Is There Uber in Mexico? Important Info + Safety Tips in 2025

Wondering if Uber is available in Mexico? You’re in the right place!

Ride-sharing services like Uber have faced challenges operating in certain parts of Mexico due to local opposition and regulations, making it tricky for travelers to know where and when they can use the app.

In this post, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about Uber in Mexico, including where it operates, what to expect, and important safety tips for using the service.

Read on to find out if Uber is a reliable transportation option for your trip to Mexico!

Yes, Uber is available in over 95 cities throughout Mexico, making it a convenient and affordable option for getting around.

Uber first arrived in Mexico back in 2013 and has been steadily expanding ever since.

But while Uber is available in many parts of Mexico, there are still some areas where the service is not yet available or safe to use due to opposition from local taxi drivers.

If the destination you’re traveling to is not mentioned in this guide, it’s important to research before traveling to find out if the service is actually available and operating.

Uber is available in over 95 cities throughout Mexico. Major cities in Mexico where you can use Uber include:

• Guadalajara
• Guanajuato
• La Paz
• Merida
• Mexico City
• Monterrey
• Puebla
• Puerto Vallarta
• Queretaro
• San Miguel de Allende
• Valladolid

⚠️ Even if a particular city is listed on the Uber website, it doesn’t mean that Uber is actually available or safe to use. It’s always best to research the Uber situation in the specific destination you’re planning to visit for the most accurate information.

Mexico City is probably one of the easiest places in Mexico to use Uber as there are very few restrictions and Ubers can pick up easily from the Mexico City Airport.

I’ve personally used Uber in Mexico City several times and have never had any issues–except for traffic!

Mexico City Ubers usually arrive within 5-10 minutes after requesting a ride and Uber is available 24 hours a day.

Uber rates are also very affordable, making it a great option for getting around Mexico City.

Uber is legal in Guadalajara and can be used without issue for pickup at the Guadalajara Airport and to get around town.

As in most cities in Mexico, taxi drivers are not fond of Uber but the service is still available and growing in popularity.

Uber is available in Puerto Vallarta but Uber drivers are not allowed to pick up directly from the Puerto Vallarta Airport.

Instead, you’ll have to walk across a highway overpass and meet them at a pickup point across the street.

Aside from the airport, normal Uber rides are available to get around Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta.

Similar to Puerto Vallarta, Uber is available in Merida but Uber drivers cannot pick up directly from the Merida Airport (though some still do it anyways).

Most drivers will request that you meet them at a pickup point outside of the airport on the main road.

If you’re not comfortable with this, consider booking a private airport transfer for the most hassle-free option where they’ll meet you inside the airport.

Once you’re in town, Uber rides are easily available and Uber rates are very affordable to get around Merida.

Uber in Playa del Carmen is currently not available or safe to use. You’ll be able to open the app, but you most likely won’t find any available rides.

Taxi syndicates in Playa del Carmen have strongly opposed Uber and other ride-sharing apps, making it too dangerous for them to operate in the city.

Fortunately, Playa del Carmen has a very walkable city center, so you can easily explore most of the area on foot.

If you need to travel longer distances, there are plenty of transportation options, including taxis, private transportation services, the ADO bus, and public transit.

Uber in Cabo is also a complicated situation. There is Uber available in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, but it’s not widely accepted.

You’ll still be able to use Uber and there are many drivers available, but at the same time, it’s risky if you were to get caught.

Your driver may even ask you to sit in the front seat to avoid any suspicion. Plus, they’re not able to pick you up directly from hotels or the airport so you’ll have to meet them at a nearby pickup point.

I would recommend not trying to use Uber in Cabo just to be safe. Regular taxis are widely available, have set prices, and are relatively inexpensive.

Uber prices in Mexico are very extremely affordable when compared to the United States and other cities around the world.

Prices vary depending on the city but short distances around town can cost as little as $2-$4 USD per ride. Long distances from the airport may cost around $15-$30 USD.

And when compared to taxi fares in Mexico, Uber is generally much less expensive, which is the reason why it has faced so much opposition from taxi drivers.

In addition, UberPool is also available in many places to save even more money by sharing the Uber with passengers headed in the same direction.

Uber works just the same in Mexico as it does anywhere else in the world. You simply download the Uber app, create an account, and then request a driver whenever you need one.

Payment is all done through the app, so you don’t need to worry about having cash on hand. And even when you’re in Mexico, the app will still be in English or your preferred language.

If you’re new to Uber, here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to use the app:

1. Download the Uber app from the App Store or Google Play.
   
   
2. Create an account by entering your email address or phone number and choosing a password.
   
   
3. Enter your payment information. Payment options include credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal and Apple Pay in some countries.
   
   
4. Enter your destination into the app. Uber will provide a fare estimate so you know how much your ride will cost in advance.
   
   
5. Choose the type of Uber service you would like to request. UberX is the most affordable option, while UberBlack is the luxury option.
   
   
6. Uber will match you with a driver in real time and you’ll receive a notification when they are on their way to your pickup point.
   
   
7. Once you arrive at your destination, the fare will be automatically charged to your credit or debit card on file. You also have the option to rate your driver and leave a tip in the app.

In some cities in Mexico, there are these Uber alternatives available:

• Didi Pasajero: Didi is a ride-sharing app that is very similar to Uber but generally does not have as many drivers available. Didi is available in Mexico City and is a good backup to have in case you want to compare prices or can’t find a ride on Uber.

• Cabify: Cabify is another Uber alternative that is available in Guadalajara, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, Puebla, and Queretaro, as well as other countries in Latin America. Like Uber, you simply request a ride through the app and pay through the app.

• Lyft: Lyft currently does not operate in Mexico.

It really depends on the city. In Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, it’s currently not safe to use Uber as there have been ongoing reports of violence against Uber drivers and passengers.

But if you’re visiting a city in Mexico where Ubers are more accepted, then taking an Uber in Mexico is just as safe as it is anywhere else in the world.

I actually feel safer taking Ubers in Mexico than street taxis, because everything is tracked on the app.

Of course, there are always risks when getting into a car with a stranger, but Uber does a pretty good job of vetting their drivers and you can see Uber ratings from other passengers before you request a ride.

In addition, all Uber rides are tracked by GPS so Uber knows exactly where you are at all times.

Uber has implemented these new safety features to ensure a safe ride:

• Trusted Contacts: This feature allows you to add a friend or family member on the app so you can quickly share your location, trip status, and other details.

• Emergency Assistance: This feature allows you to call for emergency assistance right from the app.

• RideCheck: This feature will send you automatic check-ins and help notifications if your ride goes off course or is disrupted.

• PIN verification: This feature requires a PIN code from your driver to make sure you get into the right car.

• Phone Number Anonymization: This feature hides your phone number when making calls and texts to the driver so your personal details remain hidden.

• Real-Time ID Check: This feature makes sure drivers’ identities are regularly verified by matching a selfie to their official profile photo.

• Audio Recording: This feature records the audio from your trip if you start to feel uncomfortable. This is encrypted and can be used for security reports and investigations.

Plus, fares are calculated based on distances and payment is handled directly on the app so you can ensure you’re getting a fair rate.

While everyone’s experience is different, I have never felt unsafe taking an Uber in Mexico and would definitely prefer taking an Uber over a taxi if available.

🚨 Do you need travel insurance for Mexico? Yes! Most insurance plans in your home country will not cover incidents abroad. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies. Get a FREE quote by clicking here!

Follow these travel tips for using Uber safely in Mexico:

• Turn on the built-in safety features: Uber has implemented safety measures in the app including Trusted Contacts, RideCheck, and PIN verification. Be sure to turn these features on in your Uber settings to help ensure a safe ride.
  
  
• Use UberPOOL to save money: When ordering an Uber, you’ll have the option of choosing between UberX and UberPOOL. UberPOOL is a ridesharing service that matches you with other riders going in the same direction, which can be a great way to save money on your ride.
  
  
• Always research Uber availability in the specific destination before visiting: Uber is not available in all cities in Mexico, so it’s important to research to see if Uber is available in the specific destination you’ll be visiting. Even if it says it’s available on the Uber website, it might not actually be operating or could be unsafe.
  
  
• Check the driver’s Uber rating: Before you request a ride, be sure to check the Uber rating of your driver. If they have a low rating, you can cancel the ride and choose another driver. I usually aim for a rating of 4.5 or above.
  
  
• Always check the driver’s license plate: When your Uber arrives, be sure to check the license plate to make sure it matches the one in the app. This is a good way to ensure you’re getting into the right car.
  
  
• Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees: When paying for your Uber ride, be sure your default payment method is a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. If you use a debit card, you’ll likely get charged extra currency exchange fees. I personally use the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, which has no foreign transaction fees and great perks for international travel.
  
  
• Leave a tip: Uber drivers do not expect tips, but if you had a good experience, feel free to leave a small tip in the app. Uber drivers are working off of low fares.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Uber in Mexico:

I hope this Uber guide for Mexico has been helpful in learning more about this ride sharing service!

Where available, Uber is the best way to get around Mexico and is a safe, affordable, and convenient option.

Be sure to take some time to review the safety tips before using Uber and remember that Uber is not available in all cities in Mexico, even if it’s listed on the Uber website.

Do some research before your trip to see if Uber is available in the specific destination you’ll be visiting.

Overall, Uber is a great transportation option in Mexico and is one of the safest ways for getting around in Mexico in the cities where it’s available.

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