Communication
Overseas charges are no fun, and fees per minute will have you wrap up a conversation in seconds. And international cell phone plans can vary. Pro tip if your cell phone is unlocked, you can purchase a sim card at your travel destination (buy a sim card from a reliable source. Ex: the airport, new stands, vending machines). This will allow you to communicate on your phone through these apps.
Whatsapp is very popular and a must if you have family living abroad. My family uses it often. The free platform allows you to communicate through the app via message, phone, or video call. You can even create a group chat. To do so, you will need cell data or WIFI (you can purchase a sim card to provide both).
Facebook Messenger provides free text and quality video calls. If you don’t yet have a Facebook account, create one to access messenger and avoid international fees. Like the other communication apps mentioned, you will need either cell data, Wifi, or a sim card.
Instagram allows you to call, message, and video chat. The platform permits up to six people on a video call. Great right? The app is a great way to stay in touch and send all kinds of memes.
Zoom has become more popular since the 2020 … You know. Zoom offers free meetings (up to 100 participants), phone calls, and chats. With reliable connectivity over WiFi, you should have no issues communicating.
Google Translate is a great tool to help you navigate almost any language barrier and is 100% free. The app allows you to engage in real-time conversations with native speakers (though it may feel a bit odd, it will help you communicate. ) You can choose between English and over 100 other languages. Type in the “enter text” box or speak into your microphone for language translation. Use your camera for instant translation of signs, written docs, food labels, menus, and more.
Location Sharing
Share My Location is a great way to keep your loved ones up to date on your location while traveling. You can access this feature through your Apple IOS device settings, contact, or messenger app. Options include sharing your current location, share for one hour. Until the end of the day or indefinitely (until you click stop sharing location). This feature provides real-time location sharing and operates via Wifi or cell data.
Google Maps is available for Android and IOS devices and has a share location option. You can access this by 1) opening the Google Maps app, tap your initial or picture, 2) Click Location share, and 3) Chooses who you want to share your location with. The app can share for as long as you have the location-sharing feature on.
Life360 can share your location with a group of people. Not only are loved ones able to see your position. You can also see theirs along with other things, such as their cell battery and car speed while driving, and you can send messages through the app. The standard version is free and provides all the details mentioned.
