The following are the apps that I use when I travel. I only use the free versions, and I have an iPhone 13. All the embedded links for the apps on this page are for iOS (Apple). I believe all these apps are available for Android phones as well, but I am not 100% certain. Also, beware of other apps that have similar names.
For many of these apps, it would be good to practice using them before a trip. For example: Try out the call-forwarding feature with Fongo before you leave for your trip. If you are going to use Google Maps for walking direction, practice using it at home.
What it offers: TripIt is a travel itinerary management app that consolidates all travel reservations into a single itinerary. You just forward your confirmation emails, and TripIt will do the rest.
Features I like: I can share the itinerary with others. Even with the free version, I often get alerts for delays or gate changes from TripIt before the airlines.
Good to know: Additional features, such as merging trips, are available on its web version.
What it offers: A free Canadian phone number. You can forward your incoming calls to your Fongo number when you are traveling. In addition, you can call anywhere in Canada for free, including landlines.
Features I like: It forwards my primary phone number’s voicemail to my Fongo number.
Good to know: It offers free calling but not free texting. Depending on your cell phone, you may be charged for call forwarding.
What it offers: Translate text, handwriting, photos, and speech in more than 200 languages.
Features I like: Real-time (with a bit of delay) speech translation, a feature I used on a recent trip when the only walking tour was in Spanish. Translating menus at restaurants in real-time using the camera.
Good to know: You can download a dictionary in case you don’t have internet access.
Google Map: GPS, City Navigation & Traffic
What it offers: Local maps, transportation options, and possible routes between points A and B.
Features I like: While planning the trip, I create Saved lists for the destination. I use the Street View feature to scout out the neighborhoods of the hotels where I will be staying.
Good to know: Local maps can be downloaded for offline use.
Uber / Lyft / Bolt / Di Di / BlaBlaCar / Cabify
What it offers: There are numerous car-sharing apps, and you need to find out which is popular at your destination.
Features I like: There is a record of the trip in case there is a dispute and you have an option to pay by credit card or local cash. I can follow along on a map in real-time to make sure we are heading in the right direction.
Good to know: When you use Uber in some countries, such as Thailand and Argentina, you may get a regular taxi. This is because local taxis have the option to join the Uber system.
WISE — Travel Debit / ATM Card
What it offers: A pre-loaded debit card (with a VISA logo) and ATM access.
Features I like: Optimal exchange rates, no foreign transaction fees, and access to overseas ATMs without the hefty service charges.
Good to know: Although you can get a card issued in Canada, it cannot be used in Canada.
If you want to learn more about WISE, check out this article: MoneySense WISE Card Canada Review 2024.
I signed up for a WISE card earlier this year and used it at a restaurant while I was in Uruguay. I checked the exchange rate after, and it did use the mid-market rate for the day. The mid-market rate is the midpoint between the buy and sell prices of the two currencies.
Airalo — eSIM
What it offers: A digital rather than a physical SIM card, available for most countries in the world. eSIM technology is embedded in newer phones. So make sure your phone is compatible with eSIM.
Features I like: Prices for eSIMs are higher than local physical SIM cards, but the convenience is well worth it. You can buy it for a specific country or for a region.
Good to know: If you are not comfortable with tech, the first time you use it may not be as straightforward as advertised. For example, installation is not the same as activation. This is a short video from Airalo: “How do eSIMs work?” In the video, there are three steps. Step 1: Buy an eSIM. Step 2: Install the eSIM. Step 3: Turn on the eSIM when you arrive. Step 3 is what I referred to as activation. Bottom line, you can install the eSIM at home but don’t activate it until you arrive at your destination.
Typically, most eSIMs do not come with a phone number.
If you use the the referral code: SAVIO2442, you will receive a $4.50 discount the first time you purchase an eSIM. I too will earn a $4.50 credit.