Your bags are packed, your passport is ready, and you’re about to take off on the adventure of a lifetime. Did you remember to make sure your celly is ready for the journey? I didn’t. I left home 10 months ago for Southeast Asia and have been making my way back ever since. I’ve made all kinds of mistakes, but now I can safely say I’ve got everything I need on my phone to prevent me from looking like a total fool (most of the time).
If you’re going to be globe-trotting, there are tons of apps to help make things more fun, more functional, and easier, but here is a swiss army knife of super-essential iPhone & Android apps for your travels.
More Currency, More Problems
XE Currency Screen
With so much travel, you’ll need some help keeping your currencies in order. XE Currency stacks your currencies and offers a built-in calculator, rate alerts, and even a market analysis. Seeing as I’m horrible with money, I stuck with the more basic functions, like converting that Vietnamese coffee from dong to dollar, and making sure I’m not using the ATM to withdraw $3 USD in Indonesia.
Find the Time
Time Buddy App
So many time zones, so little time. World Time Buddy lays it all out for you in a super easy-to-use, free version of the app that allows for up to 4 visible time zones. Switch them out as you move around the world and keep home base at your fingertips. Super handy when you’re working with people 11 time zones away, and you’ve gotta check in with mom on the regular.
Texting is so Local
What’s App for Mobile and Web
You’ll be meeting people in all kinds of places and texting just won’t work. Everyone you’ll meet is on WhatsApp, so get with it. Some local carriers even offer unlimited free data through the app. Create group messages, make voice and video calls, access messages with web and desktop, and even use it to send or receive documents. ’Nuff said.
You’ve Got Mail
Alto
Alto is the best inbox around. Period. Add bonus features like “cards” for flights, hotel stays, and events (which you can access offline) and you’ve got the ideal email app for your digital nomad lifestyle.
Someone Help Me
International SOS App
If you can get your employer or insurance provider to plug you into International SOS, do it. It’ll keep you on top of travel alerts and security tips, and even help you find a doctor if you’re not feeling well. The peace of mind that comes with having this in your pocket is priceless.
Save Some Space
Amazon Prime Photos Website
You’re going to take TONS of photos and videos. Clear up some space with cloud storage. I’m partial to Amazon Drive because it’s super easy to sync to my drive and then remove from my phone, freeing up space to snap away, as I tend to do.
“Google Translate Update May Save You A Lot Of Money”
Rosetta Stone taking too long? Never fear. Nunca temas! Google Translate downloads languages for offline use, and lets you type, talk, or even use your camera for realtime text translations. This comes in handy when you’re at a restaurant and you can’t, for the life of you, figure out what is on the menu.