Prepare your phone first
Good preparation matters more than any single app.
- Check roaming and data options. Ask your provider about international roaming costs, or consider a local SIM or an eSIM if your phone supports it. Make sure your phone is unlocked if you want to use a local SIM.
- Download offline content. Save maps, translation languages and boarding passes while you have a good connection.
- Update and back up. Update your apps and operating system and back up your photos and data.
- Set up security. Use a screen lock, enable two-factor authentication on key accounts and consider a password manager. Be careful with public Wi-Fi, especially for banking.
- Carry a power plan. Pack the right plug adapter, a charging cable and a power bank. Our packing for long term travel guide covers tech and backups.
- Keep a fallback. Phones get lost, stolen or run out of battery, so carry copies of key documents and some cash.
Maps and navigation
- Google Maps: widely used for directions and public transport in many countries. You can download offline areas before you travel, which matters most on remote drives; see our long drive tips.
- Apple Maps: a built-in option on iPhones, with offline maps in recent versions.
- Offline-focused apps: options such as Maps.me or Mapy.com use downloadable maps and are popular for walking and trails.
- Local transit apps: in some cities a local or regional app, such as Citymapper where available, gives better timetables and delay information.
- Ride-hailing: Uber, Bolt, Grab and similar apps vary by region, and can make it easier to avoid language and currency barriers. Check which apps are used where you are going.
Translation
Google Translate is a common choice, with text, voice, camera and offline modes for many languages. Download the languages you need before you leave. Machine translation can be wrong, so use it for simple practical questions and confirm important details, such as medical or legal information, with a human interpreter where possible. Learning a few basic phrases also helps.
Payments and money
- Multi-currency or low-fee cards: services such as Wise can reduce foreign-exchange costs for some travellers. Check availability and fees in your country before relying on one.
- Your regular banking app: use it to lock or freeze your card quickly if it is lost.
- Currency converters: a simple converter helps you judge prices. XE is one example.
- Mobile wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay work in many places but not everywhere, so carry a backup card and some local cash.
When paying by card abroad, you may be offered the choice of paying in local currency or your home currency. Choosing local currency is commonly recommended, but compare for your own card.
Booking flights and stays
There is no single best app for booking international travel. Many travellers combine a few:
- Flight search tools such as Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare fares and track prices
- Accommodation platforms such as Booking.com, or hostel and home-rental sites, to compare stays
- Airline apps for boarding passes, gate changes and delay alerts
- Experience platforms such as Klook for tours and tickets in some regions
Always check cancellation terms before you pay, and compare totals including fees.
Staying in touch
WhatsApp is widely used for messaging and calls in many countries, though not all, so check what locals use where you are going. Many people also use email and a shared location tool so someone at home knows roughly where they are.
Trip organisation and shared expenses
- Trip planners and journals: Polarsteps, TripIt or a simple notes app can hold bookings and record your route.
- Expense splitting: Tricount and similar apps are useful when travelling with others.
- Budget tracking: a spreadsheet or a budgeting app helps you stay on target; see how to save up for travel for budgeting steps.
- Documents: keep photos or scans of your passport, visas and insurance in an encrypted or password-protected place.
Safety, documents and security
- Register with your government’s travel advice service if it offers one, and read official guidance for your destination.
- Check whether you need an electronic travel authorisation or entry form before flying, and use official government sites or apps for these. Beware of lookalike sites that charge extra fees.
- If you are returning to a country with a border-control app, such as US Mobile Passport Control for returning US citizens, check the official source for current rules.
- Consider a VPN if you use public Wi-Fi often, and check local laws on VPN use.
Keep it small
More apps does not mean better preparation. Most trips need only a few: maps, translation, payment, messaging, one booking tool and a place for documents. Test them at home first. If you are planning something long, the year of travel planning guide shows where apps fit into the wider checklist. And remember that spending hours on your phone can add to the mental load behind travel fatigue, so set simple routines rather than checking constantly.