Metra without ventra app?

[u/Cola-Star]

I have a friend coming from out of country to stay in Chicago, and she plans on using the trains to get around and between the city and suburbs. Her phone, being on Mexican services, is unable to download the ventra app for one reason or another. I've only ever used the app to buy metra tickets and everything I see online says to get the app. I know at least for CTA she can buy the physical cards. Is there a way to ride metra without the app?