Best Apps for Travelers & Digital Nomads in Latin America
- Elky Ramirez
- Oct 28
- 10 min read
Whether you’re settling into a new city for a few months or just passing through, having the right apps on your phone can make life in Latin America so much easier. From finding housing and coworking spaces to staying safe, ordering food, or making local friends — these tools are the digital essentials you’ll actually use day to day.
Below is a list of the most practical and community-tested apps (plus a few local hacks) to help you navigate travel, work, and daily life like a pro.
1. WhatsApp — The Ultimate Latin America App
If you only download one app before arriving, make it WhatsApp.
Everything and I mean everything — happens here: housing inquiries, event invites, local deals, even doctor appointments. WhatsApp isn’t just for messaging it’s how locals and travelers alike stay connected.
✨ Join our local WhatsApp networks to plug into trusted communities, housing leads, events, and insider info.
✅ Pro Tip: Create lists in WhatsApp (like “Housing,” “Events,” or “Transport”) to stay organized — especially if you’re in multiple local groups.
2. Accommodation & Housing Apps
Airbnb — Great for short stays or scouting neighborhoods before committing.
Booking.com — Reliable for hotels, hostels, or last-minute deals.
WhatsApp & Facebook Groups — For long-term or furnished housing, skip agencies and go straight to the community. Locals often post rentals and sublets directly in groups.
💬 You can ask directly in our WhatsApp communities for housing recommendations, available rooms, or landlord contacts.
✅ Pro Tip: Always ask for a quick video call before sending deposits — rental scams are common across Latin America.
3. Transportation & Getting Around
Google Maps & Moovit — For public transport routes, walking paths, and offline navigation.
Uber: The most widespread and internationally familiar option.
While it has faced some regulatory challenges, Uber remains the default choice for reliability and service consistency across large cities in countries like Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. It's the standard for using your foreign credit card.
Get 80% OFF first 3 Uber trips: https://referrals.uber.com/refer?id=w4rptauy461m
DiDi: The aggressive challenger known for competitive pricing.
Originally from China, DiDi is a dominant force in key markets like Mexico and Brazil (where it owns the local app 99). DiDi often undercuts Uber on price and has rapidly expanded its offerings to include food delivery and financial services.
inDrive: (formerly inDriver): The negotiation-based option, excellent for price-sensitive travelers. This app's unique feature allows the user to propose a fare, which drivers can then accept, decline, or counter-offer. It is extremely popular in countries like Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador, and can result in significant savings, particularly when paying in cash.
Cabify: The premium option focused on quality and clear pricing. Known for its focus on driver quality, vehicle standards, and a dedication to fixed, transparent pricing (avoiding surge pricing), Cabify is a strong player in Spain and large South American cities in countries like Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.
Also research local, city-specific rideshare apps many cities have smaller, local platforms that travelers often overlook. These can sometimes be cheaper or more reliable than the big international apps.
If ride apps aren’t available, check local WhatsApp or Facebook groups many travelers and locals offer verified rides between popular destinations.
✅ Pro Tip: Always confirm whether tolls are included in your fare — in some regions, drivers expect passengers to cover them separately.
4. Money & Payments
Wise (formerly TransferWise): Wise is the gold standard for global travelers due to its commitment to the true exchange rate and transparent fees.
Mid-Market Exchange Rate: Wise uses the real, mid-market rate—the one banks use to trade among themselves—which is almost always better than the rate offered by traditional banks or airport exchange kiosks.
Multi-Currency Account & Card: Open an account to hold and convert over 40 different currencies. You can convert money to a local currency, like Mexican Pesos (MXN) or Colombian Pesos (COP), before you spend it.
Low, Transparent Fees: Charges low, clear fees for currency conversions and international transfers (remittances).
ATM Withdrawals: The Wise debit card offers a certain amount of free ATM withdrawals monthly (up to a specific limit), though be aware that local ATM operators may charge their own separate access fees.
Remitly (Best for Transfers/Remittances): If your primary need is to receive or send international money transfers quickly and affordably, Remitly is a strong, reliable contender.
Flexible Delivery Options: Known for its speed and flexibility, offering options like direct bank deposits, money transfers to mobile wallets, and easy cash pickup at partner locations (often essential in developing countries).
Fast Service: Provides a choice between an "Express" transfer option (faster but slightly higher fee) and an "Economy" option (slower but lower fee).
Revolut: A powerful, mobile-first banking alternative, Revolut is a popular European challenger that provides robust features for a travel-heavy lifestyle.
Competitive Exchange Rates: Offers competitive interbank rates for spending in over 150 currencies.
Travel-Centric Features: Includes budgeting and analytics tools, optional travel insurance, and even airport lounge access on premium plans.
Multi-Currency Travel Card: Functions as a prepaid debit card you can top up instantly from your primary bank account.
⚠️ Before relying on Revolut, confirm its services are available in your destination. Revolut is currently not supported in all Latin American countries (e.g., Nicaragua or Venezuela).
Regional and specialized apps
Mercado Pago: As the digital payment arm of Mercado Libre, this app is widely used throughout Latin America, including Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil.
E-commerce integration: It allows travelers to pay for goods and services online on the popular Mercado Libre marketplace.
QR code payments: Many local merchants, from small vendors to larger retailers, accept QR code payments through the Mercado Pago app.
Local acceptance: For tourists, having access to a locally dominant payment app can be a useful backup for smaller, cash-focused merchants.
Global66: This Chilean fintech is focused on international payments within Latin America and beyond.
Multi-currency account: You can hold balances in multiple currencies and transfer instantly to other Global66 users for free.
Physical and virtual card: It offers a physical and digital card for travelers, available in countries like Chile, Colombia, and Peru.
DolarApp: This app simplifies transactions for travelers in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil by providing access to digital U.S. dollars.
Hedging against volatility: For travelers concerned about the volatility of local currencies, DolarApp allows you to store money in digital dollars (USDC), which is a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar.
DolarCard (Mastercard): A linked Mastercard can be used for payments anywhere in the world, with conversions based on competitive rates.
Xe: While primarily a currency exchange rate and money transfer app, Xe is indispensable for travelers who need to track currency pairs and international transfer rates. It also offers low fees for transfers.
For budgeting and expense tracking
TravelSpend: This app is designed specifically for tracking expenses while traveling. It works offline and allows you to track spending in any currency, with automatic conversions to your home currency. You can also use it to split expenses with travel companions.
Tips for travelers in Latin America
Carry cash: While digital payments are increasingly common, smaller shops, remote areas, and taxis may still only accept cash. It is always wise to carry some local currency.
Choose to pay in the local currency: When paying with a credit or debit card, opt to be charged in the local currency. This allows your bank or travel card to handle the currency conversion, which usually offers a better exchange rate than the local merchant or ATM.
Use ATMs inside banks: For cash withdrawals, use ATMs located inside or adjacent to bank branches. This is generally safer and reduces the risk of tampering.
Food Delivery & Local Eats
Food delivery is a lifesaver for travelers, nomads, or anyone working remotely in Latin America. App availability varies by country and city, so it’s good to know your options ahead of time.
Top Apps Across Latin America
Rappi: A “super-app” from Colombia. Food, groceries, pharmacy items, and more. Available in multiple countries.
iFood: Popular in Brazil, but expanding into other regions.
PedidosYa: Strong presence in several latin american countries.
DiDi Food: Growing quickly, especially in Mexico and Colombia.
Discount on your first order: https://d.didiglobal.com/28zZprp
Uber Eats: Widely available in many cities; familiar interface for international travelers.
Traveler Tips
Check coverage: Availability and restaurant selection vary by city.
Use local favorites: Local apps often have better selection, pricing, and faster service.
Card compatibility: Make sure the app supports international credit cards. Some only accept local cards or cash.
Address accuracy: Double-check your delivery address, use map pins in the app, and consider adding building numbers or landmarks.
Language help: Apps may be in Spanish or Portuguese; Google Translate or Google Lens can help navigate menus.
Cash & tipping: Not all apps accept cards; keep cash handy. Tipping in local currency is appreciated.
🍽️ Members in our WhatsApp communities often share real-time recommendations for the fastest, best-quality deliveries and restaurants.
✅ Pro Tip: For repeat orders, save addresses, favorite restaurants, and payment methods in the app. This makes ordering faster when you’re busy or working remotely.
6. Coworking & Remote Work
Finding reliable Wi-Fi and a focused workspace is non-negotiable for remote workers. Instead of relying on a single app, use this three-pronged approach for success in any Latin American city:
Strategy 1: The Local Ecosystem (Apps & Maps)
Google Maps & Google Search: This is your primary tool. Search "coworking near me" or "cafe with Wi-Fi" + your city. Crucially, check the user-submitted photos and reviews for mention of reliable download/upload speeds, number of power outlets, and clear operating hours.
Workfrom (or similar): Use specialized platforms to filter locations by amenities like reliable power, quiet zones, and private meeting rooms, confirming that they suit your specific work style.
Strategy 2: The Social Network (High-Value Intel)
WhatsApp & Telegram Communities: The best way to get real-time, verified workspace information. Join local digital nomad or expat groups, as members frequently share:
Day Passes: Discount codes or deals for coworking spaces.
Reliable Cafes: Recommendations for cafes with tested, high-speed internet (often a lifeline when primary Wi-Fi fails).
Meetups: Opportunities for accountability and social networking.
Strategy 3: Always Have a Backup
Mobile Hotspot: Never rely on one source. Ensure your local SIM card (from providers like Claro or Tigo) includes a data plan strong enough to act as a personal hotspot in case of a city-wide outage or a space's Wi-Fi failure.
💬 Our WhatsApp networks often share coworking recommendations, day passes, and where to find reliable Wi-Fi cafes.
7. Language & Integration
Real-Time Translation & Quick Lookups
Google Translate — Best for Visual & Offline. Works offline (download your language packs!) for quick word lookups, and is unbeatable for camera translation of menus, signs, and physical text.
Microsoft Translator — A strong alternative to Google, offering real-time group conversation features for multiple people speaking different languages in a single conversation.
Advanced Translation & Conversational Practice (Requires Connection)
Gemini / ChatGPT — Best for Contextual & Natural Translation. Use these for translating long-form messages, emails, or complex sentences. They provide more natural, idiomatic, and culturally appropriate translations than traditional apps.
Prompting Power: Ask it to "Translate this sentence into the most natural-sounding Spanish for a casual conversation," or "How would a local phrase this polite request in Portuguese?"
Langua / Pingo AI — Dedicated AI language apps that provide sophisticated, adaptive conversations that feel more natural than traditional apps, plus detailed feedback on grammar and pronunciation.
Apps for Skill Building & Local Connection
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8. Safety & Local Info
Offline Navigation & Exploration
Primary Use: Pure offline vector maps.
Best For: Finding walking/hiking trails, small roads, and non-street routes where cell service is non-existent.
Pro Tip: Download entire regions and country packs before you leave strong Wi-Fi.
Primary Use: General navigation, business hours, and public transport directions.
Best For: Creating and using Saved Lists of your favorite coffee shops, essential services (hospitals, pharmacies), and key addresses, which remain accessible offline.
Note: You must proactively download the map area in the app settings for offline use.
Primary Use: Detailed outdoor and trail-specific maps.
Best For: Serious hiking, cycling, and running outside of urban centers. These apps offer topographical data, elevation profiles, and community-verified trail conditions.
Trip Organization & Document Backup
Primary Use: Automated itinerary builder and travel logistics hub.
Best For: Forwarding flight, hotel, and car confirmation emails to instantly create a single, unified itinerary. All plans are viewable offline.
Key Action: Store copies of your passport, visa, and essential contact details within the app for quick, offline access.
Primary Use: Secure cloud storage for critical documents.
Best For: Maintaining a master folder with scanned backups of passports, driver's licenses, travel insurance policy, and vaccination records.
Safety Precaution: Ensure all vital files are marked for offline download so you can access them without internet access in an emergency.
Real-Time Local Intelligence
Primary Use: Hyper-local, community-driven safety and logistical alerts.
Best For: Joining local Digital Nomad, Expat, or Neighborhood groups. This is the fastest way to get updates on recent petty crime, road closures, recommended services, or area-specific tips.
Value: This real-time, ground-level information is often more relevant and current than official news.
Primary Use: Data-driven city vetting and research.
Best For: Checking crowd-sourced, up-to-date scores on city safety, air quality, internet speed, and local cost of living before you decide on a new base.
Primary Use: Navigation with a focus on real-time driver alerts.
Best For: Getting around via rental car or rideshare. It offers community-reported alerts for traffic jams, road hazards, speed traps, and police presence, which can indicate current activity in an area.
9. Health & Wellness
Finding Local Medical Care
Doctoralia / Zocdoc / Local Equivalents:
Primary Use: These platforms help you find locally licensed doctors, dentists, and specialists nearby. They are the best way to check for availability and book appointments instantly.
Actionable Tip: Utilize the platform's filters to search specifically for providers who speak English or your primary language. This is crucial for clear communication during a consultation.
Primary Use: Vetting the quality and international readiness of clinics and hospitals.
Actionable Tip: Search for "hospital" or "clinic" in your area. Look for reviews that specifically mention "English-speaking staff," "international standard of care," or "modern equipment" to ensure a high-quality experience.
Telehealth Providers (e.g., Teladoc, AirDoctor):
Primary Use: Accessing remote, virtual consultations for non-emergency issues, prescription refills, or lab result follow-ups from a licensed doctor.
Best For: Quick, time-saving advice when you don't require a physical examination or when the local language is a barrier for a minor illness.
Final Thoughts
Latin America is full of incredible places to explore — but the real key to thriving here isn’t just the apps, it’s the community.
Apps help you find housing, order food, or move around — but WhatsApp groups connect you to real people who’ve already figured out the city you’re landing in.
Start with our local networks:
You’ll find housing leads, local events, travel buddies, and an instant sense of connection — all from your phone.
✨ Because in Latin America, the best app of all… is community. 💬
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