Question 1

What exactly is AVA?

Accepted Answer

AVA is a Swiss designated-driver app. When you can't drive — because you had a drink, took medication, are exhausted or simply prefer someone else at the wheel — a verified AVA driver comes to you and drives you home in your own car. You don't leave your car behind.

Question 2

How is the price calculated?

Accepted Answer

Fares are calculated by distance, calibrated per country against local taxi rates. AVA is always around 50% cheaper than an equivalent taxi ride in the same region. You see the exact fare before you confirm — no surge, no hidden fees.

Question 3

How does the 90/10 payment split work?

Accepted Answer

90% of the fare is paid in cash directly to the driver at the end of the ride. The remaining 10% is a donation to AVA, paid via a Swiss QR-Bill that you scan with your own banking app (Twint & Revolut deep-links also supported). Nothing goes through a card processor — your bank stays yours.

Question 4

Is it safe? How are drivers vetted?

Accepted Answer

Every AVA driver is identity-verified, holds a valid driver's licence with no recent infractions, and passes a background check before being allowed on the platform. Ride details (driver name, plate, ETA) are shown before pickup, and every trip is logged.

Question 5

Do I need a credit card?

Accepted Answer

No. AVA is intentionally card-free. You pay the driver in cash and the AVA donation via a QR-Bill scanned in your regular banking app. This keeps costs low and your financial data with your own bank.

Question 6

In which countries and cities does AVA work?

Accepted Answer

AVA launches first in Switzerland (all major cities & cantons), then progressively opens across Europe as we onboard qualified local drivers city by city. The app is designed to work worldwide once drivers are certified in each region.

Question 7

What languages does AVA speak?

Accepted Answer

The app and the public site are available in 19 languages: English, German, French, Italian, Romanian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Hindi, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, Vietnamese and Swahili.

Question 8

What if I've had too much to drink to remember my address?

Accepted Answer

You set your destination while sober — either save your home address in your profile, or share your current location and let the driver help you pick a home. If you're truly incapacitated, the driver's protocol is to contact your emergency contact rather than guess.

Question 9

What about AVA Vet, AVA Kids and AVA Silver?

Accepted Answer

AVA started for adults who had a drink, but the same principle (a trusted human at the wheel of the client's own car) applies to three more vulnerable groups: pets going to the vet (AVA Vet), children going to school or activities (AVA Kids), and seniors who need patient, assisted rides (AVA Silver). These verticals open progressively as drivers get vertical-specific certification.

Question 10

Who is behind AVA?

Accepted Answer

AVA was founded by Bogdan Tanase in Switzerland with one goal: zero alcohol — zero drugs — behind the wheel. AVA is independent and 100% self-funded; we take no commission on the driver's cash and we work with sponsors that align with our zero-impairment mission.

Everything you wondered about AVA.

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