Must-have apps for traveling to Southeast Asia: A roundup of the best apps for the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam

Here's a rundown of the must-have apps for Southeast Asia!

Southeast Asia is a fascinating travel destination, and the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam are some of the most beloved countries. But when you're visiting a country for the first time, issues like language, transportation, and safety can get in the way. To combat this, it's important to be prepared and download apps that will help you get around. Below are some of our favorite Essential travel apps A list.


1. must-have apps for traveling to the Philippines

1) Google Maps (Google Maps)

  • Features: Get directions, get public transportation routes, and find nearby restaurants and attractions.
  • Features: The roads in the Philippines can be complicated, but Google Maps is a great help, especially for finding key landmarks in the city.

2) Gcash (Gcash)

  • FeaturesFor mobile payments, money transfers, shopping malls, and convenience stores.
  • Features: The most common payment app that can be used as an alternative to cash in the Philippines. It can be used to pay taxi fares, pay at malls, and more.

3) Foodpanda

  • Features: Food delivery available throughout the Philippines.
  • Features: A wide variety of local food is readily available at the hostel. Menus are available in English, making it easy to order.

4) Grab

  • Features: taxi hailing, food delivery, logistics services.
  • Features: Recommended as a safe way to get around in cities like Manila, Cebu, etc. Prices are transparent and you don't have to worry about being ripped off.

5) Papago or Google Translate

  • Features: text translation, voice translation.
  • Features: Useful for translating into the local Filipino language (Tagalog) for those who are not comfortable with English.

2. must-have apps for traveling to Thailand

1) Grab

  • Features: ride-hailing, food delivery.
  • Features: The most used app for ride-hailing and delivery services in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, etc. It's an affordable alternative to taking a taxi.

2) Bolt

  • Features: Ride-hailing service.
  • Features: Similar to Uber, but often cheaper than Grab. A good value for money option in Thailand.

3) GoWabi

  • Features: Book spa, massage, and beauty services.
  • FeaturesBook spa and beauty services in major locations like Bangkok and Phuket, and get discounts.

4) Muvmi

  • Features: Tuk-Tuk hailing service.
  • FeaturesFares are clearly displayed so you can avoid being ripped off. Tuk-tuk pick-up and drop-off points are organized, which is very convenient.

5) Foodpanda

  • Features: Food delivery.
  • Features: A delivery service available throughout Thailand, perfect for enjoying food at your accommodation, especially in the hot weather.

6) Line

  • Features: Messenger, Voice Calls.
  • Features: A popular messenger app in Thailand, useful for communicating with locals and exchanging information.

3. must-have apps for traveling to Vietnam

1) Grab

  • Features: taxi hailing, food delivery, parcel transportation.
  • Features: A must-have app for traveling in Vietnam, available in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Da Nang. It allows postpaid payments and Korean card registration, which is very convenient.

2) Google Maps (Google Maps)

  • Features: Directions, public transportation routes.
  • Features: Vietnam's complex road network makes it difficult to find your way around, but Google Maps makes it easy.

3) Speed L (Speed L)

  • Features: Lotte Mart's delivery service.
  • Features: Easily order Korean food and other items you need and have them delivered to your hotel. Korean language support makes it even more convenient.

4) Nemo Vietnamese (Nemo Vietnamese)

  • FeaturesLearn basic Vietnamese conversational sentences and hear their pronunciation.
  • Features: Learn basic phrases that are commonly used in Vietnam, where the language barrier is huge.

5) Triple

  • Features: Itinerary management, tourist recommendations.
  • Features: An app to help you organize your trip to Vietnam, with itineraries and attraction information at a glance.

Tips for using travel apps

  1. Download the app in advance
    You may have limited internet access abroad, so download the app and complete your payment information and setup before you leave.
  2. Using a local data sim
    Rather than data roaming, purchase a local cellular tower or rent a pocket Wi-Fi for seamless app use.
  3. Recommended app combinations
    A combination of apps that offer different functions, such as transportation, restaurants, translations, and scheduling, can be more effective.
  4. Guides
    Timeet is a local guide for 20-something college girls and guys to travel around Southeast Asia in Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. It's our favorite app because you can share incidents with local friends and stay safe while traveling.

Conclusion: Traveling to Southeast Asia, be fully prepared with apps

To make your travels in the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam more convenient and enjoyable, install these essential apps beforehand. They'll come in handy for everything from safe transportation to exploring local eateries to overcoming language barriers. Use these apps wisely and have a stress-free trip!

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