iRail European Rail Timetables
Likely I’ll be doing my traveling through Europe on trains. This means I’ll need to know when these things come and go and where they will take me. This is the app for that.
Skype for iPhone
While there are certainly drawbacks listed by the other reviewers with Skype I’ve found this app absolutely indispensible for travelling. Think about it. You’re in a foreign country and you want to make a phone call but don’t want to have to deal with a sim card, long distance charges or payphones. Wireless hotspots are everywhere (because in almost all places they are indeed everywhere) and so why not use that technology to save you money.
Personally I used this application regularly when travelling through Baja Mexico. Finding internet cafes was hard but wifi was everywhere and with a measly $10 credit I had more than enough time to make regular long calls to friends and family and even wound up with more than a $5 credit left when I got back.
Certainly this app isn’t all it could be as compared to the full Skype version we have on our computers, but for travelling alone (either in country in rural places or out of country), this app gets a great rating from me.
The only drawback that is significantly disappointing is that incoming calls even if not taken kill your mic causing you to be forced to leave the app and rejoin to be able to speak again. Not very convenient or useful for doing any sort of business.
Download
AllSubway
If you’re heading to a place with a subway you’re going to want to have this in your pocket. Finding stations can be difficult, especially because they’re, well, underground! With this app you’ll know where to go and when to get there.
XE Currency
I used this app while travelling in Baja Mexico just to see if I was getting ripped off (usually not!) It gives you the quick and dirty currency exchange information you’re looking for, allowing you to get quick information and possibly bargain for a better exchange rate. The only trouble I had with this app is that it (obviously) doesn’t update without a wifi connection so best check it while you’re at the coffee shop and not when you’re at a booth trying to make an exchange.
Download
