12 Jan The Best Apps & Websites for Traveling in Mexico
Whether you’re heading to the Mexican coast for a beach vacation or are backpacking through the vast country, there’s a list of apps and websites that can make your travels so much easier. So before you jump on your plane, download or bookmark the following, these are some of the best apps and websites for traveling in Mexico.
*This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself.
Uber
In most places you’ll need to rely on local taxis but in bigger cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, Uber is a super convenient way to get you around.
Download Uber here
Didi
This is a local rideshare app that often has more or cheaper rides available than Uber. There’s also a sign up bonus to take advantage of, so definitely make sure to download!
Download DiDi here
Rome2Rio
Coordinating travel through Mexico is made easy with Rome2Rio (an app and website) which tells you all the modes of transportation you can take from point A to B. For example, if I wanted to take a bus from Mexico City to Guanajuato, Rome2Rio could give me a list of bus companies I can purchase a ticket through.
Search Rome2Rio here | Download the app here
BusBud
BudBud is an easy to use search engine and booking platform that shows you various bus company options for wherever you’re traveling to within Mexico. It works the same way as Skyscanner or Google Flights, but with buses.
In Mexico, I typically stuck to the two bus companies ADO (sometimes Estrella de Oro and OCC as well since they’re partner companies) and Primera Plus because I liked their service the most. But the great thing about BusBud is that you can use it to easily book trips since the platform is in English and you can compare options.
USE BUSBUD HERE
Skyscanner & Google Flights
With little luggage, flights throughout Mexico can be affordable and sometimes worth it to skip a long bus ride.
Search on Skyscanner here | Search Google Flights here
Mex Rent a Car
Mex Rent a Car is a local car rental company I suggest booking directly through. There’s other car rental options as well such as Hertz, Alamo, and Budget. No matter who you book with though, I recommend reserving a car directly through the company rather than on middle-men websites such as RentalCars.com. Sites like that always seems convenient but in the end become very confusing when extra fees are added for car insurance at pick-up.
Search Mex Rent a Car here
Google Translate
While in Mexico, practice your Spanish! Some locals may know English, however that won’t always be the case and it’s best not to assume. Plus, attempting to speak the country’s language is always the respectful thing to do while traveling and locals appreciate the effort.
And Google Translate can help you! My favorite features of this app are the ability to speak into the microphone to translate, the camera scan option (useful for documents, signs, etc.) and the ability to download a chosen language so you can translate offline even when you don’t have WiFi or data.
Download Google Translate here
Currency
The Currency app is an easy way to check prices in your home currency and works offline. XE Currency is also a great option.
Download the Currency App here
TravelSpend
Keep track of your spending and stay on your backpacking budget by inputting all your expenses into TravelSpend. Not only will the app automatically convert currencies and keep record of spending, it will also tell you how much is available to spend per day in order to stay on your goal budget. This is super, super helpful for those long trips.
Download TravelSpend here
Rappi
Rappi is the local food delivery app which operates the same as UberEats and Doordash. You can order food, coffee, groceries, and pharmaceutical items through the app. If you’re staying in Mexico for a while and order frequently, I suggest signing up for Rappi Prime which is 130 MXN (~ $7 USD) a month and includes unlimited orders without delivery fees. I’m warning you though – it’s dangerously addicting!
Download Rappi here
Recharge
If you have a local SIM card, you can purchase more data using the Recharge app.
Download Recharge here
Hostelworld
If you’re not already hip, Hostelworld is a great app and website to find cheap accommodation and dorm style hostels for backpackers, solo, and/or budget travelers. You’ll find lots of hostel options in Mexico which is a backpacker favorite destination.
Search Hostelworld here | Download Hostelworld here
Booking.com
I love Booking.com because to me it’s the all-rounder accommodation search website. You’ll find hostels, hotels, and sometimes even Airbnb-type listings. Unlike Hostelworld and Airbnb though, Booking.com often offers free cancellations (double check on every reservation) which means you don’t have to swallow money when plans change.
Search Booking.com here | Download the app here
Airbnb
If you’re looking for your own place especially for a long-term stay, then Airbnb is the perfect website to search.
Search Airbnb here | Download the app here
GetYourGuide
If you’re looking for day tours, GetYourGuide is a great starting point for all kinds of activities whether it be in nature, a city tour, or cooking class.
Search on GetYourGuide here | Download the app here
Google Maps
Google Maps is amazing not only for figuring out which direction to walk, but for navigating public transportation. I also suggest downloading offline maps so you can use it when you don’t have data or WiFi.
Download Google Maps here
Call and text family and friends back at home for free using WhatsApp. It’s also great to keep in contact with friends you meet from around the world. As a long term traveler, WhatsApp is my permanent and main source of communication!
Download WhatsApp here
Another way to keep in contact with those you meet while traveling is through Instagram. In fact almost every time you meet someone in passing while at a hostel, I guarantee they’ll ask for you IG! Instagram is also a great resource to find destinations in Mexico.
Download Instagram here
And make sure to follow me @carolinerosetravel
Tik Tok & Pinterest
Tik Tok & Pinterest are also great ways to find destinations in Mexico utilizing their search bar. I also love using Tik Tok in other countries because you’ll see a shift in your FYP and may get to enjoy some local humor.
Download Tik Tok here
and follow me @carolinerosetravel
Download Pinterest here
and follow me @carolinerosetravel
Facebook Groups
FB Groups are amazing for asking questions, networking, and for staying up to date with what’s going on in Mexico.
You can always search on your own the name of a country or city followed by keywords like ‘travel’ or ‘digital nomad’ then Facebook will produce a list of groups. In Mexico, some popular ones are On the Road in Mexico and Expats in Mexico.
My Blog!
Check out my blog posts for Mexico. Especially in my destination guides, I really go in depth for everything you need to visit including how to get there, things to do, where to stay, transportation available and all the links you need.
Did I miss something? If you have a favorite app or website you’ve used to while traveling in Mexico, let me know in the comments!
More Resources for Your Trip to Mexico
Planning your own trip? Here’s some resources I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through Mexico along with some recommendations:
Hostels
If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others, Hostelworld is the best place to search. Below are some of my recommendations, click to search for availability!
- Mexico City: Casa Pepe
- Tulum: Che Tulum Hostel & Bar OR Mayan Monkey
- Valladolid: Hostel La Candelaria
- San Cristobal: Posada del Abuelito OR Puerto Vieja
- Puerto Escondido: Hostal Akumal La Punta
- Oaxaca City: Casa Angel
- Guanajuato: Corral d Comedias Hostel
- Guadalajara: Hostel Hospedarte Guadalajara Centro
- Cabo San Lucas: Mayan Monkey
Hotels
Booking.com is the way to go when search for hotels in Mexico because they typically offer free cancellation with plenty of affordable to more luxurious stays.
Flights
Flights to Mexico are typically cheapest to Mexico City, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Monterrey and San Jose del Cabo. Domestic flights within Mexico also tend to be pretty affordable especially if traveling light. To find the best deal & prices I recommend using Skyscanner.
BUSES
The easiest way to search for and book buses in Mexico is with BusBud where you can easily compare options and use a platform in English. Check it out here. My most used and favorite bus companies tended to be ADO (and their partner OCC) and Primera Plus.
Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for every trip, especially when coming to a destination like Mexico where you may be doing adventurous activities, taking a lot of buses, and theft is a higher risk. Make sure you’r covered! My go to is always WorldNomads which has a generous coverage and is made for backpackers. You can search for coverage here. However if you’re looking for a cheaper option for travel medical emergency insurance, my second suggestions is Safety Wing.
Tours & Experiences
There’s a lot of free thing to do in Mexico or experiences you can do on your own. I always recommend checking blog posts for inspiration. If you’re interested in tours though like visiting Chichén Itzá, taking a hot air balloon over Teotihuacan, snorkeling in Cancun, and more then I suggest checking on GetYourGuide & Viator. Airbnb Experiences also offer some options.
Know Before You Go
Check out my Mexico Destination Page here for information on visas, health requirements, currency, outlets, and more.
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Michael Lawlor
Posted at 16:02h, 25 JanuaryWow. Thanks for this comprehensive guide. We are thinking of going to Mexico for 6 weeks on 2024 and I’m researching now. This is an amazing resource.
Charles dickens
Posted at 11:33h, 16 Januaryerehehehehe