Uber in Iran? Try Snapp and Tapsi Instead

Traveling through unfamiliar cities becomes smoother when you can navigate without language barriers, especially in countries like Iran. While Uber isn't available there, alternatives like Snapp and Tapsi offer similar conveniences.

As a tourist, navigating urban centers can be daunting—finding reliable transportation, negotiating fares, and ensuring you're heading in the right direction are common challenges.

Iranian ride-hailing apps streamline this process, allowing you to book rides effortlessly via your smartphone. Understanding how to use Snapp and Tapsi ensures you'll move around efficiently, whether you're exploring Tehran's bustling streets or Shiraz's historical sites.

Embracing these local alternatives not only enhances your travel experience but also opens a window into everyday life in Iran. Stay with us to learn about taxis in Iran and how to take a taxi in Iran with ease and convenience of these services.

Taxis in Iran

Taxis in Iran offer a unique and sometimes bewildering experience for travelers, with a variety of options catering to different needs and preferences. Understanding the nuances can help navigate the Iranian taxi system smoothly. Below are various types of taxi systems you will find in Iran:

Private Taxis

Private taxis are essentially any car that can be hailed for individual use. This flexibility means almost any vehicle in Iran, including personal cars, can function as a private taxi.

However, this lack of standardization also leads to varied pricing, often without a clear logic. According to local insights, negotiating fares is not just advisable but essential to avoid overpaying.

Navigating private taxis involves some key strategies:

1. Negotiation: Never accept the initial price quoted. Haggling is expected, starting at about 60% of the initial quote and adjusting from there.
2. Location Matters: Prices can differ based on where you hail the taxi. Avoid taxis solicited near tourist hubs or bus terminals where rates tend to be inflated.
3. Official Taxis: Opting for yellow-colored official taxis often ensures more reasonable pricing as these drivers adhere to loose pricing guidelines.

Savaris (Shared Taxis)

Savaris are shared taxis that operate both within cities (intracity) and between cities (intercity), offering a more economical option for travel. They are typically identifiable by clusters of cars near major squares or terminals.

Intracity Savaris

Within cities, savaris operate on a per-person basis and are known to negotiate fares aggressively, often trying to fill the car (dar baste) to maximize earnings per trip. This can lead to higher fares for solo passengers. Tips for intracity savaris include:

1. Choosing Wisely: Opting for a savari already occupied by passengers can prevent being coerced into higher fares.
2. Fair Pricing: Rates are loosely based on distance, averaging around 100,000 IRR per person for typical inner-city routes.

Intercity Savaris

For longer distances between cities, savaris follow set routes and fixed fares per passenger. Travelers are advised to board only when the car is full (na dar baste) to ensure competitive pricing.

Iranian Uber

Among the most convenient options in Iran are ride-hailing services like Tapsi and Snapp, often dubbed as the "Iranian Uber". These platforms provide a level of transparency and convenience that traditional taxis may lack.

Users can book rides through mobile apps, view fare estimates, and even pay electronically, bypassing the need for negotiations or concerns about fare transparency.

This modern approach to transportation in Iran offers peace of mind to travelers who prefer clear pricing and ease of use. If you are traveling to Iran, you need to learn how to use Iranian versions of Uber in Iran, so let’s get started!

Snapp

Snapp, founded in 2014 by Shahram Shahkar, has swiftly grown to become Iran's leading transportation network company, often likened to an Iranian version of Uber. What began as a simple ride-hailing service has evolved into a multifaceted "super app" that caters to diverse needs beyond just transportation.

Services Offered by Snapp

1. Snapp Eco: This is the core ride-hailing service of Snapp, designed to provide economical private rides across Iranian cities. It focuses on affordability while ensuring passengers reach their destinations comfortably.
2. Snapp Ecoplus: Positioned as an upgraded version of Snapp Eco, Snapp EcoPlus offers enhanced features such as better quality cars and improved customer service. While slightly more expensive than Snapp Eco, it appeals to users seeking a higher standard of comfort and reliability. All cars under Snapp EcoPlus mandate the use of air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable ride regardless of weather conditions.
3. Snapp Bike: In congested urban areas, especially during peak hours, Snapp Bike provides an alternative mode of transport using motorcycles. While this service is limited to male passengers due to cultural norms, it effectively navigates through traffic jams, ensuring swift travel times.
4. Snapp Box: Beyond transporting people, Snapp also facilitates package delivery with Snapp Box. Users can send packages quickly and conveniently without visiting a post office, enhancing logistical efficiency.
5. Snapp Intercity: Snapp has expanded its services beyond intra-city rides to include inter-city travel options, catering to travelers looking for convenient and comfortable journeys between major cities in Iran.
6. Additional Services: Snapp extends its functionality beyond transportation:
   1. Snapp Food: Allows users to order food from local restaurants and have it delivered to their doorstep.
   2. Snapp Supermarket: Enables shopping for groceries online, simplifying daily errands.
   3. Snapp Doctor: A crucial service, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing access to online consultations with doctors of various specialties.
   4. Snapp Trip: A standout feature of Snapp is its integration of Snapp Trip, a comprehensive travel booking service that goes beyond taxi rides. Through Snapp Trip, users can seamlessly plan their entire journey by purchasing tickets for trains, buses, and flights directly within the Snapp app. This feature not only simplifies travel logistics but also offers a unified platform where users can manage their transportation needs efficiently.
   5. Games and Entertainment: Offers users the option to play online games, providing entertainment and relaxation.

How to Download Snapp

Downloading Snapp is straightforward:

1. For Android users, simply search for "Snapp" on the Google Play Store and install the application.
2. Due to sanctions affecting Iranian apps on the Apple App Store, iPhone users need to download Snapp from the Snapp website directly after configuring their device settings to accept the installation.

How to Use Snapp

Once installed, using Snapp is user-friendly:

1. Create an account by entering your phone number and verifying it.
2. Select your pickup location and destination using the interactive map interface.
3. Choose your preferred service (e.g., Eco, Rose, Bike).
4. Confirm the ride and track your driver's arrival via the app.
5. Payment options include cash or online through an Iranian debit card.

Snapp ensures transparency and security by providing detailed driver information and real-time tracking, empowering users with control over their journey.

Tapsi

Following Snapp's success, Tapsi or Tap30 pronounced "Tapsee," emerged as another popular ride-hailing platform in Iran. Founded as a response to the growing demand for efficient urban transportation, Tapsi offers competitive pricing and innovative services tailored to local needs.

Services Offered by Tapsi

1. Tapsi Call: For users without internet access, they can request a ride by calling 1630 with an Iranian SIM card. Operators assist in connecting users with the nearest available ride.
2. Tapsi Web: Ideal for those who prefer web-based interfaces, Tapsi Web allows users to book rides directly from their browsers, offering flexibility in service access.
3. Tapsi Line: A cost-effective service where passengers sharing similar routes are matched with a single driver, splitting the fare and reducing travel expenses.
4. Tapsi Intercity: Tapsi has expanded its operations to include intercity transportation services, catering to the diverse travel needs of its users across Iran. With a focus on affordability and reliability, Tapsi Intercity offers a competitive alternative for passengers seeking efficient travel options between cities.
5. Tapsi Peyk and Hamayar: These services cater to delivery needs during the pandemic, facilitating package deliveries and essential supplies directly to homes, ensuring convenience and safety.

How to Download Tapsi

1. Android users can download Tapsi directly from the Google Play Store.
2. iPhone users follow a similar process to Snapp, downloading the app from the Tapsi website due to App Store restrictions.

How to Use Tapsi

1. Register with your phone number, receive a verification code, and set up your profile.
2. Enter your pickup and drop-off locations, select your service option (e.g., Line, intercity, Peyk), and request a ride.
3. Track your driver's progress, communicate through the app, and pay conveniently via cash or online methods.

Tapsi emphasizes accessibility and affordability, providing tailored solutions for diverse transportation and delivery needs across Iranian cities.

Why Should You Use Snapp and Tapsi?

If you're in Iran and looking for reliable transportation, Snapp and Tapsi (Tap30) offer compelling reasons to choose their services over traditional taxis:

1. Safety Assurance

Both Snapp and Tapsi prioritize passenger safety with 24/7 customer service oversight. Drivers are monitored throughout the trip, ensuring adherence to chosen routes and timely arrivals. Detailed driver profiles, including photos, names, car details like color and plate number, enhance transparency and security for passengers.

2. Language Accessibility

Language barriers are minimized as both platforms support English, facilitating easy navigation and ride requests for non-Farsi speakers. While drivers may not always speak English, the app's interface ensures seamless communication during booking and trip monitoring.

3. Efficient Routing

Integrated GPS navigation in Snapp and Tapsi guarantees optimal route selection, minimizing travel time and avoiding traffic congestion. This feature ensures a smoother and more predictable journey, especially during peak hours or unfamiliar routes.

4. Transparent Fare Calculation

Both apps employ automatic fare calculators, providing upfront pricing based on distance and route. This transparency allows passengers to assess costs beforehand, ensuring fare predictability and often lower rates compared to conventional taxis.

5. Wide Availability

Snapp and Tapsi operate extensively across major Iranian cities, ensuring accessibility in Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz, and more. This widespread coverage makes them convenient choices for travelers needing reliable transportation across various urban centers in Iran.

Bottom Line

Understanding Iran's taxi system enhances your travel experience and opens a window into everyday life in Iran. Whether bargaining for a private ride or seamlessly booking through uber in Iran, visitors can explore Iran with confidence and ease.

Snapp and Tapsi offer a reliable and secure transportation solution across Iran's major cities. With their emphasis on safety, language accessibility, efficient routing, transparent pricing, and extensive availability, these platforms ensure a seamless and stress-free journey, making them indispensable for residents and travelers alike in Iran.

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