Uber vs Bolt

Their original business model is illegal in Germany. So you can call a taxi or a rental car with a chauffeur.

Both companies are known for listing and supporting illegally non-professional and non-registered drivers (source). This can end up in negative situations for travelers.

Recommendation: use regular taxis in Germany with professional drivers and metered fares.

Their original business model is illegal in Germany. But their revised German model isn't, and apparently varies by local jurisdiction, but maybe just a metered taxi service, correct? But if you have the App, Mark, will it not work to call and pay the Uber or Bolt taxi? Not uncommon in much of Europe.

We had some of the same issues in Budapest and the resulting model is a taxi company with metered yellow cabs.

I had planned to use either Uber or Bolt today in Nuremberg. Both showed regular cars as well as taxis. No meters but a set price.

I took the Ubahn instead.

Thanks FrankII that was my question. I have the Apps so I use them from time to time when I travel. The last 2 were Kyiv and Bucharest. Just easier.

I downloaded the Bolt app before a recent trip to Germany. I already had the FreeNow app (taxi app) on my phone. I asked a friend in Berlin if it was better to use Bolt or FreeNow to schedule a trip to the airport from my B&B. His response was, "That's a good question. I just use Uber." So, I used Uber. I was picked up in a silver car with an Uber banner on the side.

Oh yeah, Uber was cheaper than Bolt.

Mr. E brings up an interesting point.

I have found that Uber is better in western Europe but Bolt was better (cheaper?) in much of what I will call "Somewhat Eastern Europe"--the Baltic States, Poland, etc.

At Warsaw airport a few months ago, to get either Uber or Bolt you schedule a ride and then wait on line. You show your confirmation code to the driver so he knows where to go. (It's a taxi. but you pay through the app.)

The line for Uber was easily 30 people. The line for Bolt was two people. I took Bolt.

In Germany, I compare the two and select who has the best price and the shortest wait time.

The reason that one or the other isn't cheaper here is that all the taxi fares are set by the government. They all charge exactly the same. You pick on service and availability. I read where in Berlin there was a government move to make Uber and Bolt start charging more as they were too cheap compared to other taxi services.

This explains Uber in Berlin. https://www.welcomepickups.com/guides/germany/berlin/uber-in-berlin/

And I found this. But I am just passing along what ive read. I am no expert on the subject:
Uber is legal in Berlin, but it operates differently than in some other cities. Instead of using individual drivers with personal vehicles, Uber in Berlin partners with licensed private-hire transportation companies. This means all Uber rides use professional drivers with the required licenses and insurance.

OP was asking for Munich and Berlin. In these cities taxis are likely faster because they are allowed to use the bus lanes - other drivers are not allowed to do so. High fines can be expected when rule is violated. Professional drivers might loose their license.

In case of accident with a vehicle which is not registered at authorities a guest can lose all rights because a fraudulent ride is not covered by insurance and the drivers have nothing while the firms are immediately closed.

Mark....when you book a ride with either Uber or Bolt, they insure your ride. You don't have to rely on the driver's insurance.