Local Equivalent Finder
Find what replaces your favorite apps, stores, and services abroad
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Click a category to see all equivalents
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Common products and services expats look for abroad
Tips for Using Local Services Abroad
Download Before You Arrive
Many local apps are only available in the destination country's app store. Switch your app store region before traveling, or download essential apps using the local WiFi upon arrival.
Get a Local Bank Account
Most local payment and ride-hailing apps work best with a local bank card. Open a bank account early. In many countries, digital banks allow account opening with just your passport.
Join Expat Groups First
Local expat communities on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Telegram are the best source for up-to-date recommendations. What works changes fast, and fellow expats know the current best options.
Get a Local SIM Card
A local phone number is often required to register for ride-hailing, food delivery, and payment apps. Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or a convenience store on day one.
About this tool: Equivalents are based on the most commonly used services in each country as of February 2026. Availability may vary by city and region. Some global services (Netflix, Spotify) work worldwide but with different content libraries. Suggest an addition or correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I just use the same apps and services abroad?
Many apps and services are region-locked or simply don't operate in certain countries. Uber, for example, exited Southeast Asia and sold to Grab. Amazon has limited presence in Latin America where Mercado Libre dominates. Payment apps like Venmo only work in the US. Even when a global service technically operates somewhere, the local alternative often has better coverage, lower prices, and more merchants — because it was built for that market.
How do I pay for things if Venmo and Zelle don't work abroad?
Each country has dominant mobile payment systems. In Mexico, OXXO Pay and bank transfers (SPEI) are standard. Brazil uses PIX for instant free transfers. Spain has Bizum. Southeast Asia uses GrabPay, GCash (Philippines), or bank-specific apps. In most countries, you can open a local bank account with your passport and residency permit, then link it to the local payment app within days of arriving.
Are local grocery stores much different from US/UK chains?
Local supermarkets carry similar categories but with regional products, brands, and fresh items you won't find at home. Prices for local produce, dairy, and meat are often significantly cheaper. You may not find specific imported brands (peanut butter varieties, certain cereals), but most expats adapt quickly and discover local favorites. Many countries also have small neighborhood shops ("tiendas", "warung", "konbini") that are more convenient than large supermarkets for daily needs.
Will my streaming subscriptions work abroad?
Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube Premium work globally but content libraries vary by country — you may lose access to some shows and gain others. Some services like Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock are US-only without a VPN. Local alternatives like Viu (Asia), iQIYI (China), and Globoplay (Brazil) offer regional content. Most expats keep one or two global subscriptions and add a local service for regional content and live TV.
How reliable are ride-hailing apps in other countries?
In most major cities, local ride-hailing apps are equal to or better than Uber in the US. Grab in Southeast Asia, DiDi in Mexico and China, and Bolt in Europe all offer reliable service with driver ratings, GPS tracking, fare estimates, and cashless payments. In many countries, these apps also handle food delivery, package delivery, and grocery shopping — making them more versatile than their US equivalents.
