CBP Mobile Passport Control
Speed up your reentry to the United States by downloading the Mobile Passport Control app from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Instead of standing in long lines upon arrival at U.S. airports for customs and immigration questioning, users can fill out a quick set of questions about their trip on the app, take a selfie and then join a designated line to breeze through passport processing. When you use Mobile Passport, you can also skip the paper declaration form for customs.
Not only are these lines usually shorter than general processing, but typically everyone in line moves through more efficiently since they’ve already shared their information digitally with immigration officers. Often, it may be just as quick as Global Entry, but without the formal interview process. There’s also no application fee for Mobile Passport, although it should be noted that several credit cards offer credits for the Global Entry one-time fee which can make it essentially free as well.
Converter+
Currency conversions can make anyone’s head spin, especially if you’re jetlagged and on a trip that covers multiple countries in quick succession. While you can always do the math manually, apps like Converter+ handle everything for you.
Unlike other conversion apps, this one goes beyond foreign exchange rates and also makes other handy calculations, like changing distances between kilometers and miles or temperatures from Celcius to Fahrenheit. On the off chance it doesn’t already have what you’re looking for, Converter+ also allows you to build and save your own templates.
Find My
“Leave your valuables at home” is one of the most common pieces of travel advice. Yet the reality is that travel often requires laptops, wallets and passports, and losing them could be catastrophic. The Find My app can help you locate Apple devices linked to your account, like a Macbook, iPhone or Apple Watch.
The app gets more valuable when paired with physical AirTags. These tracking devices can help you keep an eye on non-Apple items, if they’ve been misplaced or stolen. It’s even popular to stick an AirTag in your checked suitcase in case it gets rerouted by the airline. If you’re not an Apple user, you can find similar solutions through Tile Pro or Samsung SmartThings Tracker, among others.
FlightAware
Flight tracking apps aren’t just for aviation enthusiasts identifying aircraft overhead. They can also be incredibly useful for travelers checking flight status. The FlightAware app can point you to information about when your incoming aircraft will arrive, what weather systems are on the move and what your connection status looks like—all well before the airline volunteers these details.
Most casual travelers will appreciate the flight and airport status information, as well as push notifications that alert you to things like gate changes. Those willing to dig deeper will also find information that’s helpful in advance of their trip, like the average delay on a specific flight or route.
GasBuddy
The desktop version of GasBuddy has been helping drivers save on gas for years, but the mobile app makes things even easier. Enabling location permissions means the app will automatically suggest the cheapest gas stations near you while driving. Or, scroll through the map to find stations farther away (but still along your route) to potentially save even more.
Pairing the GasBuddy app with its gas card can lead to additional savings of up to 25 cents per gallon when you activate offers and pay with your card at participating stations. The app makes it simple to find qualifying gas stations, the discount and the bottom-line cost per gallon of gas. You’ll need to link a bank account to fund the gas card. If you’d prefer to avoid the hassle, using one of the best credit cards for gas is another smart strategy.
Google Translate
Long gone are the days of randomly pointing to menu items and wondering what you’ll get or playing charades to make your point while traveling. Google Translate can take much of the confusion out of communicating in over 100 languages.
The app has three main functions: Type words or phrases into the app to automatically generate a written translation, speak into the phone to have bilingual conversations or point your camera at written text to display it in your preferred language. While the translations aren’t always perfect, more often than not, it gets the point across.
NordVPN
Don’t overlook the importance of security while traveling. A virtual private network (VPN) protects you—and your password-protected accounts—whenever you’re using a wireless internet connection. A VPN makes it possible to check on financial accounts or transmit confidential information from hotel or coffee shop connections worry-free. It may also help you access your favorite websites from home, even if they’re blocked in the region you’re currently visiting.
There are hundreds of VPNs to choose from, but NordVPN is a good bet as it’s affordable, speedy and extremely secure. Additionally, one subscription fee will cover up to six devices, ensuring that you and your family are all covered.
Scanner Pro
Though we live in a digital world these days, sometimes a paper trail is still necessary. The Scanner Pro app makes it easy to convert your physical paperwork into electronic files by using your mobile phone to scan documents with its built-in camera. It’s a great way to collect receipts for expense reports or personal record keeping.
Business travelers in particular may appreciate this app since it keeps everything organized and secure, but it can help leisure travelers too. Scan backup copies of your passport or other documents or rely on the app to keep copies of documents that you’d need to file a travel insurance claim. Personal documents can be password-protected for extra security.
TripIt
The TripIt app organizes all your travel plans in one convenient place, making it easy for you to find your flight details, hotel confirmations, rental car info and more without having to scroll through your email inbox. Simply forward your confirmation emails and TripIt will create your mobile itinerary. With the Pro version of the app, you’ll get a variety of extra features including notifications when your preferred seat opens on a flight or when fares drop.
One caveat: If you’re the type of person who’s constantly changing plans, TripIt might not be for you. It’s designed to pull in your reservations automatically, but doesn’t always recognize cancellations.
If you live in the U.S., you might think of WhatsApp as just “another” messaging app. But in dozens of countries worldwide, WhatsApp is the standard communication tool. Since it runs over Wi-Fi rather than a cell network, your phone can send and receive messages or make calls even when you don’t have phone service.
WhatsApp can also help you book hotels, tours, spa treatments or restaurant reservations. In some cases, you may even save money by contacting providers directly rather than booking through a middleman. Plus, there’s a good chance your private driver or tour guide will reach out to you via WhatsApp to provide trip details or updates, making this a must-have app for all international travelers.