Headed to Latin America for the first time? Veteran nomad looking to see if they’re missing anything? Check out this list of must-have apps for nomads, from food delivery to transport and much more!
Before you land anywhere in Latin America, your phone becomes your survival kit. From ordering rides and translating menus to sending money, booking buses, and staying safe, the right apps can make the difference between smooth travel and daily friction. Below is a curated list of must-have applications that I’ve personally relied on across the region. Download them before you arrive, and you’ll save yourself time, stress, and a few unnecessary headaches.
Food Delivery
Rappi
Rappi is the most important app in all of Latin America in my opinion. It works in nearly all countries and has the most services listed.
At it's core a food delivery service, Rappi has expanded to include groceries, convenience stores, clothes, electronics, laundry service and even banks.
PedidosYa
Perhaps the biggest competitor to Rappi. PedidosYa recently acquired Glovo's operations, another former giant, expanding it's operations across nearly all of South America. While this app offers less services than Rappi, it's restaurant selection is usually on equal footing.
iFood
Brazil's biggest delivery app - this one only works in it's home country, but if you find yourself in Brazil, this will likely be your go-to for food and grocery delivery.
Transportation
Uber
This one is pretty obvious, but Uber remains the king of ridesharing, even in South America.
Uber also offers food and grocery delivery in select countries.
Cabify
We've used Cabify in Mexico and Argentina and it worked the best there of any of the ridesharing apps listed here. Just like Uber, you get full info on your driver and the price is established ahead of time.
Bolt
This one is a must-have if you're headed to Paraguay as it's the main rideshare app there. Uber "works" in Paraguay, but Bolt has way more cars and is incredibly cheap.
Trips can be paid cash or through a credit card on the app.
Didi
Didi is fast becoming one of the main players in both ridesharing and food delivery. With services in nearly all Latin American countries, this is also a must have.
InDriver
I only used this in Colombia, so I'm not sure if it works elsewhere, but it was the app of choice in Cartagena.
Trips are paid cash, and the app is used simply to connect taxis and private drivers to riders. You put out a price, and drivers can accept your offer.
Other Apps
Mobilerecharge
Mobilerecharge is a fantastic option to top up phones. In many South American countries, you won't be able to buy phone top-ups with your card through official channels, as most payment processors for local apps will require a DNI, or automated services will only be available in Spanish.
Mr Jeff
Mr Jeff is a laundry service, available in most major cities in Central and South America. They offer affordable laundry services.
Depending on the country, you'll pay anywhere from $5 to $12 for a bag. Local drivers come to pick up your clothes, and bring them back on your selected return time, folded and cleaned.
