11 Useful Apps for Traveling to Mexico
Exploring cities, enjoying the beach, and trying out different food: Mexico offers lots of opportunities for an interesting vacation. To make the most of your time, having useful apps on your phone can enhance your experience, simplify logistics, and help you get deeper into the local culture. Here’s a list of essential apps that can be useful when traveling to Mexico.
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1. Translation Apps
Depending on where you travel to in Mexico, you might hit some language barriers. If you stay in big tourist destinations, hotel staff and taxi drivers probably speak at least basic English. However, in smaller areas or restaurants, it might be helpful to be able to communicate in Spanish. A translation app can help you out.
Google Translate
Google Translate is really helpful in getting a quick translation of text or speech. It’s probably the best option for any real-time bilingual conversation where you (or your conversation partner) speak directly into your phone to get the translation. Be it at the market, in a taxi, or a restaurant – you won’t feel left stranded anymore. Another plus is that you can translate menus, signs, and other written content by pointing the camera of your phone at it.
DeepL
DeepL’s translations are said to sound more natural and to be slightly more accurate than Google Translate. It also shows variations of how you can translate something.
2. Language Learning Apps
It’s helpful to know at least the basics of Spanish when traveling through Mexico. People directly are more open to foreigners when they see them trying to learn the language. Spanish learning apps can help you with that.
Babbel
Babbel is a user-friendly Spanish learning app that helps you to practice speaking, reading, and understanding Spanish. Contrary to many other learning apps (like Duolingo, for example), Babbel offers Spanish from Latin America and not just Spain. As there is a difference in grammar and vocabulary that might confuse a beginner if the differentiation is not made in the app, I consider this a big plus. Another advantage is that the lessons are developed and checked by native language experts and not just an AI (unlike Duolingo). Just a few minutes a day, and you can learn the basic travel-related vocabulary.
Get it for Android or iOS. You need a subscription to make full use of the app; prices start at 4.80 USD.
FluentU
Learn authentic Spanish by watching videos with interactive subtitles. This means you get to learn not just random vocabulary, but how Spanish is actually used in everyday life. The videos are usually 1-5 min. long and stem from real interviews, movies, or series like the Big Bang Theory or Game of Thrones. When you hover over a word you don’t know, the video stops and you get a popup with a translation and explanation of the word. You can add it to your vocabulary list. There’s also audio on grammar lessons and which phrases to use to talk about the weather or what time it is, or other basic phrases.
Get it for Android or iOS. You need a subscription to make full use of the app; prices start at 11.99 USD/month in a yearly plan (14-day free trial period).
3. Navigation Apps
Know your way around Mexico so you won’t get lost. These navigation apps are also useful when renting a car in Mexico.
Google Maps
Google Maps is essential for exploring a city or taking a road trip. With the app, you get detailed maps, directions, and public transportation information (though the last one isn’t always available in smaller towns). Remember to download offline maps of the areas you plan to visit so you can navigate even without internet access.
Waze
Waze is a community-driven GPS and navigation app. Therefore, it’s sometimes a bit more detailed and up-to-date than Google Maps. It also provides information about potholes in the street, construction sites, and accidents.
4. Transportation Apps
Taking a taxi can sometimes be problematic when there’s a language barrier. Also, especially in big cities like Mexico City, taxi drivers are known to charge tourists much more or scam them. Transportation apps can help avoid that problem when traveling to Mexico.
Uber
Whether you like the business model of Uber or not – it’s undoubtedly one of the safest and most reliable ways of getting around in a city. Especially if you don’t speak Spanish, this app is very handy. However, it’s not available in the whole of Mexico, or even allowed. In Cancun, for example, it’s forbidden and you might get into trouble with the local taxi driver syndicate if you try using the Uber service. Better avoid that trouble! For other big cities, however, like Mexico City, Puebla, and Mérida, Uber is available and useful. The app allows you to avoid language barriers and fare negotiations, and it’s very safe as the rides are tracked and you have driver information beforehand.
InDrive
If you want to get from city to city, use InDrive for a safe trip at fair prices. The drivers are verified, and there’s a safety button to contact the police or emergency services.
DiDi
DiDi is another popular ride-hailing app in Mexico. Often considered a competitor to Uber, DiDi might offer cheaper fares and promotions. You might consider installing both Uber and DiDi to compare prices and availability. Like with Uber, you can add your credit card for payment.
Estrella Roja Boletos Autobús
When you’re traveling between Mexico City and Puebla, Estrella Roja is a comfortable, safe, and cheap way to get back and forth. It’s also a great way to get to the airport.
ADO Boletos de Autobús
The ADO bus company (Autobuses de Oriente) operates mainly in the south/southeast of Mexico. The buses are comfortable and safe, and it’s one of the cheapest ways of getting around Mexico to get an ADO bus. Be it Yucatan, Oaxaca, Mexico, Puebla, or Veracruz – ADO is my first go-to bus company for travel.
5. Safety Apps
Nature in Mexico can be relatively unpredictable – unless you have an app that warns you in time! Be it earthquakes, tornadoes, or volcanic eruptions – better you know what’s going on and know what to do. There are several useful apps for this purpose, the following is the official one for Mexico.
SASSLA Mexico
Be informed about earthquakes or other dangerous situations in your area. If you’re visiting Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, or other states with frequent seismic activity, this app is a must. It also has partial coverage of other areas like Chiapas and Veracruz. You get official emergency notices and public announcements from Civil Protection. Check the detailed description of the app to see if the state of your tourist destination is covered.
6. Currency Converter Apps
Especially when you’ve just arrived in Mexico, you might get confused about how much something really costs. Use a currency converter app to spare you any miscalculations.
Currency Converter by Wise
With this currency converter, you always know how much you’re paying. You can save your preferred currency pairs in your favorites for quick access. You can also check the currency rates of the past 5 years.
7. Banking Apps
Of course, having your banking apps on your phone is also important for a trip to Mexico. You never know when you need to check the balance or transfer money. But are there banking apps especially useful for a trip to Mexico? Yes, there are!
Wise
I can highly recommend Wise, a multi-currency online bank account. You also get a credit card to pay at hotels, restaurants, or gas stations. With the app, you can also transfer money to a Mexican bank account, which might come in handy for paying medical bills (plus it’s super fast!). You can also use the Wise credit card to withdraw money from the ATM, however, this might come with a fee as of a certain amount.
My Personal Tip
This is the app/card that I’ve been using now for over 2 years for almost everything in Mexico, and it never let me down!
Revolut
Revolut is one of Wise’s competitors. It has a free standard option, and if you need more features, you can select from various account plans. There’s even the option to trade stocks!
8. Accommodation Apps
In need of a place to stay? Several apps help you to book accommodation on your travel through Mexico. Here are some more or less known options for accommodation apps.
Airbnb
For a more local experience, Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodations from private rooms to entire homes. Staying in an Airbnb can give you a deeper insight into Mexican living and often provides more comfort and amenities than traditional hotels. Despite some negative reviews from other users, I’ve been using it frequently and never had an issue.
Booking.com
Booking.com is great for finding hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. The app often has deals and discounts, and you can read reviews from other travelers to find the perfect place to stay. It’s my second go-to app for finding places in Mexico, and only once did I have a late-minute cancellation from the side of the host. Apart from that, it’s been working well.
Vrbo
Less known, but with a loyalty program with which you can earn rewards within the Expedia group: Vrbo is an alternative to Airbnb. Especially in peak times when it’s hard to find a good offer on Airbnb, you might want to check Vrbo.
9. Communication Apps
Nothing seems to go in Mexico without WhatsApp: Be it expat groups, doctor’s appointments, or communication with hosts – almost everyone uses WhatsApp. I uninstalled it before moving to Mexico and had to reinstall it as it’s an absolut essential here.
10. Activities and Sightseeing Apps
Make the most of your time in Mexico and learn more about the country and its culture. Here are some useful apps for activities and sightseeing not just in Mexico.
GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide offers a wide range of tours and activities across Mexico. Whether you’re interested in exploring Mayan ruins, snorkeling in cenotes, or taking a cooking class, this app allows you to book tickets and tours in advance, ensuring you don’t miss out on popular experiences.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is invaluable for planning your activities. From historical sites and museums to outdoor adventures and guided tours, TripAdvisor offers reviews, ratings, and booking options for a wide variety of attractions. User reviews can provide insights and tips to enhance your visit.
11. Food Apps
Stuck in your room but in need of some food? Order it online! Though I’d recommend trying out restaurants or at least a “comida corrida” from around your corner (they often also have delivery service), it’s good to know that an emergency option exists. These useful apps help you order food online in Mexico.
Uber Eats
Fast and reliable, Uber Eats helps you choose from delivery services available in your area. You get a code that you have to give your delivery person to make sure no one nicks your order.
Rappi
The Mexican competition to Uber Eats. The reviews for Rappi vary, though. Make sure to always check that your delivery includes everything you’ve ordered.
Start Well Prepared Into Your Vacation
With these apps, you’re all set for your Mexico vacation and can focus on what really matters: Have fun and enjoy your time in this beautiful country! Don’t waste your time hassling with language barriers or not knowing where you are and where you need to go. And even if you want to get a digital detox on your vacation: It’s good to know you can fall back on these little technological helpers.
Plan and Book Your Trip
– Where to find cheap flights: Skyscanner.com
– Get compensation for delayed or canceled flights: AirHelp
– Which Travel Insurance to use: safetywing.com
– Where to book accommodation: booking.com, hostelworld.com
– Where to book rental cars: Discover Cars
– Where to book tours: Get Your Guide, Tripadvisor, Viator
– Transportation: Busbud for sustainable travel by bus, inDrive for city-to-city transportation service
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