Uber Rebuilds Asia Presence Starting Small in Macau
Photo Credit: Uber taxi service in Macau. Uber
Skift Take
With the Macau entry, Uber is making its way back into Asia. But it is moving slowly. And this time, it is sticking to the rules.
Uber on Tuesday began offering taxi bookings in Macau, the Chinese territory best known for its casinos and tourism, marking the company's return to the Asian market.
The move is a cautious return to the region after Uber’s high-profile exits from mainland China and Southeast Asia. But the company will not be offering a ride-hailing model that once put it at odds with regulators.
In Macau, Uber will be serving as a booking and payment platform for licensed taxis, not a private ride service.
“What’s changed is our approach,” an Uber spokesperson told Skift. “Today, we operate through fully licensed models built on local partnerships and close engagement with authorities.”
A Costly ExitUber first entered Macau in 2015. At the time, local rules did not allow private ride-hailing services. During its short run, Uber drivers incurred fines of more than MOP 10 million ($1.24 million). Less than two years later, in 2017, Uber shut d
