Top South America Travel Apps You Need to Download Before Your Trip
Planning a trip to South America? Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time visitor, having the right travel apps on your phone can make all the difference. From booking flights and accommodations to navigating unfamiliar streets and converting currencies, these apps will help you make the most of your South American adventure. Here are the top travel apps you need to download before your trip.
Key Takeaways
- Skyscanner helps you find the best flight deals to and within South America.
- Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodations, from hotels to hostels, across the continent.
- Airbnb provides unique lodging options, including local homes and experiences.
- Maps.me allows for offline navigation, essential for areas with limited internet access.
- XE Currency ensures you get accurate and up-to-date currency conversions.
1. Skyscanner
Why You Need It
Skyscanner makes planning your next trip easy. No matter where you are, you can search for flights, hotels, and car hire deals to anywhere in the world. This app is a lifesaver for spontaneous travelers!
Key Features
- Reliable flight search tool
- Filters for stopovers, flight duration, times, and airlines
- Sends you to external sites to complete bookings
Why It’s Great for South America
Whether you’re looking for smart eco-destinations South America or just trying to find the best flight deals, Skyscanner has got you covered. Plus, with the rise of AI travel assistants South America, planning your trip has never been easier.
Skyscanner is your go-to app for finding the best travel deals, making it a must-have for any South American adventure.
Bonus Tips
- Use the app to track prices and get alerts for the best times to book.
- Combine it with other travel apps for a seamless experience.
Final Thoughts
From biometric travel security South America to smart luggage tracking South America, Skyscanner integrates well with other modern travel technologies, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable trip.
2. Booking.com
Looking for a place to crash after a long day of exploring? Booking.com has got you covered! Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy hostel or a luxurious hotel, this app has it all. I’ve used Booking for the US, South America, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, India, South Africa, Canada, and most of Northern, Southern, and Western Europe. Talk about a globetrotter’s best friend!
Easy to Use
The interface is super user-friendly. Just type in your destination, and voila! A plethora of options at your fingertips.
Reviews Galore
Worried about fake reviews? Booking.com has a robust review system, so you can trust what you read. No more second-guessing your choices!
Deals and Discounts
Who doesn’t love a good deal? Booking.com often has exclusive discounts that make even traditionally pricey cities more of a bargain. Keep an eye out for those special offers!
Pro Tip: Always check the "Deals of the Day" section for some amazing last-minute bargains.
Multi-Language Support
Traveling to a non-English speaking country? No worries! Booking.com supports multiple languages, making it easier for you to navigate and book your stay.
24/7 Customer Service
Got a problem? Booking.com’s customer service is available 24/7 to help you out. Whether it’s a booking issue or a last-minute change, they’ve got your back.
So, before you pack your bags and head off on your South American adventure, make sure to download Booking.com. Happy travels!
3. Airbnb
Why Airbnb?
When you’re not in the mood for a hostel and need some ‘me time’, Airbnb is your go-to app. It’s all over the world, so you can find some pretty cool places in tons of different spots! Airbnb was the most downloaded travel app in Latin America in 2021 and kept its top spot in 2022. This app is perfect for south america digital nomads who need a comfy place to crash after a long day of exploring.
The Controversy
Sure, the Airbnb review system has its quirks. Some say it’s tweaked to keep reviews good and bring more money to Airbnb instead of other platforms. But hey, isn’t that just part of the adventure?
Unique Stays
From treehouses to penthouses, Airbnb offers a variety of unique stays. Imagine waking up in a rainforest treehouse or a chic city loft. It’s like stepping into the south america metaverse travel experience!
Tips for Booking
- Always read the reviews.
- Check the cancellation policy.
- Communicate with your host.
- Look for Superhosts for a reliable experience.
For those interested in virtual eco-museums south america, Airbnb can be a great base to start your journey. You can find accommodations close to these digital wonders and make the most of your trip.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a solo traveler or with a group, Airbnb has something for everyone. So go ahead, download the app and start planning your next adventure in South America!
4. Maps.me
When it comes to south america travel apps, Maps.me is a game-changer. Forget Google Maps, Maps.me is your ultimate companion when traveling. This app allows you to access maps of your location even when you are not connected to the internet. Not only this, but you can bookmark locations on the app and plan routes to and from destinations.
Offline Maps
Maps.me offers fast, detailed, and entirely offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation – trusted by over 140 million travelers worldwide. This feature is a lifesaver when you’re in remote areas with no internet access.
Bookmarking Locations
You can easily bookmark your favorite spots, whether it’s a hidden gem of a restaurant or a breathtaking viewpoint. This makes it super easy to plan your day and ensure you don’t miss out on anything.
Route Planning
Planning your route has never been easier. With Maps.me, you can plot your journey from point A to point B, even if you’re hiking or biking. It’s like having a personal tour guide in your pocket.
Pro Tip: Download the maps of the areas you’ll be visiting before you leave. This way, you’ll always have access to them, even if you find yourself in the middle of nowhere.
In sum, Maps.me is a must-have for any traveler exploring South America. It’s reliable, easy to use, and incredibly handy for those off-the-beaten-path adventures.
5. Google Maps
Real-time Navigation
Google Maps is your ultimate travel buddy, offering real-time navigation whether you’re driving, walking, or cycling. It helps you find handy spots like banks or gas stations and understand public transportation options, including buses, trains, and ride-sharing services.
Offline Maps
Worried about losing signal in the middle of nowhere? No problem! Google Maps allows you to download maps for offline use, so you can always find your way, even without an internet connection.
Customizable Maps
Create customized maps with flagged locations that you want to visit. Share your location with travel buddies and keep track of restaurant reservations. It’s like having a personal travel assistant in your pocket!
Google Maps is a must-have app for any traveler. It helps you navigate through both small and big cities with ease, making your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Public Transportation
Google Maps has gotten really good at public transportation routes, so you can easily map out your journey using buses, trains, or even ride-sharing services. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs.
Points of Interest
Discover nearby places of interest, from tourist attractions to local eateries. Google Maps makes it easy to explore and enjoy your surroundings.
In sum, unless you are going on a digital detox, Google Maps is one of the best travel mobile apps to use while in South America. Also great to start planning your schedule.
6. Rome2Rio
What is Rome2Rio?
Rome2Rio is a super handy trip planning tool that makes finding your way around simple and stress-free. Whether you’re trying to figure out the most efficient or cheapest way to get from point A to point B, this app has got you covered. Used by millions of travel planners every day, it shows you all the ways you could feasibly get to your destination—be it by plane, car, bus, or train.
Features
- Comprehensive route options
- Cost and time estimates
- Public transportation details
- Booking links
Why You Need It
If you’re planning on some contactless travel South America style, Rome2Rio is your go-to app. It lays out all your options, including specific buses and trains, and even provides alternatives if you miss one. This makes it perfect for those who want to explore without the stress of planning every single detail.
With Rome2Rio, you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about how to get from one place to another. It’s like having a personal travel assistant in your pocket.
Future of Travel
Rome2Rio is not just about getting you from point A to point B. It’s also paving the way for blockchain travel solutions South America might see in the future. Imagine a world where your travel plans are not only efficient but also secure and transparent. That’s the future Rome2Rio is gearing up for.
7. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a must-have app for any traveler looking for virtual tours and augmented reality tourism experiences in South America. With features like city guides and trip planning tools, it’s like having a personal eco-friendly tour guide in your pocket. Whether you need advice on the best sim card for talk and data or recommendations for sustainable tourism apps, TripAdvisor has got you covered. Explore the wonders of South America with TripAdvisor and make your trip unforgettable.
8. XE Currency
Why You Need It
Ever found yourself in a new country, staring at a price tag, and wondering if you’re about to spend a fortune or snag a deal? With XE Currency, those days are over! This app lets you check live mid-market exchange rates for all major global currencies. No more mental math gymnastics!
Key Features
- Real-time exchange rates
- Supports virtually all world currencies
- Can display up to 10 currencies at once
How to Use It
- Download the app (it’s free on both iOS and Android).
- Select your current currency (e.g., Brazilian Real if you’re in Brazil).
- Enter the amount you want to convert.
- Voilà! The app will show you the equivalent amount in your home currency.
Pro Tip: Add the currencies of the countries you’re visiting before your trip. This way, you can quickly convert prices on the fly without needing an internet connection.
User Reviews
Many travelers swear by XE Currency for its accuracy and ease of use. One user mentioned, "This is my favorite currency exchange app and has been with me for over 30 countries." Another said, "Math has never been my strongest subject, which makes doing currency conversions in my head essentially my travel kryptonite."
9. Uber
Why Uber?
There are so many times when I have been so grateful for this app that I honestly can’t imagine travelling without it. For better or for worse, Uber is available and often a recommended service in South America. It is considered to be much safer than taking local taxis and in many cases cheaper (namely because you decide on a rate before you get in the car). And so it has become essential for many travellers in South America.
Safety First
It feels good to have the safety net of the map on your phone following where your driver is taking you and not having to fumble with money at the end of your trip. Of course, we have all heard stories about bad experiences with Uber drivers, but so far I have been nothing but grateful to have Uber at my fingertips while backpacking.
Is it safe to take a Uber in the night at the airport? Uber is great to get all around the city but would recommend a taxi stand inside of the airport terminal. We used taxi green which was recommended by our Airbnb.
Payment Options
You can order cabs by the app’s set price or it also allows you to put your own price for the ride. And mostly, drivers accept it. So you do land up saving lots of money on taxi rides. They have both – cash and card options for payment.
Alternatives
Other options for best travel apps for South America are Didi and inDrive. These are other popular taxi ride apps in the continent. And again, often cheaper than Uber. Like in many other countries, there’s no guarantee that you will always find an Uber. So it is handy to have other alternate apps so you get your ride in time!
10. Moovit
Overview
Moovit is your ultimate travel buddy when it comes to navigating public transportation in South America. This travel app is a godsend for anyone using public buses, trains, or even ferries. It covers over 3,000 cities worldwide, so you know you’re in good hands.
Features
- Real-time arrivals: No more guessing when the next bus is coming.
- Live directions: Get step-by-step guidance for your entire journey.
- Service alerts: Stay updated on any disruptions or changes in your route.
- Multi-modal routes: Combine different types of transport to get to your destination efficiently.
Why You Need It
If you’re the type who loves to explore every nook and cranny of a city, Moovit is indispensable. It even offers bike routes for the eco-friendly traveler. So, whether you’re hopping on a bus in Buenos Aires or catching a train in Rio, Moovit has got you covered.
With Moovit, you can confidently say goodbye to the stress of navigating unfamiliar public transport systems. It’s like having a local guide in your pocket.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the complexities of public transportation hold you back from your South American adventure. Download Moovit and make your journey as smooth as possible.
Moovit is a fantastic tool for navigating public transportation in cities around the world. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring a new city, Moovit provides real-time updates and the best routes to get you where you need to go. For an even more seamless travel experience, check out our app, Preparture, which helps you plan your itinerary and manage your tours effortlessly.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! With these top travel apps in your digital arsenal, your South American adventure is bound to be smoother than a llama’s fur. Whether you’re hunting for the best empanadas, navigating the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, or finding that elusive Wi-Fi signal in the Andes, these apps have got your back. Download them, use them, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of your trip. Safe travels and don’t forget to send us a postcard (or at least a selfie)!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skyscanner used for?
Skyscanner is a travel app that helps you find the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals. It’s particularly useful for comparing prices across different airlines and travel agencies.
How does Booking.com assist travelers?
Booking.com is a comprehensive travel app that allows you to book accommodations ranging from hotels to apartments and hostels. It also provides reviews and ratings from other travelers to help you make an informed decision.
What makes Airbnb popular among travelers?
Airbnb offers unique lodging options, from entire homes to shared rooms. It allows travelers to experience local culture more intimately and often at a lower cost than traditional hotels.
Why should I use Maps.me in South America?
Maps.me is an offline map app, which is incredibly useful in South America where internet connectivity can be unreliable. It provides detailed maps and navigation without the need for an internet connection.
Can Google Maps be used offline?
Yes, Google Maps allows you to download maps for offline use. This is particularly helpful when traveling in areas with poor internet connectivity.
What is the benefit of using XE Currency?
XE Currency is a currency converter app that provides real-time exchange rates. It’s essential for travelers to keep track of their spending and convert currencies accurately while traveling.
