you have decided your method of payment, Uber asks that you approve future payments using your chosen account. Tap Agree to continue.
If you have not already done so, Uber will ask that you turn on Location Services. This enables Uber to use your built-in GPS to determine your location as you use its service.
Uber sends you a text you are required to answer by responding “GO.” You are asked to allow Push Notifications so that Uber can send you messages concerning your ride(s).
Using your iPad’s GPS, Uber shows your location on a map and gives you the opportunity to set pickup location.
You need to decide what type of vehicle you want to pick you up. The choices range from uberX, the cheapest option (a common car), to an SUV, the most expensive option. Not all locations have the same car options. In some larger cities, Taxi is an Uber option as well.
I tapped uberX, and the next page confirms my predetermined payment option. Tap Change to choose another type of payment.
Tap Fare Quote for details on your fare with this car.
The approximate pickup time is also indicated.
I tapped Fare Quote and entered San Francisco International Airport as my destination. The estimated quote for my uberX car to take me to the airport is between $49 and $63.
You’ll see a note that some variability in the fare as a result of traffic, weather, and other factors is possible. Tap the X in the upper-right corner to return to the Confirmation page.
Tap Request uberX to complete the pickup request. You receive a confirmation of the request and an approximate time your car will arrive. Additionally, you are given the name, photo, and phone number of the person who is picking you up.
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>>>Go Further: More Useful Travel Apps
There are many more apps for travel that we cannot cover in this book, so here’s a list of some others to check out the next time you get ready to take a trip.
• Airports by Travel Nerd—This offers a great deal of information on more than 50 airports worldwide, including maps, airlines by terminal, shops and restaurants, ground transportation, and information you need to have before taking off and landing.
• Lyft—Try Lyft for a friendly, affordable ride whenever you need one.
• Minube—This provides a user-generated travel guide that provides plenty of insight into places you may be traveling.
• PackPoint Packing List Travel Companion—This app analyzes the weather in the region you are traveling and helps you pack accordingly.
• Sound Sleeper—Having trouble sleeping due to unfamiliar sounds while you are traveling (or have a grandchild that’s having a hard time getting to sleep)? This app offers 14 soothings sounds, from a car ride to the ocean to rain, that can be played to help you fall into restful sleep.
• XE Currency Converter—This app helps you to determine the value of currency in a foreign country.