Traveling abroad is an exciting adventure. But navigating public transportation can be confusing for new travelers, and rental cars often come with high costs.
Thatโs why many travelers rely on Uber overseasโa reliable and convenient way to get around.
But thereโs a common question among travelers: Can you use Uber without a local phone number?
The short answer is yes. You can use Uber without a local number from the country youโre visiting.ย
While you may not need a local number, youโll need the internet to access Uber. With an eSIM, you can gain instant data access anywhere.ย
ConnectedYouโs travel eSIMs are simple to install, provide instant internet connectivity, and keep your data costs low.
No local phone number neededโjust reliable internet and you're ready to ride.
If youโre preparing for your next trip and want to know how this works, keep reading.
In this blog, weโll explore why Uber asks for a phone number, what your options are if you donโt have a local one, and why an eSIM is the smartest choice for travelers.
Why Does Uber Require a Phone Number?
Uberโs system is designed to prioritize your safety and convenience. Thatโs why it needs a phone number to:
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Confirm new users and prevent fake accounts
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Communicate ride details and updates
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Share SMS alerts about your trip
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Contact you in case of an emergency
Thus, every Uber account requires a phone number that can receive SMS or calls.
Can You Use Uber Without a Local Phone Number?
Yes, you can. You do need a phone number to create, verify, and log into your Uber account, but it doesnโt have to be local to the country you're visiting.
Your phone number must be able to:
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Receive SMS messages
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Allow calls or texts from drivers when needed
Pro Tip: Set up and log into your Uber account with your "home phone number" before you travel. This will help avoid any verification issues on the road.
Since youโll have an active Uber account at your destination, just open the app and request rides as usualโno need for a separate account with a local phone number.
Using Uber Overseas Requires Internetย
While you do not need to have a local phone number, you will still need internet to use Uber internationally.ย
However, there is a common issue you will faceโdata roaming costs.
Relying on mobile data while roaming abroad can quickly become expensive, particularly if youโre using apps like Uber throughout your trip.
For example, many U.S. carriers charge around $10โ$12 per day for international roaming plans. These costs can quickly add up to $100 or more on a short trip.
Even receiving simple SMS messages or calls can rack up costs quickly.
Some travelers report paying up to โฌ20 per day for roaming during trips to Europe. These costs can easily exceed $280 in just two weeks.
On top of the cost, roaming networks can suffer from weak or inconsistent signal strength, depending on your carrierโs agreements in the destination country.ย
This can result in missed or delayed Uber notifications, potentially complicating your travel plans.
Alternatives for Internet Access to Use Uber Overseas
1. Local SIM Card
A local SIM card is a physical SIM card purchased in the country youโre visiting. It connects your device to that countryโs mobile network.
Pros:
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Local number ensures smooth Uber use
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Usually cheaper local call and data rates
Cons:
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Requires physically swapping SIM cardsย
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Inconvenient for short stays or frequent travelers
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Some phones are locked or donโt support multiple SIMs
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Lose access to your home number temporarily
2. Virtual Phone Numbers
Virtual phone numbers are online numbers that forward calls and SMS to your real phone.
Pros:
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Quick setup without physical SIM cards
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Usually cheaper than roaming or local SIMs
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Enhanced privacy by masking your real number
Cons:
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Often flagged or rejected by Uber during verification
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SMS delivery can be unreliable or delayed
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Not supported in all countries or by all services
Why eSIMs are the Best Solution for Uber Users Traveling Internationally
What is eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is the digital version of a physical SIM card. Itโs built directly into your device and lets you activate a mobile data plan without inserting a SIM.ย
Once installed and activated, it connects you to local data networks instantly.
According to aย report, the eSIM Market size is expected to reach USD 21.91 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 14.18%.
How can an eSIM Help with Uber?
As a traveler, the last thing you want is to waste time hunting for a local SIM store, swapping SIM cards, dealing with unreliable virtual numbers, missing important messages, or paying expensive data roaming fees.
Thatโs where an eSIM helps.
With an eSIM, you can continue using your Uber account, linked with your home phone number, reliably, anywhere you travel.ย
How to Set It Up:
All you have to do is download Uber at home, set up your Uber account, and complete phone verification with your home phone number.
Next, purchase a travel eSIM plan for your destination, install the eSIM on your device at home, and activate it upon reaching your destination. Thatโs it, you get online at affordable costs.
Furthermore, modern smartphones support dual SIM functionality, which means you can keep your primary SIM (home number) active while using your travel eSIM for data.ย
This is especially useful when using Uber abroad, as it allows you to:
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Receive Uber SMS alerts (ride confirmations, driver updates, etc.) on your home number
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Continue using your existing Uber account without changing or re-verifying your phone number
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Remain accessible to Uber drivers or support via your registered phone number during your trip
Once your travel eSIM is live, you can instantly book an Uber to take you to your hotel or any planned destination.ย
Using Uber overseas with a ConnectedYou eSIM ensures no delays and no stress in your travel.ย
Related: How to use Uber abroad with a Prepaid eSIM (Step-by-Step)
How much does an eSIM Cost?
An eSIM offers an affordable way to stay connected abroad, with prices starting at just a few dollars per GB and coverage lasting up to 30 days.
ConnectedYou offers different location eSIM plans, with various package sizes, allowing you to pick the right eSIM data plan that fits your budget.
Get a ConnectedYou Travel eSIM for Your Next Trip
ConnectedYou offers global eSIMs with 5G internet speed in countries worldwide. We have different eSIM packages and pricing that may be right for you.
Designed specifically for travelers, these prepaid eSIM plans let you access the internet and use apps like Uber as soon as you arrive at your destination.
With ConnectedYouโs eSIMs, you get instant activation of eSIMs, seamless coverage worldwide, almost 90% savings on data roaming fees, hotspot for multiple device usage, and 24/7 support, while being completely eco-friendly.
Whether youโre traveling to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or America, ConnectedYou has got you covered. Book your Uber anywhere in the world without worrying about internet connectivity and local phone numbers.ย
Try ConnectedYouโs eSIM today.