Are you studying abroad soon and want to know about some essential apps to download that may be useful?
In the age of technology, more and more phone apps are being developed that help people facilitate their experience while abroad! Phone apps can be useful tools to help you find the conversion rate of your dollar, translate something you want to ask, find your way around your host country, seek cool places to have a cup of coffee or explore some of the best beaches in town, and of course, communicate with your loved ones back at home!Check out these essential apps that will facilitate your time while abroad!
Communication
- Facebook Messenger
You don't have a Facebook account? That's okay! The Messenger app is accessible to all! Besides being able to send you friends & family messages via this app, you can also make audio and video calls! Send your parents a picture of you at the Machu Picchu ruins in Peru or a video of you hiking the Wall of China! Although it has many cool features, you will need data or wifi to use it without any problems. Tip: If you are in a country that requires you to purchase calling cards to make international calls, but have access to wifi hotspots, connect to wifi and use this app, free of charge!😉 Good for Android and iOS devices.
- WhatsApp
This is just a growing and growing communication app throughout the world! WhatsApp is a free app that allows users to send via chats: text messages, audio, images, your location, contact information and document attachments. You can form group chats as well to share information and stay in communication with friends and family. Did we mention you can make calls as well? If texting or voice calls aren't enough, you can also have face-to-face video calls from across the world!
- WeChat
This app is one of the best rated communication apps to use in places like China. In order to successfully be able to communicate with loved ones internationally, the person you will be communicating with, should also have this app on their mobile device and access to wifi, if you do not have accessible mobile data. You can send text or voice messages, pictures, videos, your location and much more! Wanna hear more? You can link your bank account and transfer or send money to friends/family. Gone shopping and forgot your wallet? You can pay for your items with WeChat!
Currency Converter
- XeCurrency
By downloading the conversion rates of whatever country you will be traveling to before you depart, will allow you to use this app without the need for wifi. This app provides you with live exchange rates. This app is available on both Android and iOS devices.
Translator
- SayHi
How do you say...? ¿Como se dice...? Comment dit-on...? Although to study abroad you are not required to know the host country's language(s), you may come across locals that only speak their native language. If so, the SayHi app is here to save the day! This app allows you to translate up to almost 90 different languages and dialects. This app allows you set the language you will be needing translation and speak into your device's speaker. The voice-operated app, will repeat what you have said in its translated language, plus, maintain a transcript of your conversation with the other person, translating everything for you to keep for future reference. Good for Android and iOS devices.
How to Get Around
- Maps.Me
This is a great app to have if you will be departing to a country with limited to no access to wifi, like Cuba! Maps.Me allows you to download maps (with the help of wifi) of different countries and use offline. Once you've downloaded the map, you can look for food options, hotels, sights, wifi hotspots, transportation, ATMs, Hospitals, etc. under the "Categories" section in your map. This app also provides you with directions on how to get to places via: driving, walking, train and bicycling, so you will get there in no time!
- Google Maps
Having trouble finding your destination? Google Maps is the app for you! This app is best to use in countries where you can use your mobile data (make sure you don't get charged roaming fees) or you have access to wifi. Need to get from A to B? Get directions on how to get to places via: driving, train and/or walking. You can explore your local spot by checking out all of the nearby things by surfing their categories section.
Find Cool Things to Do
- Like A Local
New to town? Let this app help you live like a local by looking up your host city and checking out some of the recommended places near you. You can get tips on places to tour, eat, see & do, shop and more! You get to read people's comments whom have visited these places and read truly why locals love it and why you should visit. You are equipped with the location's information like days and hours of operation, in addition to directions on how to get there. End up loving the place? Save it to your personalized list of locations for next time that you visit!
- GuidePal
This app is great to use in locations with or without wifi! If traveling to countries with limited to no wifi, make sure you download your "guides" prior to departure. Once you have downloaded all the guides you may find useful abroad, you can access them via your personal profile under "Offline Guides". Guides can vary from top 10 places to eat, best activities, best shopping, top 5 coffee shops and more! If it's your first time traveling to a specific city, you also have the opportunity to learn some interesting facts about your host city under the "Facts" section.
Checking Flights
- FlightView
Up, up, and away! But what time is your flight? Keep track on the status of your flight and its details by downloading this app that facilitates the whole flight experience. Add your flight details to this app or simply forward your itinerary to their provided email and they'll take care of the rest for you. You can save future trips on your homepage, look up nearby airports to you and see if your airport is experiencing any delays in live time.
- SeatGuru
Preparing for a flight heading overseas can be a little overwhelming. Let this app pass down some wisdom and help you book your flight, choose the best seat in the house and/or check the status of your flight. Had a good experience? Leave your review by submitting a comment or pictures of your experience. Let SeatGuru facilitate your flight experience! Good to download on Android and iOS devices.
Miscellaneous
- Airbnb
Getting away with your colleagues for the weekend but don't know where to stay? Airbnb provides you with different lodging options; from reserving an entire home/apartment for you and your colleagues, to reserving a bed in someone's home for the night. This type of lodging has grown more and more over the years, making this style a more popular one and a lot of times, a lot more inexpensive than at a hotel.
- SitOrSquat
Where do you go, when you gotta go? Download this app to find local spots where restrooms are available to the public. With more than 100,000 public restrooms, SitorSquat will help you locate one near you! Just search your location and it will provide you with "Sit" or "Squat" locations. "Sit" locations are those in green, which symbolize that these bathrooms are clean, stocked and ready for you to go. Squat locations are those in red, which signal that they may not be the most tidiest or the most stocked restrooms in the world, but still provide available space to you. This app provides you with a map to help you navigate through the town/city to get to your destination!
Now that you're set, get ready and explore the world!