Install them before you leave (on Wi‑Fi). Abroad, use offline mode or an eSIM if needed.
🗺
Google Maps
Walking, transit, and saved places
How to use it: Download the city offline map (Profile → Offline maps). Save hotel, airport, and key areas in a list. Turn on location only when you need it to save battery.
💡 Even without data, GPS can still show your position on the offline map.
🚇
Citymapper
Metro, bus, and multi-leg routes in big cities
How to use it: Pick the city when you open the app. Search “go to…” and compare options with live times when you have coverage. Great in London, Paris, NYC, etc. If your city isn’t covered, use Maps or the local transit app.
💡 Compare “fastest” vs “fewer transfers” when carrying luggage.
🚗
Apple Maps / Waze
Driving and traffic
How to use it: Waze helps on car/rideshare routes. Apple Maps offline on iPhone (app settings). You don’t need all three: one for driving + Maps for walking is enough.
💡 In dense cities, walking or transit is often simpler than driving.
🔤
Google Translate
Menus, signs, short conversations
How to use it: Download the language for offline use. Camera mode helps with menus. Conversation mode helps at counters. It doesn’t replace a local hello — “please / thank you” goes a long way.
💡 Learn five local phrases even if you use the app.
💬
WhatsApp
Coordinating the group and hotels
How to use it: Turn on backups. Save hotel and group contacts. Share live location only when needed (airport meetups, etc.).
💡 One trip group chat beats 40 scattered messages.
💱
XE / currency converter
Converting prices to your currency
How to use it: Note the rate when you arrive. Use offline mode if available. Compare with what the shop shows — don’t only trust the “tourist rate”.
💡 In Viajerus, expenses are tracked in USD for comparison; the app helps day to day.
🏦
Bank app + travel notice
Avoiding blocked cards
How to use it: Tell the bank your dates and countries. Carry at least two payment methods. Save the card emergency number (not only in email).
💡 Try a small ATM or purchase on day one.
✈
Airline app + Wallet
Boarding passes and gate changes
How to use it: Check in online when it opens. Save the pass in Wallet or as an offline PDF. Enable airline notifications for gate changes or delays.
💡 Screenshot the boarding pass in case the airport network fails.
🔐
Authenticator (2FA)
Logging into email and banking without SMS
How to use it: If you rely on SMS to your home SIM, it may fail abroad. An authenticator app avoids getting locked out.
💡 Store backup codes somewhere safe (not only on the same phone).
🌤
Weather app
Clothes and outdoor plans
How to use it: Check the full week at the destination, not only arrival day. Mountains and coasts change fast.
💡 A light rain layer weighs little and saves the day.