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
Grab is one of the most widely used , offering a fast, efficient, and convenient service. Passengers can choose between taxis, private cars, or vans. Along with GrabBike, the app is a convenient option for getting around in large cities with heavy traffic, such as 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 and cash payments. So it will undoubtedly be your go-to companion during your trip to Thailand!
Bolt
This ride-hailing app is the perfect option for getting around Thailand’s major cities, since its fares are lower than Grab’s and it offers a variety of options for every need—from private cars and scooters to food delivery.
However, pickup times may take longer than expected because the app doesn't have many registered drivers; keep this in mind, as you'll need to request the service well in advance.
Muvmi
With Muvmi, you can order an electric tuk-tuk to get around Bangkok. It’s a ride-sharing service that can accommodate up to 6 passengers, with the option to share rides with others, and it produces 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 the 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.
Be sure to buy them in advance and review all your 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 baht.
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 through its instant messaging app is very common. In fact, if you want to connect with local spots or small businesses, you’ll need to use this messaging app because most of them don’t have websites or other social media apps.
This is how some businesses in Thailand often advertise or share their products or services. In addition, Facebook 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 locals can’t find the words to communicate with you.
If you download the languages you'll need in advance, you can use the app even without an internet connection. You can choose "Spanish" as your source language and "Thai" or "English" as the target language.
Google Translate offers several options for translating text: first, you can type, copy, or paste text into the translation box; it also offers voice translation and real-time translation, where you can use your phone's camera to translate signs, menus, or other written material.
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.
Using the sustainable travel filter in the app allows you to find hotels or hostels that are committed to environmental sustainability and have taken steps to generate less waste, reduce water and energy consumption, or give back to the local community.
Agoda
It's one of the most popular apps in Asia for booking accommodations. It lets you find hotels, guesthouses, and resorts throughout Thailand, often at lower prices than other platforms. It also offers other useful filters by location, price, or type of accommodation, and in many cases includes flexible cancellation and last-minute deals.
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.
Airbnb
It's the perfect app if you prefer stay in apartments, houses, or accommodations managed by local hosts. In Thailand, you can find everything from city studios to villas or accommodations in quieter areas. It also lets you book experiences organized by hosts and often offers longer stays with weekly or monthly discounts.
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.
Splitwise
It's a very useful app for traveling in a group, since it lets you easily split expenses among several people. You can keep track of who paid for what—such as transportation, lodging, or meals—and the app automatically calculates how much each person owes. This helps you avoid confusion about money during the trip.
Location-based apps
Google Maps
This app is a must-have—it doesn't even need an introduction; I'm sure we all use it these days. It's my favorite travel app because it lets me create lists and mark places to visit, see actual distances and routes, get contact information for locations, and read 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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