Uber is going to accept cash in S’pore: here’s what you need to know

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:43 pm

Anyone familiar with Uber will know that other that the ease in using its app to book a private hire car (i.e. a taxi), the function for the app to pay without cash (even without your credit card with you) is the unique selling point as well.

However, sometimes, we just want to use cash, especially so when our bank account is almost empty. This is the reason why some of us would use Grabcar (now known simply as Grab) instead, since it allows us to choose between cash and cashless payment.

Well, seems like our wish to pay with cash for Uber cars is granted.

According to the general manager of Uber Singapore, providing cash option is beneficial to the drivers as well, since they would not need to wait for one week before the cash is transferred to their account. This would allow the drivers to better manage their cashflow, since costs like petrol and parking would require immediate payment.

The fare will be rounded to the nearest 10 cents.

Singapore will be the first developed city to offer this in Uber. In certain cities like Jakarta in Indonesia and Hanoi in Vietnam, results have been good since credit cards are not that attainable.

There’s one interesting trend, though: it is mentioned that people who pay cash tend to take longer trips to underserved areas.

According to Uber, this will begin as a pilot scheme first, but it involves a large proportion of new and existing customers. The drivers have been notified about the new policy since last Sunday.

So, what does this mean for us?

To be perfectly honest, the only reason why I use Uber is due to the cashless policy: I like the fact that I can just board the car, tell the driver my destination and then just alight once I’ve reached my destination. Not only is it fast, it won’t hinder the traffic behind. In addition, I don’t need to look for cash or worry that I do not have enough cash with me—or the worst, when the driver complains because I’ve got no small change.

But then again, each individual would have different needs. Moreover, it would mean one important thing: students who do not have a debit card would now be able to take Uber as well.

Let’s just update our app and wait for more updates!

Top Image: Prathan Chorruangsak / Shutterstock.com