I am a great proponent of disruptive industries that make life simpler and easier hence I drive a car and not ride a horse!
This was tested in both Heathrow and Bucharest as multiple Uber Drivers were unable to ‘find us’ and cancelled our trip.
Near Heathrow the hotel concierge had incorrectly confirmed our pick up spot and so the first poor driver was going back and forth on a nearby freeway unable to locate us.
In Bucharest airport we had a double challenge as we messaged the driver in English and he replied in Romanian. For 15 minutes we persisted, back and forth entering the Romanian words in google translate then replying (they really should link their massaging to google translate or at least let you copy the text!)
In the end our young enthusiastic driver found us and we made it to the hotel.
Uber is simple in that you don’t have to haggle over prices nor find local currency, or explain where you are going it is all laid out before you even get in, just jump in (when you get connected!) and go (We did have simple and smooth experiences most other times!)
My taxi hesitation was confirmed as we left Bucharest early to catch a plane and took the taxi from the hotel. After confirming the expected price. On the way we chatted and let him know of the correct airport we were heading too.
When we arrived the price doubled (despite what the meter said). He said, “Oh for this airport it is 100RON the other airport is the 50RON!” Even so we still gave him our bagged breakfast that the hotel had given us that we couldn’t take through customs.
Ah well it was our contribution to the ‘Bucharest taxi driver benevolent fund’ and used up our last Romanian Lie notes!
#travelroundwithus
