Essential Travel Apps for colombia

Essential Apps for Travelers in Colombia

Traveling to Colombia can be an incredible experience, but navigating daily life there often requires using local apps. Many of these apps are not available in English, but they are indispensable for making payments, finding restaurants, translating text, and more. Below is a guide to the most important apps you'll need, along with tips on how to prepare before and after arriving.

Before You Arrive in Colombia

Purchase a Colombian SIM Card: Buy a SIM card at major airports from providers like Movistar, Claro, or Tigo. These SIMs come with data plans, and airport staff can help activate them. A local number is essential for registering payment and delivery apps.
Download Essential Apps: Some apps like Daviplata and Nequi require a Colombian phone number. Download them once you have local service. International apps like Uber and Rappi are available globally but may need a local phone number for full functionality.

Top Apps for Travelers in Colombia

1. Daviplata (Daviplata)

Language: Spanish (English partially supported in some features)
What It Does: Colombia's leading mobile payment platform. Use it to pay at stores, transfer money, pay bills, and even top up prepaid SIM cards.
How to Set Up: Register with your Colombian phone number and ID. Link a bank account or load cash at ATMs labeled "Daviplata" for instant access.
Tips: Scan QR codes at checkout. Set up the app before leaving the airport to avoid delays.

2. Nequi

Language: Spanish (English partially supported)
What It Does: A Bancolombia-owned app for digital payments, money transfers, and bill payments. Offers features like QR code scanning and peer-to-peer transactions.
How to Set Up: Register with your phone number and ID. Fund your account via bank transfer or ATM deposits.
Tips: Use the "Nequi Express" feature for quick cash withdrawals at participating ATMs.

3. Uber

Language: Spanish (English partially supported)
What It Does: Ride-hailing service available in major cities. Book cars, track drivers, and pay via the app using Daviplata or Nequi.
How to Set Up: Create an account with your Colombian number. Link a payment method and enable ride notifications.
Tips: Use the app's translation feature to communicate with drivers who may not speak English.

4. Cabify

Language: Spanish (English partially supported)
What It Does: Competitor to Uber, offering ride-hailing services with similar features. Often has better coverage in smaller cities.
How to Set Up: Register with your phone number. Link payment methods or use cash for rides if preferred.
Tips: Compare prices with Uber to find the best deal in your destination.

5. Rappi

Language: Spanish (English partially supported)
What It Does: Delivery app for groceries, pharmacy items, electronics, and food. Offers same-day delivery to hotels or addresses.
How to Set Up: Create an account with your phone number. Link a payment method for purchases.
Tips: Use filters to search for English-friendly products or restaurants. Delivery fees vary by city.

6. Pedidos Ya

Language: Spanish (English not supported)
What It Does: Food delivery platform connecting travelers to local restaurants. Ideal for finding authentic Colombian cuisine.
How to Set Up: Download the app and register with your phone number. Use Google Translate to navigate menus.
Tips: Look for international chains like McDonald's or Subway for English menus and predictable options.

7. MercadoLibre (Mercado Libre)

Language: Spanish (English not supported)
What It Does: Colombia's largest e-commerce platform. Buy souvenirs, electronics, and household items with fast delivery options.
How to Set Up: Create an account with your phone. Use Google Translate to search for products.
Tips: Check seller ratings and shipping times. Items can often be delivered to your hotel.

8. Google Translate

Language: Multiple languages (includes Spanish-English)
What It Does: Real-time translation tool for text, voice, and images. Vital for understanding menus, signs, and conversations.
How to Set Up: Download the app and enable offline Spanish-English packs in advance.
Tips: Use the camera feature to translate street signs or restaurant menus instantly.

9. Zona Viva

Language: Spanish (English not supported)
What It Does: Social platform for restaurant reviews, event listings, and nightlife recommendations in major cities like Bogotá and Medellín.
How to Set Up: Download the app and search for locations in Spanish. Use images to identify popular spots.
Tips: Filter by "Top Rated" or "Trending" to find local favorites. Check event calendars for festivals and concerts.

Tips for Using Apps in Colombia

Language Barriers: Most apps are in Spanish. Use Google Translate or phrasebooks to navigate menus and instructions.
Cash vs. Digital: Urban areas rely heavily on mobile payments. Carry cash for smaller towns or unregistered vendors.
Offline Mode: Download Google Maps and Rappi's offline delivery maps to avoid data costs in remote areas.
Safety First: Verify driver ratings on Uber/Cabify and confirm delivery addresses with Rappi/Pedidos Ya to avoid scams.

Conclusion

With these apps and a local SIM card, Colombia's vibrant culture and daily life become accessible to travelers. From paying with Daviplata to discovering hidden gems via Zona Viva, these tools will help you explore confidently. Remember: a Colombian phone number is key to unlocking many apps, so activate your SIM as soon as you arrive!