Is there Uber in Mexico? Info & Safety Tips 2023
Are you wondering if there’s Uber in Mexico? Then you’re in the right place!
I’m a travel blogger who lives in Cancun, Mexico. I am an expert on all the ways to travel across Mexico. That includes taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services.
Ride-sharing services such as Uber have been a target of criticism in Mexico. This makes it difficult for these services to be used in certain areas of Mexico.
In this article, I’ll tell you the information you need to know about Uber in Mexico. I also discuss the locations where you can make use of these services. What you can expect and the best way to stay safe when using the service.
Read and learn all about Uber in Mexico!
Is there Uber in Mexico?
Yes, Uber is available in Mexico. It’s coverage in Mexico’s 60 cities. Uber is an affordable and convenient way to travel around. Uber first began its operations in Mexico in 2013. It has continued to grow steadily since.
Although Uber is available in several areas of Mexico. There are some areas in which the service still needs to be in use due to the opposition of taxi drivers.
If the location you’re planning to travel to needs to be listed in this article. It is essential to do some research before your trip. This lets you confirm whether the service is available in a particular area.
What is Uber?
Are you don’t know about Uber or its service? Then here is the answer, Uber is a ride-sharing app that allows you to get a private driver with a button on your phone. Uber allows you to skip traditional taxis and drivers in real-time.
Customers type their destination in the app. Uber will calculate the cost through Google Maps GPS. This way, Uber tells you about your ride cost.
Uber is cash-free, and all payments are processed through the app with a debit or credit card. This makes it an easy payment method to ride, specifically when you’re in another country that doesn’t own local currency.
Uber offers different service choices, including UberPool, UberX, UberBlack, and UberLux for business or budget travelers. In addition, Uber fares are typically lower than taxi fares.
Where can you use Uber in Mexico?
As mentioned above, Uber is available in over 60 cities throughout Mexico. Here is the list of some major cities that use Uber:
- Guadalajara
- La Paz
- Merida
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Puebla
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro
- San Miguel de Allende
- Valladolid
Map of Uber Cities in Mexico
Below is a map of cities in Mexico that use Uber:
There are some restrictions for Uber drivers in some states and cities. For example, Uber drivers are kept from picking you up from the airport or to the main entrances of your resort or hotel. In this situation, they request you to a pickup place. The pickup place is away from your airport, hotel, or resort.
Suppose you plan your trip to a specific location. I suggest you research the Uber situation in that area.
Uber in Mexico City
Mexico City is probably one of the most accessible cities in Mexico to make use of Uber. Because there are no restrictions, Uber can pick you up directly from Mexico City Airport.
I’ve personally utilized Uber many times during my visits to Mexico City. I don’t have any issues, except for the traffic!
Around Mexico City, Ubers usually arrive within 5-10 mins after you request a ride. Uber service is available 24 hours a day. Uber is budget friendly app. That makes it an ideal choice to travel to Mexico City.
Uber in Guadalajara Mexico
You can use Uber in Guadalajara without any problem. Uber drivers pick up passengers from Guadalajara Airport.
In many cities of Mexico, taxi drivers do not like Uber. However, Uber’s service is still available and has gained popularity.
Uber in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
You can use Uber services in Puerto Vallarta. But Uber drivers could not pick up the passengers from Vallarta Airport.
If you want to use Uber at the airport, you must walk across the highway. Set a meet-up point on the other side of the road.
Instead of the airport, normal Uber rides are available for getting around Puerto Vallarta.
Uber in Merida Mexico
You can use Uber services in Merida, Mexico, like Puerto Vallarta. Uber drivers can’t pick up passengers direct from the airport. However, some drivers still do it. Most drivers will ask you to meet at a pickup point in front of the airport along Main Road.
When you’re in town, Uber taxis are easily available. Uber offers budget-friendly rides for getting around Merida.
Where CAN’T you use Uber in Mexico?
Uber is not allowed in some areas, and the service needs to be well-received.
In some areas, local taxi unions and transport authorities do not like the new competition. They began a series of protests to stop the service from operation in the area.
You shouldn’t use Uber in Riviera Maya, Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel.
Although the legislation passed in January 2023 allowed Uber to operate in this region. It’s still risky to make use of Uber or any other ride-sharing service.
Taxi drivers have been strongly against Uber. However, there are several instances of violence against Uber drivers and passengers.
Even if your Uber app works, it is unsafe to use it across the entire Riviera Maya region in Mexico, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
There are many other cases, such as in Cabo San Lucas. Uber is operating and available. However, it isn’t technically legal.
Since Uber is not popular in the Mexican region, the use of Uber can be risky and is best avoided.
Here is more information about what is happening with the Uber situation in tourist hot spots in Mexico:
Uber in Cancun Mexico
Uber is available in Cancun. But it’s not safe to use Uber in Cancun. You should don’t use the Uber app in Cancun. Because it’s dangerous to use Uber in Cancun.
Since the new law was approved in January 2023, numerous instances have involved violence against Uber passengers and drivers.
In addition, Uber at Cancun Airport, the only airport taxi licensed by the airport, can pick up passengers there.
But, official taxis that depart from Cancun International Airport are known as being wildly overpriced and difficult to organize.
Suppose you’re searching for Cancun Airport transportation. You can book an airport transfer with a private driver for the safest and most efficient journey.
Uber in Playa del Carmen Mexico
Like Cancun, Uber is not secure to use Playa del Carmen, however, if you find that your Uber app works.
As mentioned above, taxi syndicates strongly opposed Uber and other rideshare app. They have created a risk to operating within Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen has a central area that is very walkable. You can take taxis, private transport, buses like the ADO, and public transportation.
Uber in Tulum Mexico
Like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Uber is not safe to use within Tulum whether you discover that your app is working.
To move around Tulum. You’ll need to make use of taxis or public transportation. Use scooters and bicycles to get around Tulum.
Renting a vehicle is also a good option if you’re comfortable driving around Mexico.
Uber in Cabo San Lucas Mexico
Cabo San Lucas has a tricky situation. The Uber service is available in Cabo San Lucas and Jose del Cabo. But service in these areas is not legal.
You’ll be able to make use of Uber. There are plenty of drivers who operate Uber. However, it’s a bit risky for you if you get arrested.
The driver may request that you sit in the front to prevent suspicion. Furthermore, they’re unable to pick you up directly from the hotel. Therefore, you’ll need to meet them at a local pickup point.
Suppose you want to ensure your safety. I suggest you don’t use Uber in Cabo. Taxis are easily available and have budget-friendly prices.
Uber Prices in Mexico
The prices for Uber in Mexico are very affordable if you compare the prices of the United States and other cities worldwide.
Prices differ based on the location. But small distances ride within the town could be as low as $2-4 USD. Long distances to the airport can cost $15-30 dollars.
In comparison to taxi rates for Mexico. Uber is generally cheaper, so it’s faced the most opposition from taxi drivers.
Furthermore, UberPool is also available in some cities. It helps to save your cash by sharing an Uber with other passengers traveling towards the same location.
How to Use Uber in Mexico
Uber is the same in Mexico as it operates everywhere else. It is easy to download the Uber app in Mexico, register an Uber account and ask for a driver whenever you require one.
The payment process is handled via the app, so there’s no need to worry about carrying cash. The application will be available in English or translated into your preferred language if you’re in Mexico.
For those who are new to Uber, this is a brief step-by-step tutorial on how to make use of Uber’s app:
- Install the Uber app on either the App Store or Google Play.
- You can create an account simply by entering your email address, or telephone number, then selecting your password.
- Enter your payment details. The payment options are debit, credit cards, and PayPal in a few countries.
- You can enter your destination in the app. Uber will give you a fare estimate to help you understand what your trip will cost before your trip.
- Select the type of Uber service you’d like to inquire about. UberX is the cheapest choice, whereas UberBlack is the luxury option.
- Uber will connect you with an available driver in real-time, and you’ll be notified that they’re on route to the pickup location.
- When you reach your destination, the cost will be immediately charged to the account’s credit or debit card. There is also the option to rate your driver’s performance and leave a note in the app.
Uber Alternatives in Mexico
In some cities in Mexico, there are Uber alternatives:
- Didi Pasajero: Didi is a ride-sharing service that is very like Uber. However, it offers fewer drivers. Didi is available within Mexico City. It is the best alternative to Uber.
- Cabify: Cabify is another Uber alternative. They offer their services within Guadalajara, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, Puebla, and Queretaro, in addition to different countries in Latin America. Like Uber, it is easy to request a ride using the app and then pay using the app.
- Lyft: Lyft currently is not operational in Mexico.
Is Uber safe in Mexico?
It’s all about the city. For Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, It’s unsafe to use Uber since there are reports of violence involving Uber drivers and passengers.
However, if you’re in Mexico, where Ubers are more popular, Uber is secure as everywhere else.
I am more comfortable using Ubers in Mexico. As compared to street taxis since everything is recorded through the app.
Of course, there are dangers when you are in an automobile with strangers. However, Uber does a decent job of screening their drivers. You can look up other passengers’ Uber scores before requesting an Uber ride.
Furthermore, the fact that GPS monitors every Uber ride. Ensure that Uber knows exactly where you are at every moment of the day.
They have also put in place these new safety features to ensure that you are safe on the road:
- Secured Contacts: It allows users to join a family or friend user to the app to easily share their travel location, status, and other information.
- RideCheck: It will notify you of automatic check-ins and help notifications. If your ride veers off-course or is interrupted.
- PIN Verification: This feature requires the PIN number of your driver to ensure you are in the correct vehicle.
Furthermore, the fares are calculated based on distances. The app does the payment process to ensure you’re paying a fair price.
Although everyone’s experience may differ, I’ve felt safe using Uber in Mexico and would recommend an Uber in Mexico instead of a local taxi.
Tips for Using Uber in Mexico
Use these tips to use Uber without risk in Mexico:
- Switch on the safety features built into the app: Uber has recently added new safety measures. Such as RideCheck, Trusted Contacts, and PIN validation. Be sure to switch those features in the Uber settings, so you have a safer ride.
- Utilize UberPOOL to cut costs: When ordering an Uber service, you’ll be able to choose between picking UberX as well as UberPOOL. It is a ride-sharing service connecting you to other passengers traveling the same route. This is a great way to reduce the cost of your ride.
- Always check Uber accessibility in your particular location before visiting: Uber is not available in every city in Mexico. It’s, therefore, important to investigate to determine whether Uber exists in your particular location. Suppose it’s listed as accessible through Uber’s website. It may not be operational or may be unsafe.
- Verify the Uber rating of your driver: Before you request a ride, you should look up the Uber rating for the driver if they are not rated highly. It is possible to stop the ride and pick up another driver. I generally get an average score of 4.5 or higher.
- Always verify the driver’s license plate: When your Uber arrives, examine the license plate to confirm that it matches the one on the app. This is a great method to ensure you get in the correct car.
- Use a credit card without foreign transaction charges: When paying for your Uber ride, make sure the payment method you choose is a credit card with no foreign transaction fee. If you use a debit card, you will likely get charged extra currency exchange fees. I prefer the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, which doesn’t have foreign transaction charges and has excellent perks for travel abroad.
- Tips: Uber drivers do not need to be paid. However, when you’ve had a great experience, you can give the app a small amount of money. Uber drivers make a living from low fares.
FAQs About Uber in Mexico:
Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions:
Is Uber cheaper than a taxi?
Yes, Uber is usually cheaper than taxis in Mexico. Because fare calculations are made automatically within the app according to distances. Taxis in Mexico generally do not utilize meters. So, the cost is decided by the drivers or the syndicate.
For instance, Uber rates are sometimes more expensive during peak hours or special occasions.
To determine the exact amount of your cost, download the Uber app before requesting the ride.
Is Uber in Mexico good?
Uber is a good option in Mexico. Because it’s a secure and affordable method of Mexico travel. Uber is generally less expensive than taxis. You can check the Uber score of the driver before requesting an Uber ride.
Uber exists in certain cities in Mexico but not all of them. So, make sure to conduct some research before visiting Mexico. Determine whether Uber is available in the area you plan to visit.
Do you tip Uber drivers in Mexico?
Drivers of Uber in Mexico are surprised to receive tips. But should you have a pleasant experience, please give the app a small amount of money. Uber drivers make a living on low fares. Giving a tip isn’t required and is at the rider’s discretion.
Is Uber expensive in Mexico?
Uber is incredibly affordable in Mexico and generally less expensive than regular taxis.
Uber rates are calculated automatically in the app based on distances. This means you can see the cost before you take an Uber ride. The price for short rides is $2-4 USD for a ride.
Conclusion: Uber Mexico Guide
This Uber review for Mexico helped you learn more about this ride-sharing service!
Uber is the best option to travel all over Mexico when needed, as it is a reliable, inexpensive, efficient, and convenient alternative.
Take the time to go through the safety tips before using Uber. Remember that Uber is only available in some cities in Mexico, even if it’s on the Uber website.
Do some research before your trip to determine whether Uber exists in the particular location you’re planning to visit.
Ultimately, Uber is a great alternative to transport for travelers in Mexico and is among the most secure ways to get around Mexico in cities with it.
