Going on an international trip is an exciting adventure, but navigating the complexities of foreign travel can sometimes be daunting.
Fortunately, with the right set of apps on your smartphone, you can significantly enhance your travel experience, making everything from communication to transportation smoother and more enjoyable.
Here are some essential apps to download for international trips:
1. eSIM app
• aloSIM: Staying connected has never been easier, thanks to eSIM technology. With aloSIM, you can purchase data packages for over 170 countries without needing a physical SIM card. This means you can switch to a local data plan as soon as you land, and navigate maps, translate languages, or make reservations, without searching for reliable Wi-Fi and without any roaming charges.
2. Ride-sharing and public transport apps
• Uber or Lyft: Uber and Lyft are available in numerous countries worldwide. They offer a reliable and safe way to navigate unfamiliar cities without the hassle of local taxi fares and routes. For locations where these aren’t available, look for local alternatives that provide similar services (for example, Bolt is available in 500+ cities around the world).
• CityMapper: For those who prefer public transit, CityMapper provides detailed journey planning across various transport modes, including buses, trains, and subways, integrating real-time departures, transit maps, and walking directions.
3. Language translation apps
• Google Translate: This app is a traveler’s best friend in countries where you don’t speak the language. It offers text, speech, and camera translation in over 100 languages, helping you understand and being understood.
• Duolingo: If you’re keen on learning the basics of a new language before your trip, Duolingo offers bite-sized lessons in a fun and interactive way.
4. Currency conversion apps
• XE Currency: With live exchange rates and charts, XE Currency is a must-have app for managing your finances abroad. It helps you calculate prices in your home currency, making shopping and dining out less of a guessing game.
5. Travel guides and local recommendations
• TripAdvisor: For comprehensive travel guides and user-generated reviews, TripAdvisor remains a go-to source for insights on hotels, restaurants, and attractions around the world.
• Yelp: Similar to TripAdvisor, Yelp offers reviews and recommendations, particularly useful for finding great places to eat and unique local businesses.
6. Maps and navigation
• Google Maps: It provides detailed maps, directions, and local business information in nearly every corner of the globe. Whether you’re looking for the quickest route to your hotel, the nearest coffee shop, or want to explore street views of landmarks before visiting them, Google Maps has you covered.
7. Communication apps
• Hushed: A versatile free calling and texting app available on the App Store and on Google Play. Offering cheap temporary phone numbers that operate over Wi-Fi or data, Hushed is perfect for travelers. Within seconds, you can secure a phone number (across 300+ area codes) for calls, texts, and voicemail. Pro tip: Most prepaid data packages from aloSIM now come with a FREE phone number from Hushed.
• WhatsApp: For free texts, voice messages, calls, and even video calls, as long as there’s a Wi-Fi or data connection. Its group chat feature is particularly useful for coordinating plans and staying in touch with multiple people at once. However, unlike Hushed, WhatsApp does not allow users to make phone calls to regular phone numbers.
From staying connected and navigating your surroundings to breaking down language barriers and managing finances, these apps to download for international trips will help you tackle the challenges of international travel, leaving more time to enjoy the wonders of the world. Happy travels!
RELATED: How to get a free phone number for international travel
