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When you move to Mexico, you’ll be introduced to a new way of doing things. And with that territory even comes learning about new apps in Mexico that will make your life easier. Most of these apps operate on both iOS and Android, but I include the link to the app store to make things easier.
*This page is best experienced with your cell phone since it has links to the app itself.
Wifi Map
Connect to any WiFi for FREE! WiFi Map is the largest Wi-Fi community in the world!
The largest WiFi hotspot database in the world
WiFi Map® has more than 150 million WiFi hotspots available worldwide, and the number is growing daily thanks to our community. With the app, you can connect to WiFi hotspots for free, get actual passwords, and make updates together with millions of WiFi maps.
Google Translate
Google Translate has the greatest advantage in that it helps you translate actual live text from Spanish to English. This means you can hover the app over a label in Spanish, and as long as the text is legible, it will translate to English! It also works inside many apps, so you can translate inside of WhatsApp and Youtube. You can also type a phrase in English, and the app will translate it into Spanish. Making it super convenient for you when you are starting to learn Spanish and need it right then and there! Available on iOS and Android.
WhatsApp is the most common messaging app in Mexico. Most people tend to use WhatsApp because cell phone carriers typically didn’t include unlimited texting in Mexico. WhatsApp uses your data plan, so you will need to either get a SIM card to avoid data roaming charges or have a plan in Mexico that has unlimited data.
We recommend buying a SIM card when you arrive in Mexico as the most affordable way to have data. Unless you have unlimited data in Mexico.
WhatsApp is FREE to use and very easy to navigate. WhatsApp is available in both iOS and Android.
Learn How to Move to Mexico and Have a Better Life for Less! Check out our Complete Mexico Relocation Guide.
WAZE
Waze is one of the best apps in Mexico for getting around or getting directions to a place. I have used Google Maps, Waze, and various other map apps in Mexico to get around. I keep coming back to Waze because it tends to always be the most up-to-date app with the best routes, and actual-time estimates are correct. Plus, it gives you great alternatives when roads are closed. Waze is available on both iOS and Android.
Maps.me
You can travel the world with maps.me
If you don’t have the best cell coverage in Mexico and you want to have access to a map, maps.me lets you download most maps. It’s a great backup in case your GPS doesn’t pick up a cell signal.
available in both iOS and Android
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is the world’s only free VPN app that is safe to use and respects your privacy. Proton VPN was created by the CERN scientists behind Proton Mail, the world’s largest encrypted email service. This fast VPN offers secure, private, encrypted, and unlimited internet access with advanced privacy and security features. This comes in handy whenever you are traveling through Mexico using public wifi or if you want to watch specific content from your home country that might not be available in Mexico. Proton VPN unblocks access to popular websites and streaming platforms.
ATM Fee Saver
ATM Fee Saver helps you do just what the name implies—save on ATM Fees when withdrawing cash from an ATM you don’t bank with. Mexico is still very much a cash society, and many people pay for things like rent or services with cash. Now, if you need to do that multiple times a month, your ATM fees can quickly add up.
For this reason, the creators of ATM Fee Saver created a handy app that gives you the ATM fees around you based on your geolocation. That way, you can choose the ATM with the lowest fees. And remember to ALWAYS decline the conversion whenever you withdraw cash from an ATM in Mexico.
You can find this app on iOS or Android.
AirBnb
AirBnb is the number one marketplace for finding furnished short-term rentals. Explore their curated collections of homes chosen for their style, location, or nearby activities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin with views or apartments by the beach, Airbnb Categories helps you find places to stay that are right for your trip.
XE.com
XE.com is a trusted site with the most up-to-date conversion rates. Another feature I really like about this company is that you can sign up to receive daily notifications for the exchange rate of your home currency to Mexican pesos. This gives you the advantage of knowing when the best time to withdraw money is to get the most for your conversion.
Available on iOS and Android.
WISE
Wise.com not only lets you check today’s exchange rates from a foreign currency to Mexican pesos, but I have found it to be the most inexpensive way of getting money from my U.S. bank account into my Mexican bank account. I use it a lot! Plus, they have a great app with an easy-to-use interface. Available on iOS and Android
Remitly
With Remitly you can also send money worldwide. The difference with Remitly is that the recipient in Mexico can opt to pick up their cash at a participating partner. Such as Oxxo, banks, and Coppel stores. Available in iOS and Android.
Duolingo
Duo Lingo is a great app in Mexico that teaches you conversational Spanish from your phone or tablet. It even has feedback on your pronunciation which can make it less intimidating to practice your Spanish skills. Duolingo teaches you a few words each day and puts them into a sentence with images to help you fully comprehend what you are learning. It’s available on both iOS and Android.
FREE MOVING TO MEXICO CHEAT SHEET
Rappi
Rappi is one of many full-service apps in Mexico that connects you to different retailers in your local area where you can order everything from booze, dinner, groceries to medications, flowers, and so much more! In most cities in Mexico, Rappi has a fee-based model that charges you a small fee depending on the service you have hired. Input your address, and Rappi will tell you what is available nearby for delivery. Available on both iOS and Android
Uber
Uber, the most popular ride-sharing app, is available in almost every city in Mexico with some caveats. A lot of cities in Mexico have put in regulations that don’t allow Uber to pick you up at airports or bus stations in an effort to support taxi drivers. To use it, you connect a credit card to your profile and when you ask for a ride Uber will connect you to drivers nearby. You can see the fees Uber charges before accepting a ride, and don’t worry; you don’t need to carry cash. Uber is available on iOS and Android.
Didi
Didi is a strong competitor to Uber in Mexico. Also a ride-sharing app in Mexico that connects you to drivers nearby, Didi is available throughout Mexico. Didi is available on iOS and Android.
La Comer
La Comer is a chain of grocery stores throughout Mexico. Their app allows you to buy groceries online, get them delivered, and even save your previous orders. Although their app is only in Spanish, it is extremely convenient to order groceries and keep track of previous purchases in a single app. Available on both iOS and Android
Oxxo Cel
If you have a SIM card from a local OXXO, it’s an easy way to check your minutes and data balance. The app gives you an option to “recargar” (recharge/add minutes). Saving you time from having to go in person to a store. Of course, going into the store to recharge is better so you can practice your Spanish! Available on iOS or Android.
Rome2Rio
Rome2Rio is a fantastic app that takes a lot of the guesswork out of finding transportation options. Think of it like Expedia, but just to get around.
You input a starting city in Mexico and an end city, and boom. Rome2Rio will give you various transportation options and, in most cases, even give you a breakdown of their cost with direct links to book. This app is available on both iOS and Android.
Units Plus Pro
Ever go to the tortilleria or carniceria and need to quickly determine what is 1/2 lb of tortillas or ham? That’s why I recommend the Units Plus app for iPhone or Android.
Even if you’re driving and need to know how fast 80km/h is in miles. This app will help you! As long as you have an internet connection, you can quickly convert any unit of measurement on your phone.
Convert values between commonly used units in an easy and efficient way.
What do you think? Were you familiar with these apps already? What about other apps that you think should be on this list? Comment and let me know!
This was an excellent article! I did not know about half of these apps. Thank you for taking the time to share this information. looking forward to relocating to Mexico this year.
Hi Steve! Glad it was helpful to you.
Let me know if there are any that are missing?
indriver app… you put in ride and suggest a rate. Drivers counter offer or not and a rate is agreed upon. cash paid upon drop off. Clean rides, and lot of English speakers. It’s where the drivers who left uber went when uber went sour for them due to excessive “takes” and “taxi cartel” pressure.
Thanks Bianca
I’ve never personally used it.
I’ll add it on here
Mariana
Great information. And most of the APPS I am aware of and some I wasn’t but I will download them. One APP that isn’t on this list that I think is invaluable is EXPAT-911. It is and emergency APP for English speakers in Mexico. If an emergency arises and they speak little or no Spanish they can go to EXPAT-911 and get an English speaking person to send the right responders to your location. Fire, Ambulance or Police. And with GPS they can track your location. Great APP.
That service no longer exists. Be careful giving them your money
Hi Mariana,
Can you suggest a real estate professional in the Yucatan/Progreso area?
Hi Dianna,
Yes – we have a great recommendation. If you’d like access to our recommended contacts and all of our information about rentals and real estate in Mexico, you first have to purchase our Mexico Relocation Guide
mexicorelocationguide.com/guide/
Hi Mariana, I sold my car today and booked an Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta for myself and my daughter. The plan is to fall in love with Mexico and get temporary residency at first. Can you tell me how much monthly retirement income I should be receiving before taxes to qualify? I also need that info for a digital nomad working remotely. Thanks in advance.
You need to receive at least $2700 USD NET income that’s after taxes. That would qualify you for temporary residency at some consulates. A lot of consulates require $3000 USD net or more
Cool list, thanks for sharing. I have an app that I would recommend directly: ATM Fee Saver – The app provides data from ATMs and their fees and limits. Runs in 50 countries or something. With the help of the app, I have found ATMs with 0 fees or at least low fees a few times. So it’s really nice =) Greetings
Wow- thanks for the great tip! Saludos
Thank you, great suggestions! I use the DeepL app. for translation, it is not perfect but much better than Google Translate.
TY, Mariana!
We have watched almost every video of yours! We recently retired in MN, we are in Tlaxcala now and plan to spend our Winters in Mexico! You have been super helpful to us! Muchas Gracias!
I will be downloading a few of the Apps you suggested, I wasn’t aware of! And….. TY- I did not know Waze Was available in Mexico!! Great app!
❤️🇲🇽❤️ Michael & Susan- MN
TY, Mariana!
We love your videos!!
We recently retired in MN, we are in Tlaxcala now and plan to spend our Winters in Mexico! You have been super helpful to us! Muchas Gracias!
I will be downloading a few of the Apps you suggested, I wasn’t aware of! And….. TY- I did not know Waze Was available in Mexico!! Great app!
❤️🇲🇽❤️ Michael & Susan- MN
As a language learner and language enthusiast, I would like to see less people using duo lingo and move to better platforms such as fluent forever to learn words and italki to hire natives to practice with you or teach you the basics.
For rides around in the area of the popular expat city Rosarito, on the northern Pacific coast of the state of Baja California, use the app Eiby. They go between Rosarito and Tijuana as well. Usually cheaper than Uber for rides within Rosarito.
Only drawback with Eiby is that the app doesn’t allow you to pay tips with credit card when paying for the ride. So use Eiby in Rosarito / TJ, but bring cash for the propinas.
Hola Mariana, thanks for the list! FYI: Units Plus Pro is not available for today’s Android devices, it was made for older versions of Android.
Ross & Jean
Portland Oregon
Try this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pericamac12.unitsplusf&hl=en_US&gl=US
Mariana “Thank You” for putting this together, this is great!
Glad it’s helpful. My pleasure!
Hi Mariana: Two more apps that we’ve used for years, including the nearly 12 years that we lived and worked in México:
– QuakeWatch (data from US Geological Survey and other sources)…excellent and reliable method of tracking earthquakes.
– Hurricane Tracker (data from National Hurricane Center and from NOAA)…excellent and reliable method of tracking hurricanes and other storms
How about listening to music from the States?
You’re the best Mariana. One thing that might come in handy for some folks: Google Translate app has a camera that will translate written text. I use it all the time to translate Spanish to English, especially with directions on labels.
Thanks so much!