Alternative Ride-Sharing Apps in Tulum: Save Money on Transportation

Use the Eiby app in Tulum to avoid taxi scams, airport to Hotel Zone costs 300 pesos vs 1,200+ pesos ($15 vs $60 USD) with traditional taxis. Download the WHITE version (not black, that's for drivers). Sign up with any country's phone number before arriving. No negotiation, transparent pricing in pesos. Here's how to save on transportation in Tulum.

The Problem With Tulum Taxis

If you've spent any time in Tulum, you know the taxi situation is frustrating. Standard metered taxis don't exist here, and drivers often quote outrageous prices to tourists. A ride from the airport to the Hotel Zone that should cost 300-400 pesos might be quoted at 1,200 pesos or more ($60+ USD) to unsuspecting visitors.

The good news? There are app-based alternatives that can save you significant money while providing reliable, transparent pricing. Let me share what actually works in Tulum.

The Best Alternative: Eiby App

What Is Eiby?

Eiby is a ride-sharing app designed specifically for Mexico and Latin America. It's similar to Uber and inDrive, but it's particularly popular and reliable in Tulum. The app connects you with drivers and shows transparent pricing before you confirm your ride.

Why Eiby Works So Well in Tulum

I tested Eiby on a recent trip to Tulum, and I can testify that it genuinely works. Here's what makes it stand out:

• Transparent Pricing: All fares are displayed in pesos before you book. No surprises or negotiation required.
• International Signups: You don't need a Mexican phone number. You can sign up using your country's phone number before you even arrive at the airport.
• Significant Savings: I booked a ride from Tulum Airport to my hotel in the Hotel Zone for 300 pesos. Most Western tourists at the airport were paying 1,200 pesos ($60 USD) or more for the same journey.
• Easy to Use: The app is intuitive. Just download, sign up, and you're ready to book rides immediately upon arrival.
• Available Availability: Unlike traditional taxis, you don't have to hunt for a ride. Just open the app and drivers are typically available within minutes.

Important: Download the Correct App

When setting up Eiby, make sure you download the WHITE version of the app—not the black one. The black version is for drivers only. This confusion happened to me before my trip when I downloaded both versions at home.

How Much You'll Actually Save

Let's do the math on a typical airport-to-hotel journey:

• Traditional Taxi Quote: 1,200 pesos ($60 USD)
• Eiby Price: 300 pesos ($15 USD)
• Your Savings: 900 pesos ($45 USD)

That's a 75% savings on a single ride. For a week-long trip with multiple transportation needs, you could save hundreds of dollars.

Other App-Based Alternatives

inDrive

inDrive is another popular ridesharing app that works in Tulum. Unlike traditional apps, inDrive allows you to negotiate the fare with the driver before accepting the ride. This gives you even more control over pricing. It's particularly popular in Playa del Carmen and is gaining traction in Tulum.

Uber

Uber does operate in Tulum, though availability can be spotty depending on where you are. Pricing through Uber is higher than Eiby but more consistent than traditional taxis. Use Uber if you prefer the familiarity of the platform.

When to Use Each Option

Use Eiby When:

• You're traveling on a budget and want the best prices
• You're comfortable with a lesser-known app
• You want guaranteed transparent pricing
• You're traveling during normal hours when drivers are available

Use inDrive When:

• You want to negotiate fares with drivers
• You prefer having control over the exact price
• You're in Playa del Carmen (where it's more established)

Use Traditional Taxis When:

• You need a ride in the middle of the night and apps have no drivers
• You're at a location where the app can't accurately locate you
• You're okay with negotiating and potentially overpaying

Setup Instructions for Eiby

Before Your Trip

1. Download the Eiby app (white icon, not black)
2. Create an account using your phone number (your country code is fine)
3. Add a payment method (credit/debit card)
4. Test the app to make sure it works

When You Arrive at Tulum Airport

1. Open the Eiby app
2. Enter your destination (your hotel address works perfectly)
3. View the estimated fare in pesos
4. Confirm the ride
5. Driver arrives within minutes
6. Pay through the app (no cash needed)

Pro Tips

• Have your hotel address saved in your phone before you arrive
• Make sure you have a working data plan or connect to airport WiFi before ordering
• If the app shows no drivers available, try refreshing or waiting a few minutes
• Bookmark the app on your phone home screen for easy access

What About Payment?

Eiby accepts both credit and debit cards. You set up payment when you create your account. The app charges your card for each ride, so you won't need to carry cash for transportation. This is actually safer than carrying large amounts of cash for multiple taxi rides.

The Reality Check

I'm sharing this because the information is actionable and saves travelers real money. Eiby genuinely works in Tulum, and the pricing difference is dramatic. A 300-peso ride versus a 1,200-peso ride isn't a minor savings—it's the difference between budget travel and overpaying for a basic service.

The only catch? Some tourists don't know about these apps, which is why taxis can charge such inflated prices to visitors. Drivers know they have a captive market at the airport. But armed with Eiby or inDrive, you level the playing field.

Bottom Line

If you're traveling to Tulum and want to save money on transportation, download Eiby before your trip. Seriously. A single ride from the airport will pay for any minor inconvenience of learning a new app. And once you've used it once, you'll use it for every ride during your stay.

The days of overpaying for taxis in Tulum are over—if you know about these apps.

Related Tulum Transportation Guides

• Travel Like a Local in Tulum
• Things to Do in Tulum
• Colectivo Guide
• Services in Tulum

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