Uber and Bitcoin are among the most groundbreaking technologies currently on the market. Uber, part of the so-called sharing economy, has created jobs and helped people arrive at their destination safely.
The company has grown, attracting the attention of governments worldwide. The issue for Uber circles on the fact that, in order to drive a taxi or become a taxi company, regulations ensure you keep your customers safe. Uber is not governed by similar regulations. This has unfortunately led to many cities throughout the world to try and ban the new technology startup. Yet, it remains.
Bitcoin has not had an easy go of it either, with governments the world over investigating the digital currency, and in many cases determining that it abets drugs and other illicit activities.
Despite these issues, both Uber and Bitcoin survive into the present day. Uber, though it has its occasional issues with its drivers and cities, keeps expanding to more cities. Bitcoin, despite governments looking to regulate the currency, has also grown, as well, especially in Asian countries such as China.
At the end of 2015, for the first time ever, it became possible to ride Uber for Bitcoin. This was made possible with Coinbase’s Shift Card. The Shift Card allows you to spend bitcoins like regular debit or credit. It costs $10 to receive, with fees similar to a regular debit card. Coinbase’s fee schedule can be found by clicking here.
In order to use Bitcoin for Uber, you’ll need to sign up for an Uber account and a Shift account. To sign up for Uber, you’ll first need a smartphone. If you’d like to start an account on your desktop, simply go to the Uber website. If you’d like to use it on your smartphone, download it from the app store of your choice.
You’ll then be asked to “Sign In” or Register.” To do so, you’ll be asked to enter your email or username and your password. Then click, “Register.”
Then you will be asked for your name, address, phone number and credit card number. In order to use Bitcoin, the payment card you use matters – more on that below. Once this information is filled out, you can then use Uber. In order to pick your first ride, you choose which Uber service you want, which generally applies to what sort of vehicle will pick you up. Now that you have the Uber app, you’ll need a Shift Card to use Bitcoin for Uber. Here’s how to get a Shift Card.
Read More: Coinbase Launches First US-Based Debit Card
First, you’ll need a Coinbase account. Sign up for one on their website. The card is available in twenty-four states and can be spent online and offline at more than 38 million merchants globally. So, Uber is just one of those merchants. To order a Shift card after receiving a Coinbase account, you can order the card by providing your physical address and paying a $10 issuance fee. In the US, there are no added fees to use the card. Charlie Lee, Coinbase Director of Engineering, once told me that the notion that people can now spend bitcoins at non-Bitcoin accepting merchants will likely help Bitcoin growth and adoption.
Looking to arrive somewhere before getting around with Bitcoin through Uber? There are ways to pay for flights, as well, with Bitcoin, such as Cheap Air . However, the Shift Card will let you do that also. That’s right! The infrastructure is in place for you to get around the world on Bitcoin.
Featured image from Shutterstock.