Uber In Belarus: Is The Ride-Sharing App Operational?

Uber has been available in Minsk, Belarus, since 5 November 2015. However, the traditional Uber app is no longer available in Belarus, having been replaced by a new tailor-made application called Uber BY, which covers both Belarus and Russia. Uber BY is only available in the Belarus App Store, which may prevent tourists from downloading it. However, it is possible to switch your App Store location to Belarus or create a new iCloud/iTunes login and choose Belarus, download the app, then switch back to your old login.

Uber has been popular in Minsk, with 80,000 city residents using the service within four months of its launch. Users have praised the high quality of service, with rides costing as little as $2-3.50 USD. However, Uber has faced competition from local taxi companies and other ride-sharing apps such as Yandex Taxi.

Uber merged with Yandex in Belarus

Uber has been operating in Belarus since 2015, when it launched in Minsk. However, in 2018, Uber and Yandex, often referred to as the "Google of Russia", merged their ride-sharing businesses in Russia and neighbouring countries, including Belarus. The new joint company, worth over $3.7 billion, spans 127 cities across Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, and Kazakhstan.

The merger came about a year after Uber's exit from China, marking another pullback from its global expansion. Yandex invested $100 million in cash and Uber invested $225 million in the new company, with Yandex holding a majority stake of 59.3%. The remaining shares are held by company employees.

Following the merger, passengers can continue to use either the Yandex or Uber apps. The driver apps of the two companies have been integrated into a single app for greater efficiency. The deal was expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017, pending regulatory approval and other conditions.

Uber is cheaper than taxis in Belarus

Uber is a mobile application that allows users to request a trip from drivers who use their own cars. It launched its service in Minsk, Belarus, on November 5, 2015, and has since proven popular with residents, with 80,000 city residents using the service within four months of its launch.

Uber is often cheaper than regular taxis, and this is true for rides in Belarus as well. A ride to the airport in Minsk, for example, costs around $13-15, which is the same price as a regular taxi. However, some regular taxi services can charge up to €30 for the same journey, making Uber a much cheaper option.

Uber's pricing is dependent on several factors, including distance traveled, traffic conditions, and the time of day. Uber charges per mile and minute, regardless of whether the car is moving or idling, with a few exceptions. This is in contrast to taxis, which typically charge per mile when moving and per minute when idling.

In addition, Uber's surge pricing can also affect the cost of a ride. Surge pricing occurs when demand is high, and it can increase fares by up to four times the regular price. However, this can be avoided by waiting a few minutes or walking to a different location before requesting a ride.

While Uber is generally cheaper for longer trips, taxis may be a more cost-effective option for shorter journeys, especially those under $35. Taxi drivers in Belarus often use old, uncomfortable, and sometimes dirty cars, and they may also cheat on trip prices. In contrast, Uber drivers undergo strict control and are required to have a minimum of three years of driving experience and a car no older than 2010. They also cannot have a previous criminal conviction and must pass a psychological test.

Overall, Uber provides a convenient and often cheaper alternative to regular taxi services in Belarus, particularly for longer journeys and when there is no surge pricing in effect.

Uber is available in Brest

Uber is a popular choice for tourists in Brest, as it is a familiar, English-language service. It is also very affordable, with rides costing as little as $2-3.50 USD. Uber is also considered safer than regular taxis, as you don't have to worry about exchanging cash or being overcharged.

However, it's worth noting that Uber drivers in Brest may not always follow road safety rules, such as wearing seat belts. While this is legally allowed for taxi drivers in Brest, it can be a concern for passengers.

In addition, traditional taxi drivers in Belarus have expressed concerns about the competition from Uber, as they feel it puts them at a disadvantage due to the difference in operating conditions and regulations. Despite this, Uber remains a convenient and popular option for locals and tourists alike in Brest, offering a reliable and affordable way to get around the city.

Uber is available at the Minsk airport

Uber is available at Minsk airport, and the ride-sharing app has been operational in the city since 2015. The cost of an Uber ride from the airport to the city centre is around $13-15, which is comparable to a regular taxi.

Uber has proven popular in Minsk, with 80,000 city residents using the service within the first four months of its launch. The company has stated that Minsk was developing faster than any other city in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East.

However, Uber's presence in Belarus has not been without controversy. Traditional taxi drivers have protested against Uber, claiming that the company has more favourable conditions and does not face the same regulations and costs. Despite this opposition, Uber remains a convenient and affordable option for many locals and tourists in Minsk.

In recent years, Uber has undergone some changes in Belarus. In 2016, the company launched a cheaper UberX service, leading to increased usage by Minsk residents. Additionally, Uber merged with Yandex, requiring users to update their applications. As a result of the merger, the traditional Uber app is no longer available in Belarus, and users must now download the Uber BY app, which is tailored for Belarus and Russia.

Despite these changes, Uber remains a viable option for travellers arriving at Minsk airport, offering a safe, convenient, and relatively inexpensive way to get to their destination.

Uber is safer than regular taxis

Uber does work in Belarus, specifically in Minsk, where it officially launched in November 2015.

Now, here are some reasons why Uber is safer than regular taxis:

Background Checks

Uber and Lyft use Checkr to conduct background checks on their drivers. The Uber check includes an extensive Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and a criminal background check. If someone has any DUIs on their record from the last seven years, they will not be eligible to drive for Uber. Additionally, Uber requires one year of driving experience with a clean record. Taxi drivers also undergo comprehensive background checks, but these vary depending on the region and are not always as rigorous as Uber's.

Vehicle Safety

Uber requires drivers to use newer, well-maintained vehicles that meet specific safety standards and model year requirements. In contrast, taxi vehicles may be older and less comfortable, and there is no guarantee that they will be in good condition.

Safety Features

The Uber app includes several safety features such as the ability to share trip details with emergency contacts, emergency assistance buttons, and GPS tracking of the ride from start to finish. These features provide security and peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.

Payment Security

With Uber, payment is handled automatically through the app, eliminating the need for cash or card transactions. This reduces the risk of theft or fraud and simplifies the payment process.

Transparency and Accountability

Uber provides users with information about their driver, including their name, photo, vehicle type, and license plate number. The fare is calculated upfront, and the route is tracked via GPS for added transparency. The two-way rating system also encourages a higher standard of service, as both drivers and riders can rate each other, promoting respect and accountability.

Regulatory Compliance

Uber has implemented safety measures and policies that are consistently applied across all markets it operates in. This self-imposed regulatory compliance demonstrates the company's commitment to safety and helps enhance the overall safety of the ride-sharing experience.

While there have been safety concerns with both Uber and regular taxis, the combination of technological advancements, strict background checks, safety features, and dynamic user-friendly platforms gives Uber an edge over traditional taxi services in terms of safety.

Frequently asked questions