Do you need a cell phone with a sim card bought in Portugal to hail an Uber? I don't want to buy a sim card or use my cell and pay high roaming prices to use once or twice in Portugal (or anywhere). I live in the US and have T-Mobile as a phone service. When I travel I can use WiFi via WhatsApp when I'm at my hotel, airport, or other place where WiFi is available. Is Uber only compatible with cell phones.....or is there another way?
My alternative is usually to use a ride service or taxi from the airport, use travel experiences through Viator to do day trips outside the city and use public transportation in the city. I'm 76 years old and can walk around pretty well but my legs can't do it all.
Any comments or ideas? I'm planning a trip to Lisbon and Lagos in Septy. 2026
Merry Christmas
Bill
Posted by
3376 posts
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.
Posted by
OP
Troy, Mi. USA
20 posts
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?
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9025 posts
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.