We are frequently asked whether we have a car in Cairo. No! Traffic is insane, parking is impossible and you can't find a car without scrapes and dents on it, no matter how new. We have historically used the Cairo taxis; see for example, this post from thirteen years ago.
But taxis are rapidly disappearing from the streets being replaced by Uber drivers. The Ubers are usually larger cars, such as a Chinese Geely or BYD, and much cleaner than the typical taxi. There are always Ubers passing nearby.
Last night we took an Uber to a friend's home near the Pyramids. It is only about two miles as the crow flies, but navigating here is much like traversing a maze. Our driver completed the route in about twenty minutes.
The cost was 29 Egyptian pounds, just about one U.S. dollar.
How does an Uber driver make money? This fare would only buy three liters of gasoline.
Well, he is also a real estate salesman specializing in properties along the Mediterranean Coast. Perhaps he counts on making some contacts in the car. His English was perfect.
On the previous day, we took an Uber to City Centre Mall in Maadi, about ten miles away. The fare was 69 EGP, about $2.35
I tipped both drivers generously.
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