Rappi and DiDi Food: Delivery Services That Actually Work in Bogotá

After a full day of exploring art galleries or business meetings, you deserve a dinner that arrives as smoothly as your itinerary unfolds.

You might be wondering if global services like Uber Eats or DoorDash are options here. The truth is—they aren’t. That leaves safe, efficient alternatives operating with local savvy. Let me walk you through what works—so you spend less time worrying about dinner and more time enjoying the city’s flavors.

What Works and What Doesn’t

A few years ago, platforms like Uber Eats reached Bogotá—but that ended in late 2020, when Uber chose to withdraw from the country entirely. DoorDash never launched here, and iFood exited in November 2022. That leaves us with a local turf dominated by a couple of very capable contenders.

Rappi stands out as the clear leader—this Bogotá-born super‑app offers food, groceries, pharmacy items, and more. Statistically, it’s by far the most used app: over 60% of users named it their main delivery app in recent months.

Close behind is DiDi Food, which is steadily building its share. In 2022, it represented around 8% of Colombia’s food delivery market, reflecting Rappi’s dominant presence, but DiDi Food remains a viable alternative—especially when paired with local know‑how.

How to Navigate Rappi and DiDi Food with Confidence

I always use Rappi as my primary choice. Here’s why—and how to make it work for you:

• Speed and variety: Rappi Turbo promises deliveries in under 10 minutes in central areas . You can order high-end restaurant meals, groceries, pharmacy products, or even use services like RappiAntojo or RappiFavor.
• Payment options: International cards may sometimes struggle. Travelers often find they must switch card types or check with their bank if international purchases are blocked. If needed, your hotel concierge can assist with app setup or payments.
• Labor and reliability: Rappi reached a landmark agreement with Colombia’s delivery workers’ union, guaranteeing a minimum payout per order—built on transparency and fairness. That gives you peace of mind regarding service quality and ethics.

DiDi Food plays nicely as a backup:

• Available, competitive, and growing—especially useful when Rappi’s surge times slow down.
• The company is open to union-led dialogue, which suggests continued improvements in courier conditions.

Tailored Suggestions for Different Traveler Profiles

You’re not here to manage logistics—you’re here to enjoy your trip. Depending on who you are, here’s how food delivery can work best for you:

For culinary explorers: Let Rappi get you gourmet meals from top-rated restaurants. Explore menus while winding down in your room. 

For business travelers: Use Rappi’s tracking and secure payments for reliable lunch or dinner during workdays. DiDi Food is a good backup on days when sudden errands slow how fast Rappi delivers.

For couples or friends on leisure trips: Share an elevated meal via Rappi Antojo or order small indulgent bites with Turbo. 

For luxury travelers: Arrange gourmet boxes or curated meals through Rappi. Ask your concierge to connect you with fine-dining venues that deliver via Rappi—and even schedule a timed drop to pair with your evening plans.

When to Order, Where It Works, and Language Tips

Here are a few tips from personal experience pulling off smooth delivery while hosting clients:

1. Timing matters: Dinnertime (around 7–9 pm) can mean delays. Order 20–30 minutes ahead when you have a schedule to keep.

2. Neighborhood matters: Central and northern zones enjoy fast service—Turbo often works in under 10 minutes. For farther out areas, expect 30–45 minutes.

3. Language is no barrier: Both apps are intuitive and often offer some English support. But if you’d like help understanding menus or options, my team is happy to assist with translation.

4. If you experience issues: Rappi has an in-app support chat that’s often responsive. 

5. Special requests: RappiFavor lets you ask for things like reservations, small errands, or specific delivery preferences. 

Trust Cielo Travel to Help You Plan Your Best Trip Yet

As someone who ensures every trip feels effortless, I know how valuable seamless dining can be. No one wants to struggle with missing orders or unreliable apps.

I also know that no one wants to hit snags during any part of their trip. That’s why I founded Cielo Travel, a company of local experts that guides travelers through confidently exploring the very best Colombia has to offer.