International travel can be fun, exciting, and enlightening, but it can also be expensive. Between flights, accommodations, and transportation, the costs can add up quickly. One way to save money on transportation costs is by carpooling or ridesharing. But can you carpool or rideshare internationally? In this article, we will explore your options.
Carpooling and Ridesharing Platforms
The first thing you need to consider when exploring international carpooling or ridesharing is which platform to use. There are several platforms available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
BlaBlaCar
BlaBlaCar is a popular ridesharing platform in Europe, Asia, and South America. It allows drivers to post their routes and passengers to find rides. Passengers pay the drivers for their service, and BlaBlaCar takes a commission.
Uber
Uber is a familiar name to many people, but not all Uber services are available globally. Uber is available in over 900 cities worldwide, but in some countries, it only operates in certain cities. For example, in Japan, Uber only operates in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Lyft
Lyft is a ridesharing platform available in the United States and Canada. It operates similarly to Uber, but with some differences in pricing and features.
Hitch
Hitch is an international carpooling platform that allows drivers to offer rides and passengers to find them. It operates in several countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France, and the UK.
Amovens
Amovens is a carpooling platform that operates in several countries, including Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK. It allows drivers and passengers to find and offer rides.
International Carpooling and Ridesharing Regulations
Before carpooling or ridesharing internationally, you should make sure there are no legal barriers. Some countries have strict regulations on carpooling and ridesharing, while others have no regulations at all.
Europe
In Europe, the regulations on carpooling and ridesharing vary from country to country. In France, for example, drivers need a special permit to use BlaBlaCar, while in Germany, carpooling is only allowed for non-commercial purposes.
North America
The regulations on carpooling and ridesharing in North America also vary from state to state. In California, for example, there are specific regulations for ridesharing drivers, while in New York, carpooling is not allowed at all.
Asia
In Asia, the regulations on carpooling and ridesharing are also different from country to country. In Japan, for example, carpooling is not widely practiced, while in China, the government has cracked down on unauthorized drivers.
Safety Concerns
One of the concerns with carpooling and ridesharing internationally is safety. You should always take precautions when carpooling or ridesharing with strangers. Some platforms, such as BlaBlaCar, have safety features built-in, such as user rankings and reviews.
Final Thoughts
Carpooling and ridesharing internationally can be a great way to save money on transportation costs while meeting new people and exploring new places. However, you should always research the regulations and safety concerns before using any carpooling or ridesharing platform. With the right precautions, carpooling and ridesharing can be a safe and enjoyable way to travel internationally.