1. Magic Jack: Magic Jack lets you call anyone in the U.S. and Canada, from wherever you are, even if they don’t have the app. This awesome app will never use up any minutes or require a plan. It works on all iPhones, and if you don’t have service, it will work connected to WiFi. You can even get your own number for friends and family to reach you — or to leave you voicemails while you’re out gallavanting! Price: Free
2. WhatsApp: WhatsApp is a smartphone messenger app that will work between iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Windows and Nokia users. WhatsApp uses 3G or WiFi to send and receive messages, pictures, audio notes, and video messages to other WhatsApp users. Text messaging abroad gets very costly, but with WhatsApp, you can message unlimited times without having to worry about your phone bill. Price: 99 cents
3. Maps: You don’t even have to install this app, as it comes on your iPhone already! Many people don’t realize the power of the Maps app. You don’t need service or WiFi to use it, and it will work no matter where you are. Easily bookmark restaurants, shops or any cool places you find on the go. When you want to revisit these spots, click the little book icon in the upper right corner and select any of your saved pins. You can see how close or far this pin is from the blue dot, which is your current location — then hit the town! Price: Free
4. Google Translate: If you are abroad in a country where you don’t know the language it can get pretty frustrating fast. Google Translate accurately translates text into almost any language. It will even speak the translated text for you so you can learn it by ear. Once you translate a word or phrase, the app saves your recent translations for easy reference. Price: Free
5. MOMPF Currency Converter: Don’t feel like doing the math in your head? This app allows you to instantly and easily convert one currency to another. Roaming data costs are pricey, so the offline mode stores downloaded exchange rates in your device for later use
— up to seven previously used exchange rates at a time! No more standing awkwardly at check-out. Price: Free
Thank you for posting these suggestions, Recessionista. I recently got promoted to a position at DISH that requires a ton of travel, and I have been looking for a few good apps to make life in the air a little easier. I will be checking out that currency converter and Maps app before my next trip. I have found that a little entertainment can go a long way when it comes to flight delays, layovers, and cancellations. I have been using the DISH Remote Access app on my phone to help pass the time. I can stream all of my live TV channels from home, and I can watch anything stored on my Hoppers DVR. It’s the best travel app I have found so far.
great info to know for those studying overbroad!