Can You Doordash Anywhere? What Dashers Need To Know

DoorDash is one of the most popular gig apps today, so it’s no wonder that many Dashers look for other ways to make money. If your area is filling up or you travel often, you may wonder, can you DoorDash anywhere?

This guide will help you understand how to take advantage of Dashing anywhere.

Can You DoorDash Anywhere?

The good news is that you can DoorDash anywhere, but only in the areas where DoorDash is available, as it’s only available in some places. However, it is currently available in 7,000 cities and all 50 states, so your odds are pretty good of being able to DoorDash in a new city if needed.

Can You DoorDash in Another State?

If you live on the border of two states or visit another state often, you might wonder if you can use DoorDash in another state.

Again, The answer is yes, but only if DoorDash operates in the city you want to Dash. In addition, there must be openings when you want to Dash in a different state. You can tell this by logging into the app and selecting the location you want to Dash.

Can You DoorDash In Any City?

Yes, just like Dashing in another state, you can Dash in another city if there’s a need for Dashers there.

Your approval to drive for DoorDash isn’t only for the city you reside in; you can Dash anywhere there is a need. This allows opportunities to make more money if other local cities have a higher demand for DoorDash deliveries.

Can You DoorDash in More Than One Time Zone?

Because you can DoorDash anywhere, you can be a delivery driver in more than one-time zone. Whether or not there is an opportunity depends on the demand in the area when you want to Dash.

Can You DoorDash From Another Country?

This is the only ‘no’ to the questions about your Dashing location. You cannot Dash in other countries if you’re a US-based Dasher. This means if you live on the border of the United States and Canada, for example, you cannot cross the border and deliver in Canada when it’s slow in the U.S.

Can You DoorDash While Traveling or on Vacation?

Taking delivery requests while traveling or on vacation is a fun and easy way to make extra money.

DoorDash doesn’t ask why you want to deliver in another state; you can deliver anywhere there is a need for Dashers, and it can be a great way to put extra money in your pocket when you’re spending more than normal while traveling.

How Do You DoorDash in Another State?

To DoorDash in another state, your GPS must show you in that state. The Dasher app should show a ‘Dash Now’ button when you are near where you want to work.

You can also tell by looking at the heat map. Any grey areas mean you cannot Dash there, but red areas are open for Dashers.

When you find an area to work in, click ‘Dash Now,’ and you’ll see a pop-up confirming you want to change your location. Just click ‘okay’ and you’re ready to start receiving delivery requests in the new area.

How To Change Your DoorDash Location

DoorDash Tips: Dash Anywhere-Change Locations Inside the App (2021)

It’s easy to change your DoorDash location, and it doesn’t require you to call customer support as long as you’re near the area you want to Dash.

Simply log into your app and look at the maps of available locations, looking for red areas, not grey. You can then click ‘Dash Now’ and start receiving orders.

If you aren’t in the location you want to Dash yet, you can click ‘Dash Along the Way,’ this lets DoorDash know you’re on your way to a new city and want to DoorDash either along the way or to receive orders instantly when you arrive.

Pros & Cons of Dashing Anywhere

There are some pros and cons to Dashing in another state. Here’s what to consider.

Pros

• You can go where the money is, working in a different city or state during their busy times to make more money
• If you live in a small town or near an area where tips are notoriously higher, you can take advantage of the greater pay
• You can earn money while traveling or even while heading to another city for the day

Cons

• You may not be familiar with a new state or city as well as your own, which may slow you down and decrease your hourly earnings
• You’ll increase your costs traveling to different markets, and since your gas, maintenance, and other vehicle fees are your responsibility, it can decrease your earnings

Tips for Driving With DoorDash Anywhere

Many Dashers enjoy Dashing in a completely new area for many reasons, including the ability to earn more money or even just to switch things up. Here are some tips to help you DoorDash in different zones:

Plan Your Dashing Location Strategically

Remember you are responsible for the cost of your car maintenance, gas, and insurance. Traveling too far can cost more money than you make, depleting your earnings.

In addition, other areas aren’t always better for Dashing. It’s important to do your research and find the busiest areas where you can make the most money and time your Dashes accordingly.

For example, a small town will likely not be your best bet, but if you can travel to a large metropolitan area, you may increase your earnings, making the travel worth it.

Use the DoorDash App’s Real-Time Data

The DoorDash app provides plenty of information to help you determine where your goal of making money will be easier.

For example, if an area has many Dashers already, look in other surrounding areas to see if there is a demand elsewhere.

Using the data to your advantage ensures you use your time wisely and decrease unnecessary costs, such as driving to an area where there isn’t any business or where DoorDash isn’t accepting Dashers.

Optimize Vehicle Efficiency & Gas Prices

Your car is your office, and since you work as your own boss, you are in charge of what you spend.

Try optimizing your vehicle efficiency by keeping up with regular car maintenance, including oil changes and tune-ups. Also, keep your tire pressure at the recommended levels and follow the speed limits to avoid excessive fuel usage.

Of course, watch gas prices or take advantage of rewards programs that pay you cashback for gas purchases.

You can also use apps like Upside to earn cash back on gas purchases, or if you belong to a warehouse club, like Sam’s Club, watch their gas prices and determine if it’s the best place to get gas. If gas is cheaper in the town or state you will travel to, strategize so you can purchase gas there.

Ensure You Meet Auto Insurance Requirements

Make sure your insurance covers any rideshare trips while out of state. Each insurance policy has different requirements, so read the fine print or talk to your insurance agent about what you can and cannot do with your current policy.

If you need to increase coverage or change your coverage options, do so before heading to another state.

Keep Track of Work Location for Tax Purposes

If you DoorDash in another state, you will likely be liable for taxes in that state. Since you are your own boss, keeping accurate records of what you earn and where you earn it is up to you.

You’ll be grateful you took the time to keep careful records when tax time comes, and you can hand over the necessary information to your accountant without stress.

Communicate With Customers

Communication is always key no matter where you DoorDash. Since you earn a flat rate from DoorDash, plus customer tips, it’s to your advantage to provide excellent customer service, including communicating with them regularly.

This is especially important if there are issues with the order or another type of delay, such as traffic, an accident, or something else holding you up. The more you can tell the customer, the happier they will be.

Prepare for Changes in Demand

Don’t assume that changing your most recent Dashing location will mean more money. Each location is different, and the demand changes frequently.

Use the app regularly to evaluate the demand in different areas to make a strategic plan so you make the most money with the least amount of travel required.

Stay Informed About Local Events

It’s a good idea to stay in the loop about local events as they can spur a higher demand in delivery requirements. Join local Facebook groups, follow the cities on Instagram, or join the Neighbor app to learn what’s happening in each area.

Where Are the Best Places To Dash?

DoorDash makes it easy to find the best places to Dash; just follow the app and look for ‘hotspots‘ indicated with a flame on the map. These are the areas in highest demand and where you can increase your earnings.

On a regular day, the best places to Dash are the areas with the most restaurants in one area. Put yourself in large metropolitan areas for the greatest chances of making money, but also pay attention to the DoorDash map to see where the highest demand is at that time.

How To Maximize Earnings When Dashing in a New Location

When Dashing in a new location, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the area. Getting lost or taking orders that take too long will decrease your hourly pay.

Instead, get to know the area and learn which orders are the best. If you know anyone who dashes, ask them about the best places to position yourself.

In addition, do the following:

• Always use your GPS for the best routes
• Provide excellent customer service
• Start slowly so you don’t overwhelm yourself

FAQs

Why Can’t I Change My Location on DoorDash?

There may be a few reasons you can’t change your location on DoorDash, including there isn’t a need for Dashers in that area, you are trying to Dash outside the country borders, or DoorDash doesn’t operate in the city you’re trying to change it to.

Can I Schedule My Dashing Hours in Advance for a New Location?

If there is a need for Dashers in the area you’re looking for, you can schedule your Dashes ahead of time. This ensures you’ll get orders much easier because you’re already booked for the shift rather than trying to book on demand.

How Does DoorDash Determine Service Areas in Different Cities?

DoorDash uses an algorithm to determine the demand in each area, and that’s how they create the map that shows Dashers if there is a need for more delivery people or if the area is full.

Is There a Limit to the Number of Different Locations I Can Dash in Within a Certain Time Frame?

DoorDash doesn’t limit the number of locations you deliver. However, if there isn’t a need for more Dashers in the area you want to deliver, they may decline your request.

Can Dashers Handle Deliveries in Multiple Locations Simultaneously Using the DoorDash App?

It’s not humanly possible to handle deliveries in multiple locations with DoorDash. Because the work requires you to be in person to pick up and deliver the food, you should only work one locale at a time.

The Bottom Line

If you are a Dasher, take advantage of being able to make money anywhere.

Whether this means you travel to other cities or states nearby to increase your earnings during certain times or you work while traveling, the opportunity is there.

The key is to ensure you can provide excellent customer service and don’t incur excessive fees that would deplete your earnings.