Which apps to download before going abroad: by category
Maps, translation, ride-hailing, trains, restaurants, banking, messaging, boarding passes and payments, explained by category without ranking brands, plus how to check an app works in your destination.
Коротко
- Before going abroad, have apps in at least nine categories: maps, translation, ride-hailing, public transport or train booking, restaurant finding, your banking app, messaging, your airline's boarding pass, and payments. Download and sign in while you still have Wi-Fi, then test them, because some apps behave differently or not at all in certain countries.
- This guide does not rank brands, because which app works well depends on the country, and menu names inside apps and versions can change. Check the app store and official websites instead.
The thinking before you download
An app that works well in Thailand may not work well at your destination. Some countries have local apps most people use, some apps limit service outside their home country, and app stores in some regions list different apps. So check three things before flying: is the app in your app store, can you log in on a different network, and does its core function work with no internet at all.
Menu and button names here are general guidance, since each app and OS version can rename or move them. If you cannot find a button as described, use the search box in the app or its help page.
Maps: online and offline
A map app helps with both getting around and finding your accommodation. A frequent question is whether Google Maps works abroad. In general it does when you have internet, but in some countries data or services may be limited, so check before you fly and keep an offline map as backup. Some countries have local map apps that are more detailed.
- 1Download the area while on Wi-FiOpen the maps app, search your destination city, and look for an offline-map download option, often in the profile menu or place details. Menu names vary by version.
- 2Pin your accommodation and key placesSave your accommodation, stations, the airport and places you plan to visit to a saved list so you can open them quickly.
- 3Check the offline map opensTurn internet off and try opening the map. If it works, you are ready. For more detail see our offline maps and navigation article.
Translation: text, voice and camera
Translation apps usually offer typing, speaking and camera modes for signs or menus. If you ask whether Google Translate works offline, generally downloaded languages can be used, but quality and supported modes may differ without internet. Test before you fly which modes you need.
- Download the destination's language pack while on Wi-Fi
- Try camera mode on real text, such as a menu or sign, to see how well it reads
- Keep key phrases in the local language in a note, such as your accommodation address and food allergies
For how translation apps use data and how to reduce it, see our article on translation apps and data.
Ride-hailing, public transport and train booking
The ride-hailing app you use in Thailand may not be the one that works at your destination. Some places have several local apps that dominate, and some need a payment method or phone number verification, which can be a problem with a data-only eSIM. Check an app's sign-up and verification conditions before flying.
Public transport often has an official app from the rail or metro operator and third-party apps that combine routes. In some countries you can buy tickets or passes in the app, but conditions and card systems change, so check the transport operator's own website and do not rely on menu names someone else described.
Restaurants, accommodation and reviews
Restaurant review and table-booking apps differ by country, and locals may use a local app instead. If you want a restaurant-booking app abroad, find which apps or websites people mainly use at the destination from that country's official tourism site, and save the restaurant's address in the local language so drivers or people you ask for directions can read it.
Banking apps and OTP
A very common question is whether banking apps and mobile banking work abroad, and how to receive bank OTPs. It depends on your bank. Some work everywhere with internet, some restrict logins from overseas, and an OTP sent by SMS must go to a SIM that receives SMS, so decide before you fly.
- Ask your bank whether overseas use must be enabled in the app, and under what conditions it works
- With a data-only travel eSIM, keep your Thai SIM in the phone to receive SMS, and enable roaming only as needed under your operator's terms
- Ask your bank about verification methods that do not use SMS, if any
Read the full detail in our articles on banking apps abroad and on SMS and OTP while abroad.
Messaging, boarding passes and payments
Chat apps like LINE and WhatsApp work when you have internet, but some countries restrict certain services, so check for your destination before flying. Your airline's app keeps your boarding pass and announces gate changes, so download and sign in beforehand, and save the boarding pass to your phone's digital wallet if the airline supports it.
Paying by scanning a QR code or through a mobile wallet is widespread in some countries, but whether you can use it depends on whether your app or card is supported there, and currency-conversion fees depend on your provider. Check the provider's own fee schedule and terms, and always carry a backup way to pay. See our currency and card charges article.
Checking an app works at your destination before you fly
| Что проверить | Как проверить |
|---|---|
| Is the app in your app store | Search your region's app store; if absent, see whether the app states a regional restriction |
| Can you log in on a different network | Test on other Wi-Fi or mobile data and see whether extra verification appears |
| Does it work with no internet | Switch on airplane mode and try; see whether the core function, such as an offline map or boarding pass, still opens |
| Does the destination restrict this service | Check the destination's official sites; for China see our China preparation article, since restrictions differ greatly |
We also have a separate article on apps that do not work abroad.
Staying online so these apps actually work
Most of the apps above need internet to work fully. Your options are roaming on your Thai SIM, a destination SIM, or a travel eSIM. Our eSIM is data-only, bought on the web with no app, with the QR sent by email. Check your phone supports it before buying and read the latest price and terms on the product page. If you are unsure about data volume, use the data calculator and read our article on how much data you need.
Вопросы и ответы
Which apps should I download before going abroad?+
At least maps, translation, ride-hailing or transport, your banking app, messaging, your airline's boarding pass and payments. Choose apps based on what people use at the destination and test them before flying.
Does Google Maps work abroad, and how do I download offline maps?+
Generally yes with internet, but some countries restrict services. To download offline, search the city and look for an offline-map option in the profile menu or place details. Menu names vary by version.
Can Google Translate be used offline?+
Download the language packs first, then test the modes you need with internet off, because modes and quality may differ offline.
Do banking apps work abroad?+
It depends on your bank. Ask about overseas-use conditions and OTP delivery before you fly, and test logging in from another network.
How can I receive bank OTPs abroad?+
If sent by SMS you need a SIM that receives SMS, such as your Thai SIM. A data-only travel eSIM cannot receive SMS. Ask your bank about other verification methods before flying.
Does the ride-hailing app I use in Thailand work at my destination?+
Not necessarily. Some countries mainly use local apps. Look in the app store and the country's tourism site, and check the app's sign-up and verification conditions.
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