Maybe not being able to use Uber isn't the downside you think it is though. UK centric view but call a cab and pay in cash, you haven't comprimised your security and you're not engaging with an unethical business.

Well, you still might engage with an unethical business, but at least the chance goes from 100% to somewhere between 0% and 100%.

I've run into my share of scammy taxi drivers.