When you’re traveling abroad, it helps to be prepared. You want to know what to expect, what to bring, and how to stay safe. But the best part of traveling is learning about a new culture—and that means taking time out of your day-to-day routine and immersing yourself in it.
This can be easy for some people, but for others (like me), it’s a lot harder. That’s why I’ve rounded up some of the best apps for traveling abroad: they help you learn about the customs and culture of your destination so that when you arrive, you’re ready for anything!
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Best Apps For Traveling Abroad
After living abroad twice and traveling to several countries in between, you’d think I’d be “fluent” in traveling abroad. WRONG. There is nothing more rewarding than international travel, but it can still be overwhelming at times. One thing that’s always helped me is having the right technology to use in a pinch. Trust me, our parents would have loved to have an iPhone while in Madrid or an Android in Malaysia.
Here are some of the best international travel apps that could save you time planning, or help you out in a hurry abroad:
Currency
Instagram
Google Flights
Airbnb
What’s App
Rome2Rio
Kakao
Google Translate
Hostelworld
Google Maps
Currency
Ever found yourself spending $5 on something like an apple because you literally had no idea what the conversion rate was? I’m seriously guilty of this travel mishap. The best thing to do is to have a currency converter app, like Currency, downloaded in advance. I like the Currency App the most, because it works in offline mode, meaning you don’t need an internet connection to use it! Perfect for wandering through markets or buying local goodies at a roadside stand.
Instagram
Alright, so you’ve definitely heard of this one. But don’t underestimate the power of Instagram as a travel app. Inspire your friends to come visit you by posting sunset pics and cold beers with the locals. Instagram is perfect for the travel nomad, since you can take photos on your camera and upload them when you find an internet hotspot! You’ll have visitors sleeping on your couch within weeks. Need some inspiration? Check us out at @intteflacademy for some ideas! #nofilter
Google Flights
A personal favorite for pre-travel planning, Google Flights one-ups other costs comparing travel sites. The app offers all kinds of innovative technology. From alerting you when prices are about to go up or monitoring costs for you for a specific day, Google Flights takes all the work out of “looking for flights.” It is, in my opinion, one of the best apps for moving abroad.
Airbnb
Totally changing the game when it comes to affordable accommodations, Airbnb is hands down one of the best apps for living abroad. Since it’s a “peer-to-peer” business model, you rent short-term lodging from individuals. If you’re planning a short weekend trip on a break from teaching to Malaysia or Milan, Airbnb is a great money-saving tool to know about. Book easily through the mobile app as late as the day of! Trust me, when travel plans change unexpectedly Airbnb is key to have. I know from experience.
Find housing on Airbnb for teaching abroad
What’s App
If you have friends harassing you about “how you’re going to stay in touch” and that you’ll “never talk to them again,” What’s App is the perfect solution. It’s an internet based texting solution, and the perfect way to communicate with friends and family without paying for an international plan. You can do everything from text to video-calling. Plus, it’s a great way to talk with your new friends abroad!
Rome2Rio
Like you might guess from the name, Rome2Rio is a go-to for transportation planning. Just input two locations and the app will tell you every mix of trains, planes and automobiles needed to take you! I can say from first hand experience that Rome2Rio has helped me cut down on travel time and make the most of my trips abroad.
Kakao
Similar to What’s App, Kakao is literally taking over communication in Asia. Used by 93% of smartphone users in South Korea, if you’re planning on teaching in Asia you should probably download this now. The best part of about Kakao? You can share photos, your location and videos with your contacts without logging into a wi-fi network.
Google Translate
Ok, this one is pretty much self-explanatory. I don’t think I would have made it a week in Argentina without the help of a simple translator app. I personally think Google Translate is the best with over 90 languages. If you’re already feeling anxious about how to ask for directions in Seoul or for the best fruit stand in San Jose, Google Translate will be there to save you. Fair warning: translating is translating… you might just ask for something unexpected.
Hostelworld
Welcome to hostel wonderland! All you need to do is tap in your dates and behold, dozens of hostels are available at your fingertips. The best part is seeing the rating of former users about their specific experiences. Hostelworld puts percentages next to hostel choices to ensure you’re picking a top-rated place to rest your head. No bed bugs here!
Google Maps
Am I on a roll with Google? Maybe, but more Google Apps = a happier nomad. For me, walking 6 miles on a random Saturday is the absolute best way to see a new city (or discover more of an old one). Just like any place, having a general idea of where one is going is typically a bright idea. If you find yourself leaving class with no idea where you’re meeting your friend for an afternoon beer, you’ll be thanking yourself for downloading Google Maps.
Mobiel Apps for Traveling
Honorable Mentions
These 5 additional international travel apps are also worth considering:
Hopper:
Great for predictive airfare. Check out this app to find out the best days to buy your flight.
Pocket Money:
Who doesn’t need to keep track of their finances… especially when there is an exchange rate involved!
iMetro:
In a rush? IMetro helps you find the closest subway station to your location so you can get to your destination in a hurry!
AroundMe:
This app is so helpful to the lazy traveler. If you need a quick recommendation on restaurants or bars nearby, check it out!
WeatherBug:
Honestly, dressing for the weather is a huge determiner of how your day is going to go. Get WeatherBug and don’t be the one wearing a tank top in Russia in January.
what are the best apps for international travel
The wonder of travel is in the sights and sounds of your new location, but if a tool could smooth your path and free up your senses, you would use it, right?
Well there is, of course, in your pocket. Smart travelers load up their smartphones with an array of handy apps to make life on the road that little bit easier.
And just like packing the right items for your trip, having the right apps on your phone can dramatically improve the journey to your next destination.
Here is our pick of 15 of the best travel apps out there. Some you might have already, and some you should download before your next adventure:
PackPoint
Best travel apps Packpoint
Let the app take the strain by compiling a packing list for your chosen destination.
Packpoint
A packing checklist is a useful tool, if somewhat time-consuming to compile — but what if someone could make that list for you?
Input your destination and travel dates, and PackPoint will create a weather-specific packing list. The app will also ask what you plan on doing while you’re there, and make suggestions based on your answers — so you don’t forget your gym shorts if you plan on running or your tie for an important business meeting.
Chances are the computer-generated suggestions aren’t going to be perfect at first, but items can be added and deleted to customize your list.
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
WiFi Map
Finding a WiFi hotspot to avoid data roaming charges isn’t always easy.
But the crowdsourced WiFi Map app highlights hotspots around your current location and provides you with the password to use them.
You’ll want to be careful what data you access when you’re connected to public WiFi, so you should choose wisely not only when it comes to your hotspot but what you do with it.
Maps can be downloaded to use offline (so you don’t burn through data looking for that hotspot), and a premium version of the app offers access to a bigger library of locations.
Platforms: iOS and Android
Price: Free
Google Translate
The language barrier need not be such a hurdle with Google’s handy translation app.
It can translate 103 different languages, just by typing the text into your phone.
Of those, 59 can be downloaded for access even when you don’t have a data connection, and 38 can be translated by pointing your phone’s camera at a street sign or dinner menu.
The camera feature doesn’t always deliver perfect results, but it’s often good enough to give you the gist.
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
TravelBank
Best travel apps Travel Bank
With TravelBank you can bundle your work travel budget into the app and then splurge as you see fit.
Travel Bank
This app helps your employer create a budget for a trip based on actual travel costs.
You, as an individual, use the app to book things like your flight and hotel, and keep track of expenses like meals.
TravelBank bundles the budgets together, meaning you can fly coach instead of business and eat at nicer restaurants, or take the subway rather than cabs and stay at a nicer hotel.
At the end of the trip, you file an expense report through the app.
If you don’t spend all of your budget you split the savings with your employer and get a gift card for somewhere like Uber or Airbnb for the remaining funds.
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Dayuse.com
Evening flights often leave you in a travel no-man’s land. But the Dayuse app allows you to book hotel rooms for the day rather than the evening hours so you can relax, take a shower, or just get some work done.
Rooms are generally cheaper than they are at night, and your stay often comes with access to all the same amenities enjoyed by overnight guests.
Platform: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
AccuWeather
Never underestimate the value of a great weather app.
AccuWeather is available in more than 100 different languages and provides minute-by-minute forecasts that are hyper-localized.
No more being caught out in a 20-minute downpour (hopefully).
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Airbnb
Best travel apps Airbnb
Not just for renting homes, you can now use Airbnb to book experiences or dinner reservations.
Airbnb
Airbnb built its business on renting homes, but you can now do a whole lot more with the app.
While you can certainly use it to book your next getaway, the app also offers “Airbnb Experiences” led by experts and local hosts. These can be anything from bike rides or truffle hunting to cooking lessons at a local restaurant. In some cities the app also allows you to make restaurant reservations just like you might on OpenTable.
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Uber
Even if you don’t use Uber at home, it can be a handy app to have when traveling.
Despite its problematic reputation in the United States and elsewhere, Uber is currently in more countries than other similar transportation services.
In places where you don’t speak the language, the app’s ability to type in your address can help cut down on any confusion between you and your driver.
Platform: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
SitOrSquat
If you’ve got to go when you’re on the go, this restroom-searching app could be for you.
The SitOrSquat app is loaded with more than 100,000 public restrooms and can pinpoint the nearest to your location. Even better, the bathrooms come with a rating — “Sit” if it is clean, or “Squat” if it’s not.
Users can rate toilets and add new ones to the database, and all locations can be searched by location, rating, whether or not they have a changing table, or whether they’re free to use (as opposed to a coffee shop where you might be expected to buy a cup).
Platform: iOS and Android
Cost Free
Citymapper
This takes the digital map one stage further and helps you get around in a large city.
It offers transit maps including real-time departure information as well as disruption alerts and biking and walking directions (and Uber integration, if that’s your thing).
As well as info on what train to take, Citymapper will also make suggestions on the best train car to be in, as well as what station exit you should take when you arrive at your stop.
Platform: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
RunGo
Best travel apps RunGo
Find running routes on your travels with RunGo.
RunGo
Keeping fit while traveling can be hard work. It’s often difficult to find running routes in unfamiliar places, but the RunGo app helps you discover suitable and safe itineraries near your current location.
It even has voice navigation to help you get through tricky spots while you’re pounding the pavements.
One of the 90,000+ routes can be downloaded for listening offline (a solid feature for whether you’re traveling abroad and don’t want to use pricey roaming data), and premium users can access special guided tours that have been verified by local runners and include a bit of sightseeing in your workout.
For those who don’t love to run with their phone, an Apple Watch app is also available.
Platform: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Detour
If you don’t fancy an organized tour, but still want to learn a little bit about the area, this audio app can help.
Detour offers walking tours in a limited number of major cities, written and narrated by locals. Rather than take you to the typical tourist stops, these tours give you a local’s view of the city. For instance, in San Francisco, Detour offers a tour of Fisherman’s Wharf given by an actual fisherman.
You see his boat and where he brings in crab each day, and learn about the working side of the Wharf rather than simply suggesting a photo op with the sea lions at Pier 39.
Platform: iOS and Android
Cost: The app is free. Prices of tours vary
XE Currency
The XE Currency app offers live exchange rates for currencies around the world, with rates refreshed every minute.
It can help you make quick conversions when you’re out shopping and can monitor up to 10 of your favorite currencies and let you know when their value changes.
Platform: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Mobile Passport
If you don’t have Global Entry, then Mobile Passport is the next best thing when it comes to speeding through US Customs and Border Protection.
You fill out the same information you do on a paper customs form and are then given a QR code that an agent will scan along with looking at your passport.
Mobile Passport users also get their own security lane, which is typically much faster than the general one.
The app is can currently being used in 24 airports and one cruise port by US citizens, and Canadian citizens on B1 or B2 visas.
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
AirHelp
When your flight is canceled or delayed you’re often entitled to compensation, but uncertainty over what qualifies prevents many people from claiming.
Now if you have a travel “flightmare” you can input your ticket info into the AirHelp app and it will file a compensation claim for you. If your claim is successful, the app will automatically transfer your funds into your account.
Platforms: iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Emily is a journalist based in San Francisco, CA. You can follow her travels on Twitter @emily.
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