Google Translate(free on iOS and Android). This app can help you overcome some foreign language obstacles. Its simplest feature is the text-translation system— you type in text in a foreign language and Google will give you the English translation, or you type in English what you want to say in another language and Google will show you the foreign text to use.
Google Translate also has a spoken-word feature, where it will listen to someone speaking in, say, French, and show the translated text in English on the screen. This can be unreliable, depending on the noisiness of the environment.
A very handy feature of Google Translate is its camera-based translation. To use this, place text printed in a foreign language in front of your phone’s camera, and on the screen, you’ll see a live image with the words automatically replaced in English. This tool is particularly helpful for reading restaurant menus.
This requires data and can be invaluable when you are out and about so you may want to buy a little extra data if you will be out and about in a foreign country.
]]>Bring along an inexpensive WiFi router. With a WiFi router and a local SIM, you can share a data package among your family. Everyone will have the connectivity and convenience of the internet as you travel and tour around. Use it for directions, Whatsapp, Skype, Factetime, WiFi calling, etc. You will need a separate SIM with a data package for the router. Most likely you will still want a another local SIM with voice for making local calls but you will not need extra data this SIM.
]]>“btrfly connects air travellers in real-time and real life. You can chat and meet up with people travelling on the same flight – or someone just passing through the same airport. Create your own profile, then simply check in with your flight number to see who else is heading your way, browse traveler profiles, request connections, and share your travel experiences. Make flying more social today – with btrfly.”
It is a great way to connect with other travellers on the same flight and the possibilities are endless, share a cab, get someone into a business lounge or just hook up for a coffee or drink, or arrange to sit together on the flight.
App is available on iOS and Android.
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