We used both yellow taxis and Uber in Quito. When we returned from the islands we stayed in an apartment booked through Airbnb. Our Airbnb host recommended Uber over taxis. He said Uber was safer but didn't elaborate.
Obviously when you're using Uber you know who your driver is and you are told the price up front. There's always the risk that a taxi driver who doesn't speak English drives you all over town to run up the fair but we definitely did not have this experience.
Before I got into a cab I would use Google Translate to explain what I was doing. I would then save a screen shot on my phone so I still had access to the message when I was no longer on a WiFi.
I was somewhat limited in Quito because I did not have a local sim card. Unfortunately my phone is on the Verizon CDMA network and therefore I can't drop in a GSM sim in other countries. When we used Uber from the Airbnb I was on the WiFi. I then used Google translate to send a message to the driver with details on how to find us.
One interesting note, Uber is actually not legal in Ecuador. It's widely used but the driver can face a steep fine if he or she is caught. For this reason, you won't see the typical Uber sticker on the car. The Uber app still shows you the driver's picture and a partial license plate. Also the driver will likely ask you to sit in the front seat. Two gringos in the back seat being driven by a local draws the attention of police.
Last point, when I was there in September 2019 the Uber app did not allow you to add a tip after your ride so be prepared to tip in cash.
Obviously when you're using Uber you know who your driver is and you are told the price up front. There's always the risk that a taxi driver who doesn't speak English drives you all over town to run up the fair but we definitely did not have this experience.
Before I got into a cab I would use Google Translate to explain what I was doing. I would then save a screen shot on my phone so I still had access to the message when I was no longer on a WiFi.
I was somewhat limited in Quito because I did not have a local sim card. Unfortunately my phone is on the Verizon CDMA network and therefore I can't drop in a GSM sim in other countries. When we used Uber from the Airbnb I was on the WiFi. I then used Google translate to send a message to the driver with details on how to find us.
One interesting note, Uber is actually not legal in Ecuador. It's widely used but the driver can face a steep fine if he or she is caught. For this reason, you won't see the typical Uber sticker on the car. The Uber app still shows you the driver's picture and a partial license plate. Also the driver will likely ask you to sit in the front seat. Two gringos in the back seat being driven by a local draws the attention of police.
Last point, when I was there in September 2019 the Uber app did not allow you to add a tip after your ride so be prepared to tip in cash.
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