Moving Abroad? Best Apps To Use!
Whether you’re just traveling long-term or moving abroad these apps are ones that every expat needs to know. Your smartphone is about to become your most important travel companion. And no, I’m not just talking about taking epic travel selfies (though those are fun too)!
Moving abroad is like learning to dance in a completely new rhythm. Some steps you’ll nail, others… well, let’s just say you’ll laugh about them later. But what if I told you there are apps that can make this dance a whole lot smoother? I love my Google and I know it can nearly do it all but there are apps that can definitely help make things just a bit smoother.
I’ve been in your shoes that moment of excitement mixed with “What the heck am I doing?” when you’re starting a life in a new country. Through countless wrong turns, lost-in-translation moments, and unexpected adventures, I’ve discovered the digital lifelines that can transform your expat experience from overwhelming to absolutely incredible.
These digital lifelines are more than just tools they’re your personal travel assistants, language tutors, navigation experts, and sometimes, your closest friends in a new country. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or taking your first leap into expat life, these apps are about to become your new best friends.
City Mapper
Citymapper is your ultimate city guide for getting around. It’s known for its spot-on navigation and covers transit in detail, from buses and trains to walking and biking.
With options for every kind of commute, Citymapper helps expats get familiar with public transportation in cities around the world, where routes can be confusing and systems are always different.
You’ll find it in major cities worldwide, backed by their constantly updated database to make sure you’re always getting the most reliable info for any route you take.
I actually like this app more than Google Maps sometimes. I find it more intuitive and fun to use and feel like I get a little more from this app than Google Maps. This is not always the case but when you’re in a major city definitely give it a try if available and check it out for yourself and let me know if you agree with me.
- Purpose: City navigation.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: Citymapper is highly detailed and works especially well in international urban centers. It provides up-to-the-minute route planning for public transport, walking, cycling, and even ride-sharing options.
- Unique Feature: Real-time public transit updates and alerts in many major cities outside the U.S.
Check out – City Mapper
Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups are an absolute lifesaver when you’re trying to settle into a new country. From learning local customs to finding the best neighborhoods for expats, there’s a group for every question and need.
You can join groups specific to your new city or country, and even connect with others who share similar interests. These groups are full of advice, support, and tips on everything expat-related, so you’re never alone in your journey.
When considering a specific country or city, head to Facebook and search for groups like “Expats in {city or country name},” “{city or country name} Expats,” or “Americans in {city or country name}.”
- Purpose: Community building and social networking.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: Facebook Groups allow expats to connect with others in similar situations, share experiences, ask for advice, and find local resources or events in their new country.
- Unique Feature: The ability to join specific groups tailored to expat life, such as country-specific groups, interest-based groups, or local community groups, which provide valuable support and information from people who understand the challenges of living abroad.
Revolut or TransferWise (Wise)
Handling money internationally can be a huge headache, but Revolut and Wise make it a breeze. Both apps offer multi-currency accounts, so you can pay bills, shop, and transfer funds without worrying about those nasty exchange fees. It’s flexible and cost-effective, helping you manage finances seamlessly whether you’re sending money home or setting up payments in your new country.
- Purpose: International banking and currency exchange.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: With TransferWise, you can set up a local bank account in various countries, and it’s especially popular with expats who need to send or receive funds from the U.S. It avoids hefty bank fees and poor exchange rates.
- Unique Feature: Multi-currency accounts to hold, spend, and send money in multiple currencies.
Check out – Revolut
Check out – Transer Wise
InterNations
If you’re looking for community and connection as an expat, InterNations is a gem. This platform is all about helping expats build a social circle and share experiences. Through events, forums, and meet-ups, InterNations makes it easy to connect with others who understand the ups and downs of moving abroad, making the adjustment a little less daunting and a lot more fun.
- Purpose: Expat community and networking.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: InterNations is a social networking app for expats, offering a directory of events, local meetups, and support forums for expats around the world. It’s a great way to build a social circle.
- Unique Feature: Location-based expat community events and discussions for networking and support.
Check out – InterNations
VPN Apps (e.g., SurfSharkVPN or NordVPN)
VPNs are essential when you’re abroad to keep your internet browsing secure and access U.S. content that might be restricted in your new location. With a VPN, you can enjoy your favorite streaming services and bank online as if you were still back home, all while protecting your data on public networks.
- Purpose: Accessing content and securing internet connection.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: Some sites and streaming services may be region-locked or unavailable depending on the country. A VPN lets you access your U.S. content and protect your privacy.
- Unique Feature: Access to U.S.-based sites and streaming services, with a secure, encrypted connection to protect your data.
WhatsApp is the go-to app for staying in touch globally. Since it uses Wi-Fi, you won’t have to worry about pricey international call charges. Whether it’s keeping up with friends and family back home or chatting with new connections in your host country, WhatsApp makes communication smooth and affordable.
- Purpose: Communication via messaging, calls, and video calls.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: WhatsApp uses Wi-Fi or data instead of cell service, allowing expats to stay connected with family, friends, and new contacts worldwide without paying for international calls or texts.
- Unique Feature: Offers end-to-end encryption, making communication secure, and has wide international use, which makes it easy to connect with locals, landlords, and friends across different countries.
Check out – WhatsApp
Google Translate
Google Translate is a must-have for bridging language gaps. From translating signs and menus to chatting with locals, this app makes it easy to communicate and navigate daily life, even if you don’t speak the local language.
- Purpose: Translation of text, speech, and images.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: Google Translate helps break down language barriers when communicating or navigating daily life in a foreign country, even if you don’t know the local language.
- Unique Feature: The camera translation feature allows users to translate signs, menus, and documents in real time by pointing their camera at the text, making it especially handy for reading signs or menus on the go.
Check out – Google Translate App
Maps.me
Maps.me is perfect for exploring without Wi-Fi. You can download maps for entire cities or countries and use them offline, which is great for areas with limited connectivity. It’s especially helpful in remote places and allows you to feel confident navigating anywhere, no matter the signal.
- Purpose: Offline navigation and map access.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: Maps.me lets you download full maps for countries or regions, so you can navigate cities and remote areas without using data or Wi-Fi, which is especially helpful in places with limited connectivity.
- Unique Feature: Includes extensive coverage of hiking trails, scenic routes, and community-updated points of interest, making it easier to discover hidden spots and nature paths that may not appear on other map apps.
Check out – Maps.me App
Spotted by Locals – Best When Moving Abroad
For anyone who wants to explore a new city like a local, Spotted by Locals is the way to go. This app is packed with tips from residents on where to eat, shop, and hang out, helping you skip the touristy spots and find the hidden gems that locals love.
- Purpose: Discovering local recommendations and hidden gems.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: Spotted by Locals provides insider tips from locals on where to eat, shop, and explore, helping you experience a city like a resident rather than a tourist.
- Unique Feature: The app features curated city guides created by local residents, complete with maps and tips that highlight lesser-known attractions and authentic experiences, making it easier to navigate and enjoy your new surroundings.
Check out – Spotted by Locals
Duolingo or Babbel
Learning a bit of the local language can make life so much easier as an expat. Duolingo and Babbel make it fun to pick up basic phrases and vocabulary, so you can start understanding and speaking with people in no time. It’s language learning at your own pace, turning daily interactions into a smoother experience.
- Purpose: Language learning.
- Why It’s Useful Abroad: Learning the basics of a new language can make the transition smoother, even if English is widely spoken. Duolingo and Babbel make it easy to learn at your own pace.
- Unique Feature: Gamified lessons for memorizing common phrases and essential grammar quickly.
Embrace the Adventure: Make Moving Abroad Effortless
Using these apps can simplify tasks like managing money, navigating language barriers, finding housing, and building a community—making the transition to life abroad much easier.
Moving abroad is an adventure, not a perfect journey.
These apps aren’t magic wands that’ll solve every single challenge, but they’re pretty darn close! They’re your secret weapons for turning potential culture shock moments into incredible memories. From finding your way around a new city to making friends and breaking down language barriers, technology has made the world feel a whole lot smaller and way more accessible.
Remember, the best adventures happen when you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone. These apps are your safety net, your translator, your navigator, and your connection to a whole new world of experiences.
So download, explore, and most importantly – embrace the journey! Your greatest stories are waiting to be written, one app at a time.
