Moving to Spain can feel like stepping into the lifestyle you have always imagined: sunny weather, Mediterranean food, beaches, outdoor cafés and a slower pace of life.
However, everyday expenses and unfamiliar local systems can quickly become frustrating. You may pay too much for a gym membership, wait unnecessarily for a bus, struggle to book an appointment or discover that the person delivering your furniture only communicates through an app you rarely use.
The good news is that life in Spain becomes much easier once you know which digital tools locals rely on.
Here are 19 useful apps and services that can help you communicate, travel, eat, exercise, manage payments and organize your daily life in Spain.
1. WhatsApp: Essential for Everyday Communication
WhatsApp is not simply a messaging app in Spain. It is one of the main tools people use to manage everyday life.
Delivery drivers, landlords, estate agents, tradespeople, repair technicians, restaurants and service providers frequently communicate through WhatsApp. It is also common for schools, sports clubs, neighbourhood groups and businesses to use WhatsApp groups or business accounts.
Before moving to Spain, make sure WhatsApp is installed and connected to the telephone number you plan to use.
You may need it to:
* Speak with a landlord or property agent
* Receive delivery updates
* Confirm appointments
* Contact repair services
* Make restaurant enquiries
* Communicate with local businesses
For many newcomers, WhatsApp becomes the most important communication app on their phone.
2. Local Public Transport Apps
Most large Spanish cities have their own public transport apps.
For example, EMT Valencia allows passengers to check bus routes, stops and estimated arrival times before leaving home. This can be especially useful during the summer, when waiting at an uncovered bus stop may be uncomfortable.
Other cities have their own official transport systems and apps, so search for the local operator when you arrive.
A city transport app can help you:
* View live or estimated arrival times
* Find the nearest stop
* Plan a route
* Check service changes
* Avoid unnecessary waiting
It is worth downloading the official transport app for your municipality rather than relying entirely on printed timetables.
3. Too Good To Go: Discounted Food and Surprise Bags
Too Good To Go connects customers with restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets and hotels that have unsold food available near the end of a service period.
Businesses offer “surprise bags” containing food that would otherwise remain unsold. Depending on the location, these may include pastries, prepared meals, fruit, vegetables, sandwiches or hotel breakfast items.
The exact contents are normally unknown until collection, but the reduced price can make the app useful for people who enjoy trying different foods while limiting unnecessary spending.
It also helps participating businesses reduce food waste.
4. TheFork: Restaurant Reservations and Special Offers
TheFork, also known in Spain as ElTenedor, allows users to search for restaurants and book tables through the app.
Some restaurants provide app-only discounts or promotional offers. Users may also be able to collect loyalty rewards through eligible reservations.
The app is helpful when you want to:
* Find restaurants nearby
* Compare menus and reviews
* Reserve a table
* Discover special promotions
* Explore restaurants in a new city
Before booking, read the conditions carefully. Discounts may apply only at certain times, on selected menu items or when reservations are made through the app.
5. Playtomic: Find and Book Padel Courts
Padel is one of Spain’s most popular recreational sports, and Playtomic makes it easier to participate.
The app allows users to search for nearby clubs, book courts and connect with other players. In many cases, the cost of the court can be divided between the participants through the platform.
Playtomic is especially useful when you are new to Spain and do not yet have a regular group of people to play with.
You can use it to:
* Find available courts
* Join open matches
* Meet players at a similar level
* Organize games with friends
* Divide court costs between participants
It combines sports booking with a social network for players.
6. ClassPass: Try Different Fitness Activities
ClassPass provides access to a variety of participating gyms, studios and fitness activities.
Depending on availability in your city, you may find boxing, Pilates, stretching, dance, strength training and other classes through one membership system.
This can be useful for newcomers who want to explore different studios before committing to a long-term gym contract.
Remember to check the cancellation conditions. Late cancellations and missed classes may result in lost credits or additional charges.
7. Wikiloc: Hiking, Cycling and Outdoor Routes
Spain offers an enormous variety of walking, hiking and cycling routes, from coastal paths to mountain trails.
Wikiloc helps users discover routes created and shared by other members. The app may include distance, elevation, estimated difficulty and navigation information.
It can be used for:
* Mountain hiking
* Cycling routes
* Walking tours
* Rural trails
* City sightseeing routes
Route tracking can also help you understand your progress and find your way back. Nevertheless, mobile reception may be limited in rural or mountainous areas, so prepare properly and download offline information where available.
8. iBeach: Beach Conditions and Water Information
Beach conditions can change quickly, particularly when there are strong currents, waves or water-quality warnings.
The iBeach app is designed to provide information about participating beaches, including safety flags and water conditions.
Before travelling to a beach, you may be able to check:
* The current safety flag
* Swimming conditions
* Water-quality information
* Available beach services
* Local warnings
Coverage may vary by municipality, so also pay attention to official signs and lifeguard instructions when you arrive.
9. Wallapop: Buy and Sell Second-Hand Items
Wallapop is one of Spain’s best-known platforms for buying and selling used goods.
It can be particularly valuable when furnishing a home, especially if you have recently moved and need furniture, appliances, bicycles or household items without paying full retail prices.
Common listings include:
* Furniture
* Electronics
* Home appliances
* Bicycles
* Tools
* Clothing
* Children’s items
The platform includes messaging and payment features, but buyers should still check descriptions carefully and follow the platform’s safety guidance.
10. Booksy: Beauty and Barber Appointments
Some hair salons, barbershops and beauty professionals in Spain use Booksy to manage their appointments.
Instead of visiting a salon without a reservation, you can check availability and book a suitable time through the app.
Depending on the provider, Booksy may allow you to:
* Compare available services
* View prices
* Select a specific professional
* Reserve an appointment
* Reschedule or cancel a booking
Not every salon uses the platform, but it can be a convenient tool in cities where it is widely adopted.
11. Bizum: Instant Payments by Telephone Number
Bizum is deeply integrated into everyday payments in Spain.
It allows customers of participating Spanish banks to send money using a telephone number rather than entering a full bank account number.
Friends commonly use Bizum to divide restaurant bills, repay small purchases or share travel costs.
You will generally need:
* An account with a participating Spanish bank
* A Spanish telephone number
* Bizum activated through your bank’s app
Transaction limits and conditions depend on the bank and current Bizum rules. It is best suited to legitimate personal payments rather than commercial activity or unusually large transfers.
12. Ryanair: Low-Cost Flights Across Europe
Living in Spain gives residents access to a large network of European destinations.
Ryanair operates many routes from Spanish airports, including regional airports that may not be served by traditional airlines.
Low advertised fares can be attractive, but check the complete price before booking. Seat selection, checked baggage, larger cabin bags and airport services may cost extra.
Always compare:
* Departure airport
* Baggage allowance
* Flight times
* Airport transfer costs
* Final price after optional services
A cheap flight may not be the cheapest journey once every additional cost is included.
13. Wizz Air: Another Budget Travel Option
Wizz Air is another airline worth checking when comparing flights from Spain to destinations across Europe and nearby regions.
As with other low-cost carriers, the basic ticket may include only a small personal item.
Review the luggage dimensions, check-in requirements and airport location before confirming your booking.
Using both Ryanair and Wizz Air in your search can provide more schedule and price options.
14. Omio: Compare Trains, Buses and Flights
Omio allows travellers to compare different transport options in one place.
It can be useful when deciding whether to travel by:
* Train
* Long-distance bus
* Plane
The app shows journey duration, departure times and available prices, making it easier to compare routes.
However, after finding the best option, check the operator’s official website as well. Buying directly from companies such as Renfe or ALSA may sometimes avoid an additional booking fee.
15. Google Maps: Compare Hotel Prices
Google Maps is useful for much more than directions.
When you search for a hotel, Google may display prices from several booking platforms and, in some cases, the hotel’s own website.
This makes it easier to compare:
* Booking platforms
* Direct hotel prices
* Room availability
* Location
* Guest reviews
Prices for the same room can vary significantly between providers. Always check whether breakfast, cancellation and taxes are included before selecting the cheapest-looking offer.
16. Visit A City: Plan Sightseeing Routes
Visit A City helps travellers organize sightseeing itineraries and discover attractions.
The app may be useful when visiting Spanish cities such as Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Seville or Málaga.
It can help you:
* Build a daily itinerary
* Find major attractions
* Organize stops by location
* Review opening hours
* Estimate how long visits may take
Many museums in Spain also offer free-entry periods on selected days or during certain hours. Check the museum’s official website before visiting because schedules and eligibility rules can change.
17. SIP and Regional Public Healthcare Apps
Spain’s public healthcare system is managed regionally, so the exact app and procedure depend on where you live.
In the Valencian Community, healthcare access is connected to the SIP system. Available digital services may allow patients to request appointments, review information or manage certain healthcare procedures.
After registering for public healthcare, ask your health centre which official regional app you should use.
Do not assume that an app used in Valencia will provide the same services in Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia or another autonomous community.
18. Sanitas: Private Healthcare Management
Sanitas customers can use the company’s app to manage many private healthcare services.
Depending on the insurance policy and available services, users may be able to:
* Request appointments
* Review medical information
* Find healthcare centres
* Access online consultations
* Manage insurance-related services
The app can reduce the need to make telephone calls, particularly when arranging routine appointments.
Features depend on the policy, location and healthcare provider.
19. IMED: Appointments and Medical Records
IMED operates private hospitals and healthcare centres, particularly in the Valencian Community.
Its digital services may allow patients to manage appointments, receive reminders and access certain test results or medical documents.
This can be convenient for people who regularly use an IMED facility and want their information available in one place.
As with every healthcare app, access and available features depend on the clinic, account and services received.
Which Apps Should You Install First?
You do not need to install every app immediately.
For your first weeks in Spain, start with the tools that support essential everyday activities:
1. WhatsApp for communication
2. Your city’s official transport app
3. Your Spanish bank’s app with Bizum
4. Google Maps for navigation and price comparisons
5. Your public or private healthcare app
6. Wallapop if you need furniture or household items
7. Omio and airline apps if you plan to travel
You can then add food, sports and leisure apps according to your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Adapting to life in Spain is not only about learning the language or understanding local customs. It is also about knowing how everyday systems work.
The right apps can help you avoid unnecessary waiting, discover better prices, communicate with local service providers, organize medical appointments and explore more of the country.
Offers, fees, features and availability can change, so always review the latest conditions inside the official app before making a payment or reservation.
Once your phone is properly set up, everyday life in Spain becomes much easier to navigate—and you can spend more time enjoying the reasons you moved here in the first place.
Editorial source note: Adapted and rewritten from a video transcript featuring Alina from the How to Spain channel.
