Local guidelines for using Uber in Rio de Janeiro

Since Rio is a very large city, figuring out transport within the city is an important step for everyone coming here for the first time.

I was born and raised in Rio, and one of the questions I get the most about Uber is whether it is safe to use. I can already tell you in advance that yes, using Uber is safe and it is one of the best transport options for foreigners. However, there are a few tricks I recommend being aware of!

In this article, I will answer all your questions about using Uber in Rio so you can travel with peace of mind.

Is Uber safe in Rio?

Let me start by addressing the main question.

Yes, using Uber is safe in Rio de Janeiro. In fact, I consider it safer than the traditional taxi services.

For foreigners, Uber can be the most practical option because there is no language barrier. You just select everything on the app and know you are given a fair price for the ride.

However, I have to be honest and say that the number of bad cases happening with Uber has been growing in the past few years. To avoid anything happening during your trip, I will give you a few safety tips below so keep reading.

Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always important to make sure you are covered in case something happens during your trip.
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Does Uber work well in Rio?

Yes. Uber is one of the largest car ride companies in Rio, so they have a very well-established system in the city to make sure everything runs nicely.

Busy places such as airports and shopping malls normally have designated pick-up and drop-off spots. Make sure you check where they are before you confirm your car.

Another great thing about using Uber in Rio de Janeiro is that it is normally quite fast. There are really a lot of Uber drivers, so you can normally get a car within a couple of minutes.

Unfortunately, one thing that has not been working well in the past few years is the different Uber categories within the app. 

It happens more often than not that you order an Uber Black for better quality but get the same car that would have been on the Uber X. I have gotten multiple Uber cars that didn’t even have AC working – which for Rio, is a big deal.

Sadly, the only thing you can do about this is give an honest rating if you use a bad service, and pay attention to the driver’s rating when you get your Uber assigned.

Alternatives to Uber in Rio de Janeiro

Uber might be the largest company, but they are not the only car ride app you can use in Rio.

Here are some alternative apps:

• 99 taxi – very popular, sometimes prices are cheaper than Uber
• Taxi Rio – official app by the government of Rio
• InDrive – this is the least popular of them

Using Uber from the International Airport in Rio

If you will be arriving in Rio through the international airport (GIG), you can use Uber to go to your accommodation. 

However, keep in mind that you will have to respect the specific pick-up and drop-off locations from the Uber app.

Pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport are heavily controlled (not just for taxis, but for everyone). So, you will have to select one of the available pick-up spots and walk there.

The good news is that you can usually get a car quite quickly because a lot of the drivers wait just around the corner to get a customer.

Pro tip: I personally find that taking an Uber is the safest way to go to your accommodation from the airport. The traditional taxi companies usually overcharge you a lot and there is a high chance you will be scammed unless going through the expensive official companies.

Pro tip 2: If you see people calling out saying they are Uber but that you don’t need the app to ride with them, don’t trust it. This is illegal. Always use the app to order your car.

Read also: Best airports to fly to Rio

Safety tips for using Uber in Rio de Janeiro

• Always make sure you have the right driver when the car comes. Double-check the license plate and ask what is the driver’s name before you go in.
• Always make sure that the driver finishes up the ride on the app before you leave the car.
• Check the GPS map of your route beforehand and screenshot it. Once you get in, tell the driver to follow the GPS so he doesn’t go on any “shortcuts” and keep an eye that he does so.
• Always wait for the driver at the designated spot, but be aware of your surroundings and your phone.
• As a rule of thumb, we usually avoid riding the car in Rio with windows fully open in and on the phone to avoid anyone robbing it.
• It is safe to use Uber at night, just please be aware of the pick-up spot, depending where you will be. I normally just wait for the car inside, and walk out once I spot it. Drivers in Rio are all used to that.
• For solo female travelers: As a woman traveling alone, I am always a bit more careful and aware of the surroundings. I do everything the same as described above, but if at any moment I feel insecure or weird about the driver or the ride, I always share my live location via Whatsapp with someone I trust and just start talking to the driver about my husband/friend who is waiting for me, etc.

Other transport options in Rio

Besides Rio, there are several other ways of getting around the city.

Check the guides we prepared for you:

• How the public transport in Rio works
• Renting a car in Rio de Janeiro
• Driving in Brazil as a foreigner

Need help planning your trip to Rio?

We offer a lot of interesting services to help you plan your trip to Rio! As a local, I can help you with practical tips that only someone who has lived in Rio would be able to share.

If you already have an idea of an itinerary, you can get a consultation call where we answer any questions you might have and review your itinerary on the call.

Or, if you need full assistance, we also offer completely personalized itineraries! With this option, we’ll create the whole itinerary for you, including tips of restaurants and places to stay.

Other guides for traveling to Rio

• Best Areas to Stay in Rio de Janeiro as a Tourist
• Visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio
• How Many Days You Need to Visit Rio de Janeiro
• 13 Best Beaches in Rio de Janeiro (+2 Hidden Beaches)
• Visiting the Selaron Steps in Rio