Essential Travel Apps for peru

Essential Apps for Travelers in Peru

Traveling to Peru offers a rich cultural experience, but navigating daily life often requires using local apps. Many apps are not available in English, yet they are crucial for payments, transport, and communication. Below is a guide to the most important apps, along with tips for preparation and use.

Before You Arrive in Peru

Purchase a Peruvian SIM Card: Buy a SIM card at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport from providers like Entel, Claro, or Movistar. Prepaid plans include data and calling. Activate it immediately to access local apps.
Download Essential Apps: Install apps like Will, Yape, and Rappi before arrival. Some may require a local phone number for full setup, so complete registration steps once you have a Peruvian SIM card.

Top Apps for Travelers in Peru

1. Will

Language: Spanish (English not supported)
What It Does: Peru’s leading mobile payment app for QR transactions, bill payments, and peer-to-peer transfers. Widely accepted in stores and online.
How to Set Up: Register with your Peruvian phone number. Link a local bank account or credit card. Verification may require a passport or DNI.
Tips: Use the app’s QR code to pay for taxis and small purchases. Confirm merchant compatibility before paying.

2. Yape

Language: Spanish
What It Does: Interbank’s digital wallet for sending/receiving money, QR payments, and bill payments. Ideal for peer-to-peer transactions.
How to Set Up: Create an account with your Peruvian phone number. Link a bank account or credit card. Verification requires ID.
Tips: Use for splitting bills or sending money. Ensure merchants display Yape QR codes.

3. Rappi

Language: Spanish (English not supported)
What It Does: Delivery service for groceries, medicine, electronics, and errands in cities like Lima and Cusco.
How to Set Up: Create an account with your phone number. Link a credit card or local payment method (Will/Yape).
Tips: Search for “ingles” in the app for options with bilingual listings. Use for last-minute essentials.

4. Uber

Language: Available in multiple languages, including English
What It Does: Ride-hailing service in major cities. Offers cars, taxis, and motorbikes.
How to Set Up: Create an account and link a credit card. Enable location services for accurate pickups.
Tips: Use the app’s translation feature to communicate with drivers. Confirm pickup location details.

5. Google Maps

Language: Available in multiple languages, including English
What It Does: Navigation, public transport, and real-time traffic updates. Essential for exploring cities and remote areas like Machu Picchu.
How to Set Up: No setup required. Download offline maps for popular destinations (e.g., Cusco, Arequipa).
Tips: Use offline maps in areas with poor connectivity. Enable public transit routes for buses and trains.

6. Google Translate

Language: Supports Spanish and English (and other languages)
What It Does: Instant text, voice, and image translations. Vital for overcoming language barriers.
How to Set Up: Download the app and select language preferences. Save offline translation packs for Spanish-English.
Tips: Use the camera feature to translate menus or signs. Enable offline mode for disconnected areas.

7. Mercado Libre

Language: Spanish (English not supported)
What It Does: E-commerce platform for buying souvenirs, electronics, and local products. Offers fast delivery.
How to Set Up: Create an account with your email. Link a credit card or Mercado Pago for payments.
Tips: Use filters to find English-friendly sellers. Check shipping times and seller ratings before buying.

8. Pedidos Ya

Language: Spanish (limited English support)
What It Does: Food delivery app with local and international restaurants in cities like Lima and Cusco.
How to Set Up: Register with your phone number. Link a credit card or local payment method.
Tips: Search for chains like Burger King for English menus. Use delivery estimates to plan meals.

Tips for Using Apps in Peru

Local SIM Card Essentials: Buy a SIM card at the airport (Entel, Claro, Movistar) for data and app access. Prepaid plans include affordable data and calls.
Payment Setup: Register payment apps (Will, Yape) with your local number and ID. Have your passport ready for verification.
Offline Tools: Download Google Maps offline packs and translation dictionaries for areas with poor connectivity.

Conclusion

With these apps and a local SIM card, navigating Peru becomes effortless. From paying with Will to exploring with Google Maps, you’ll stay connected and immersed in the culture. Enjoy your journey through Peru’s vibrant cities and stunning landscapes!