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, including landlines.
Features I like: It forwards my primary phone number’s voicemail to my Fongo number. It allows me to call any Canadian phone numbers, including landlines.
Good to know: It offers free calling but not free texting.
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.
If you are going to apply for a WISE card, you could use this invite code. I think if three people use the code and spend up to $x, I could get a reward. I will be happy to share it with you.
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.