In your home country, Uber is probably pretty easy. You take out your phone, and minutes later, a driver pulls up, ready to cart you to your destination. You should know that European cities have different rules in place, which means Uber is not always so easy. So, is Uber in Paris? Read on to find out how Uber works in Paris and its alternatives.
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A Guide to Uber in Paris
In short, yes. Uber is in Paris. However, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Read on to find out how Uber works in Paris, what your options are for getting around, and when to get a taxi.
An easy way to get around the city when seeing Paris’ top sights is to join a tour. All the logistics are taken care of, so the only thing you have to do is enjoy your day.
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Taxi Drivers vs Uber Drivers
France has a slightly different market economy than the USA, Australia, Canada, and the UK. It is more of a mix of a free market economy and government regulations to control job security. What does that have to do with you hailing a ride?
It simply means that taxi drivers don’t like the existence of Uber in Paris and for good reason. Taxi drivers paid good money for their licenses to cart around tourists and suddenly anyone can do it?
Legally yes, Uber drivers have just as much right to drive tourists around. Innovation can’t be halted in our modern society and Uber simply works better. It often has better rates, it tells you the route, and you don’t have to get in an argument over your place in line and contactless payments.
Are Taxis in Paris Expensive?
Taxi fares in Paris are considered relatively high compared to many other cities. Here are some key points about the cost of taking a taxi in Paris:
- Base Fare: The base fare for a taxi in Paris is around €2.60.
- Per Kilometer Rate: The rate per kilometer is typically around €1.05 to €1.60, depending on the time of day and whether it is a weekday or weekend.
- Hourly Rate: For waiting time or slow traffic, the hourly rate is about €35 to €45.
- Additional Charges: There can be extra charges for luggage, additional passengers, or booking in advance by phone.
For a rough estimate, a typical ride from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center can cost between €50 and €60. Short rides within the city might range from €10 to €20, depending on the distance and traffic conditions.
Always ask the taxi driver for an estimated fare before getting into the cab, as some drivers might overcharge foreigners. Ensure you are comfortable with the estimated price before starting your journey.
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Is Uber Cheaper than Taxis in Paris?
Short answer: no.
Uber is definitely not cheaper than a taxi, but you’re probably talking a euro or so for a 10-minute ride. It’s up to you if that euro is worth it to go looking for a taxi. If there’s a stand outside my hotel, I’ll probably take a taxi. If I’m at an Airbnb on a side street, I am going to open my app.
Having said that, Uber is definitely not more expensive, either. There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding your rate. Uber also has a minimum, which apparently fluctuates with demand.
Do I Need To Download a New App?
No. Your Uber app that you use at home is universal. It’ll work everywhere you go. You also can use your home-currency and payment method. According to Uber.com, “Toll payments are given in local currency and calculated in accordance with the bank’s current exchange rate. While your bank may sometimes charge additional fees, the Uber app will never charge any extra fees for traveling overseas.”
Should You Take an Uber From the Airport
I would get a taxi at both the CDG and ORY airports. Both Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly have taxi stands outside, which move fast. If you reserve a taxi in advance, there’s a €7 additional fee, which could make a taxi more expensive.
I can’t imagine a scenario where calling an Uber and waiting is faster than the taxi stand. If you get a taxi from the stand, it’s most likely going to be cheaper than an Uber.
According to the official Paris Airports website, taking a taxi from CDG to the right bank of Paris is €53 and to the left bank is €58. ORY’s official airport website states that left bank voyages will cost €32 and to the right bank €37.
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Do You Tip Your Paris Uber Driver?
The short answer is no, but c’mon. France and most of Europe don’t really have the same tipping culture that you’ll find in many other countries. That said, if you’re used to tipping and have the resources to do so, please do. When you tip, it always helps the person in a service job—they’ll beat the hourly earning curve.
Also, it makes your home country look good and pays it forward for the next national from your country. If an Australian couple tips their driver, it will positively affect that driver’s opinion of Australians in general.
Do Uber Drivers in France Speak English
There are no requirements from Uber that your driver needs to speak English. There may not even be a requirement that they speak French. These are the only requirements:
- At least 21 years old
- Valid driver’s license from France
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle insurance (Commercial)
Uber drivers also have to go through a criminal background check and are checked for a clean driver’s record. So, it’s not definite that your Uber driver will speak English but luckily you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to. Everything takes place on the app!
Uber and Taxi Alternatives in Paris
I love Paris for many reasons but one of them is all the scooters lying around! You can obviously walk or take the Paris metro (see our guide to metropolitan) but scooters are a cool way to move around too.
Bird Scooters is my favorite company only because it’s the first scooter I came upon, and I’ve been using it ever since. You can download the app, pick up a scooter, and start going.
It’s super cheap, and they’re electric, so it’s clean energy. Bonus: they’re really, really fun to use if you’re adventurous and coordinated. There’s an easy way to get around and explore the city: join us on our top-rated Paris tours and day trips!
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This blog provides a comprehensive answer to the common traveler’s question: Is Uber available in Paris? The detailed explanation of Uber’s presence in the city, its various services, and the considerations for using it offers valuable insights to those planning a visit to Paris. The inclusion of alternatives and local transportation options showcases a well-rounded approach to helping travelers make informed decisions.