Many foreigners coming to Poland are looking for a simple and quick way to start earning money without lengthy paperwork and language skills. Most often, the choice comes down to two options - taxi or delivery. These areas are available almost immediately, allow you to work on a flexible schedule, and give you the opportunity to earn a stable income in the first weeks.
Courier or taxi driver - what is the difference between these professions
At first glance, a courier and a taxi driver may seem like similar professions, as they both spend most of their working time driving and moving around the city. However, the essence of their work is significantly different.
A courier is primarily engaged in the delivery of food, documents, or parcels from a sender to a recipient. Their responsibilities include ensuring the safety of the cargo, meeting delivery deadlines, and being able to plan a route efficiently to fulfill multiple orders in one trip.
A taxi driver, on the other hand, is focused on transporting people. Their task is to deliver passengers to the right place safely and comfortably, taking into account the traffic situation and the wishes of customers. Unlike a courier, interaction with people is a key part of the job, and the ability to communicate politely and correctly is an important skill.
Formal requirements also differ. A taxi driver is subject to stricter standards and licensing, as he is responsible for the safety of passengers. A courier works more autonomously, where speed, city orientation, and endurance play a key role.
Therefore, when choosing between delivery and a taxi, a person actually decides what is closer to him or her - active work "on the move" or more comfortable but more responsible work in a car.
What are the salaries of a driver and courier?
Income is one of the key factors when choosing between taxi and delivery in Poland. In both areas, earnings are not fixed and depend on the number of hours worked, the city, demand, and the chosen platform.
Taxi drivers in popular services such as Uber, Bolt, and Free Now earn an average of PLN 2000 to 5000 per week. If you work 5-6 days a week, this can bring you up to PLN 6500 per month or more, especially in large cities with high demand and higher fares.
The driver's income is affected:
- working hours - night shifts and weekends are paid higher;
- odds and bonuses from platforms;
- driver rating and the number of orders accepted.
Couriers working for Glovo, Uber Eats, or Bolt Food usually get paid for each order they fulfill or on an hourly basis. The average income is approximately PLN 40-45 per hour (excluding taxes), although in times of high demand it can increase to PLN 50-85.
If we compare delivery and taxis, in the short term, a courier may earn less, but with active work and the choice of peak hours, the difference is significantly reduced. In addition, couriers can work with several apps at the same time, which allows them to increase the number of orders and total income.
It is important to take into account platform commissions. In taxis, they usually amount to about 20-30% of the cost of the trip, and in delivery, they are about 15-30% of the order. This directly affects your net income, so when choosing, you should evaluate not only your total earnings, but also how much remains after all expenses.
In summary, taxiing is more likely to generate higher potential income, but requires more time, experience, and investment. Delivery, on the other hand, provides a more predictable income with lower risks, making it attractive to beginners and those looking for a part-time job.
Taxi and courier costs and expenses
When comparing delivery and taxis, it's important to consider not only income but also expenses. The driver's expenses are much higher.
The main expenses of a taxi driver:
- fuel - up to PLN 2000 per month;
- car rental - up to PLN 2000;
- insurance, maintenance, and depreciation;
- the platform's commission is about 20-30%.
A courier has much lower expenses. If you work on a bicycle, they are practically non-existent. Even when using a scooter or scooter, the costs are limited to charging or low fuel consumption.
Therefore, if you consider delivery or taxi in terms of net profit, delivery at the start can be more profitable due to minimal investment.
Advantages of working in a taxi
Working as a taxi driver through popular apps has a number of important advantages:
- flexible schedule and income control - you choose when and how much you work;
- Stable demand - orders are available at any time of the day, especially in large cities;
- higher tariffs at night and on weekends;
- quick start - you can start working almost immediately if you have a car and documents;
- comfortable conditions - work in the car regardless of the weather;
- bonuses and promotions from platforms or partners.
In addition, many people choose taxis because of the opportunity to communicate with people and practice Polish.
Advantages of working in delivery
Courier work is attractive primarily because of the ease of starting. You don't need a license or driver's license to get started.
Main advantages:
- minimal investments;
- the ability to work without a car;
- Stable demand - there are always orders, especially in large cities;
- Flexible schedule - easy to combine with studies or other work;
- low entry threshold and quick start;
- the ability to work on several platforms at once;
- physical activity - cycling or walking helps to stay fit.
Therefore, for many people, the choice between delivery and taxi is initially inclined to delivery, especially if they need to start earning money quickly.
Which is better: delivery or taxi for a beginner
In the end, it all depends on your capabilities. If you've just moved, don't have a car, or are still processing paperwork, the easiest way to start is with delivery. This will allow you to quickly earn your first income and adapt. At the same time, you should keep in mind that courier work requires endurance and readiness to work in any weather.
Working in a taxi requires more investment and training, but can bring higher income in the long run. It is more suitable for those who value comfort and want to earn more in the long run.
That's why the question of "delivery or taxi for a beginner" is most often resolved in favor of delivery, after which some drivers switch to taxis.
Comparison of work in a taxi and delivery
Before you finally decide whether to choose a taxi or a delivery service, you should compare the key parameters:
| Parameter | Taxi | Delivery |
| Entry threshold | High | Low |
| Required documents | Driver's license, license, medical certificates | Minimum package |
| Average income | Net income per month: 5 000 - 8 000 PLN. Active drivers (10-12 hours/day): up to PLN 9,000 - 11,000. Part-time work: 2,500 - 4,000 PLN | Net income per month: 3 500 - 6 000 PLN. Top couriers (peak hours): up to PLN 7,000 - 8,500. Part-time work: 1,500 - 2,500 PLN |
| Costs. | High (fuel, repairs, insurance) | Low |
| Physical activity | Low | High |
| Starting speed | Up to several weeks | 1-2 days |
In other words, delivery or taxi is a choice between a quick start and higher income potential.
Who is suitable for courier work and who is suitable for taxi
Working in a taxi is about endurance, knowledge of the city, and the ability to communicate with people.
Who it will suit:
- experienced drivers who feel confident in urban traffic (Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw);
- owners of comfortable cars (for example, Toyota Prius or Corolla) or those who are ready to invest in a car or lease;
- people with legal status and a full package of documents;
- those who seek to maximize their income;
- those who are comfortable working with passengers.
Courier delivery is about dynamics and a low entry threshold. There is less responsibility for people, but more physical activity.
Who it suits:
- students (in Poland, students under 26 are exempt from tax, so they receive almost all of their income "in hand");
- people without a car;
- those who want to get started quickly;
- those who appreciate a flexible schedule (you can work even 1-2 hours a day).
Therefore, the question "taxi or delivery" does not have a universal answer - both options are flexible, and it is often worth trying both.
Taxi and delivery: how to start working with Qiwi Partner
Company. Qiwi Partner helps foreigners start working in Poland without complicated bureaucracy. You get access to popular platforms and help with all the necessary documents.
Main advantages:
- start of work in 24-48 hours;
- assistance with licenses;
- the possibility of renting a car, bicycle, or scooter;
- payments on a daily or weekly basis;
- income from PLN 50/hour for drivers and from PLN 35/hour for couriers.
This is a convenient solution for those who have not yet decided whether to choose delivery or taxi and want to test both options without taking any big risks. Qiwi Partner takes care of all organizational issues, allowing you to focus on earning money.
