Being Digital Nomads, we often find we are stuck with LTE or even 3G connectivity, i.e. no viable WiFi. So, we wind up using our phones for more than we did at home. Accordingly, I have found a few phone applications (apps) we were not using much before that have come in really handy on the road.
1 – Maps.me
Google Maps (Gmaps) is my go-to app for driving directions, primarily because of the real-time traffic info it provides. But, compared to Google Maps, Maps.me outshines in the following ways:
- Downloading and managing offline maps is easier and more intuitive
- Greater detail, like staircases and points of interest, are shown more often
- Users have added some useful commentary, like “machete needed” on a trail on Koh Tao
Altogether, these features make Maps.me a valuable complement to Gmaps.
Using voice and data plans abroad can run up a big tab. WhatsApp combines many communication functions into one easy to use application, from voice to messaging, to file transfer. Many vendors use WhatsApp to communicate cheaply. I use WhatsApp to call family on a regular basis from LTE or Wifi. Messaging even works on 3G, which is still common in many parts of the world.
It also works the same over iOS and Android.
What3words
This is a new and unusual mapping app that easily allows sharing a 10 square meter location by mapping the entire world into combinations of 3 words. Originally developed to assist first responders in the UK to better know where help is needed, there are some pretty cool uses for lesser emergencies. Try clicking here: https://what3words.com/blurts.decode.instructed, now you can meet me where I left my car in the parking lot. How about meeting in a local park or on a trail in a national park or at an outdoor concert? How much time have you wasted trying to meet people somewhere? What3words can make it faster to meet up anywhere in the world.
xeCurrency
I prefer xeCurrency over other currency conversion apps for two reasons. First, currency info is kept when you are offline, so I don’t need to burn data to get a conversion, even if it is slightly old.
Second, it can hold and show rates for many different currencies simultaneously. Other apps I have used would only show one at a time and when I switched, I would have to enable data in order to get a rate. Together, these features make xeCurrency easier to use.
Grab
Contrary to popular belief, Uber is not everywhere. Many cities and countries have Uber alternatives that can be more competitive in terms of price and/or speed of finding you a ride. I learned about one of the alternatives, Grab, from a blog. I learned about Bolt, another alternative, from Gmaps, which has an option for directions via rideshare. Having options is a good thing whenever you are looking to get a ride.
ConvertLite
Converting metric to imperial can be a pain. ConvertLite has 5600 units it can use for conversion. The interface is decent and fast. Not much else you needed in a conversion app.
Google Translate
Gtrans, as I call it, is far from perfect. We got some pretty bizarre phrases from it while trying to translate menus in Japan. Still, it can be invaluable when you find yourself in a situation where you must communicate. I try to get by without it, but I get some peace of mind knowing I have it. Just be sure to download anticipated language packs in case data is unavailable.
Before translation 
After translation
Several of the above, like What3words, ConvertLite, and WhatsApp, are useful even if you are not far from home.
What other apps have earned a spot on your smartphone?
2 comments
Smart Tools (Smart Tools co) for unit conversions and a bunch of other handy stuff. For high quality comms (eg, wide band codec) with encryption/privacy, Wire is our go to (ex Skype founders)! Sometimes use Signal and can be found on Skype too. No Facebook apps for comms.
I would imagine there are better solutions than WhatsApp, but it’s wide spread acceptance is a big piece of the value proposition.