Sometimes you just really need a ride right now and there are many situations in which a taxi cab is the right option. But if you’ve ever been stood up by a taxi, delivered to your destination too late, or had a harrowing ride in a dirty vehicle, then you may want to try the car service alternative Uber.

Uber lets you use your iPhone or Android (or just go online) to order up a sleek black towncar (driven by a professional driver, of course) to your location on demand. Place the order for the car and track its progress on your phone. No more wondering how much longer until the taxi arrives. Payment is streamlined, too: when you create an account with Uber, you place a credit card on file. Then, when your ride is complete, Uber automatically bills the card on file and there’s no need to tip. No fuss, no muss. At the end of your ride, rate your driver. And make sure you are friendly – they will rate you, too!

Uber currently operates in most major cities in the U.S., including Seattle. And the best part – they are expanding in many major cities all over the globe. So you can use Uber on your vacation to Amsterdam, Berlin, London, and even Sydney and Singapore.

Tell us: have you used Uber? What was your experience?