Essential Travel Apps for argentina

Essential Apps for Travelers in Argentina

Traveling to Argentina offers rich experiences, but using local apps simplifies daily tasks like payments, transportation, and communication. Many apps are available internationally but best utilized with a local SIM card. Here’s your guide to indispensable apps and pre-trip prep.

Before You Arrive in Argentina

Purchase a Local SIM Card: Get one at the airport or in cities for affordable data plans (e.g., Claro, Personal, Movistar). A local number ensures app confirmations and rides via platforms requiring SMS.
Download Pre-Travel Apps: Install apps like Google Maps and Mercado Pago abroad. Some apps needing a local number (e.g., Uber) can wait until you arrive.

Top Apps for Travelers in Argentina

1. Mercado Pago

Language: Spanish (English available with settings adjustments)
What It Does: Argentina’s primary mobile payment platform for stores, taxis, and online purchases. Essential for cashless transactions.
How to Set Up: Create an account via email/phone. Link a debit/credit card or bank account to add funds.
Tips: Use “Agendar Pago” for quick scans at restaurants. Merchants often prefer Pago QR (scan the user’s code, not the machine’s).

2. Rappi

Language: Spanish (English limited in features)
What It Does: Order groceries, electronics, and even “por recoger” (pick-up) items. Delivery is available in most cities.
How to Set Up: Create an account and register your hotel/street address. Link to Mercado Pago or credit card for payments.
Tips: Search by product name in Spanish (e.g., “arroz” for rice). Delivery times vary; order early.

3. Pedidos Ya

Language: Spanish (partial English support)
What It Does: Food delivery from local and international restaurants in major cities like Buenos Aires and Mendoza.
How to Set Up: Sign up with your email/phone. Use English name searches for well-known chains (e.g., McDonald’s).
Tips: Filter by “English-friendly” restaurants in settings if available. Confirm portion sizes via photos.

4. Uber

Language: Spanish/English switchable
What It Does: Ride-hailing service in urban areas (e.g., BA, Córdoba, Rosario). Great for organized traffic routes and metered pricing.
How to Set Up: Download app, sign in, and connect a credit card. Ensure “MODO TURISTA” is selected if possible in settings.
Tips: Share your route ETA via in-app sharing. Carry printed receipts for clarification.

5. Buser

Language: Spanish (basic English options)
What It Does: Affordable intercity buses between Argentine cities (e.g., BA to Iguazú Falls). Search comfort classes and discounts.
How to Set Up: Create an account before travel. Book seats in advance and print e-tickets.
Tips: Check “llega” alerts to confirm on-time departures. Use “poltrona” system to track seat numbers.

6. Google Maps

Language: Spanish/English settings
What It Does: Navigation for roads and public transit. Best for rural Argentina and calculating taxi costs.
How to Set Up: Download offline maps of Patagonia, the Lake District, or Iguazú. Save historic sites and palcos (stadiums).
Tips: Enable “Puntos de Interés” in filter settings. Share location with drivers via “Share live location.”

7. Mercado Libre

Language: Spanish (multilingual search via app filter)
What It Does: Buy souvenirs, camping gear, or electronics from Argentina’s largest marketplace. No vacationer? Use “Mercadoenvíos” for delivery.
How to Set Up: Create an account before arrival to search listings. Pay via Mercado Pago or credit card.
Tips: Watch reviews and shop during 24 Horas campaigns for discounts. Half carga edad items may need pickup.

8. WhatsApp

Language: Multilingual app settings
What It Does: Essential for messaging, voice calls, and group chats. Use to arrange hostels or communicate with guides.
How to Set Up: Register with your local number. Add travel companions and exchange emergency contacts via app.
Tips: Use emoji-based dictionaries to bridge language gaps. Backup chats to Google Drive if offline.

9. Google Translate

Language: Spanish/English + many others
What It Does: Translation tool with real-time camera, text, and voice functions. Suits restaurant menus, signs, and negotiations.
How to Set Up: Download localized language packs (e.g., Spanish-English) offline. Pair with the Go app for space savings.
Tips: Use the “Save” feature in History to store common phrases. Keep hold of your passport to translate bureaucratic forms later.

Tips for Using Apps in Argentina

Offline Readiness: Load maps and translations for remote areas before traveling. Internet can be spotty in national parks.
Cash Alternatives: Carry small bills for markets and rural towns. Most urban businesses accept Mercado Pago.
Stay Connected: Buy a prepaid SIM card upon arrival (e.g., 5GB for ~ARS 500). Avoid 3G – opt for a 4G plan.
Language Adaptation: Learn “por favor” and “gracias” to soften interactions. Menu items may appear in the app’s Spanish only.

Conclusion

Argentina’s apps open doors to seamless travel—from paying for empanadas with Mercado Pago to navigating tango festivals with Buses and Google Maps. A local SIM card unlocks it all, ensuring you’re never cut off from the pampas, the crowds, or the pavement.