Can You Use Uber Without a Phone Number?

A straightforward Uber account registration process looks like the following:
 

Although you can easily create an Uber account online by following the steps above, you must add a few more details to book a ride or order food. You need to add your payment information, be it a credit card or debit card number, so that the app can automatically charge you after each service. Uber text message verification is another reason why you require a local mobile number.

A better alternative to waiting for a physical SIM is getting a virtual number from an authentic VoIP service provider like Calilio. These numbers are easy to buy or rent depending on the provider and plans they offer. For long-term users, buying a virtual number can be a better option since they become relatively cheaper and give full authorization. For short-term users, renting a unique one-time virtual number should be fine.

VoIP providers sell virtual mobile numbers both local and international. These providers can allocate you a number or give you an option to search and select one for yourself from a wide range of countries globally. You will use a virtual number just like a carrier number but through an app, not a physical SIM card, making it easily accessible from devices like smartphones, tablets, and PCS.

Another good thing about virtual numbers is that the person you call or text does not need a virtual number or any app to receive your calls or make you one. Your call will be directly connected to their local SIM phone number unless they are not in the same country as you are. To contact someone from another country, you can purchase another virtual number of the country that person belongs to.

Besides, for renting, there are applications like SMS MAN, CarrierX, Octopush, etc, that rent virtual numbers at an affordable price. For SMS verification, some providers also offer a one-time phone number for a short duration of a few minutes.

To buy a virtual number and use it for Uber verification, follow the steps below:
 

1. Research and select a VoIP provider like Calilio.
2. Create an account and pick a plan.
3. Go to Settings>>My Numbers>>Purchase Number.
4. Choose your current country and select any number.
5. Pay and activate your virtual number.

Similarly, if you are someone who travels frequently for short periods, you can rent a virtual number and still verify your Uber account by following the steps below:
 

1. Pick a number provider to rent a number.
2. Create an account and select the country you are in.
3. Pick a local mobile number.
4. Choose your ideal rental plan.
5. Submit documents and complete the payment.
6. Use the purchased number for Uber verification.

Burner phones can be another alternative to local mobile numbers that come with a mobile phone set and a prepaid physical SIM. But buyin a burner phone means you need to carry an extra physical phone with you. The name 'Burner' itself suggests that you can discard it once your need is served. In addition, they are expensive compared to buying a cloud-based virtual number.

If you want to use it for the long term, you will have to keep visiting stores to buy another sim card or recharge card since most of these phones come with a 30-day prepaid plan. You can buy burner phones by visiting your nearby convenience stores without requiring any carrier contract or personal detail form, which makes it almost impossible to trace the number back to you.

Uber can be a lifesaver in an unknown foreign land, offering you food and travel services. However, you must be an active registered user to utilize its features, and for the Uber account setup, you must provide your local phone number. While we do not prefer switching phone numbers often, traveling makes it difficult and expensive with location restrictions and expensive international roaming charges. Virtual numbers are a quick and inexpensive medium to overcome such issues and set up an Uber account in a new country with full security.

Although you can create an Uber account without a phone number, you will ultimately need it for verification and safety reasons. You can use online numbers instead of your private phone, which has location restrictions, to get Uber verification OTP and use all Uber features.

You must have your email ID and active phone number linked with Uber to request rides and order food.

You can skip entering your phone number by logging in to Uber using your Email for OTP verification. However, you must add a number later for using its features. If you cannot receive SMS codes and OTP in your phone number, you can use a cloud phone number that will send you those codes in its app.

You will need a local number to use Uber for communication limitations and security reasons. A local number will let you call the driver or delivery person in case of delay or inconvenience, which is impossible to do with a foreign number