How to Use Nequi & Daviplata as a Foreigner in Colombia

If you've been in Colombia for more than five minutes, you've probably heard someone say "¿Tienes Nequi?" — whether you're splitting a dinner tab in Laureles, paying your barber in Poblado, or buying empanadas from a street vendor in Chapinero. Digital wallets have completely taken over daily transactions in Colombia, and as a foreigner, you need at least one of them.

The two big players are Nequi (backed by Bancolombia) and Daviplata (backed by Davivienda). Think of them as Colombia’s Venmo or Cash App — except they’re used for everything. Rent payments, utility bills, Rappi orders, taxis, even street food. Going cash-only here is like using a flip phone — technically possible, but you’re making life way harder than it needs to be.

The good news? Foreigners can use both apps, though the setup process has a few quirks you need to know about. I've been using Nequi daily for over two years and have tested Daviplata extensively. This guide covers everything: requirements, registration, funding your wallet, making payments, and which one is better for your situation.

Do You Need a Cédula de Extranjería?

This is the first question every foreigner asks — and the answer is it depends on the app.

Nequi technically requires a Colombian cédula de extranjería (CE) to register. You'll enter your CE number during signup, and the app validates it against Bancolombia's database. A passport alone won't work for full functionality. However, some foreigners have reported successfully registering with a PEP (Permiso Especial de Permanencia) or PPT number — results vary, and Nequi occasionally updates their verification requirements.

Daviplata is slightly more flexible. It accepts cédula de extranjería numbers and has historically been a bit easier for foreigners to register with. Some users have gotten in with just a PPT, though again, your mileage may vary.

Bottom line: if you have your cédula de extranjería, both apps will work. If you're still on a tourist visa or waiting for your cédula, try Daviplata first — it's your best bet. And get that cédula process started ASAP, because it unlocks everything.

How to Set Up Nequi (Step by Step)

Setting up Nequi takes about 10 minutes if you have your documents ready. Here's exactly what to do:

Step 1: Download the app. Nequi is available on both iOS and Android. Search "Nequi" in your app store — it's the purple one with the heart logo.

Step 2: Register with your cédula de extranjería. Select "Cédula de Extranjería" as your document type and enter your CE number. You'll also need your Colombian phone number (Nequi requires a local number — no US numbers).

Step 3: Verify your identity. You'll take a selfie and a photo of your CE. The facial recognition can be finicky — make sure you're in good lighting with a plain background. If it fails, try again without glasses.

Step 4: Set up your 4-digit PIN. This is what you'll use for every transaction. Don't use your birthday — pickpocket scams sometimes involve shoulder-surfing your PIN in crowded areas.

Step 5: Wait for approval. Nequi usually activates within minutes, but some foreign CE numbers take 24-48 hours for manual review. Don't panic if it doesn't work instantly.

How to Set Up Daviplata

Daviplata's setup is similar but runs through Davivienda's infrastructure:

Download the app (orange icon), select cédula de extranjería, enter your number, verify with your Colombian phone number, take your selfie, and set your PIN. Daviplata tends to approve foreign documents a bit faster than Nequi in my experience.

One key difference: Daviplata has a lower initial transaction limit until you complete additional verification. You'll start with a limit around $3,000,000 COP per month (~$700 USD). To increase it, you may need to visit a Davivienda branch with your CE and passport. Nequi's limits are generally more generous from the start — up to $7,000,000 COP/month (~$1,600 USD) for verified accounts.

Nequi vs Daviplata: Which Is Better for Foreigners?

Let me break down the real differences that matter for expats and digital nomads:

My recommendation: Get Nequi first — it's what most Colombians use, and you'll need it most often. Then set up Daviplata as your backup. Having both means you're covered no matter what someone asks for. I use Nequi for 90% of transactions and Daviplata when a specific vendor only accepts it.

How to Add Money (Top Up) Your Digital Wallet

Having the app is useless if you can't fund it. Here are the best ways to load money onto Nequi and Daviplata as a foreigner:

Bank Transfer from Your Colombian Account

If you have a Colombian bank account, this is the easiest method. In Nequi, go to "Recargar" → "Desde cuenta Bancolombia" (if you bank with Bancolombia) or "Desde otro banco" via PSE transfer. The money arrives instantly from Bancolombia or within 1-2 hours from other banks. Daviplata works the same way with Davivienda accounts.

Cash Deposits at Partner Locations

No bank account yet? No problem. You can deposit cash at:

For Nequi: Any Bancolombia ATM (look for "depósito sin tarjeta"), Grupo Éxito stores (Éxito, Carulla, Surtimax), Efecty locations, and some Baloto points. Just give them your Nequi-registered phone number and hand over the cash.

For Daviplata: Davivienda ATMs, Efecty, Su Red points, and various drugstores (Farmatodo, Drogas La Rebaja). Same process — phone number and cash.

Deposits are usually free up to a certain monthly amount. Efecty charges a small fee (around $3,000-$5,000 COP / ~$0.70-$1.20 USD per transaction).

Using Crypto/ARQ to Fund Your Wallet

Here's a pro tip most guides won't tell you: if you're earning in USD and want to get pesos into Nequi cheaply, use the Kraken → ARQ method to convert USD to COP at near-market rates, then transfer from ARQ directly to your Nequi or Daviplata account. This saves you 2-4% compared to services like Remitly or Western Union on larger transfers.

Making Payments Like a Local: QR Codes, Transfers & More

Once your wallet is loaded, here's how you'll actually use it day-to-day:

QR Code Payments

This is the most common way you'll use Nequi. Almost every restaurant, café, and shop in major cities has a QR code at the register. In Nequi, tap "Pagar" → scan the QR code → enter the amount → confirm with your PIN. Done in 10 seconds. The merchant sees the payment instantly. Daviplata works the same way — look for the "Pagar con QR" option.

Person-to-Person Transfers ("Nequiazos")

Sending money to friends, your landlord, or a private Spanish tutor? Tap "Enviar plata" and enter their phone number. That's it. Colombians call person-to-person Nequi transfers "nequiazos" — you'll hear this term constantly. "Te hago un nequiazo" means "I'll Nequi you the money." It's free and instant between Nequi users.

Paying Bills (Servicios)

Both apps let you pay utilities (EPM, gas, internet), phone plans, and other services directly. Go to "Pagar" → "Servicios" and search for your provider. Enter your account number and pay. This is especially handy for paying your utilities without having to go to a physical payment point.

Common Issues Foreigners Run Into (And How to Fix Them)

Let's be real — these apps weren't designed with foreigners in mind. Here are the most common problems and solutions:

"My CE number isn't accepted during registration." Make sure you're entering just the number without dashes or spaces. If it still fails, your CE might not be in Bancolombia's/Davivienda's database yet — new cédulas can take 1-2 weeks to propagate. Wait a few days and try again.

"Facial recognition keeps failing." Remove glasses, hats, and face masks. Use natural lighting (near a window). Make sure the background is plain and light-colored. If it still fails after 3 tries, try at a different time of day — their servers are less loaded early morning.

"I can't receive money from other users." Your account might not be fully activated. Check your email for any pending verification steps. Some foreigners need to make a small deposit first before the account fully activates for receiving.

"My transaction limit is too low." Visit a Bancolombia branch (for Nequi) or Davivienda branch (for Daviplata) with your CE, passport, and a recent utility bill. Ask to "ampliar el cupo de Nequi/Daviplata." This can double or triple your monthly limit.

"The app is entirely in Spanish." Unfortunately, neither app has an English language option. This is actually great motivation to learn basic financial Spanish. Check our Colombian slang guide to familiarize yourself with common terms you'll see in the apps.

Safety Tips for Using Digital Wallets in Colombia

Digital wallets are generally safer than carrying cash, but keep these tips in mind:

Don't keep large balances. Keep only what you need for the next week or two in your Nequi/Daviplata. If your phone gets stolen (it happens), the thief could attempt to access your wallet. Keep the bulk of your money in your bank account.

Enable biometric login. Both apps support fingerprint and face ID. Use it. A 4-digit PIN alone isn't enough if someone watches you type it.

Never share your PIN or screenshots of your QR code. Scammers sometimes ask you to share your Nequi QR code via WhatsApp — they can use it to pull money from your account. Only scan QR codes in person, at the point of sale.

Set up transaction notifications. Both apps can send push notifications for every transaction. Enable this so you'll know immediately if someone makes an unauthorized payment.

Can You Pay Rent with Nequi or Daviplata?

Yes — and many landlords actually prefer it. If your monthly rent is under your transaction limit, you can send the full amount via a nequiazo or Daviplata transfer to your landlord's phone number. It's instant, free, and you have a digital receipt.

For higher rents (common in Poblado or Chicó), you might hit your monthly limit. In that case, you'll need to use a bank transfer instead. Some landlords also accept payment through Bancolombia's "Transferencia" feature, which has higher limits than Nequi. Ask your landlord: "¿Puedo pagar por Nequi o necesita transferencia bancaria?"

Pro tip: always send a screenshot of the completed transaction to your landlord via WhatsApp as a receipt. Colombians do this as standard practice, and it protects both parties.

Power User Features Most Foreigners Don't Know About

Once you're comfortable with basic payments, explore these features:

Nequi Savings Goals ("Bolsillos"): Create separate savings pockets within Nequi for rent, travel, or emergencies. Money in bolsillos is separated from your main balance, so you won't accidentally spend it. Each bolsillo earns a small interest rate too.

Nequi Virtual Card: Generate a virtual Mastercard number for online shopping. Works for Colombian e-commerce, Netflix Colombia, Spotify, and many international sites. Super useful if you don't have a Colombian credit card yet.

Daviplata Microinsurance: Daviplata offers cheap accident and life insurance products right in the app. Worth considering as a basic safety net while you're getting your full health insurance sorted out.

ATM Withdrawals Without a Card: Need cash? Both apps let you generate a one-time code to withdraw from their respective bank ATMs without a physical card. In Nequi, go to "Sacar plata" → "Sin tarjeta" → choose an amount → get a code → use it at any Bancolombia ATM within 30 minutes.

Other Apps You'll Need Alongside Nequi

Nequi and Daviplata are just the start. For the complete picture of apps that make life easier in Colombia, check out our full guide:

For getting the best exchange rate on your USD-to-COP conversions (which you'll need to fund your wallets), the Kraken + ARQ method saves serious money. And if you haven't opened a Colombian bank account yet, that should be your next step — read our best banks for foreigners guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can I use Nequi without a cédula de extranjería?

Technically, Nequi requires a CE number to register. Some foreigners with PEP or PPT documents have had success, but it's inconsistent. Daviplata tends to be more flexible with alternative documents. Your best bet is to get your cédula de extranjería first — it unlocks both apps plus Colombian bank accounts and much more.

❓ Is Nequi safe for foreigners to use in Colombia?

Yes. Nequi is backed by Bancolombia, the largest bank in Colombia, and is regulated by the Superintendencia Financiera. It uses encryption, PIN protection, and biometric authentication. It's actually safer than carrying cash. Just follow basic security practices: don't share your PIN, enable biometric login, and keep your balance reasonable.

❓ Can I send money from Nequi to a US bank account?

No — Nequi and Daviplata only work within Colombia. For sending money internationally, you'll need a service like Remitly, Wise, or the Kraken/ARQ crypto method. These wallets are purely for domestic Colombian transactions — pesos in, pesos out.

❓ What are the fees for using Nequi and Daviplata?

Both apps are free for basic use — no monthly fees, no fees for person-to-person transfers, and no fees for QR payments. You'll only pay fees for specific actions: ATM withdrawals (around $4,200 COP after 2 free withdrawals/month on Nequi), cash deposits through third-party points like Efecty ($3,000-$5,000 COP), and some bill payments may have small processing fees.

❓ Do Nequi and Daviplata work in all Colombian cities?

Both apps work anywhere in Colombia with cell service. QR payment adoption is highest in Medellín, Bogotá, Cali, and Barranquilla. In smaller towns, you'll find more cash-only businesses, but even rural areas increasingly accept Nequi. Daviplata has particularly strong coverage in rural Colombia thanks to Davivienda's branch network.