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. Ok, so is Uber in Paris?
Our short answer is, yes. Uber is in Paris. It is however a bit more complicated than that.
Taxi Drivers vs Uber Drivers
France has a slightly different market economy than the USA, Australia, Canada, or 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. They paid good money for their license to cart around tourists and suddenly anyone can do it?
Legally yes, Uber drivers have just as much right to drive around tourists. Innovation can’t be halted in our modern society and Uber simply works better. Better rates, an app that tells you the route, you don’t have to get in an argument over your place in line and contactless payments.
Are Taxis Cheaper Than Uber in Paris?
Short answer, no.
Uber is definitely not cheaper than a taxi but you are probably talking a euro or so for a 10-minute ride. It is up to you if that euro is worth it to go looking for a taxi.
If there is a stand outside my hotel, I am probably taking a taxi. If I am at an Airbnb on a side-street I am going to open my app.
Uber is not definitely 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.
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Do I Need to Download a New App?
No. Your Uber app that you use at home is universal everywhere you go. Well, at least on Earth.
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.”
What About Taking an Uber from the Airport
At both CDG and ORY, I am going to get a taxi.
If you reserve a taxi in advance there is a 7€ additional fee which could make a taxi more expensive but both Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly have taxi stands outside which move fast.
I can’t imagine a scenario in which calling an Uber and waiting is faster than the taxi stand.
If you get a taxi from the stand, it is 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 left bank voyages will cost 32€ and right bank 37€.
Do You Tip Your Paris Uber Driver?
The short answer is no, but c’mon.
France and most of Europe doesn’t really have the same tipping culture that you’ll find in many other countries.
That said if you are used to tipping and have the resources to do so, please do. It always helps the person in a service job when you tip. It helps them 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.
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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 drivers license from France
- Vehicle registration
- Vehicle insurance (Commercial)
Uber drivers also have to go through a criminal background check and are checked for clean drivers record.
So, it is 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!
Alternatives to Uber & Taxi?
I love Paris for many reasons but one 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 is the first scooter I came upon and I have been using it ever since. You can download the app, pick up a scooter, and start going. It is super cheap and they are electric so clean energy.
Really really fun to use by the way if you are adventurous and coordinated.
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