Using UBER in the Dominican Republic? Must Watch.
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- The popular ridesharing app service UBER launched in the Dominican Republic in 2015, and is now operating in the cities of Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata. The app is also as safe to use as in any other destination. More visitors are resorting to it because of the language barrier-no need to speak to a taxi operator on the phone. The cars are also usually in better condition, with working seatbelts and air-conditioning, in addition to reduced fares when there is no heavy traffic
However, the rule isn't always the exception. Due to a recent and quick trip to the Dominican Republic, I chose to use Uber as an alternative for transportation. As I started using it, I noticed that many drivers, as you track them, do not move their vehicles, stay put and therefore, never pick you up. In this video, I explain why and what can you do about it.
Instagram: #4thesolotraveler
X: @thesolotravele2
Man, I wish I ran across this video a month ago before going to Santiago and Santo Domingo. Now, I know why I was having so many issues with Uber. The cancellations were ridiculous.
Best thing to do is just leave it there and let them cancel. As long as the order is open they can't get anymore passengers until they cancel. Meanwhile you search or look up an established business that serves the area and just get a quote thru them
Uber drivers in DR typically prefer you use the cash option there, that’s why it’s available there, they don’t get paid regularly in DR via bank like they do in the states. An American raised Dominican explained it to me before. As far as when you go a long distance like Santo Domingo to Boca chica they generally will ask for a little more because of the gas and distance Uber fees haven’t caught up
At first, I saw the thumbnail of your video and checked the length. I'm wondering, "If you only have one tip, why does it take over 8 minutes" but now, I see. Good tip...thanks!!
Hi, I'm from the Dominican Republic and I agree with solo traveller comment about UBER. I'm from here and victimized with these situation. I came from a vacation and when we got back here we asked for Uber and they accepted it but when they arrived , they were asking for more money because they say that UBER is getting 50% of it. We called another one and said the same thing and told us, we will never get a ride because all will say the same thing which is true. We end up calling a friend to pick us up. This Uber, the drivers only use this to get customer and then they will negotiate. If you don't accept , they will give you a low rating as if you're a bad customer.
lmao, never been to a country with so many scumbags
Thank you for sharing your experience. When you had credit card as payment they wanted to negotiate or they wanted to negotiate with cash?
I had horrible experiences with wingo Airlines but with uber this time no problem it s a 3th world country!
So how much is actual cost of a uber ride Blue Mall area in piantini ?
Yup it happend to me. You have 3 minutes to cancel the ride before they charge you. They started doing this in the DR once the pandemic hit. Prior to the pandemic this problem didn’t exist. I never even knew the cash option existed on Uber.
I use cash only
I plan to have a vacation in the Dominican Republic and this video will help me a lot.
I do not use UBER much in general, but I do not want to have any bad rate on my review.
Thank you for this invaluable tip
Thank you for the video Mr., very Helpful!!! Glad to know you’re a Traveler 😊
muchisimas gracias. busque un video acerca de esto y me aparecio tu video. lo tomaré en cuenta, ya que usaré uber en mi estadia de fin de año y asi lo haré como lo aconsejas. bendiciones y saludos desde Guatemala.. solo una aclaracion, vi por ahi que les gusta mas los dolares o los pesos dominicanos, no tanto los euros no se si será cierto. pero gracias por tu video.
Gracias por tu apoyo. Le aconsejo que use pesos por dos razones…para que no le cobren demás y para que no le vayan a decir “que no tienen cambio” si usa dólares o euros. Esa situación crearía un inconveniencia para ambos. Espero que disfrute.
Mil gracias por tu ayuda.
@@lasaventurasdemateo3973 de nada
Very helpful tip. I'm about to travel over there and somehow came across this video.
You should've said that when you place a ride over uber, not to cancel and wait for the driver to cancel if he expects to get more passengers and at the same time have the passenger find search and call the local main taxi company and get a quote over the phone
Thank you very much for the information, we're traveling there next month.
You’re very welcome. Enjoy your trip.
When that happen just take a screeshot of the info of the driver and make a claim, Uber will suspend them and if it is the second time they doing it they may get banned from the app, Here in Santo Domingo we dont have this type of situations it happend to me in La Romana and Santiago. I always pay with my card here in the capital have not had a problem
Ive never seen a cash option on the uber app. Is that only an option in DR? Or is there some special way to let the driver know you will pay cash. Also in paying cash to the driver, am I still paying the same rate the uber app quoted me or will the driver want a different rate?
Cash option is not available in some countries, US included, so as soon as you land in DR and turn open the app, it will detect your location. When that happens, the cash option will be available.
Another great video , thanks a lot , i didn't know that , i'm going to the DR the end of march
Have a great trip. Thanks for your support
How do you switch ur uber acct to cash in the settings
Once Uber detects your location (this is a must), AND you choose your destination once you’re traveling within DR, you’ll see the payment options at the bottom of the screen. Note: the payment option will always be on the default choice (the one your always use) so all you have to do is change it). Enjoy your trip.
That info is gold, thanks!! I'll use cash because I definitely use credit card 99.99% of the time.
One quick question: how cheap is 🇩🇴 , is like 🇲🇽 or 🇨🇴?
Thank you for the support and feedback. To answer your question…it all depends on a couple of things, like if you have dollars, euros, or yen then it will probably be cheap. Also depends on what you want to do and where you stay. Generally, it’s pretty affordable for people coming from developed nations.
Haven't used Uber since before the pandemic. I only had a couple of issues with them , I was at a place and the Uber never arrived, well. He picked another guy on the same street a few meters away and took him across the country and the charge was on me. Thank God the charge was left pending and I noticed, sent them a mail and it was reversed.
You’ve got to be kidding! At least it was solved and no damage to your wallet. I have never heard a Uber story like this.
So if I call an Uber and they don’t move expecting me to cancel.. can I play the same game and wait 4 them to cancel.. do I get paid for them canceling on me?
@@BigALProductions it was no game. And I didn't "get paid" there was a hold on my card for the other guy's trip. And Uber most likely did it's research before releasing that
@@jesusdavis2941 Sorry that happened 2u. I appreciate the video and info. Keep it up!
@@BigALProductions You do not get paid but it looks bad on the driver if he cancels several trips. Uber will not send them more trips. You can also add a negative review that will lower their status.
Thank you for the information!
Absolutely. Also, watch my other video: ua-cam.com/video/R1bBHRGlZ2g/v-deo.html
Wow this is gold information 👍🏻
Thanks
You’re absolutely welcome. I’m glad it helped.
I didn’t know about this as I’m going to Santiago for two days next month.
Since Im traveling from the USA do I need to use Dominican Pesos for Uber or taxi or do they accept USD?
I suggest you use pesos in DR. Plus when you exchange dollars to pesos, you get more bang for your buck. Keep small bills as well.
This is a great tip thanks
How do you pay for Uber with cash? I live in the US. There is no option for cash unless you load cash into your Uber cash account which would be the same thing, no? There’s no option to just pay the driver cash when he arrives.
Hello. I believe in the video I mentioned that the cash option is only available in certain countries. You’ll see the option once you land in DR. Uber operates based on location.
@@TheSoloTraveler yes, I figured it out. Thank you. As soon as I got to the DR it just popped up.
Good video. My question is, if you change the options to pay cash. How does Uber get their commission?
Is there any other taxi service like didi or Indriver or cabify?
ua-cam.com/video/R1bBHRGlZ2g/v-deo.html
Thanks for this helpful information.
I’m going to punta cana in 2 weeks. My Airbnb is in the middle of alot of spots in short distance . How much would 5-10 min Ubers cost if I do cash?
Thanks for your question, but I don’t know. I guess it depends the time of day, location, the demand that day, etc. I don’t know how the Uber algorithm calculates prices.
I didn't know there was a option to pay cash never seen that before
Yes sir.
If you're going to do cash do you simply use US currency?? How much should you have available??
@@dovygoodguy1296 great question….the amount will be displayed in pesos (DR currency). Given that a U.S. dollar is about DR$ 59.90 pesos, having 5,000 pesos is a good start but it’ll come down to your budget.
@@TheSoloTraveler Don't they also accept American cash? Anyway you're suggesting around $100 cash at all times. Maybe more for food shopping in local stores?? I'm reluctant to go to Punta Cana or Puerto Plata and be stuck in the tourist ghettos. Even if I'm staying in a hotel and using Uber I'd rather just be more in the society than a ghetto, and for sure not the inclusive resort crowds
I’m trying to use the Dominican transfer diamond service but the pick up times doesn’t let me choose am or pm this is very new to me and I’d hate to make a mistake
Are you able to call them? If so, then you can request the specific time
Before you request the driver pull up the price then you pay the same prices of credit card price in cash
Uber is ripping these drivers off and delaying their pay. Which is their operating money. It’s a disgrace. I would suggest to use the cash option and don’t be too cheap to leave a nice tip!
How do I switch to cash as a payment? I am currently in NYC and I wonder if I can switch to cash here also?
You hit the nail in the head
@@cutflow2 can't be done hre in the US.the App will show the cash option only in some countries ones you get there.
Great content. We are a group of 4 going to punta cana next week (feb2023) how much would it be a uber ride from the airport to iberostar hotels? is it better to call an uber or a private taxi? i have been there before and took a motoconcho but uber i didnt know it exits there
Thank you for your support and for watching. Usually you’ll end up paying $25-$30. Since I’ve always gone by myself, I pay only for myself. They may try to charge per person (not so sure about that, but keep that in mind)….push back and see if all of you can ride for that price. Alternatively, see if you can reserve a ride before getting there so you already know how much for the ride for sure. Have fun!
This is a major problem in Santiago. In Santo Domingo is less common.
I'm approaching 3 years in Boca Chica and this is my experience. I only have problems with them here in Boca Chica, no where else. They all, in all cities prefer cash, but in Boca Chica, they will call or text you are you don't indicate you are paying by cash. Also, because I don't have a local number and my name clearly isn't Dominican, here in Boca Chica, they will always text or call me and tell me that they can't do it for that prices and want to negotiate a new fee; which is way to much. The drivers here also have a WHATSAPP Group and if one guy tell you 1200 Pesos, they will tell you the same price. Last point, they never have change, so if you are going somewhere, try to have close to the correct cost of the ride or you will be giving them a larger tip than you really want to. One I found one good driver, I get their number and use them all of the time. At this point, I am on #5; they all got comfortable and stated asking for money or favors; such as helping them start a business.
Sounds like it's better to 1. Bring a DR number 2. Save up extra money to rent a car to avoid dealing with broke people. 3. Maybe hire a private driver from somewhere. Ask around Reddit etc or friends and just pay them what employees at Call Center make
@@cutflow2 Each individual has to decide what will work best for them
Hey. I'll be traveling from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana shortly. What's the best method of transport you would suggest?
Check out this video….ua-cam.com/video/R1bBHRGlZ2g/v-deo.html
Questions heading to DR next week , I will be need to take get to Santiago after a Couple days , is it better to take a Uber or private taxi. I am more concerned about safety. Any suggestions will greatly be appreciated.
My question would be once you have switch your payment to cash for using uber, Who is setting the charge for the service render and is it the same price as if I were to be using a credit card ?
Thank you for your question. The prices are set by Uber, and no, it would not cost you less with a credit card. It could ended up costing you more actually since Uber has to pay the credit card fee.
So at what point do you make the switch if you're already called for a uber but they aren't going to be moving because they figure you are going to be use a card ? Do I get the price and then ?
@@michaelf8837 as soon as you land there
Hi, going to be there on a cruise in a few days. Is Uber or Taxis better? Wanted to go from the cruise port to Damajagua Falls with a group of 4 ppl 😅
Thanks for your question. Usually, Uber will always be a more economical option, especially in Latin America. Just make sure you have cell phone signal over there to use Uber.
It happens to me in bolivia too. They texted me to cancel the ride, and asked for cash. If you agree, they come get you. So it's not uncommon in third world places.
Is in the states also
Thank you 🙏🏾!
I took a Uber from Santo Domingo to Boca Chica. Price 1300 DOP. To be nice l paid cash, and gave a tip of 200 DOP. Guess what: the driver reported that l hadn’t paid. My last Uber in this country
Use a main business and they will give you a quote over the phone. For uber, do a credit card ride and wait for them to cancel lol. They won't be able to get any other passengers until they cancel first
It has gotten worse. In some areas they accept but the renegociate the price, claiming it is not worth for the at the given price due to high gas prices. They then ask you to cancel uber, pick you up and drive you to the destination for the new price. They might be right that the margins are getting too small but that is an issue they should take up with uber.
Thank you for letting us know.
I agree with you. If you do not agree with the expenses you will incur as an Uber driver, do not drive. I am an Uber driver in Florida and the gas prices are so high that I stopped driving for a while. In addition, due to the pandemic I hold on my driving due to safety/health issues.
Firstly let me tell you something , for some people is easy to say don’t drive , do you know that there is a psychological component here , its a trap , like a drug addict , let’s see what me explain what uber did , they did like the drug dealers do , give some drugs for free to people so they can get hooked, so once they get hooked or addicted to drugs they sell the the drugs for whatever price the want , and that’s ex what Uber did , many drivers started making very good money in the beginning in the first , second and third year ,now what we have is millions of drivers addicted to the fast cash and dependent on this cash , many of this drivers haven’t work a regular job in years , and Uber know all of this , some driver find it easy to stop driving and do something else but other don’t , so think about it
Going to Santo domingo soon? Is it better to stay cenral or are taxis ubers easy to get? are they cheap... Is uber better than taxi.. I heard scam sometimes?
They’re easy to get, specially in the capital and cheap but that’s all depends what’s cheap for you. Compared to the U.S. and Europe, I guess you can say they’re affordable. If you use the app more than likely you won’t have to worry about scams since the app will set up the price. Yes, I will always recommend Uber vs taxi because they’re generally more affordable and you know who you’re riding with.
Thanks
I’ll be heading to Santo Domingo and want to head to Rio Fula for a day. What would be the best way to get there and back? (Bus, Uber, etc)
Sounds like fun. Do you have a guided tour? That’s what I recommend since it’s such an isolated area. The other best alternative is to take a bus to Bonao then take a local taxi.
@@TheSoloTraveler no I don’t have a guided tour unfortunately. I was thinking of booking a private transfer there and back. But economically and for safety purposes, what would you recommend for two solo female travelers?
@@yeseniaguzman9256 either guided tour or a reputable private driver.
hey thanks for that info question if I use cash payment and use us dollar they will accept it?
They are being shortsighted. I bet the tips would be more if thee took the Credit Card trip. Uber just needs to eliminate the cash option all together. If the drivers dont like it, they can get off the app.
Hi :) do u think they care if we use American dollars when we switch to cash?? Will be visiting Santo Domingo in a couple of days! Safe travels to u :)
Exchange dollars to pesos instead if you can. The problem with using dollars is that they can technically say no to it so now you’ll have to scramble for pesos and when that happens, that usually means that you’ll be put in a predicament to pay more for something just because of the “inconvenience” to them. When you exchange it to pesos, make sure to get plenty of small denominations (in pesos, of course) like 50’s, 100’s, etc. This is to avoid the scenarios when “they don’t have change” bs because you’re paying with a $500 pesos bill for something that cost 300 pesos. Do I make sense?
@@TheSoloTraveler thank you for your quick response!! Yes it makes sense! thanks again!!
@@TheSoloTraveler can You exchange @ airport? restaurants take CC? I'm there for a meeting in a few weeks, just for the day.
@@brianwalker3972 yes you may exchange at the airport but it’ll cost you more. Pretty much credit cards are accepted everywhere but what I do is ask “which credit cards do you accept?” just to make sure they accept them. Saves me a lot of headaches. Enjoy your trip.
When changing dollars to pesos, it’s better to change at a local exchange house. You can always ask the hotels where can you get more for your dollar.
And what about the uber drivers contacting you and telling you it costs more than the app is saying or else they won't come.Or they do come and then say it cost more .
Take screen shots of it and report it them to Uber
How much is a typical Uber ride from PC airport to Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites? Great video BTW! Ty.
Thank you for your support and the question. It varies depending on the season but it will generally be about $15-25. On the other hand, a transportation company/agency will charge between $25-30 American dollars but the advantage is that they speak English and the Uber driver might not. What I’ve always done is arrange my own transportation with the hotel before I get there. If this is your first time in PC, I recommend the latter.
@@TheSoloTraveler Thank you so much for the prompt response. We're a family of 5 and it is our first time to the DR and very excited we are. Is that fee per person? Again, you've been a ton of help believe it or not - lol. TY again!!
@@griselperez75 I’m glad I’m able to help. Since it’s your first time, I would recommend booking with the hotel or a private company. Prices are by group, usually up to 6 people, typically. Don’t go with a company charging per person. Try booking.com for an alternative.
@@TheSoloTraveler You're the best! Ty. Look forward to more videos :)
Yep I had to learn this
I don't see a CASH option in my Uber app
Hi Bill. If you’re in the U.S. you won’t see that option. Once you get outside the U.S. then the option becomes available.
@@TheSoloTraveler did u mean physically handing the taxi driver cash (as in pay when u get in the uber) or did u mean the uber cash card (which pays for the trip ahead of time)?
@@MsTran101 physically handing the driver cash
@@TheSoloTraveler I am in the US and I see Uber Cash in the Wallet as an option. It does shows 0.00 plus I have the auto-refill on off mode. Then you select add funds and the options are one-time purchase, auto-refill or a gift card. We normally add a gift card. It’s that considered a credit for Dominican Republic drivers?
@@mariareyes-ku6194 you want to use actual cash.
great thanks for warning
I ll be going to Puerto Plata by April 2022, solo travel but I will meet some friends in the resort, can I get taxi at the airport? Is it safe? what can you advice. Thanks.
Hello Marietta and thank you for your support and question. There are 3 options that comes to mind…Uber, arranging your transportation prior to your trip or taking a taxi at the airport. If this is your first time going, I would arrange transportation with the resort so that you don’t have to worry about either getting Uber or picking one out of like 100 taxi companies that will be waiting for you after you clear immigration. All these options are safe but arranging transportation with your resort gives you peace of mind when you get there. I usually do Uber as soon as I have WiFi at the airport and since I know the language in case I have to communicate with the driver, it works for me. However, I’m assuming that you’re going for the first time and you may not speak the language (correct me if I’m wrong). Good luck and have an amazing trip…you deserve it.
@@TheSoloTraveler Thanks a lot.
If the drivers don't like the credit card transactions they shouldn't be working for Uber. It's not the customer's problem it's theirs. What they're doing is purely evil.
Let me guess, you’re an American?
@@ashleyhanna5943 I am not American and I agree with her
@@ashleyhanna5943 It doesn't matter. He's right.
It’s not evil, Uber drivers in DR typically prefer you use the cash option that’s why it’s available there, they don’t get paid regularly by Uber there and app takes a bigger cut, it’s different from the states
the problem is bigger when all drivers are in the same page. 😅
I dont think you can rate people unless a ride is completed
Do u mean Uber cash? You just upload cash into ur account ? Cause I’m looking it doesn’t have cash anywhere maybe to many complaints and now Uber doesn’t offer the cash opinion in the DR? If your still there you should check ur app too see if it allows it
Some countries you can pay cash instead of using your credit card.
thanks for tip
Ty so much appreciate u
Понятно, спасибо.
Great video
I hate paying cash. They like cash so they can charge you extra, otherwise they won't come to pick you up...lol. I live this every day. My receipt is never what has been recorded on the app once I agree to pay cash. I never cancel and just let them wait. Good luck getting another passenger until I cancel. I always tell them I will make a report and that usually does the trick. My card is now blocked from Uber now I know why. I miss Mexico lol
Actually, even if you’re paying cash, the app will let you know how much it is. Now, if you want to give them a tip, then it’s up to you
I agree with solo traveler. The ride does not include tip. That’s additional but it’s a good gesture from the passenger that makes the driver happy. you can also reserve the ride with that driver and he will gladly pick you up.
Smart idea
The real reason is because as you mentioned they want the ride to be cancelled by you so they can get the cancelation fee without doing anything.
ty good tip
Which ubber app is available there (RD) ? The original one (UBBER) ou others ? Like cabify , lyft etc ? Tnhx
Do you mean transportation apps? Uber and InDriver are the only ones as of now.
I'm here now and there are no Uber - taxis hate it as they over charge by 400%
West Ghana has the same issue
Those bastards did the same exact thing to me twice once I was at the airport and another I sent a cab to pick up my friend. The driver sent me a text saying it was more money and had to be cash. Eff them .
Great advice!
los tigres son smart
I use PayPal, I had no problem for now
Really, that’s interesting.
Uber in the states is taking 50 and 60percent, blame the Uber and Lyft for all the BS going on around
Wow that sucks..
🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍
happened to me several times. After the 4th time I took out my phone and recorded the Uber Driver. I told him that we wont be negotiating any prices and that i dont have any money (instead we will use the credit card on uber). The uber driver goes crazy and starts yelling at me to get out of his car. I have the incident on video. ua-cam.com/users/shortsHNq6QxkcUH4
But even if you’re using cash, Uber will have a price set up already. Actually, the driver doesn’t see the price until the ride is over. You can see the price as soon as you set your destination.
Report to Uber
God you’re so beautiful! You’re probably straight! 😢
George?
@@thepassportlife Hey baby.
@@Jthegreat84 Hey George. Are you in DR?
@@thepassportlife No, Brooklyn NYC.
If I’m going to be in the DR for 8 days why not just rent a car?