Uber may seem like a simple ride-sharing app, but if you know how to work it, it can totally change the way you travel. You can reserve airport pickups to avoid crazy pricing and earn credit card rewards in the meantime.
Needless to say, there’s a lot more to Uber than just hitting “request ride.” Here’s how to use Uber like a pro, save some cash, and avoid stress while you’re on the move.
How to Book an Uber Ride
Booking a ride on Uber is extremely easy, but understanding all the options can make a significant difference.
Open the app and drop your destination in the “Where to?” box.
Your current location will populate automatically (if your location services are on).
Browse the options: UberX for the everyday trip, UberXL if you’ve got friends or luggage, Uber Green if you want to go electric.
You’ll see prices, wait times, and capacity for each ride. Standard UberX tends to be the cheapest and most common choice, but if you’re feeling fancy, Uber Black and Uber Lux are other good options. Or, you can even upgrade to book Uber Pet if you’re traveling with pets.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overlook local taxi options within the Uber app. In many cities, “Uber Taxi” lets you hail a traditional cab while still paying securely through the app.
If you’re more of a visual learner, be sure to check out Brendan’s explanation of “How to Use Uber Like a Pro” over on the Daily Drop YouTube channel.
Reserving Rides in Advance
One of the most underrated features in the app is Uber Reserve. This lets you schedule a ride up to 90 days in advance, which can be a game-changer in a new country at 2:00 a.m. with no Wi-Fi.
At select airports, you can enter your flight info, and Uber will track delays and assign a driver in advance. Your car will most likely be waiting the moment you step off the plane — just understand this isn’t always guaranteed. Plus, you can reserve airport pickups before crowded arrivals to avoid long wait times and sky-high surge pricing.
Other Uber Services
Uber has expanded far beyond ride-sharing. Depending on where you are, you might see:
Uber Eats for food and groceries.
Uber Courier is for when you need to send a package.
Alternative rides like scooters, boats, and trains are available in some regions.
The Activity tab stores all your past rides and receipts, while the Account tab is where you can tweak payment methods, preferences, and safety features.
Staying Safe with Uber
Safety should always come first when using ride-sharing apps abroad. Uber’s built-in Safety Checkup menu gives you extra peace of mind:
Set up PIN verification so you know you’re in the right car.
Add emergency contacts just in case.
Double-check the license plate before you hop in.
Turn on audio recording for an extra layer of protection.
💡 Pro Tip: Scammers love airports. Always confirm the driver’s name and license plate before getting in the car.
How to Save Money on Uber
Uber can be affordable (or surprisingly expensive) depending on when and how you book. Here’s how to avoid overpaying:
Watch Out for Surge Pricing
Events and airport rushes often trigger surge pricing, where rides can cost 5x to 10x more than usual. To avoid this:
Walk a block or two away from crowded pickup zones.
Reserve your ride ahead of time.
Use Uber One
Uber’s subscription, Uber One, costs $10 per month and offers 6% back on rides plus free delivery on Uber Eats. If you’re a regular, it’s a no-brainer.
Split the Fare
With UberX Share or the split fare feature, you can divide the cost with friends or ride with others headed in the same direction.
Maximize Credit Card Perks
Cards like American Express Platinum Card® and the American Express® Gold Card offer Uber credits or bonus points. Just make sure your account is linked and your billing currency matches.
💡 Another Pro Tip: Always compare Uber vs. Lyft vs. local ride apps like Grab (Southeast Asia) or Bolt (Europe). A quick 30-second price check can save you serious cash.
Best Credit Cards for Uber Rides
Using the right credit card can turn every Uber trip into extra points, statement credits, or even free rides. Here are some of the best travel credit cards that pair well with Uber:
Platinum Card® – $200 Uber Cash ($15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding your Card to your Uber account)*
Amex Gold – Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually ($10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year)*
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – 2x miles on every ride and transferable points for flights and hotels
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express — Earns 3% cash-back on transit, including Uber rides
👀 Extra Trick: Pair one of these premium cards with a no-annual-fee backup like the Chase Freedom Flex® or Citi Custom Cash® Card to stack even more rewards.
*An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
International Uber Tricks
Uber isn’t everywhere. In some countries (like Indonesia, for example), Grab or Gojek dominate.
Always do a quick search before your trip to find the most reliable ride-sharing apps for your destination. Download local ride-sharing apps in advance while connected to Wi-Fi so you aren’t stuck scrambling after you land.
Bottom Line
Uber has come a long way from being just another ride-hailing app. From reserving airport pickups to helping avoid crazy pricing, it’s now a full-blown travel tool that can save you money, time, and stress.
With a few smart moves and maybe some bonus points from your favorite travel credit card, Uber can take the stress out of getting around and make your next trip that much smoother.
