Uber in Hurghada – Does it work?

Uber works in Egypt and it is extremely cheap. But extremely unreliable. Let’s go a bit more into details, I will explain here my experience as a local and as an organizer of Kitesurfing Safari in Egypt.

The explanation is simple: it’s so cheap that drivers aren’t incentivized to use the app to drive you around. What they do is accept your ride but then ask you to pay more than the quoted fare (in cash, of course). This doesn’t happen very often, but it does happen. This is not only an unpleasant experience but also completely defeats the main purpose of Uber – avoiding the need to pay cash for a cab ride. Let’s take a look at what does and doesn’t upset me about the Uber experience.

WHY DO DRIVERS USE UBER THEN?

This upsets me. Don’t be an Uber driver if you’re not going to follow Uber’s rules. It’s that simple. I assume they use Uber to make money (obviously), but if you do, do it right.

RAISE YOUR PRICE, UBER!

Uber should make rides more expensive. It might sound strange, but this would solve most of the current problems, as drivers would no longer feel the need to ask for extra money.

DOES UBER WORKS IN THE AIRPORT?

Technically, yes, but in practice, almost all Uber drivers in the airport will ask you to pay in cash. I suggest arranging a transfer in advance when you arrive at the airport. Taxis are, of course, also available, but taxi drivers tend to be even greedier than Uber drivers and will try to charge you up to ten times the actual fare.

CAN I USE UBER TO COME TO YOUR YACHT?

Yes, but only if you’re in Hurghada – and be prepared to turn down some Uber drivers if they ask you for extra money.

ALTERNATIVES TO UBER

InDrive is my go to app. With InDrive, I set the price of the ride myself – this way, I can pay a fair amount and avoid any misunderstandings. Typically, I pay for an InDrive ride a bit more than double the Uber fare, which I feel is fair.

I don’t recommend to use taxis to move around Hurghada.