The most useful travel apps on iPhone and Android for 2019
Who needs a travel agent when you’ve got Siri and Google Assist?
Planning a trip used to be a daunting and time-consuming task. But it’s 2019 and the essential tools you need to map out your next adventures can be easily accessed through the AppStore and Google Play Stores.
If you’re visiting Bali or any part of South East Asia for that matter, you might want to load up your phones with some of these essential travel apps we’ve listed before leaving home.
1. GoJek
Getting a taxi can be quite a painful experience if you are constantly moving from one point to another. Car and bike rentals are easily available, but if you would rather have the luxury of booking your trips as you go along, GoJek is the equivalent to Uber or Lyft for Indonesia and other nearby locations like Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore. Plus they deliver food and offer home and hotel massage as well!
Additional tip: Download Grab as an option for online ride-hailing service and food delivery. Both apps are very similar but you might want to download both just in case there’s scarcity in booking a service from the other. The more the merrier!
2. Google Translate
This is a great free app to translate over 100 languages. It is quite easy to get by with English in Bali especially around the tourist areas, however, this app may still come in handy when speaking to some locals who can’t speak English very well. You can even take photos of street signs or any text and the app will magically show you the translation in whatever language you’d prefer.
3. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging app internationally. Bali runs on WhatsApp. Most, if not everyone from your local drivers to some random new friend you’d meet while traveling will most likely be on it. Restaurants use it to book takeout orders. Spas use it to book appointments. Hotels use it as a way to communicate with guests. This one’s an obvious must-have.
4. Instagram
Your Bali trip would not be complete without a few Instagram-worthy stories, photos, and videos. But beyond the scene of likes and follows, Instagram can be a great channel to find your next hidden beach destination or a quint cafe to luxurious restaurants around the island. It is also quite common to find all sorts of things for sale from surfboards, local delicacies, and you can even find tour services. That’s e-commerce next level!
5. Google Maps
You’ll notice that most roads in Bali and some parts of South East Asia may tend to be a little confusing at times. This app is your best friend in terms of navigation. You can even save an offline version of the map while on wifi so you wouldn’t need to worry about not having reception or if you run out of data.
6. XE Currency
This is probably the best and most accurate conversion app available for both Apple and Android devices. While connected to the internet, you to keep track of live rates for every currency. The best part is that it works offline as well! Do make sure to download the conversion rate of every country you’ll be visiting though before you leave home to be able to access the offline features.
If you feel that downloading and learning these apps is a bit too overwhelming for you, Floating Leaf Eco-Luxury Retreat offers professional concierge service to our guests which is the equivalent of all our mentioned apps rolled into one and even more!
Enjoy your next adventure!
