It has never been easier to travel to a corner of the world where the language is unfamiliar and the customs seem completely different from those in Latin America. Now, right from your phone screen, you can order rides and food, find locations and get anywhere with ease, track your travel expenses, and translate instantly from one language to another. 

So, here’s a list of apps, organized by category, that I’ve found indispensable on my trips to Thailand.

You might also be interested in reading: 5 mistakes to avoid on your trip to Thailand.

Transportation Apps

Record

The transportation app is one of the most widely used; it offers a fast, efficient, and convenient service. Passengers can choose between taxis, private cars, or vans, as well as GrabBike, which is a convenient option for getting around in large, traffic-heavy cities like Bangkok. The app also offers fast delivery of goods and food, available nationwide. 

One of Grab’s key features is its transparent pricing; you can see the estimated fare as soon as you request the service. It also offers multiple payment options, including online payments and cash. So it will undoubtedly be your go-to companion during your trip to Thailand. 

Bolt

The transport app  is a perfect option for getting around Thailand’s major cities because its fares are lower than Grab’s and it offers a variety of options for every need, including private cars, scooters, and food delivery. However, pickup times may take longer than expected because there are fewer registered drivers, so you should request the service well in advance.

Muvmi

In the app, you can order an electric tuk-tuk to get around Bangkok. It’s a ride-sharing service that seats up to 6 passengers and offers the option to share rides with others, generating zero CO₂ emissions. It’s a sustainable alternative in the Thai capital, which suffers from high levels of air pollution.

12 GB

This is the must-have app for your trip to Thailand because it lets you check land, air, and water transportation options in one place. From here, you can quickly and easily buy your tickets online to travel from one city to another. Keep in mind that it’s best to buy them in advance and review all the options to choose the most convenient one. You can also use the app just to browse the options and then buy directly from the transportation companies to save a few THB.

12 Go also offers coverage in several Asian countries, so be sure to use it while traveling in this part of the world.  

Messaging apps

Line

It is an instant messaging app, similar to WhatsApp, that is extremely popular in Southeast Asia. It will be useful if you want to connect with locals or share contacts while traveling through Thailand. In addition to being a messaging app, LINE offers a variety of features and functions, including video calls, a timeline, games and apps, as well as local services and promotions.

Facebook Messenger 

Facebook (Meta) is one of the most widely used social media platforms in Thailand, so communicating via its instant messaging app is very common. In fact, if you want to connect with local businesses or small companies, you’ll need to use this app because they don’t have a website; instead, they have a Meta profile where they advertise their services and products. Plus, Messenger offers unlimited text messaging, voice calls, video calls, and group video chats, making it very appealing.

Language apps

Google Translate

This tool is a must-have for your trip to Thailand, as it helps you understand the Thai language and communicate effectively in any situation where you don’t understand the language or when others don’t understand what you’re saying. 

If you download the languages you’ll need in advance, you can use the app even without an internet connection. You can select “Spanish” as your source language and “Thai” or “English” as the target language.

Google Translate offers several options for translating text. You can type, copy, or paste text into the translation box, use voice translation, or use real-time translation via the camera to translate signs, menus, or other visual text.

Apps for booking accommodations

Booking 

It is essential to plan and book accommodation for your trip to Thailand. With multiple search options and filters that let you choose the type of accommodation that best fits your budget, location, and reviews from other travelers.

The sustainable travel filter in the app lets you find hotels and hostels that are committed to environmental sustainability and have taken steps to reduce waste, cut down on water and energy consumption, or give back to the local community.   

Hostelworld

This is the app you need to find the best hostels in Thailand. You can explore options in every city and enjoy cancellation options and flexible booking terms. Plus, it lets you connect with other travelers before you arrive at the hostel and offers activities for small groups.

Money apps

XE Currency

The XE Currency app is a useful tool, especially if you're dealing with currency exchange in Thailand and need to keep track of exchange rates. It lets you select multiple currencies and see their equivalents in real time.

TravelSpend  

This app is designed to help travelers manage their expenses while exploring new destinations. TravelSpend offers a convenient way to keep track of your expenses and manage your budget effectively, helping you track spending, visualize your spending patterns, and make more informed financial decisions while you’re traveling in Thailand.

SuperRichTH 

It's the best way to check exchange rates and find currency exchange offices where you can exchange your money. Offering the best possible exchange rates in Thailand, it serves as a currency converter and provides real-time exchange rates for all currencies.

Location-based apps

Google Maps 

This app is a must-have—it hardly needs any introduction. I'm sure we all use it these days; it's my favorite travel app because I can make lists and mark places to visit, see actual distances and routes, and get contact information for places and reviews from other users. Plus, you can download city maps to use them offline.

Maps.me

The map app for finding places and exploring cities in Thailand. This app lets you download a map, choose a route, and use it while you travel. It also features the following categories to make your searches easier: entertainment, attractions, businesses, accommodations, shopping, health, food, transportation, and finance. 

The most important step for traveling to Thailand

I hope you find this article helpful and that you can make use of these apps during your trip to Thailand. 

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