Apps worth having on your phone before every trip — organized by what they do.
Download offline content before you leave home. Google Maps areas, Google Translate language packs, and XE Currency rates all work without a data connection once downloaded. Do this on Wi-Fi — not in the airport lounge at departure.
Walking, driving, transit, and cycling directions worldwide. Download a city or region for offline use before departure. Street View is useful for orienting yourself before you arrive somewhere new.
Offline maps covering 200+ countries, useful where Google Maps is blocked or unreliable. Still downloadable and updated, but quality and community trust have declined since it dropped open-source development. Organic Maps is now the more recommended alternative among OpenStreetMap users.
Enter any two places on Earth and it shows every way to get there — flights, trains, buses, ferries, rideshare — with costs and travel times. Useful for planning regional legs of a trip where you're not sure what exists.
Detailed transit directions for 100+ cities — subway, bus, bike share, and scooter. More accurate than Google Maps for real-time transit in London, Paris, Tokyo, New York. Offline mode for covered cities.
Sends delay and gate change notifications before the airline does — often 30+ minutes earlier. Delay prediction tells you if a flight is likely to be delayed based on incoming aircraft. Tracks flight history and stats over time.
Forward any booking confirmation email and TripIt builds a unified trip itinerary automatically — flights, hotels, rental cars, restaurant reservations. Pro version adds real-time alerts and seat tracking. Works offline.
200+ languages, including instant camera translation that overlays translated text on-screen in real time. Download language packs for fully offline use — accuracy offline is nearly as good as online for most languages.
Generally better than Google Translate for nuanced writing in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, and other European languages. No camera mode — text and document translation only.
Download exchange rates before you leave. Works fully offline for quick conversions at markets, restaurants, or when negotiating. Tracks multiple currencies at once. No account required.
Debit card and account that converts at the mid-market rate with minimal fees. Hold and convert 50+ currencies. Withdraw from ATMs worldwide. Better than most bank cards for international spending. See also: Cards & ATM.
Enroll your trips with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the nearest US Embassy can contact you in an emergency. Sends country-specific security alerts, entry requirement updates, and health notices.
Download boarding passes before you need them. Delta's app lets you rebook directly during irregular operations without waiting on hold. Add your flights to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for offline access at the gate.
Buy and install a local eSIM for 200+ countries before you leave — no physical SIM swap. Cheaper than carrier international plans for data-heavy trips. Full comparison of eSIM options on the Phone & SIM Abroad page.
The default messaging app in most of Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Free calls and messages over Wi-Fi or data. Useful for contacting hotels, restaurants, and tour operators who don't answer email quickly.
Enter your destination, trip dates, and activities. PackPoint generates a packing list adjusted for the weather forecast and what you're doing — beach day vs. business dinner vs. hiking. Catches things you'd forget.
Translate menus in real time, identify landmarks, search for things visually, scan QR codes. Built into Google Photos and the Google app — no separate download needed on Android; install the Google app on iOS.