The streets are a blur of small hatchback taxis speeding by, with their driver’s insistently honking the horn and waving their arms to draw attention. Despite this means of transportation available all around, I turn to my fellow tourist, “Want to get an Uber?“ “Definitely” he replies.
Accra the capital city of Ghana, where taxis can be found almost anywhere, many tourists turn to Uber instead. Uber is putting strains on taxi services around the world, but there’s certain reasons why tourists will continue to opt to Uber when visiting Ghana.
Negotiation:
First off, you know what you are paying and you know that price is fair. Depending on where one is from, you may only be used to taxis with set meter fares, rather than having to partake in the negotiation process. When you don’t know what the standard price for your trip is Uber negates the risk of being taken advantage of and overpaying.
Out of the way places:
Many taxi drivers know their city’s roadmaps like the back of their hand, and may have a whole series of short cuts, but there are still some areas they may not know, and if you can’t supply good directions, as most tourists will be unable to, that presents an issue. However, Uber yet again addresses this issue as all Uber drivers have GPS systems. While GPS networks aren’t always the most reliable, they will still be able to get you at least in the general vicinity of your destination.
Financial security:
Many tourists are weary of using a credit card internationally due to issues of fraud. It’s very handy that Uber has a cash option for payment for those extra weary of using their card. Yet it is also never advisable to carry large sums of cash when traveling so having the credit card option is extremely useful, whether you find yourself low on cash or only have large bills that cannot not easily be broken. Uber is a very trusted and reliable company and many are not afraid to use their credit card linked to their account for if they are overcharged or scammed in some way they have confidence in Uber’s refund policies.
Uber’s are also generally cleaner as well as safer, always offering the use of a seatbelt to customers. Also having a record of your drivers, should any issues arise, can be comforting.
Ubers are often cheaper, safer, and cleaner, and while tourists will continue to take them, there is something about the taxi experience that is being missed. While it can be frustrating at times, there’s something kind of fun about bargaining with a taxi driver, something rewarding about getting the price down to what you want.
The driver’s ability to get you from point A to B in the fastest means possible is unmatched, all the while chatting their thoughts on topical things such as the World Cup.
Many realize these ride services put strains on taxi industries, and that for many Uber drivers, driving isn’t their main source of income.
Many tourists would be fine paying a few more cedi than the Uber price for a taxi, but many don’t want to deal with the bartering to bring the price down from its 2-4x overcharge.
In many ways Uber makes perfect sense to the tourist, but it doesn’t supply part of the traveling experience.
By: Andrew David (Intern)
