Aah. It's the season to be jolly--and be stuck in traffic, be trampled by aggressive shoppers, and be anxious about muggers and pickpockets, be wrestled by other commuters, and/or be ripped-off by taxicabs. Christmas means fun but could also mean quite a handful things to do and go through to get everything ready.

If you are a total genius like me, you probably haven't started Christmas shopping yet even when we are already this close *putting my hands together* to the Christmas Eve. This is me every year, people. I haven't learned my lesson.

Uber, a service well-loved by me, gives you one less thing to worry about. They will be your BFF this season, and here's why...

Reason #1
You are skipping the long lines

[caption id="attachment_724" align="aligncenter" width="500"] SM Megamall Taxi Bay on a December weekday. (photo credits)[/caption]

 

I can't give you an expressway to the store cashiers, but I can help you skip the loooong lines in the taxi bay. Uber is an App in your iPhone/Android and you can access it any where with internet connection. Once booked, you can see where your Uber car is (REAL-TIME) so you can stay inside the mall while you wait and get out only when it's close enough. Then if you're the I-bring-my-own-car kind of gal/dude. Save yourself from the parking slot waiting game. It's your chance to get a car (with a personal chauffeur) where you need it and when you need it.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="454"] There's your car! Stay inside the mall for a while until it gets close enough.[/caption]

Reason #2
You are paying less, and getting more

[caption id="attachment_726" align="aligncenter" width="515"] It's usually even less than this.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Gorgeous Red Mirage G4[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Some Uber cars have pouches like these that packs a few travel essentials. I think that's really cool. Some offer candies or bottled water. Nope, you're not dreaming.[/caption]

Common sense tells us, Christmas shopping means Christmas gastos. Spending a little less for transportation wouldn't hurt! At Uber's regular rate (no surge) my trip from somewhere near Mckinley Hill, Taguig to World Trade Center, Pasay cost me under a hundred and fifty pesos (Php 150). You are surely going beyond that with regular cabs! (if they would take you in the first place). No Uber driver will ask you to give mandatory tips. You can give tips, but some might refuse to take it saying they're not supposed to. (I almost cried. I've had countless annoying taxi encounters, I couldn't blame myself). At a noticeably cheaper price, you are guaranteed a clean and and comfy ride. No compromises!

The cars I often get varies among Toyota Vios (the most common, I think),  Toyota Innova, Mitsubishi Mirage G4, Toyota Altis, Hyundai Accent. Uber makes sure that the cars they have available are at least 2007 models so you are very less likely to chance on a worn out and beaten car (if there's any at all).

Reason #3
Hashtag De-stressDecember

Okay that's a very uncool thing to say, I'm sorry. Uber, based on my own experience and of others I know, has the best customer service.
Two (2) highlights:

a) I've booked a trip one time from Paranaque to Glorietta Makati. When the receipt came, I was charged with the toll fee even when I paid the toll up-front with cash. I e-mailed them, and got a very quick response and got a revised receipt. Sweet!

b) After every trip, you're supposed to give ratings and comments, where we usually just type "thumbs up!", "I luv it." or "So fetch! <3". One time I said I might have been overcharged. But it was very little so I didn't bother emailing them. Apparently, THEY CARE. They read your comments. The following day I got an email saying they are sorry, recomputed and refunded the excess. That was unexpected and their responses usually sound so personal. That's what I'm talkin abawt!

[caption id="attachment_736" align="aligncenter" width="598"] The unexpected email for Uber regarding a feedback I left.[/caption]

 

And that's it!

Another reason I have in mind is how it allows cashless payment (no other ways yet as of writing). And because you use your credit card to pay for your rides, you don't have to ramble your bag for cash, and no change to count. Surges may shoot high up these times and prices could be steep if you're trying to cut costs, but remember, if you are in desperate need to go somewhere, haggling with cab drivers isn't the best way, you are better of with Uber.

I've been using their service almost everyday for more than 2 months now (which is why I think you could trust me on this). Read about my first ride here. I am still convinced they do outstanding service. It takes consistency to do that.

If you are trying it out for the first, you can always register using my promo code to get free P200 credits.
Promo code: uberTRXGB8