In brief
- Download offline maps and translation packs before you leave home.
- Install your airline’s app for boarding passes, gate changes and rebooking.
- Use official transit apps where available for routes and tickets.
- Store document copies securely, with a backup you can reach offline.
A little setup at home turns your phone into a travel assistant. The trick is to install and test apps before you leave, while you have good Wi-Fi and time to sort out logins.
Apps by job
| Job | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Flights | Your airline’s app for boarding passes, gate changes and rebooking |
| Maps | Offline maps you can download by region |
| Translation | Offline language packs and camera translation for signs and menus |
| Transit | Official or widely used local apps for routes and tickets |
| Lodging | Your booking app, with check-in details saved offline |
| Money | Your bank’s app, with notifications turned on |
| Documents | Secure storage for passport and insurance copies |
| Safety | The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), for US citizens |
Set them up before you leave
- Log in to everything at home. Two-factor codes are easier to receive on your home network and number.
- Download offline content, including maps of the areas you’ll visit and a translation pack for the local language.
- Turn on notifications for your airline and your bank.
- Save confirmations offline as screenshots: tickets, reservations and addresses.
Try this: Save your lodging’s address in the local language and script. It helps with taxi drivers and when asking for directions.
Local apps
- Taxi and ride apps vary by country, so check what’s common at your destination.
- Many cities have official transit apps for tickets and real-time departures.
- Popular messaging apps differ by region, and some local businesses prefer one for bookings and questions.
Privacy and permissions
- Give location access only to the apps that need it, and only while you’re using them.
- Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication for travel and payment accounts.
- After the trip, delete apps you won’t use again and remove saved cards from them.
Keep data and battery in check
- Download maps and media over Wi-Fi.
- Turn off background refresh for apps you don’t need on the trip.
- Carry a power bank. Our guide to power banks for travel covers airline rules.
For mobile data, our comparison of eSIM, local SIM and roaming plans helps you choose.
Note: Public Wi-Fi in airports and cafés is convenient but less secure. Avoid logging in to banking or other sensitive accounts on open networks, and keep your phone’s software up to date.
The bottom line
Install your airline, map, translation and transit apps at home, download offline content, save your confirmations and enroll in STEP if you’re a US citizen traveling abroad. Then your phone keeps working for you, even without a signal.
FAQ
Which travel apps should I download first?
Start with your airline’s app, a map app that works offline, a translation app and your lodging’s booking app. Then add local transit and taxi apps for your destination.
Do travel apps work without internet?
Many do if you download content in advance, such as offline maps, translation packs and saved tickets. Check each app’s offline options before you go.
Is it safe to store passport copies on my phone?
Use a secure, password-protected app or encrypted storage, and keep a strong lock screen on your phone. A paper copy kept apart from your passport is also helpful.
What is STEP?
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service from the US Department of State that lets US citizens register trips abroad and receive safety information from the nearest embassy.