Is there Uber in Puerto Escondido? 2023 Updates

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Is there Uber in Puerto Escondido? In the following post, I explain whether or not there is Uber in Puerto Escondido, and how to get around easily.

When visiting Puerto Escondido, you will need to use some kind of transport to get around. It’s not a walkable town, as some areas can take up to 1.5 hours to walk between the two.

So let’s discuss the different ways to get around Puerto Escondido, what’s the safest and cheapest option for backpackers, and whether there actually is Uber in Puerto Escondido.

Visiting Puerto Escondido? Check out my guides full of everything you need to know first!

Other Puerto Escondido posts:

• Getting Around Puerto Escondido in 2022: A Complete Guide
• Puerto Escondido in January: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
• Puerto Escondido in November: Weather, Tips + More (2023)
• Puerto Escondido in February: Weather, Tips + More (2023)

This content was written in January 2023. At the time of writing, this information is correct and up to date.

Is the Uber in Puerto Escondido?

No. There is not Uber in Puerto Escondido. The best way to get around Puerto Escondido is to hire a car yourself, board the colectivo or grab a taxi.

If you need to hire a car in Mexico, I highly recommend this company. They are easy to use, fast, user friendly and always have the cheapest deals for car hire around the world.

If you’re in Oaxaca click here for my post on Uber in Oaxaca: Is There Uber In Oaxaca? How To Get Around On A Budget (2023)

Swimming in Puerto Escondido? I’ve got you covered in my post: Can You Swim In Puerto Escondido? Best Swimming Beaches

Finding a taxi in Puerto Escondido

If you’re travelling to Puerto Escondido, finding a taxi is easy. You won’t need to walk further than a few metres in any of the main five areas before being able to hail a taxi.

Taxis in Puerto Escondido are safe and reliable, but if you want more safety tips for backpacking Mexico, check out my post: Is Puerto Escondido Safe? Solo Female Travellers Advice (2023).

Uber’s are not available in Puerto Escondido, but they’re not needed. Regular, licensed taxis are available all over, and a trip from one area to another shouldn’t be more than 100 MXN (£4.50/$5).

Want to know more about getting around Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: Getting Around Puerto Escondido in 2022: A Complete Guide

Is there Uber in Mexico?

Yes, there is Uber in Mexico, but it depends on the location. Whilst backpacking Mexico, we have found Uber to be safer and easier than regular taxis, although we had no problem with either.

Most major cities have Uber (Mexico City etc), and can easily be ordered on the app. Prices are low, and you can tip your driver directly in cash, or on the app after you have finished your journey.

There is a rising conflict between taxi and Uber drivers, as the taxi drivers state they are unhappy because Uber drivers don’t face the same fees and regulations that they do. This is ever-changing.

In my experience, Uber is always cheaper than a regular taxi. As soon as taxi drivers in Mexico notice you are a tourist or backpacker, you’re unlikely to get a standard price. Knowing basic Spanish will always help with this, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Want to know more about getting around Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: Getting Around Puerto Escondido in 2022: A Complete Guide

Is getting a taxi in Mexico safe?

In general, yes, getting a taxi in Mexico is safe. However, we found whilst backpacking Mexico that the taxi drivers have their own ‘turfs’, and only work in certain areas.

For example, some taxi drivers in Tulum will only be able to pick you up from specific areas in Tulum, as some of it will not be their ‘turf’. We didn’t experience any issues with this, but it’s something to be aware of.

Whilst backpacking Mexico, there were very few times we felt unsafe in taxis. However, driving in the cities (like Mexico City) can be pretty crazy, and you can get stuck in traffic for a LONG time, so be warned!

There are no Ubers in Tulum, so we used regular taxis to get around when we didn’t have a car. We always felt safe in these taxis, however, sometimes they did try to charge us more than what was needed!

Want to know more about getting to Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: How To Get To Puerto Escondido: EASIEST Ways in 2023

How to take an Uber in Mexico

If you are in a location that has Uber, you will need to order it on your phone. You can either use the Wifi in your hostel or accommodation, pick up a local SIM, or buy an eSIM.

I am a huge advocate for eSIMS, as I hate the fuss of changing SIM cards in every new country I visit. I bought mine from Holafly, with unlimited data for £30 ($35) a month whilst I’m living in Mexico.

Having a working SIM or Wifi connection will allow you to order an Uber. You will need to download the app, put the pin on your exact location, and wait for your Uber driver to accept your ride. Rides shouldn’t take more than 6-7 minutes to arrive, and if it’s anything longer than that, you may want to consider cancelling and re-ordering.

TOP TIP: Do not order an Uber in front of regular taxis. This can cause conflict due to the ongoing battle between taxi drivers and Uber drivers.

Want to know more about getting around Puerto Escondido? Check out my post: Getting Around Puerto Escondido in 2022: A Complete Guide

Best travel insurance for backpackers in Mexico

If you’re visiting Mexico as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in Mexico, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Mexico. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

Is There Uber in Puerto Escondido? In a Nutshell

I hope this has helped you with your Puerto Escondido planning, especially now you know there is no Uber in Puerto Escondido. Getting around Puerto Escondido is easy, and there’s no need for Ubers.

Are you heading to Puerto Escondido? Let me know on Instagram or in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out my Puerto Escondido guides before you visit!

Happy travelling!

Jennie x

Other Puerto Escondido posts:

• How To Get From Oaxaca To Mexico City (2023 Guide)
• How To Get From Puerto Escondido To Mazunte: Step-by-Step (2023)
• Rinconada Puerto Escondido: ULTIMATE Guide! (2023)
• BEST Puerto Escondido Tours in 2023
• Oaxaca Day of the Dead: Insider Guide + Tips For 2023!