Cabify is a popular taxi-hailing app that has been gaining traction in recent years.
Here, we will outline what riders can expect in terms of ride types, pricing, and availability.
Additionally, we will provide an overview of how Cabify works and what to keep in mind when using the app.
We hope this information proves helpful for those looking to use Cabify for their next taxi ride.
Table Of Contents
What Is Cabify?
Cabify is a ride-hailing service that operates in various countries in Latin America.
It also functions in many cities in Spain.
Like Uber, it offers several advantages over a local taxi, such as safety.
For example, taking a taxi in Mexico might not be safe, and you may face a language barrier.
When you order a ride with Cabify, an Uber in Cancun, or another ride-hailing app, your driver will see the destination in the app, minimizing the need for conversation.
You can also track your trip in the app to ensure safety.
How Does Cabify Work?
Cabify works a bit differently from how Uber works.
In many cities, Cabify gives you two booking options: rides with predetermined fares (private cars) or regular taxis.
When customers book a ride with a predetermined fare, the experience will be similar to what you are used to with Uber.
The app will show you the fare upfront, and you can pay upon completion of the ride with cash, a credit card, or PayPal.
There will be no hidden surprises.
However, Cabify also has a service called Cabify Taxi that’s available in select cities.
When you book Cabify Taxi rides, you’ll typically get local taxi drivers instead of private Cabify drivers.
Even if you do get a private Cabify driver, the rate won’t be set upfront.
Instead, you’ll pay according to the predetermined taxi fare rate, which can vary from one city to another.
Local authorities may set those rates, and the cost of your ride can vary based on traffic conditions.
Cabify will give you an estimated price range upfront when booking a Cabify Taxi.
However, the price will frequently turn out to be more expensive than what you were expecting.
So, make sure you book the regular Cabify option instead of Cabify Taxi if you don’t want any surprises.
Cabify has another service in many cities: Cabify Envíos.
This service allows you to send packages to a friend anywhere in the city through a private courier.
These couriers work as independent contractors and often ride motorcycles or scooters.
Where Is Cabify Available?
Cabify originated in Spain, founded by Juan de Antonio, a Spanish businessman.
It is available in some South American countries, plus Mexico and Spain.
Unfortunately, Cabify is not available in the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom.
Cabify is available in these countries:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Chile
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Mexico
- Spain
As you can see, Cabify is currently only available in nine countries, though it may expand to other countries in the future.
Furthermore, it isn’t available in all cities.
For example, in Mexico, it is available in Mexico City but not Cancun.
For a full list of cities where you can use Cabify, see here.
Cabify Comparisons
Cabify isn’t the only transport app in those countries.
Let’s see how it holds up to Uber and other ride-hailing apps.
Cabify vs. Uber
Uber operates in more locations than Cabify.
You’ll be able to use Uber in countries and cities where Cabify is unavailable.
Like Cabify, Uber provides an Uber Taxi option in some areas.
However, Uber tends to be a bit more expensive than Cabify.
That applies to Cabify or Cabify Promo (the predetermined fare options), but not Cabify Taxi.
However, that isn’t always the case, as Uber’s rates are sometimes similar to or cheaper than Cabify’s rates.
One major difference between the two companies is that Uber provides more data about drivers than Cabify.
On Cabify, you can see the driver’s name, rating, profile picture, and vehicle information.
However, Uber gives you more details, such as the number of months or years the driver has worked for Uber.
Uber also supports more payment methods, such as Apple Pay.
Uber tends to be safer than Cabify.
That’s because Uber has stricter requirements for drivers, while Cabify has more relaxed rules.
Suggested Read
Uber vs Taxi: Which should you choose?
Cabify vs. Lyft
Cabify and Lyft operate in entirely different markets.
Lyft functions in the United States and Canada, where Cabify does not work.
Lyft doesn’t operate in any of the countries where Cabify does.
Cabify vs. Easy Taxi
Easy Taxi was founded in Brazil in 2011.
However, Cabify later purchased it, and it is now a Cabify app.
While the Easy Taxi app exists independently, it’s just a front for Cabify: The interface is the same, and the drivers are Cabify drivers.
Easy Taxi is available wherever Cabify is.
There is no practical difference between the two apps.
Cabify vs. 99Taxis
99, formerly 99Taxis, is a ride-hailing app that operates only in Brazil.
It’s more similar to Uber than Cabify.
While Cabify in Brazil tends to give you only one ride-hailing option (the standard “Cabify” predetermined fare option), 99 gives you several choices.
For example, you can order 99Pop, which offers a predetermined rate and is typically the cheapest option, 99Comfort, 99Taxi, or 99Top.
Didi, another ride-hailing app popular in Latin America, owns 99. 99’s interface is very similar to Didi’s, so if you’ve used Didi in Mexico or another Latin American country, you’ll be familiar with how it works.
Cabify vs. Grab
Grab is a ride-hailing app that operates exclusively in Southeast Asia.
Specifically, it is available in Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
For a full list of cities where it functions, see here.
Cabify and Grab operate in entirely different markets.
Cabify vs. Curb
Curb is a taxi-hailing app in the United States.
It operates in many major metro areas, but it’s designed to make taxi cab hailing safer, not for traditional ride-sharing.
Cabify and Curb function in different markets and their areas of operation don’t overlap.
How Much Does Cabify Cost?
Cabify is very transparent about its pricing.
To see how Cabify calculates fares, go to this page.
Select your country, city, and the Cabify option you’d like to use to see pricing broken down by per-mile rates, per-minute rates, booking fees, and so on.
It’s also a helpful resource for checking which Cabify options (Cabify, Cabify Taxi, etc.) are available in different cities.
Driving for Cabify
Do you live in Spain or another country where Cabify is available?
If so, you may be able to earn money by driving for Cabify.
Who Can Drive for Cabify?
Anyone can drive for Cabify, providing you meet some basic requirements.
These requirements can vary from one country to another.
Driver Requirements
You must be of minimum age in your country to drive, and you must possess a valid driver’s license.
Cabify may also require you to submit an identity document and a certificate confirming you have no criminal or sexual convictions in your past.
Vehicle Requirements
Your vehicle must be up to date, and you must have the year and model on hand.
It must meet minimum safety requirements, and you must have insurance as required by the law.
In Spain, you must have a VTC license, which allows you to operate your vehicle as a private hire vehicle.
How Much Can You Make?
How much you can earn depends on how much you work.
You’ll be an independent contractor, so you can choose your hours.
As rates vary from one country to another, the amount you can earn does so as well.
For example, you can earn more in Spain than in Mexico, where fares are cheaper.
Is It Worth It?
That depends.
Cabify offers flexibility, allowing you to work on your schedule.
You may be able to earn more driving for Uber.
However, you may not qualify for Uber, as it tends to have stricter requirements.
How to Apply
To apply to drive for Cabify, head to the driver registration page.
Click the signup button, create an account, and fill out the form.
Follow the instructions and submit the requested documents.
How to Sign up for Cabify
Here is how to sign up for Cabify as a rider.
- Download the Cabify app or use the web app. You can find links to the apps on Cabify.com.
- Enter your phone number.
- Cabify will send you an SMS verification code; enter it.
- Enter your email.
- Enter your first and last name.
- Create a password.
If you signed up via the web app, the process will be slightly different.
You must enter your email address first and then your name and phone number.
Once you’ve created your account, you can start ordering rides.
You can pay with cash or add a new payment method.
To do that, open the menu and click on “Payment methods.”
Then, add a credit card or link your PayPal account.
Final Thoughts
Cabify is an excellent alternative to Uber in Latin America and Spain.
It’s often cheaper, and it’s useful when the demand is too high on Uber, and you can’t get a ride quickly enough.
However, Uber is available in more locations, and it’s also a bit safer.
If you find yourself in Latin America or Spain, try Cabify for yourself!
