Uber is a very easy-to-use mobile app that lets you hire premium, chauffeur-driven cars. The company was founded only five years ago, and it is present in over 70 cities around the global.
Uber made a soft launch in Kuala Lumpur in October 2013 with its UberBlack fleet of vehicles which includes the Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Free Uber Rides
You may not notice many Uber advertisements; however, Uber is currently running an awesome promotional campaign to get people to try the service for the first time. Essentially, if you download the free Uber app and sign-up with a promotional code, you’ll get RM15 credited to your Uber account (see promotional code below).
The registration process is super simple. You just go to your smartphone’s app store, download Uber, register and enter the promotional code. When you check your app and view the payment tab, you’ll see you have RM15 of credit (view image below). This means that whenever you use Uber, your charges will be deducted from this free credit first. Only once that credit is depleted will your credit card be charged. To give you an idea of the cost of a ride, a trip from the The Curve to Bangsar Shopping Center costs just over RM 23.
Option One:
- You can download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store, which are available on your respective iOS and Android smartphones.
- Sign-up with this RM15 Uber promotional code : Y1NLS (no hidden charges or costs at all)
Option Two:
- Sign-up directly with this invite link: https://uber.com/invite/y1nls
Below is a screenshot showing the credit balance.
More About Uber
Registering for the Uber app is completely free; however, you still must enter your credit card details to create an account. Whenever you use the service, your registered credit card will be automatically charged at the end of your trip (although, tolls and additional expenses are paid in cash)
The base fare for each trip booked on Uber is RM3, plus an additional RM0.50 per minute and RM1.40 for every kilometer. For example, a ride from Damansara Perdana to KLCC would cost between RM 31 to RM 40. Furthermore, Uber charges a flat rate of RM 200 for trips from KL to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The service can only be used for fares costing a minimum of RM 5. Uber cancellation charges are RM5.00.
The format of the Uber app is incredibly simple and intuitive. Getting a luxury ride is literally as simple as pressing a button: you simply press the button to request a ride, the app communicates your location, a driver picks you up, you tell him where you want to go, and payment is processed via the app, which has your credit card details.
It will be interesting to see how this app-connected car service performs in Malaysia. Given the subpar Malaysian public infrastructure and taxi services, Uber could be a welcome addition for those willing to pay a premium. However, the taxi app service MyTeksi, launched in 2011 is another alternative to consider. The service is just standard taxis, but the rate is cheaper.
Related to pricing though, Uber implements no “late night charge”. Taxis typically charge a large premium in KL after midnight. So, after midnight, the Uber service costs are similar to a taxi service.
You can download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play store, which are available on your respective iOS and Android smartphones.
RM15 Uber Promotional Code: Y1NLS
What do you think of Uber? Share a thought in the comments below.
(Note: I’ll also get some credits when you sign-up with that promotional code)
Photo credit: Uber
The fees and rates mentioned in this article were updated as of February 2015.
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The thing is – not that I’m against Uber per se, although I do think it will appeal largely only to those unwilling to use taxi’s or going on a once-off or to a special event – MyTeksi has dramatically improved the ease, reliability and security of traditional KL taxis – which, I think it would be fair to say, was the 3 issues most people would have complained the most about. Uber (even taking into account their recent ‘permanent’ price drop) is still quite expensive bundling distance and time as it does, plus, though the availability has increased massively since launch, there’s still a fair waiting time on the cars depending where in the city you are.
By the way, nice blog, first time I’ve come across it…
Interesting and fair points. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for the compliment.
Do they accept debit cards? or strictly credit cards?
I remember someone asking this question at the launch event, and I think the Uber team said the debit card would work. Again, I’m not certain about this though.
Thanks Nick