Since the iPhone and iPod, international jetsetters have never been more informed and empowered with handy tools at their fingertips. Whether for business or pleasure, if you are an international traveler, you may want to check out these useful iPhone apps that will make your trips a breeze.
First of all, if you are using an iPhone, check with your service provider about international data packages. International roaming charges can get expensive very quickly. You can always make sure that the hotels and airports where you will be staying have a WiFi connection. WiFi works with iPhones as well as the iPod Touch, and in many places it is free.
Skype (Free)
Skype is free internet calling service. The iPhone app allows you to log into your Skype account to see who is online, send them text messages or make free Skype-to-Skype calls from any WiFi zone. If your international calling plan is too expensive, you can make Skype phone calls to other lines for less than a dollar per minute.
VelaClock World Clock ($3.99)
With an easily configurable user interface, VelaClock is useful if you communicate with friends or co-workers from around the world. In whatever part of the world you are in, you can quickly find out when the sun rises, sets and even get the exact time of three kinds of twilight and moon phases (useful for photographers). The screen displays the country’s flag, city name, the day of the week and the local time.
XE Currency App (Free)
With XE currency app, you have access to currencies from over 180 countries around the world. This app was developed by XE, a popular and long trusted currency site. You can easily switch your base country and as long as you have a connection, you can get up to the minute rates for every world currency. For areas where you do not have an internet or phone service connection, the latest rates are stored on your device.
Jibbigo Voice Translation ($24.99)
This app is made for the iPhone because you need a microphone and speaker. Basically, you say a phrase in one language and it talks back in the other. So far this app is only available for Spanish-English and Japanese-English. Jibbigo’s dictionary contains 40,000 words including certain common names. To use Jibbigo, the user simply holds down the record button and speaks. Jibbigo then translates and speaks the translation aloud.
Ultralingua Translation Dictionaries ($19.99)
As far as translation apps go, Ultralingua Translation Dictionaries command a premium price, but many users agree that it is worth every penny. Unlike other language translators, Ultralingua offers a comprehensive approach for translating words back and forth from other languages, with word definitions, verb conjugations and even a number translator. Individual dictionary apps are available to translate between English and six languages: French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin.
iTranslate (Free)
For those looking for a simple word translator, this free app may do the trick. iTranslate allows you to translate over 42 different languages on your iPhone or iPod. Based on Google Translate, you can switch languages without having to retype your text. Some disadvantages to this free app however, include annoying ads and not being able to save translations.
World Weather ($0.99)
Collecting data from wunderground.com, World Weather provides weather for more than 850,000 cities around the world. The user-friendly interface allows you to select any location by entering city, state, country or airport code. Check the weekly weather forecast so you know how to pack. Real-time weather conditions include realistic weather animations, temperature, wind, humidity, sunrise, sunset, moon phase and GPS location. You can choose between the English system units and metric system units.
Next Flight ($2.99)
Next Flight provides you a daily list of available flights from all Airline Carriers from any source to any destination. This app is useful if you have ever missed a flight and wanted to see if there is another flight you can catch. It also comes in handy if you want to see if you can hop on to an earlier flight. Just provide your origin, destination and departure date and the application lists all the available flights for the selected day including their departure and arrival timings.
HearPlanet ($5.99)
HearPlanet is the first talking tour guide for your cell phone. It provides text and spoken descriptions for nearly 250,000 points of interest in locations around the world and includes an integrated, interactive map and human voices, in addition to the computer-generated audio. When you have some time to just walk around and explore a new city, HearPlanet offers interesting facts and commentary based on your location.
April Lentini writes for Philadelphia Apartment Guide
Image: Al Lanni Flickr
