[Alexkhan]

Hi guys,

I am thinking to join UberX very soon! I got few questions, hope you guys can help me out.

1. Which mobile plan should I choose, since you guys are already in the field can you please share which one you using?

2. Any tips for the beginners, I am started to read other threads regarding this as well, anyways new tips will be highly appreciated!

3. Can I put dash camera which will record inside of the car as well? Do you use any of these things? Any problem so far, Or as Privacy I cann’t put those while I am an Uber driver.

Waiting for you reply!

Thanks a lot.

 

[g00r]

1. Depends on how much you plan do 'uber' each month. A full time driver might go through 2 gb just for the Uber app. If you use Waze for navigation, this is data intensive because of the mapping detail.
2. Make sure that you're registered for an ABN and GST and that you understand how to calculate your obligations (or there are services such as Partner People who can do it for you)
3. It's your car, you do what you want so long as you're not breaking laws. Cars are considered public space so you can record video. However if it is obvious passengers may complain, and Uber might not want to play with you any more. (especially because of recent reports of drivers mis-using footage)

 

[Alexkhan]

Thanks mate, any other tips are welcomed!

 

[PZUber]

I would be real careful about recording people. As even in public space you have an obligation to let them know that they are being filmed. You cant just randomly film people without informing them. This will especially become an issue if you have some minor travelling in your car..

 

[Alexkhan]

Thanks for your reply

Agree with you about this matter. Just wondering do you use one while driving for Uber?

And which mobile plan suit best for the job, I am thinking to work Thursay. Friday, Sat, Sun. I think full time Uber might not be a good idea, Less money and Risk is always there

 

[Instyle]

As long as your not negligent with the recordings, only use footage if the need arrises to defend yourself against something you know didn't happen. Your already operating outside of legislation, why worry about recording? Only becomes and issue if you use, reproduce, broadcast, upload such footage without consent otherwise be smart and cover yourself. Someone asks about your camera, say it's for traffic only and the audio is switched off, but don't turn it off!

 

[UBERxGc]

Instyle i think he is talking about dual cameras that record the inside of the car as well as the road ahead. Those are so obvious and will likely make some people uncomfortable.

I used a regular dash cam with audio and told those who asked about it not to worry since audio is turned off as you suggested.

OP, I don't think you need a dual cam. I have completed nearly 700 trips and did not need to use the footage nor audio. Recording audio only should be enough to get you off the hook in case something happens.

Also make sure you're aware about the insurance issues by reading the forum.

 

[UberNow]

As long as your not negligent with the recordings, only use footage if the need arrises to defend yourself against something you know didn't happen. Your already operating outside of legislation, why worry about recording? Only becomes and issue if you use, reproduce, broadcast, upload such footage without consent otherwise be smart and cover yourself. Someone asks about your camera, say it's for traffic only and the audio is switched off, but don't turn it off!

Then the passenger will know you're recording him because the camera is facing him. I'm looking for one myself just to film the traffic in case of an accident, regardless of Uber.

 

[UberPlates]

I'm looking for one myself just to film the traffic in case of an accident

I bought one - 'Naviga8e / Navigate?' Something like that.
Anyway, for mmore on cameras, check this thread out...

https://uberpeople.net/threads/dash-cam.33214/#post-436628

I think one of the fellas there is an expert. Anyway, take a look...
You'll need a spare cigarette lighter socket though... another one!

...

 

[UberNow]

I bought one - 'Naviga8e / Navigate?' Something like that.
Anyway, for mmore on cameras, check this thread out...

https://uberpeople.net/threads/dash-cam.33214/#post-436628

I think one of the fellas there is an expert. Anyway, take a look...
You'll need a spare cigarette lighter socket though... another one!

...

Thanks for the info. It only has 140-degree angle, cannot catch people who side hit you. How do you get a second cigarette lighter socket? At the moment, my iPhone & iPad are constantly plugged in already.

 

[Avago]

Just a question
Why do you have an
iPad and an iPhone?
Is uber on the iPad and the phone is just that, a phone?
If so, do you use the iPad for uber contact to call pax?
No camera for me though...
Just iPhone and gps unit if required...

 

[UberNow]

Just a question
Why do you have an
iPad and an iPhone?
Is uber on the iPad and the phone is just that, a phone?
If so, do you use the iPad for uber contact to call pax?
No camera for me though...
Just iPhone and gps unit if required...

Both my iPad mini & iPhone had no credit or data before I started driving for the Funrides. I only have home internet.
I bought prepaid data only for iPad mini and Uber app is installed on that. I like the bigger screen.
Even though I have no data/credit on iPhone I can still receive calls. I send free iMessage to riders from iPad mini after five minutes wait before cancelling as no show. This only works if rider also has an iPhone. I never waste money to ring rider. They can ring me instead.
If iMessage doesn't get sent, meaning rider doesn't have an iPhone, I use the credit on my Skype account to send SMS. It cost only 11 cents to send SMS using Skype.

If I have the data on my phone, I'd have to put in a new sim, meaning no one can ring me. I'm not prepared to buy another phone just for Uber.

Both my iPad mini & iPhone 5 were given to me free. The iPad mini was also brand new. I do not believe in forking out money for gadgets especially to drive for Uber. I don't know how long I'll drive for Uber so I don't invest in Uber business. I only take it one day at a time.

Btw, I can connect my iPhone to the iPad mini via personal hotspot whenever possible. This way I can send iMessage and use Skype as well with the phone. Of course, I can also have a second gps from Google map or waze. I try to educate myself with various technology to minimise cost, not just for Uber. This is how I live my life, minimum outlay/cost, maximum reward. I never have money problem, ever.

 

[Avago]

UberNow,
That makes sense...
For me, an iPhone 5 with a 3 gig & unlimited calls plan has been my telco plan for the past 5 or so years, so the uber use hasn't made any cost impost upon me.
Using a car, Suzuki SX4 that I already had and an existing phone set up means uber is as low cost as I can make it.

 

[UberNow]

UberNow,
That makes sense...
For me, an iPhone 5 with a 3 gig & unlimited calls plan has been my telco plan for the past 5 or so years, so the uber use hasn't made any cost impost upon me.
Using a car, Suzuki SX4 that I already had and an existing phone set up means uber is as low cost as I can make it.

I use Telstra prepaid data (no call), 3G for $30, expire 30 days. Today I still have over 1G since I started the Funrides nearly 4 weeks ago. I can roll over the remaining data before expiry.

Not bound by contract so when I decide to stop Ubering, I lose nothing.

My car is 2008, manual, runs on diesel. I calculated it does 60L/100Km. It had very low Km before Ubering. Should sell for a good price with the very good condition but it is still a 2008 car. I want to get a later model car before it gets too old. So clocking up the Km with Ubering and earn some pocket money is what I'm doing.

 

[Alexkhan]

Thanks guys, for your inputs! Got lots of info.

Also reading other threads as well.

I need to buy car as well, I am in the market, was looking for Prius, but those are a bit expensive, getting out of my budget, I am happy to go max 14000. Might be getting Toyota Corolla Sedan, Any tips guys from this budget for cars!

Sorry asking questions all the times!

Thanks everyone again!

 

[Avago]

Prius would be best but they are expensive so a Corolla of any sort would be good.
But yesterday I was sitting behind a Nissan Tiida and thought that this would be a perfect Uberx car, decent inside room, good head space as seating is more upright than toyotas & mazdas, plus it will be notably cheaper to byuy than those as well.
I got a Suzuki SX4 ( manual 2 little 5 door hatch)for myself 3 years ago because
A/ have Suzukis in the past an they have been bulletproof and super cheap to run
B/ at 184cm tall I value headspace and the Sx4 has upright seating & heaps of head clearance.
Many passengers comment that the inside space is much greater than
They anticipated from the outside..
Pre uber over 30,000 of mixed travel was at 7.2l/100km but the 20,000 of uber inner city driving its at 8.2l/100km

Good luck to you

 

[UberNow]

Thanks guys, for your inputs! Got lots of info.

Also reading other threads as well.

I need to buy car as well, I am in the market, was looking for Prius, but those are a bit expensive, getting out of my budget, I am happy to go max 14000. Might be getting Toyota Corolla Sedan, Any tips guys from this budget for cars!

Sorry asking questions all the times!

Thanks everyone again!

Don't buy the car just for the purpose of driving for Uber in case you stop driving for them.
Minimise/eliminate outlay if possible. Think smart. Don't be too nice to passengers. Be friendly but not overly, always be professional, keep your car clean inside and out at all times. Do not barge in convo of the group, it's not cool. You're not their friend.