Blablacar: 15 Things You Need to Know Before You Use

Many already know about Uber, the app that has been clashing with taxi service. Although useful for traveling around the city or nearby, the app is not a good option for those who want to take a longer trip, leaving the road or plane service. But there is one more option you can use for longer trips: BlaBlacar.

The app is ideal for those who need to travel but don't have enough money to travel by plane, but not so much a fan of traveling by bus. It allows you to choose a destination and see which driver users are going to the same location, allowing you to request a ride in exchange for a predefined value agreed upon between the parties - in a more similar way to Airbnb. Never heard of Blablacar but found the proposal interesting? So check out 15 things about Blablacar you need to know before you start using!

1. Blablacar has been around for over 10 years

Although these types of alternative services that work through websites and apps have become popular in recent times, some of them have been around for a long time. Even Blablacar is older than Airbnb itself. Launched in 2006, the service sought to connect people who do not drive and want to travel with those who already have a vehicle and places left in the car, achieving great success. In Brazil, Blablacar only arrived in 2015.

2. Where can I use Blablacar?

Blablacar works directly from the browser, just access the site and create your registration. Alternatively, Blablacar can also be used on your mobile device, be it Android or iOS. Click the link to download it from Google Play on Android, or go to your iPhone App Store page to download it.

3. How do I hitchhike for Blablacar?

It is quite simple. Before you even register, just enter the Blablacar website and enter the place of departure, your destination and what date you want to travel. Then the site will provide a list of the drivers who will be traveling, their stopping places, price and how many seats are available in the car.

4. How do I offer a ride on Blablacar?

The process is almost as simple as getting the ride. Still on the site, click the Offer a lift button. You will then define which route you will take, the price you will charge, how many seats are available in your car and any other observations you wish to make - including whether you can make stops in other cities along the way. After publication, just wait for those interested.

5. Is it safe to use Blablacar?

Yes, but it is worth taking some precautions. Registration on the site is quick and fast, but ideally - both in search of hitchhiking and people to take - is to select users who have their documentation confirmed and a photo. If you are looking for a ride, you are also advised to ask for photos of the car to find out if it is in good condition.

6. Am I assured of a ride with Blablacar?

Yes, both private insurance and DPVAT cover all passengers in a car. We recommend that you ask the driver if your vehicle has any insurance.

7. Can I evaluate a ride or passenger?

Yes, like Uber and Airbnb, Blablacar has a mutual evaluation system. That is, you can leave a review of a race you have made that can be viewed by other users.

8. Can I take my dog ​​as a passenger?

It depends on the driver. Blablacar has a preference area in each user's profile. There, they indicate whether they accept pets, accept smokers, or have any restrictions whatsoever. The profile also has a short description about the user, which allows you to put any other type of information about you that does not appear as an option in the application.

9. I hate talking to strangers, will I have problems?

You are unlikely to have problems, as Blablacar's preference system also lets you indicate your level of extroversion. This means that you can define if you are a person who talks little, medium or if you really like a chat.

This information is available on the profile of all users, allowing you to choose the driver or passenger that best suits your manner of speaking. You can also show if you like to listen to music while traveling.

10. What can I do if something goes wrong?

If a problem occurred during the trip - such as the driver wanting to charge you an extra from outside the app or if he lied or omitted some information, for example - Blablacar has a customer service that can be triggered through the app itself. website or app. Click the link to access the Blablacar contact area.

11. Levels of experience - other assessment system

In addition to star rating systems, Blablacar also has another system based on video games. By classifying your users into 5 different experience levels - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert and Ambassador - you can measure the reliability level of each of them.

If you are starting to offer rides on the app and want to increase your score, check out below how the Blablacar tier system works:

12. Can I cancel a trip already booked?

Yes, you can cancel any seat reservations you have made in the app. Just go to the Reservations menu to view the trips you are making and cancel. But remember to also send a message to the driver informing you of your change of plans.

If you are the driver, please note that when you cancel, the vacancy cannot be published again. You will not be penalized for cancellation, but if you cancel too often, you may be blocked by Blablacar.

13. Is it possible to travel with women only?

In addition to searching manually, the Blablacar has a unique filter for women who do not feel safe traveling with male passengers or drivers. Called Just For Them, the filter will remove all male drivers and, if you are the driver, will only appear on searches made by other women.

14. Is it possible to travel internationally?

Yes, you can offer a ride for international travel, useful if you live in border regions. However, be aware of the rules for entry into the country you are traveling to and ask the passenger to keep them up to date before travel. If you found our article and were interested in offering this type of travel, be sure to check out the link to Blablacar's international travel section.

15. I am a driver, what are my responsibilities?

In the event of an accident, it is ideal that your insurance covers you and your passengers. It is also your responsibility to make contact with the insurer, decide which services to use and provide a means of bringing them to your home. Check out more details about the driver's responsibilities in case of an accident by visiting the link.

How was your first trip with Blablacar?

Now that you know the basics of getting started on the app, it's time to comment: How was your first trip on the app? Did you have any problems? Did you find the driver nice? Tell us in the comments below!

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