Useful travel applications

Migración / CheckMig (migration control): CheckMig is an application that offers travelers, whether Colombian or foreign nationals, the possibility of pre-registering all their essential travel data, whether leaving or entering Colombia by air (no need in the case of overland passage). It’s free, officially compulsory, and is sometimes checked at the boarding counter.
Go to Migración / CheckMig website

Google Flights (plane tickets): according to our latest experience, this is currently the best site for finding the best price on a plane ticket. All with a sleek, pleasant interface. Simple and efficient.
Go to the Google Flights website

Skyscanner (flight tickets): in addition to Google Flights, we also search in parallel on Skyscanner, for added security. Even if, these days, Google does have the last word.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

BestOnwardticket (airline tickets, proof of exit): the biggest headache when traveling one-way or on an improvised basis is having proof of exit. With BestOnwardticket, you can book a real plane ticket for 24/48 hours for less than €20, which will serve as proof of exit in the event of a request at immigration or the boarding counter.
Go to the BestOnwardticket website

Cabs Libres (VTC service): Taxis Libres is a cab booking application operating in Colombia, offering users the possibility of ordering a cab via their smartphone. The app allows passengers to specify their pick-up location, track the cab’s arrival in real time and pay for their fare via the app or in cash directly to the driver.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Uber (VTC service): the famous VTC service is present in Colombia, offering a convenient way to get around Bogotá, Medellin, Cali and other cities. Book chauffeur-driven car journeys via the app, enjoy convenience and transparent rates. Reminder: VTC services are officially illegal in Colombia (but widely used).
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Cabify (VTC service): Cabify is a passenger transport company that offers VTC (Uber-type) services in many large and medium-sized Colombian cities. Practical for short urban trips, it’s one of Colombia’s leading apps. Reminder: VTC services are officially illegal in Colombia (but widely used).
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Beat (VTC service): Beat is another passenger transport application like Uber or Cabify. Reminder: VTC services are officially illegal in Colombia (but widely used).
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Indrive (VTC service): InDrive is a transport application that allows passengers to propose their price for a journey. Simple, economical and popular in Colombia, it offers a flexible alternative to traditional cabs.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

DiDi (VTC service): like Uber & co. Reminder: VTC services are officially illegal in Colombia (but widely used).
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Busbud (bus travel booking): Busbud is an application that enables users to search, compare and book bus tickets for bus trips. The application covers many destinations worldwide, including Colombia. Reminder: the majority of bus routes in Colombia are not listed. The best thing to do is to do as Colombians do, i.e. go directly to the bus terminals.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Redbus (bus booking): like Busbud, Redbus is an app that lets you search for and book bus routes. Remember: the majority of bus routes in Colombia are not listed, so it’s best to do as Colombians do, i.e. go directly to the bus terminals.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Maps.me (GPS, offline): indispensable! Free mobile application that lets you download offline maps of the countries you want to visit to your phone. It can also be used without Internet. What’s more, points of interest are also displayed. Really top-notch!
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Airbnb: the great classic for finding well-placed accommodation, and for a wide range of prices. It’s also a great way to find “original” accommodations, or get in touch with locals.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Booking: the other classic for accommodation. Interesting for those with a Genius account, offering more discounts or other benefits such as free breakfast.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Hostelworld: for those wishing to travel roots-style in a hostel, Hostelworld will help you find the right address quickly, with good indicators.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Rappi Bank (delivery): Rappi is a Colombian on-demand delivery app that offers a variety of services from food delivery to groceries, medicine, beauty products, electronics and more. It’s the local Uber Eats.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Tripadvisor (tips & reviews): TripAdvisor is a popular travel app and website that provides information and reviews on destinations, hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and more. Personally, we use it to find restaurants that match our criteria.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Revolut (online banking): a practical online bank for travel outside Europe, reducing banking costs. Various offers are available, including 1 free of charge. Opening and closing an account takes just a few minutes.
Consult Revolut offers

N26 (online banking): similar to Revolut.
View N26 offers

Trabee Pocket (budget management): a small mobile application that makes it easy to enter your daily expenses, so you can keep a close eye on your budget. It’s also possible to share with others via the paid version (handy for trips with friends, where keeping track of expenses is always a hassle).
On Google Play Store – On App Store

XE Converter (converter): an important mobile application for holidays outside Europe. It converts all the world’s currencies into euros or other currencies. Thanks to it, you’ll know whether your 10,000 Colombian Pesos meal is a scam or not.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Whatsapp (instant messaging): a free application that lets you send text messages, voice messages and photos over the Internet. Handy when we’re abroad (outside Europe), where sending SMS/telephone calls quickly costs an arm and a leg. WhatsApp is widely used in Colombia by businesses, so it’s useful if you need to communicate with them.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Reverso (dictionary): this free mobile application lets you download a language dictionary beforehand, for use without a connection afterwards. Although the translations are sometimes a little strange, most of the time it’s a great help!
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Google Translate (translators): write what you want to say directly on your phone, and Google Translate translates it automatically! Works even without internet if the languages have been downloaded beforehand (which is not the case with competitor Deepl).
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Duolingo (language learning): the reference in free language learning. The website and mobile app are simple, and the courses are designed to give you the basics quickly enough to survive abroad.
On Google Play Store – On App Store

Babbel (language learning) : another reference in language learning, but for a fee. The courses are a little more comprehensive than Duolingo, with more explanations. Babbel is more suited to people who really want to improve their language skills.
On Google Play Store – On App Store