There are a few items you should never travel without—your toothbrush, toiletries, and, of course, your smartphone. If you are trying to get from A to B in a new country, or find the best accommodation and restaurants, your smartphone can be your lifeline. This is especially valid when it comes to Latin America, since many newbie travelers can find this region baffling. So if this is where you are headed, be sure to download these apps before you hit the road.
Maps.me
Ever arrived in a new city, lost and without cellular data to access the internet and locate yourself? Get ready for your trip by downloading all the maps you will ever need. Once on your phone, you can use the maps even when offline. The detailed maps show not just the major and minor roads, but also hotels, restaurants, ATMs, tourist sights and even hiking trails. Some of the app’s other features include turn-by-turn navigation and bookmarks to let you save and share some of your favorite locations. The maps are continually updated by millions of OpenStreetMap contributors, so you can rest assured that they are completely up-to-date.
AllSubway
Finding the right public transportation in large Latin American cities can be tricky, says expert César Ortiz from MONEDEROsmart. “Navigating subway systems can be a nightmare, especially if you don’t speak the language of the country you are traveling in. This app has easy-to-read maps of the subway systems in huge metropolises like Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Medellín and Santiago de Chile.” Best of all, the maps are available offline, if you don’t have cellular data or are not connected to Wi-Fi.
XE Currency
When you first arrive in a new country, it can be difficult to get your head around the new currency. Is what you are about to buy really worth the cash? Here is where XE Currency can help. Available offline, the app converts the price of whatever it is you are about to pay for into your own currency. So, if you are visiting Colombia, for example, simply enter the cost of the goods or service that you are about to buy in Colombian Pesos and immediately get its equivalent in your home currency.
Tappsi
While some Latin American cities such as Buenos Aires have a great transportation system, this is not the case for the region in general. In fact, Latin America’s public transport system can be confusing and chaotic. And let’s face it, even at the best of times, sometimes it’s just easier to grab a cab. Nevertheless, if you are considering hailing a taxi from a street corner in a country you don’t know, it’s probably best to think again. Developed in Colombia, Tappsi can help you order a taxi from your smartphone in minutes in many major Latin American cities—and you can rest assured that your ride will be safe and secure.
