[lightbyte]

Counter anecdote to your anecdote: I took tons of cabs when I was visiting Colombia and I didn't know a single bit of Spanish. I'd just pull up google maps, click on where I wanted to go, show them the screen. Every single one was perfectly fine.

[themistocle]

Not having mobile data in my case meant that I was scrambling from public wifi to the cab. I could not use Google translate or other tools in the car. I also would have no way to negotiate price or insure that I was going the correct place. Not saying that Uber is the only way, but that for me it was helpful.

[nbanks]

I didn't realize that Uber worked without mobile data.

[themistocle]

Yeah I actually used it from a public WiFi and then ran outside to meet the driver when he got close enough.