Essential Travel Apps for chile

Essential Apps for Travelers in Chile

Traveling to Chile offers a rich cultural and outdoor experience, but navigating daily life often requires using local apps. Many apps here are Spanish-only, but they’re crucial for payments, transport, and more. Below is a guide to the most important apps, along with tips for preparation and use.

Before You Arrive in Chile

Purchase a Chilean SIM Card: SIM cards are easily available at airports like Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benítez. Providers such as Entel, Claro, or Movistar offer prepaid plans. Activate them immediately to download apps requiring local numbers.
Download Essential Apps: Some apps like Mercado Pago or Rappi may need a Chilean phone number. Download others (e.g., Google Maps) beforehand. Ensure your device has a Chilean SIM for full functionality.

Top Apps for Travelers in Chile

1. Mercado Pago (Mercado Pago)

Language: Spanish (English available in settings)
What It Does: Chile’s leading digital wallet for payments, QR code transactions, and bill payments. Used widely in stores, restaurants, and online.
How to Set Up: Register with a Chilean phone number. Link a credit/debit card or bank account for top-ups. Scan QR codes to pay.

2. Rappi (Rappi)

Language: Spanish (limited English features)
What It Does: A super app for delivery of groceries, pharmacy items, electronics, and even services like appliance repairs. Also offers Rappi Express for quick deliveries.
How to Set Up: Create an account with your phone number. Add payment methods (credit/debit cards or Mercado Pago). Use filters to find English-friendly listings.

3. Cabify (Cabify)

Language: Spanish/English toggle available
What It Does: Ride-hailing service in major cities like Santiago and Valparaíso. Offers cars, taxis, and motorbikes. Tracks drivers in real time.
How to Use: Link a payment method (credit card or Mercado Pago). Set pickup/drop-off locations. Confirm rides via app notifications.

4. Google Maps (Google Maps)

Language: Multilingual (set to English/Spanish)
What It Does: Reliable navigation with public transport routes, traffic updates, and local business info. Covers both urban and remote areas.
Tips: Download offline maps for regions with poor connectivity, like national parks. Use “Explore” to find restaurants and attractions.

5. Billetera Municipal (Billetera Municipal)

Language: Spanish
What It Does: Manages the Transantiago public transport card in Santiago. Top up balances, check card status, and view travel history.
How to Set Up: Link your Transantiago card (available at kiosks). Use the app to add funds via Mercado Pago or bank transfers.

6. Pedidos Ya (Pedidos Ya)

Language: Spanish
What It Does: Food delivery app with a vast selection of restaurants. Offers discounts and real-time order tracking.
Tips: Search for international chains (e.g., Pizza Hut) for English menus. Use the “Delivery” filter for availability.

7. Tu Ruta (Tu Ruta)

Language: Spanish
What It Does: Provides real-time schedules and routes for Santiago’s Transantiago buses and metro. Avoids guessing arrival times.
Tips: Save frequent routes. Check “Next Buses” for estimated wait times.

8. BancoEstado (BancoEstado)

Language: Spanish
What It Does: Chile’s state bank app for checking balances, transferring money, and paying bills. Widely used for financial transactions.
How to Set Up: Requires a Chilean bank account. Tourists can use it for transfers linked to Mercado Pago.

9. Google Translate (Google Translate)

Language: Multilingual (Spanish ↔ English)
What It Does: Instant translation for text, voice, and images. Vital for overcoming language barriers with locals.
Tips: Download offline language packs for Spanish. Use camera mode to translate menus or signs.

Tips for Using Apps in Chile

No Need for a VPN: Chile’s internet is unrestricted. Major global apps (Google, Facebook) work without a VPN.
Cash vs. Digital: While digital payments dominate cities, small towns still use cash. Carry small bills for markets and rural areas.
Language Settings: Adjust app languages to English where possible. Use Google Translate for app navigation if needed.

Conclusion

These apps simplify travel in Chile, from paying with Mercado Pago to navigating with Google Maps. A local SIM card is essential for seamless app usage. Embrace the digital ecosystem to explore everything from Santiago’s metro to Patagonian trails with confidence!