Ready to conquer the world?
Before you leave, prepare your travel companions: the essential apps for traveling.
Here is our shortlist to make your life abroad easier.
1. Google Translate: your personal interpreter
This is THE essential tool. Imagine being faced with a menu in Japanese or trying to ask for directions in the heart of Budapest. Google Translate is your savior. The app handles over 100 languages and offers some amazing features:
- Photo mode: Point your camera at a text (a sign, a menu) and the translation will appear in real time on your screen.
- Conversation mode: Speak into your phone, and it will translate your words into the other person's language, and vice versa. Ideal for real conversations and absolutely essential!
2. Citymapper: Never get lost again
Google Maps is excellent, but for public transport in major cities, Citymapper is unbeatable. Whether in London, New York, Tokyo, or Paris, the app guides you step by step.
- The precision: The app tells you exactly which subway train to board and which exit to exit through to save time.
- The alerts: Citymapper alerts you in real time to disruptions on your journey and suggests alternatives.
3. Revolut or N26: say goodbye to bank fees
It's every traveler's nightmare: discovering the exchange and withdrawal fees charged by their traditional bank upon returning home. Neobanks like Revolut and N26 are changing the game.
- The exchange rate: They use the interbank exchange rate (the "real" rate), with no hidden commission.
- Free withdrawals: You can withdraw cash abroad free of charge (up to a certain limit). Everything is managed through a highly secure mobile app.
4. Xe Currency: Take control of your budget
Even with a no-fee card, it's crucial to know how much you're actually spending. Is that 10,000 yen souvenir a good deal or a rip-off? Xe Currency gives you the answer instantly.
- Live rates: The application converts any currency in real time.
- Offline mode: It stores the latest known rates, so even without a network in the middle of the desert, you can do your calculations.
5. Grab (or Uber): order a driver in one click
Depending on where you're traveling, ordering a ride-hailing service is often safer and simpler than taking a taxi (but be aware of the fare upon arrival). Grab is the leading service in Southeast Asia, while Uber dominates in most other countries.
- The price set: You know the fare before you even get in the car. No unpleasant surprises.
- Security: The route is tracked by GPS and you can share your location with your loved ones.
Our final piece of advice:
All these apps are great, but they require an internet connection. Don't forget to sign up for a local network plan, either online or locally.
If you want to know how many GB of storage space to allocate for using these applications, This way !</p
