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Key Apps for Relocating Internationally: A Handy Digital Toolbox
A practical guide to the essential apps that help with communication, navigation, and logistics when moving to a new country. Explore tools for translation, money management, and daily life.
Moving to a new country involves numerous practical considerations. While packing lists and paperwork are essential, the right digital tools can significantly ease the transition.
This overview covers various applications that address common needs, from everyday communication to navigating a new city.
Core Communication and Language Tools
Staying connected and overcoming language barriers are often immediate priorities when settling abroad.
Messaging and Calls: WhatsApp is a near-universal standard for communication. It allows free messaging, voice, and video calls over the internet, works across different mobile operating systems, and often replaces standard SMS. It is also commonly used by local community groups focused on housing or events.
Internet Access and Security: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is frequently cited as critical. It provides a secure internet connection and can allow access to online services, streaming content, or banking platforms that may be restricted based on your geographic location.
Language Translation: Google Translate is a widely used, free tool that supports many languages. It can translate text, speech, and images through your phone’s camera. Mate Translate offers a more integrated experience across devices. This application and browser extension support over 200 languages and offer features such as translating selected text on web pages, full-page translation in browsers, and subtitles on platforms like Netflix. It also includes a phrasebook for saving vocabulary and synchronises your history across iPhone, Mac, and browser extensions.
Managing Finances and Navigation
Handling money across currencies and learning to get around are fundamental aspects of daily life abroad.
International Transfers: Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) are designed to convert and send money internationally. They typically offer exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks. Some also provide multi-currency accounts and debit cards for spending.
Currency Conversion: For quick calculations, the standard calculator app on iPhones has a built-in currency converter.
Public Transit Navigation: For city living, apps like Citymapper provide detailed real-time public transportation information, including disruptions, trip planning across multiple modes of transport (bus, train, bike, ride-share), and even suggestions for the best train carriage to board for your exit. Google Maps remains a reliable tool for general navigation, walking directions, and discovering local businesses.
Logistics and Local Integration
Beyond the initial setup, other apps can assist with practical logistics and help you connect with your new environment.
Moving Logistics: Some international moving companies offer digital tools, such as volume calculators to estimate shipment size, packing list generators for customs, and label creators for boxes.
Discovering Local Life: Meetup can help find local groups and events based on hobbies or interests, which is useful for meeting people. Spotted by Locals offers guides and tips written by residents, focusing on lesser-known local spots rather than mainstream tourist attractions.
Staying Oriented: Apps like Rome2Rio are useful for broader travel planning, showing how to get between cities or towns using combinations of planes, trains, buses, and ferries.
Conclusion
The process of relocating involves many small logistical steps. A carefully selected set of digital tools can provide practical support for communication, financial transactions, and navigation, allowing you to focus on adapting to your new surroundings.
