The 10 Best Apps for International Travel & Living Abroad in 2026

After living abroad twice and traveling to several countries in between, you’d think I’d be “fluent” in traveling abroad. WRONG. There is nothing more rewarding than international travel, but it can still be overwhelming at times. One thing that’s always helped us is having the right technology to use in a pinch. Trust us, our parents would have loved to have an iPhone while in Madrid or an Android in Malaysia.

The 10 Best International Travel Apps

Here are some of the best international travel apps that could save you time planning or help you out in a hurry abroad:

• Calculator
• Social Media - Reddit, Instagram, TikTok
• Google Flights
• Airbnb
• WhatsApp
• Rome2Rio
• Kakao
• Google App
• Hostelworld
• Google Maps

Calculator for Currency

Ever found yourself spending $5 on something like an apple because you literally had no idea what the conversion rate was? You're not alone in this travel mishap. Thankfully, if you have an iPhone, the standard Apple Calculator app can also be used to convert currencies! Just click on the calculator icon in the bottom left corner, and you can quickly tabulate if that apple is a deal or not - all without needing to download an extra app!

Social Media - Reddit, Instagram, TikTok

Alright, so we're cheating a little bit by combining all of these together. But don’t underestimate the power of Reddit, Instagram, or TikTok as travel apps. As the years go by, more and more people are turning to these apps for travel advice, local recommendations, and information - just like a search engine! Reddit has quickly become a place to get solid and honest advice from locals and fellow travelers without influencers. Use a mix of the three to build out itineraries or seek out the best local spots while you're traveling or living abroad. As "TikTok famous" spots for the most part turn out to be not as thrilling in real life as they are on camera (or worth the lines), we'd recommend Reddit for real recs while using the other two for more overall/visual inspiration. 

Instagram and TikTok are perfect for digital nomads since you can take photos and videos with your camera and upload them when you find an internet hotspot!  If you're consistent a fit a niche, you might even find a following while you're living and teaching abroad. Need some inspiration?  Check out our community on Instagram @intteflacademy ( or @intteflacademy on TikTok) for some ideas! 

Google Flights

One of our favorites for pre-travel planning, Google Flights one-ups other cost-comparing travel sites. The app offers all kinds of innovative technology. From alerting you when prices are about to go up or monitoring costs for you for a specific day, Google Flights takes all the work out of “looking for flights.” It is, in my opinion, one of the best apps for moving abroad.

Airbnb

While not as affordable as it once was, Airbnb is still a useful app for living abroad. Since it’s a “peer-to-peer” business model, you rent short-term lodging from individuals.  If you’re planning a short weekend trip on a break from teaching to Malaysia or Milan, Airbnb can be a great money-saving tool to know about, compared to a hotel.  Book easily through the mobile app as late as the day of!  Trust me, when travel plans change unexpectedly, Airbnb is key to have on your phone. 

WhatsApp

If you have friends harassing you about “how you’re going to stay in touch” and that you’ll “never talk to them again,” WhatsApp is the perfect solution.  It’s an internet-based texting solution and the perfect way to communicate with friends and family without paying for an international plan. Millions of people around the world use it every day, more so than in the United States or Canada. You can do everything from text to video-calling. Plus, it’s also a great way to talk with your new friends abroad!

Rome2Rio

As you might guess from the name, Rome2Rio is a go-to for transportation planning. Just input two locations and the app will tell you every mix of trains, planes, and automobiles needed to take you! I can say from first-hand experience that Rome2Rio has helped me cut down on travel time and make the most of my trips abroad.

Kakao

Similar to WhatsApp, Kakao is literally taking over communication in Asia.  Used by 93% of smartphone users in South Korea, if you’re planning on teaching in Asia, you should probably download this now.  The best part about Kakao?  You can share photos, your location, and videos with your contacts without logging into a wi-fi network.

Google App

In the past few years, A.I. has really taken the world by storm and has changed the game for getting information. We included this once as it has everything you might need, from translating signs with your phone camera to using AI Mode for in-depth research on the go. You can take a picture of something you are seeing, and it will look it up for you. Google Translate is also built into this app, which is considered the best, with over 90+ languages to choose from.  If you’re already feeling anxious about how to ask for directions in Seoul or for the best fruit stand in San Jose, Google Translate will be there to save you.  Fair warning: translating is translating… you might just ask for something unexpected.

Hostelworld

Welcome to hostel wonderland!  All you need to do is tap in your dates, and behold, dozens of hostels are available at your fingertips. The best part is seeing the ratings of former users about their specific experiences. Hostelworld puts percentages next to hostel choices to ensure you’re picking a top-rated place to rest your head. No bed bugs here!

Google Maps

Are we on a roll with Google?  Maybe, but more Google Apps = a happier nomad.  From our perspective, walking 6 miles on a random Saturday is the absolute best way to see a new city (or discover more of an old one).  Just like any place, having a general idea of where one is going is typically a good idea.  If you find yourself leaving the class with no idea where you’re meeting your friend for an afternoon beer, you’ll be thanking yourself for downloading Google Maps.  

Honorable Mentions

These 6 additional international travel apps are also worth considering:

Hopper

Great for predictive airfare. Check out this app to find out the best days to buy your flight.

Pocket Money

Who doesn’t need to keep track of their finances... especially when there is an exchange rate involved!

iMetro

In a rush? iMetro helps you find the closest subway station to your location so you can get to your destination in a hurry!

AroundMe:

This app is so helpful to the lazy traveler.  If you need a quick recommendation on restaurants or bars nearby, check it out!

Steller

For organizing a trip or just putting all the recommendations people give you in one place,  Steller is an excellent app for making sure you don't miss the must-dos wherever you are! 

WeatherBug

Honestly, dressing for the weather is a huge determinant of how your day is going to go. Get WeatherBug and don’t be the one wearing a tank top in Germany in January.

Read further: Essential travel resources