Quick Facts for Tourists
Food Delivery Apps in Colombia
Colombia is the birthplace of Rappi, one of Latin America's biggest super-apps. The delivery market here is vibrant and competitive, with excellent options for tourists. Here is every major app with honest tourist-focused ratings.
Grocery Delivery in Colombia
Need groceries, snacks, or everyday essentials? Colombia has great grocery delivery options, especially through the Rappi super-app which can deliver from virtually any store.
Tourist Reality Check
Here is what it is actually like to use food delivery apps in Colombia as a tourist. No sugarcoating.
Colombia is Rappi's home country. Rappi was born in Bogota in 2015, and Colombia has the deepest Rappi coverage anywhere. The app is a true super-app here — you can order food, groceries, pharmacy items, alcohol, pet food, electronics, and even have someone withdraw cash from an ATM and deliver it to you. Coverage in Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Cali, and Barranquilla is exceptional.
Foreign cards work on major apps. Both Rappi and Uber Eats reliably accept foreign Visa and Mastercard credit cards in Colombia. DiDi Food also accepts international cards. This makes Colombia one of the easier Latin American countries for tourist delivery. You will not face the payment headaches common in Brazil.
Colombian food is diverse and affordable. Delivery prices are very reasonable. Expect to pay 15,000-35,000 COP ($4-9 USD) for a full meal delivered. Colombian cuisine includes bandeja paisa, arepas, empanadas, ajiaco soup, and fresh tropical juices. The variety on delivery apps is outstanding, especially in Bogota and Medellin.
Cash on delivery is popular and works well. Many Colombians prefer paying cash for deliveries. If your card has any issues, cash is a reliable backup. Have Colombian pesos in small denominations ready. Delivery drivers may not carry change for 50,000 or 100,000 COP notes.
Security note for delivery. Colombia is generally safe in tourist areas, but use common sense when receiving deliveries. Meet drivers in well-lit, visible areas. Do not display expensive phones unnecessarily. In apartment buildings, use the porteria (front desk) as a delivery point. Most delivery interactions are completely routine and safe.
Medellin is a delivery paradise for digital nomads. The huge expat and digital nomad community in Medellin means delivery infrastructure is excellent. El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado have incredible restaurant variety on delivery apps. Many restaurants cater to international tastes alongside authentic Colombian cuisine.
Tipping Delivery Drivers
Tipping (propina) is appreciated in Colombia and is becoming more common with delivery apps. Here is what to know:
- Typical tip: 2,000-5,000 COP ($0.50-$1.25 USD)
- Rappi, Uber Eats, and DiDi Food all have in-app propina options
- Cash tips at the door are common and go directly to the driver
- During rain (which is frequent in Bogota) or for long-distance deliveries, tip more generously
- Tipping is not mandatory but is a kind and common practice
- Colombian delivery drivers (domiciliarios) work hard and appreciate recognition
Hotel & Accommodation Delivery
Getting food delivered to your accommodation in Colombia works well in most situations, with a few location-specific considerations.
Hotels in major cities allow delivery. Hotels in Bogota, Medellin, and Cali are very accustomed to food delivery. Drivers typically check in at the front desk or porteria. Leave clear instructions in the app about which entrance to use.
Apartments in El Poblado and Laureles work great. If you are staying in an apartment in Medellin's popular neighborhoods, delivery is seamless. Buildings have porterias where drivers can check in. Share your building name and apartment number in the delivery notes. Same applies for apartments in Bogota's Chapinero, Usaquen, and Zona Rosa.
Cartagena old town has access challenges. The walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) in Cartagena has narrow streets where motorbikes and cars have limited access. Delivery drivers may need to walk the last stretch. Be prepared to meet drivers near a main access point. Bocagrande has easier delivery access.
Colombia Download Pack
Download these apps before you land in Colombia to hit the ground running. We recommend installing them over Wi-Fi before your trip.