How to Order Food, Drinks, and Groceries with Rappi in Colombia

What Can You Order?

Rappi offers delivery from thousands of businesses throughout Medellín.

Popular categories include:

• Restaurant meals
• Fast food
• Coffee and desserts
• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Pharmacies
• Household supplies
• Snacks
• Soft drinks
• Beer, wine, and liquor (age verification may be required)
• Pet supplies
• Flowers
• Electronics
• Office supplies

Availability depends on your neighborhood.

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Downloading the App

Rappi is available for both:

• iPhone (App Store)
• Android (Google Play)

Create an account using:

• Email
• Phone number
• Apple ID
• Google account

You may be asked to verify your phone number.

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Setting Your Delivery Address

Before ordering:

1. Open Rappi.
2. Enter your delivery address.
3. If you're staying in an apartment or Airbnb, include:
   • Building name
   • Apartment number
   • Tower number (if applicable)
   • Neighborhood
4. Double-check the location pin on the map.

Accurate addresses help drivers find you much faster.

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Ordering Food

Ordering is straightforward.

1. Search for a restaurant.
2. Browse the menu.
3. Add items to your cart.
4. Review delivery fees and estimated arrival time.
5. Place your order.

Many restaurants include photos and customer ratings.

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Ordering Groceries

Rappi partners with many supermarkets throughout Medellín.

You can order:

• Fresh fruit
• Vegetables
• Water
• Snacks
• Cleaning supplies
• Toiletries
• Beer
• Wine
• Soft drinks
• Ice
• Household essentials

Some stores allow substitutions if an item is unavailable.

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Ordering Drinks

You can also order:

• Coffee
• Juice
• Soda
• Energy drinks
• Beer
• Wine
• Spirits (where available)

Alcohol deliveries usually require age verification upon delivery.

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Tracking Your Order

After placing your order, you'll typically see:

• Order accepted
• Restaurant preparing your food
• Courier assigned
• Courier heading to pickup
• Courier on the way
• Estimated arrival time

You can follow the courier's location in real time.

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Communicating with the Courier

Sometimes the courier may contact you through the app.

If you don't speak Spanish, these phrases are helpful:

Hola, ya bajo.
Hi, I'm coming down now.

Estoy en la recepción.
I'm at the front desk.

Estoy en el lobby.
I'm in the lobby.

Estoy afuera.
I'm outside.

Un momento, por favor.
One moment, please.

Many couriers also use WhatsApp if your phone number is available.

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Receiving Your Delivery

Many apartment buildings in Medellín have security desks.

Depending on the building:

• The courier may leave the order with security.
• You may need to meet the courier in the lobby.
• Some buildings require the courier to remain outside.
• Some Airbnbs require guests to meet drivers at the entrance.

Ask your host how deliveries work before ordering.

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Tipping

Rappi allows optional tips through the app.

Many customers also choose to give a small cash tip for excellent service, although it is not required.

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Common Problems

My courier can't find me.

Double-check your address and respond quickly to messages or phone calls.

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My building doesn't allow deliveries upstairs.

Meet the courier in the lobby or at the building entrance.

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An item is unavailable.

Some stores allow substitutions while others simply refund unavailable items.

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My delivery is taking longer than expected.

Traffic, rain, and high demand can increase delivery times.

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Safety Tips

• Verify that the courier's name matches the app.
• Meet deliveries in well-lit public areas of your building when possible.
• Don't share unnecessary personal information.
• Inspect your order before the courier leaves if something appears damaged.
• Keep your phone nearby after placing an order in case the courier needs directions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can tourists use Rappi?

Yes. Many visitors successfully use Rappi during their stay in Colombia.

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Can I pay with a foreign credit card?

In many cases, yes. Most major international credit and debit cards are accepted, although acceptance can vary depending on your bank and payment verification requirements.

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Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not necessarily, but knowing a few basic phrases makes deliveries much smoother.

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Does Rappi deliver 24 hours a day?

Some restaurants, convenience stores, and pharmacies operate late into the night or even 24 hours, while others follow normal business hours.

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Can I order groceries to an Airbnb?

Yes. As long as you provide the correct address and someone is available to receive the order, grocery deliveries to hotels and Airbnbs are common.

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Should I include delivery instructions?

Yes. Helpful details like:

• Building name
• Apartment number
• Tower number
• Gate code (if your host provides one)
• "Leave with reception"
• "Call when you arrive"

can make your delivery much faster.

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Cituras Tip

If you're staying in Medellín for several days, Rappi can save you both time and money. Instead of carrying groceries home or searching for a late-night convenience store, you can have almost anything delivered to your hotel or Airbnb. Before placing your first order, ask your host how deliveries are handled at the building so you'll know whether to meet the courier at the lobby, reception, or entrance.