First Off....there is no way to "not know" how much you will be charged if you READ before you start pushing buttons. If "Surge Pricing" is in effect it gives you the option to get an estimate before you request anyone. Second, you have to literally type in whatever the multiplier is for the surge pricing. If it is 8X at that moment, which is a bit outrageous, then you would have to type in "I accept 8X the standard rate" I have been in this situation many times....i usually just wait it out and the surge normally drops quickly. Sometimes BlackCar will be cheaper than UberX under surge. And there is always the other option....call a cab. Also none of the drivers work for UBER so if you get a bad driver be sure to rate the driver accordingly, they are all independent contractors. I've only had one shady driver so far and i've been using the service for over a year.