Uber experiments with cash payments in Manila

The ride-hailing app major says many Filipinos lack credit and debit cards, which prevents them from using the service

Uber will start accepting cash payments from its users in Manila, the ride-hailing app company announced in a statement today.

It said that although Filipinos were quick to adopt Uber as a means of transportation, many potential riders did not have credit or debit cards. “This meant smarter transportation was still out of the reach of many Filipinos,” the company said.

“Starting immediately, a small percentage of Uber riders will have the option to pay for their Uber rides in cash should they choose to. Over the coming weeks, this will roll out to all Uber riders,” it said.

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The Philippines is the fifth country in the world and the second in Southeast Asia where it will try out cash payments.

The company began experimenting with accepting cash payments in Hyderabad (India) in May this year, and in Nairobi (Kenya) a few weeks later.

Uber now accepts cash payments in all 22 Indian cities it operates in, as well as in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, it said.

Laurence Cua, Uber’s GM for the Philippines said, “Having the option of paying with cash is really important for people in Metro Manila, so this is an exciting experiment for us. We want everyone to enjoy the hassle-free convenience of ordering a safe ride at the push of a button.”

He said the experiment will give the company more insights that will help it develop its service for users in the Philippines.

In Manila, Uber competes with GrabTaxi, which accepts payments in cash.

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