The irony that this post immediately follows the one about how we need to rethink using technology as a convenience is not lost on me. Rather than considering me a hypocrite (my least favorite type of person), consider this a point-counterpoint.
With that disclosure out of the way, I would like to share several apps I have found very valuable when traveling abroad. One additional disclosure: I am sharing my experience only; yours may differ.
As you can imagine, I do a fair amount of research before blindly downloading an app or following a recommendation. I would suggest you do the same. But after the research and reading reviews, I have used these apps and can verify that they were most helpful to me.
I remember the old days (more recent old days) when you would either pay an exorbitant amount to use your phone overseas through your carrier, or have to break the phone open to swap out the SIM card, a task I always found daunting. This is before the evolution of virtual sim cards. These are eSIM cards that can be downloaded before travel and provide phone and internet coverage during your trip. Using the app’s information, you would first verify whether your current phone supports eSIM, then enter the days and countries you plan to visit to get an estimate of the cost.
I have used Holafly several times with great success. There are no roaming charges, no surprises, and it connects to the local service network for calling and browsing. I have also found that there is no limit on the data. It can be a little tricky to turn off your current network and upload the new eSIM, but I found the help bot answered all my questions. One shortcoming of Holafly that some other apps don’t have is that texting isn’t available. My workaround is to use a different app called WhatsApp that provides texting, calling, and even video calls, all for free. The only catch is that the other person must be using WhatsApp too. This app is commonly used by virtually everyone with a smartphone, outside the US.
The second app that I really enjoy using is called Omio. The reason this app makes so much sense overseas is that public transport outside the US is super convenient. On Omio, you plug in the two cities you would like to connect, and it provides up to 3 ways to get there: bus, train, or plane. You can even book directly on the app and select your seats. I have found that their ticket pricing is a little more expensive than going directly to the source. For example, most train travel in Spain is through Renfe. I get the times and relative costs from Omio, then go directly to the Renfe website (or app) to book my tickets, saving 5-10%.
Sometimes there is no train or bus connection, and air is the only way to connect these two cities. In that case, it will list the carriers and pricing for the available options. It is like having an electronic assistant to do all the work for you.
I am not the most tech-savvy guy out there, but this app has proven to be a great help. I have purchased train tickets on it, selected my seat, and can download the tickets directly to my phone to board the train and find my seat. If I can do it, anyone can.
The last app is one I just learned about and solves a very big problem for travelers. On our recent trip to London and Paris, I found that I needed Euros, and all I had were US dollars or Amex. I knew the exchange rate I should be getting, and, with that knowledge, asked at our hotel, banks, and those little kiosks that provide exchange services. Every single one of them was considerably off from what was fair and reasonable, I mean, way off. The deal seemed dirty, like back-alley money swaps with the underworld. Needless to say, I did not exchange any currency.
While watching a Camino video on YouTube, I learned about the Wise app as a solution to the problem I discovered. Wise allows you to deposit money in whatever currency you happen to have (US dollars) and watch the exchange rates (even set alerts) and convert any amount at any time to one of 42 currencies. Think of it kind of like a debit card, where you deposit your money and then can hold it in whatever currency you need.
I made a deposit, watched the exchange rates carefully, and swapped half of the balance into Euros at precisely the time I was ready. Now I have the local currency when I arrive in Europe and can access it in three ways: tap-and-pay, a physical debit card (for an additional one-time fee of $9), or withdraw local currency at an ATM. You are permitted two no-fee ATM withdrawals per calendar month; after that, a small fee applies.
I compared the exchange rates Wise provides with those of three of the largest banks that offer currency exchange. The difference was dramatic. Exchanging currency on Wise felt like a fair and equitable exchange, rather than the back-alley deals I previously mentioned. The other benefit is the absence of foreign currency fees. If you use your normal credit card, you will likely incur foreign-currency charges in addition to a mysterious exchange rate your credit card company uses for this convenience. It is not until you get home that you discover the $100 sweater you bought actually cost $132.44.
I know this is a cursory look at a few of the apps I frequently use, but hopefully it gets the wheels turning a little and opens up possibilities for you. Don’t necessarily mindlessly follow my lead. Do your own research, read reviews, kick the tires, and make your own decision. But as for me, I love each of these I mentioned. Travel safely.