Uber in Paris: OK now ?

Old Apr 28th, 2016, 02:39 PM
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Uber in Paris: OK now ?

Just after we visited Paris last May, there was a quite an uproar from the local taxi drivers. Since we're going back again in a few weeks, I'm wondering if things have quieted down and whether Uber is a worthwhile and safe option.
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Old Apr 28th, 2016, 03:40 PM
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Uber pop has been banned but the regular Uber is operating. It should be relatively safe, but only you can decide if it is worthwhile.
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Old Apr 28th, 2016, 10:15 PM
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Uber is still allowed to include "surge charges", which vary widely and are not regulated. So, there's no guarantee that you'll end up paying what the quote was.

A regular taxi is reliable and easy to flag down in the street, just like you would in New York. Look for the green light on top and hand the driver the printed address of where you're headed and you won't have any problems. Or head for the official taxi queue at the airport or train station. Most drivers speak English and most accept credit cards (though ask before you get in the taxi).

If you want to reserve ahead - a good idea, if headed to the airport - G7 Taxis is a reliable service. You can reserve online, with an app, or by phone - all charges are explained clearly, so there are no surprises - and there are English speaking operators. The taxi shows up on time and you'll receive an SMS describing the car which will pick you up.
https://www.g7.fr/
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Old Apr 28th, 2016, 10:32 PM
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No uber 4 me. Paris taxi drivers I've run across over the years are hard- working and honest.
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Old Apr 28th, 2016, 10:59 PM
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Uber, shuttles and private cars are not part of our culture.
If you want to use them, just do. I guess we call this living like a local ;-)
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 03:05 AM
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Just back from Paris and we used Uber extensively during our ten days there. I don't think it is Uber Pop (I'm not actually sure what that is). I used the Uber app that is on my phone from the US. We used Uber at all times of day and night (including in the rain) and never had a surge charge. The only time we took a taxi was to/from the airport.

We were traveling with little kids and it was a lifesaver to be able to use the app to get a car to take us places or pick us up within a few minutes whenever kids were getting tired or we wanted to get somewhere quickly. We stayed in the 6e in an apartment and I saw very few taxis driving near our apartment nor were we near a taxi stand. Every time we used Uber the drivers were nice, generally spoke English, the cars were spotless, and the fares were generally inexpensive.

we didn't take enough taxis this trip to compare fares but our most expensive Uber fare was about E15 and was a long drive from our apt to the Jardin des Acclimation across town, with traffic and we were in the car for about half an hour. Based on the emails we received from Uber we were not overcharged (I have not yet received my credit car statement).

I don't know enough about the politics of Uber in Paris to speak to the political/moral issue of Uber v. taxis but we have traveled to Paris many times and this is the first time we used Uber and it was WAY more convenient than finding a cab except for airport trips.
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 03:20 AM
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Ah.
You didn't see that there was a metro in Paris ?
Kids love it as a matter of fact.
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 04:36 AM
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An apartment in Paris? Have you read this?

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ental-news.cfm
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 06:27 AM
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Yes, we used the metro and buses which were good but when our route involved multiple connections or we were not near a stop, Uber was great.

We live in the city in the US and use public transportation regularly so the metro was not a big thrill for the girls. They did like the vending machines selling Kinder chocolate though!

thanks for the link regarding the apartment. We were aware of the situation beforehand and comfortable renting an apartment nonetheless. Many things about travel make me nervous but the apartment issue was not one of them so for us it was the right decision although i understand why others would prefer a hotel. We rented through Vacation in Paris which we have used many times before. Apartment was great. Also stayed in Citadines St Germaine the last two nights which was very small for four but fine for two nights and great location. I would recommend both to others.
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 06:44 AM
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I used Uber in Paris in November. The drivers seemed every bit as hard working and honest as the taxi drivers from the regular taxi services. I found the fares to be comparable between Uber and the traditional taxis (which is not the case in London, where I found the uber fares to be much less than the black cabs).

Surge pricing is no secret. You are never surprised by it. It shows what the estimated fare will be, including surge pricing, before you order the car.

Some places have taxis going by regularly or are near taxi stands, and in such places I used taxis. If not, I pushed a button and an uber showed up in minutes. I have spent much time in the past trying to find taxis when I needed them with some anxiety in places and at hours when none seemed to come around. This was a lifesaver, as I have issues which can make it very difficult for me to be on my feet for much time.

When buses and the metro were convenient and when my feet were working well, I used public transport.
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 08:01 AM
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I used Uber in February and plan to again next week. It's a good part of the network of transportation choices. My Parisian friends use it as well.

I also take the bus, walk and take taxis.

When surge pricing is in effect you are alerted to that fact on the app and have to accept it or you can just wait awhile and try again. In my experience, waiting 15 minutes results in the surge pricing being gone (or reduced).
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 11:12 AM
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When I need to get someplace the bus or métro won't take me easily, I call Taxis G7, as I did yesterday morning. Totally reliable, always show up at least 5 minutes before expected, completely honest, take the fastest route they can at the time of day, send you SMS messages that they're on the way, have arrived, take Carte Bleu, etc. I will never use another service. Am completely devoted to G7.
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 11:18 AM
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As Nikki says, this:
<Uber is still allowed to include "surge charges", which vary widely and are not regulated. So, there's no guarantee that you'll end up paying what the quote was.>
displays ignorance of how Uber works.

When surge pricing is in effect, you get a notice that you must accept before booking--no surprise. Unlike taxi fares, I might add.

There's no right or wrong choice, but it's not helpful to the conversation when people disparage a service they've never used.
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 11:27 AM
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There is no surge pricing with Taxis G7. Or Taxis Bleus.

And I didn't, and I don't think anyone else did, disparage any service at all.
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 12:02 PM
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I spoke to two people yesterday who were not aware of Uber's surge pricing policy and were completely surprised by it. Not everyone understands how Uber works - they just think they push a button and a cab appears just like magic, full of bottled water and bonbons.
I mean, really...
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Old Apr 29th, 2016, 01:50 PM
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If people are unaware of how it works they haven't read the info on the site. It is there, it is clear and it makes no secret of surge pricing or any other policy.
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Old Apr 30th, 2016, 03:55 AM
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Just like I said - and a great many people can't find their way to the nearest corner boulangerie without help.
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Old Apr 30th, 2016, 11:15 AM
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fuzz, have YOU ever used Uber?

As I said, being aware of surge pricing is no great trick--a big fat notice pops up, and you can't proceed until you agree to it. It is literally impossible to be surprised by it at the end of your trip.

Last night I opened the app, was confronted with a 4.2 surge price, and decided to drive myself instead. Fare estimator gave me an exact price for my proposed trip. Surprises simply impossible.

I say again, people who disparage the service without ever having used it contribute nothing to the conversation.
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Old Apr 30th, 2016, 01:25 PM
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and with Uber folks say there is no tipping! How about G 7?

A
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Old Apr 30th, 2016, 01:33 PM
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No tipping with G7, either. Just not done. I tried to get our G7 driver to keep the 10 cents extra for our fare to the Gare Montparnasse the other day, and he wouldn't hear of it.
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