Using Uber or Bolt in Lisbon

We have T-Mobile and you are able to text and use the Internet without charge.

You have to download the Bolt app. We had trouble until we were in Portugal. Uber works the same. Uber is somewhat more expensive than Bolt. We used both. Sometimes we could get an Uber and Bolt.

Thanks.....so all I need to do is to download the Uber app while in Portugal and I"ll be able to get an uber or bolt as long as I can access WiFi (like in my hotel). Can I use the uber app that I already have and ocasionally use in the US....and is linked to my credit card?

Since I have worldwide coverage (via Google Fi) I can't speak from actual experience using wi-fi, but yes, I believe you can. It would work for example, like you mentioned at your hotel to arrange a ride. However, some of the features may be lacking without coverage. For example, if you have to walk a block to meet the car, then no wi-fi, and likely no location tracking to see where the car is. Same with at the end of the ride, you may not be able to rate and tip the driver, until you can find wi-fi. Same if you need a ride back to your hotel, then you need to find wi-fi.

I also have Tmobile. I purchased tmobile international data plan. I found them convenient, no need for new sim.
$35 for 5 gb 10 days, $50 for 15 gb for 30 days.
I used it for google map while walking.
Not sure if you will ever need it since you can use hotel wifi to call uber.
In 2018, I had been in a situation without ability to connect to wifi on a german train while i needed to find alternative connection due to train issue. It cost me a whole day of travel between munich to fussen. Since then, i make sure always have data plan.

Another very inexpensive option is an e-sim. You could even wait until you are here and if the T Mobile isn’t enough, download it then. I use Airalo but there are many options. I think I paid $15 for 30 days of unlimited calls, texts, wifi. You might want to at least research them a bit to see if it’s a better option. That would give you the option of using maps, googling restaurants, etc. without worrying about going over your international plan - or being on WiFi.

I agree with Holly,
At our age (I'm 77) it's no time to experiment with connection alternatives. Google maps and Google translate plus Uber/Bolt are indispensable to me and I don't want to have to be without them
I consider cell phone connection to be part of my traveling budget and will cut corners elsewhere if forced to

Dennis

I have TMobile and I always have cell service for texting, using maps and Facetime as well as Uber and Bolt and any other apps I need in Europe. If you have a different plan that doesn't have free roaming, maybe you can upgrade just for a month? I did that once when I knew I would need to make several phone calls overseas (which is not included in my plan). I think it cost 35$.

Thanks for the replys. You all have given much to think about. The 1 month plan from t-mobil sounds reasonable...especially when it comes to google maps availability when walking. The sim card doesn't appeal to me because (even though I have steady hands) I don't want to fumble around putting in those small things...or maybe losing my original. The, wait till I get there to upload the app and try to use wifi, is an option too (especially if the t-mobile plan doesn't work out.)

I don't know why I didn't have this info sooner as I travel a lot. I got lost in Pedro de Atacama in Chile and wished for googlemaps to be available. I asked for directions several times and when I near my destination I found a nice family who escorted me the 3 blocks to my hotel. Everything looks the same in Pedro de Atacama in the desert...adobe facades and no high risers or signs that attract attention (more like a plaque)

This forum is helping me a lot. I'll be back for more advise before my Portugal trip in Sept.

Bill

We were in Lisbon last month. We have T-Mobile and had free text & data over our entire 11 week trip through 5 countries. Phone calls are $.25 per minute. I used Uber through their app and it was easy.

I'll add the comment that internet connectivity is invaluable to me when travelling. I mostly (but not always) travel with my spouse, and we have Verizon. I pay $10/day for internet (disclaimer: I'm also working part-time when I travel), and spouse uses WiFi. I have a bad sense of direction, and having the ability to pull up Google map is invaluable to me. Also to pull up additional information about sites that I'm seeing, or to find a nearby cafe or restaurant.

Having the ability to access the internet when I need it provides me peace of mind, and like other posters, it's part of my travel budget and worth cutting other things.

I will also say, re Uber in Portugal. We are big walkers, and rarely take taxis / Uber / Bolt. But we found them cheaper in Portugal, and used them several times. One was to get out to the Belem neighborhood, and the other was to get too and from Sintra. It's saved us time and hassle.

eSIMs are the way to go if data is what you are interested in. They seemed strange to me at first, but now I would never travel without. Inexpensive, effective, and always available, they make travel so much easier by allowing use of data anytime.

For those reluctant to try anything new (of a certain age), I say get over it. We learned how to use all sorts of new technologies over our lifetimes and there is no reason to stop now. What if we hadn’t been willing to try microwave ovens, computers, cell phones, smart phones? Why not try just one thing more?

I think a data plan is essential if you plan to use uber and bolt. I remembered after I posted that the least expensive t mobile plan does not include international data. If that is what you have, then I would make a choice to pay for data if you want to use a ride service.