What you can do with Apps
You can buy and reserve just about everything you will need for the trip;
- Buy your airline, boat and train tickets.
- Reserve a hotel room or other accommodations.
- Book tours and tickets to attractions.
- Access information and tips from other travelers on web site and travel forums.
Once in Europe you will be able to;
- Load your boarding passes on your device for airlines, trains, buses, transit, tours, activities and more.
- Check into your hotel and access your room key on your deivice.
- Use map apps on your device to locate your current position, find locations you want to visit and the directions or routes to get there.
- Have local languages translated into English.
- Convert currency and measurements to American standards.
- Communicate home with family and friends using email, text, phone, video calls or social media.
- Access online travel guide web sites for local recommendations.
- Use apps to pay for tickets, restaurants, activities, shopping and more.
- Pay bills, send and receive money in accounts with financial apps.
Remember when purchasing online use a credit with no foreign transaction fees otherwise, you may be paying anywhere from 1% to 3% and more extra for your purchases.
Getting Online in Europe…
Local Wi-Fi Connections
There are many ways to get online while traveling in Europe, the most common is locally provided Wi-Fi connections. This easiest way is to use your wifi connection at your hotel. Most hotels do provide it and if it isn’t free there will be a small fee. Many restaurants and other public facilities offer free wi-fi connections. However, many of these are not secure so there is always s security risk. If your hotel doesn’t have Wi-Fi or you cannot locate free Wi-Fi at another location, go to an internet cafe. Of course you will find these more readily available in the larger cities.
MOBILE HOTSPOT Wi-Fi router
A Mobile Wi-Fi router is just like the one you have set up at home only portable. It simplifies connecting and managing devices on public Wi-Fi networks, like hotels, airports any others locations. You don’t have to keep adding your devices to the new Wi-Fi networks that you want to use. You keep your devices connected to the mobile hotspot router instead, and then you only have to connect the travel router to different networks. It hides all the devices you’ve connected to the network other than the mobile hotspot router, adding security to the other devices. You also by-pass arbitrary device limits because you’re only using one sign.
You can purchase a mobile hotspot Wi-Fi router device for international travel from an electronics retailer or online. Normal prices range from $100-$170, there are usually no sim cards or roaming fees and are little smaller than a smart phone. Many do require an external power and a Wi-fi source to get connected. Some have built-in SIM card slots for mobile internet connections. Others may feature ethernet ports for wired connections or USB’s for flash drive use.
Your Phone Providers International Plan
Should your mobile provider have an international plan contact them for details and your options. This could be an easy way to get connect when no wifi is available. However, your first preferance should always be to connect your devices to wifi when available. Read about this on the Electronics page and consult with your mobile provider above coverage in Europe.
Apps for Smart Devices…
As we mentioned in our mobile phone and tablet section, there are many apps you can choose for use while in Europe. Some of these can be very extremely helpful. Apps can be real time and money savers as they can provide you with important information and alerts. Being notified of a cancellation or delay in advance allows you change your plans immediately.
A good smart phone or tablet may come with a map, weather, clock or other handy built-in app. Just make sure the app can locate what country you are in so it can provide you with the local information.
There are many free apps for your mobile devices but, some of these may be not fulfill your needs. Try the free apps and if they are not what you want then spend the money for upgraded apps but, review all information first. We have found good free apps through the years that do the job quite nicely.
Now, which ones are really necessary?
ACCOMMODATION APPS…
Book, change, cancel, confirm and store your room reservation information for hotels, hostels, rentals and more. Check into and out of your room and use the app to unlock your room door. Have all of the most important information about your accommodation on your device. Go to our ➾ Hotels in Europe page for a complete list of International Hotel Chains and other hotel brand links by country. See Booking Online page for a directory OTA’s (online travel agencies) and aggragated/search engines for booking accommodations.
COMMUNICATION APPS…
These are some of the most useful apps to stay in touch with family and friends while traveling throughout Europe. We recommend only communicating with those trusted friends and family. For security purposes we do not encourage posting on social media networks. Publicly announcing that you are that far away from home could invite crime. View apps below.
ENTERTAINMENT APPS…
You most likely already have your favorites on your device. For long flights streaming movies or playing games on your device will help pass the time. Many airlines provide limited free movies and TV programing to watch on your mobile devices. Check with your airline for what wifi services are provided during your flight. You may need to download the wifi providers app prior to your fight departure. View apps below.
FINANCIAL APPS…
Keep up to date on your account balances to monitor automatic payment deductions and make transfers from one account to another and be able to access cash in case you need emergency money.
Monitor your charges to your credit cards while away as well as, pay for services with your credit or debit card app. You may also pay for services using your mobile phone if it has a pay service like Apple or Google Pay. Confirm the credit and debit cards provided by your financial institutions will work with these Pay services. Go to your financial institution and confirm their app options.
NAVIGATION APPS…
Not only will you find country and local maps of the areas you are visiting but, city street maps. Some transportation apps will allow you to request directions to an address and calculate your best route option, by driving, public transportation or walking. Some map apps work off line so you need no internet connection. View apps below.
OTA ( ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCY) APPS…
These sites work just as if you book through a travel. The difference here is you are doing the searching for your flights, hotel rooms while trying to get the best price. Some sites are aggregate web sites that search through multiple web sites to find the best pricing and availability. However, some to do not book the reservations so you will need to go the site they are pointing to and book. Go to our Booking Online page to find a in depth list off OTA and Meta Search Engine sites to book travel reservations.
TRAVEL GUIDE APPS…
Remember some apps are just available for your phone and may not work on your tablet. Some will operate while just online and some will offline but, may need to be pre-loaded. Always make sure you have the right app for your device and operating system. View apps below.
TRANSPORTATION APPS…
For detail information on the appropriate apps to use for your travel needs, go to our pages for the corresponding transportation. There you will locate the companies and information.
Airlines, you can book or change flights, download your boarding pass to your phone, get current flight arrival and departure information. Go to our ➾ Airlines page for detail information and links to all airlines.
Car Rentals, book online and have your car waiting for you upon your arrival. Go to our ➾ Autos page for detail information and links to services.
Ridesharing, Uber & Lift, request a pick and ride to another location. Go to our ➾ Autos page for detail information and links to services.
Trains, several sites act as OTA sites for booking trains in different countries or purchasing rail passes. You can also book directly with the train operator on their app. Go to our ➾ Trains page for detail information and links to services within their countries.
Public Transit, You may also find some of these available from local municipalities for metro, tram and bus lines in Europe as well. Go to our ➾ Public Transit page for detail information and links to services.
Buses, for intercity and regional bus transportation. Go to our pages on ➾ Buses page for detailed information and links.
Taxis, Requesting and finding taxi services. Go to our ➾ Autos page for detail information and links to services.
Mobile App Directory…
| App | Type | Description / Function |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Maps | Navigation | Map app that comes with Apple devices |
| Google Translate | Conversion | Translate a foreign language or phrase into English |
| Yelp | Travel Guide | Restaurant Guide with ratings and comments from travelers |
| Globe Studio | Conversion | 3 different apps aloow conversion of time zones, currencies and units of measurements. |
| Michelin Red Guide | Travel Guide | Michelin guide to restaurants & hotels |
| Michelin Green Travel Guide | Travel Guide | Maps, Atlases & City Maps |
| Spotted By Locals | Travel Guide | City guides with insider tips by locals in 82 cities! |
| The Fork | Travel Guide | Discover and book the best restaurants |
| The Weather Channel | Travel Guide / Weather | Plan and travel appropriately with current weather conditions |
| Tripit | Travel Guide | Travel planner that gives you a single view of all your trips, to help you keep it all straight |
| Visitacity | Travel Guide | Travel tips and planning advice |
| Rick Steves Audio App | Travel Guide | organizes Rick’s vast library of self-guided walking tours and radio interviews into geographic playlists |
| Culture Trip | Travel Guide | Discover and book spot-on stays and experiences, hand-picked from the world’s best bits |
| Get Your Guide | Travel Guide | Book guides, tours and attractions. |
| Citymapper | Navigation | Map of major cities with roads, rail, bus and transit detailed information. |
| Google Earth | Navigation | Satellite view of Earth |
| Google Maps | Navigation | Map with route directions |
| Map Quest | Navigation | Map with route directions |
| Rome 2 Rio | Navigation | Searches any city, town, landmark, attraction or address across the globe with thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from A to B. |
| iTranslate | Conversion | Translate a foreign language or phrase into English |
| Oanda | Conversion | Currency Converter |
| Converter + | Conversion | Currency Converter |
| Unit Convertor | Conversion | Unit Converter / Lite & Pro versions |
| FaceTime | Communication | App on Apple devices only that provides free video calls to another Apple device. |
| Google Hangouts | Communication | Lets you video call or message friends and family |
| Zoom | Communication | Video conferencing calls to multiple individuals. |
| Skype | Communication | Phone calling. |
| Communication | Fast, simple, secure messaging and calling available on phones all over the world. | |
| Bike Share Buddy | Transportation | Bicycle Rentals |
| AIRLINE APPS | Transportation | You will find Airline Apps at their web sites. Go to our Airline Directory to find Airlines. |
| RAILWAYS / TRAIN APPS | Transportation | You will find Train Apps at their web sites. Go to our Rail Directory to find Train Apps. |
| BUS APPS | Transportation | You will find Bus Apps at their web sites. Go to our Bus Directory to find Buslines. |
| RENTAL CAR / RIDESHARE APPS | Transportation | You will find Rental Apps at their web sites. Go to our Auto Directory to find Rental & Rideshare Apps. |
| XE Currency Converter | Financial | Currency and Money Transfers |
| PackPoint | Travel Guide / Planner | Free packing list organizer. |
| HappyCow | Travel Guide / Food | Reviews of vegan restaurants, guide to healthy vegetarian food, natural food stores, vegan-friendly options nearby, and travel. |
| Revolut | Financial | Avoid paying international fees at ATMs during your trip, with Revolut |
| Roadtrippers | Navigation / Route Planner | Build your route in Roadtrippers and then use our turn-by-turn navigation to lead the way. |
| polarsteps | Communication | An easy way to log your travels and keep a journal of your trip in a seamless way |
| Wise | Financial | Send and receive money while abroad |
| Tripline * | Travel Guide / Planner | Fun, easy-to-use app for planning and sharing vacations, adventures, trips around town and lists of your favorite places |
| GlobeTips – Travel Tips * | Travel Guide | Tipping calculator and advice for over 200 countries. |
| Sandeman’s New Europe | Travel Guide / Tours | Free Walking Tours, Theme Tours, Private Tours, |
| Trail Wallet * | Financial | A easy travel expense tracker for iPhone and iPad. |
| Trip Scout * | Travel Guide | Discover a destination like a local insider and plan the perfect trip with your personalized, always up-to-date travel guide |
| WiFi Map | Navigation / Map | Free Internet Connectivity Tool |
| Worldpackers | Volunteer Work | Safely travel as a volunteer abroad |
| ExpressVPN | Communication | Connect reliably from anywhere, to anywhere with high-speed servers across 94 countries |
| Google Photos | Communication / Photos | Download your trip pictures to share online with others. |
| TimeOut | Travel Guide / Entertainment | Guide to art and entertainment, food and drink, attractions, hotels, and things to do in the Europe’s greatest cities |
Remember some apps are just available for your phone and may not work on your tablet. Some will operate while just online and some will offline but, may need to be pre-loaded. Always make sure you have the right app for your operating system.
Downloading Apps…
There are three major sites for downloading on apps to your smart devices. Whatever operating system your device uses, go to the appropriate App Store to download.
APP STORE APPLE
Apps are only for use with all iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Macs that use iOS or iPadOS operating systems. Download Apps, Games & Arcade.
GOOGLE PLAY
Certified for all devices that use the Android operating system and ChromeOS. Download Apps, Movies, TV, Books and access a web browser.
MICROSOFT APP STORE
For devices that use Windows operating systems. Download Apps console games, digital videos and music.
Country Internet code top-level domains…
When surfing on the internet URL domain extensions will be dominant from the country which they come from as in the table below. These are known as top level domains (TLD) that are generally used or reserved for a country, sovereign area or territory.
| Country | URL | Country | URL | Country | URL | Country | URL | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | .al | Finland | .fi | Kosovo | .rs | Romania | .ro | |||
| Andorra | .ad | France | .fr | Latvia | .lv | Russia | .ru | |||
| Austria | .at | Germany | .de | Liechtenstein | .li | San Marino | .sm | |||
| Belarus | .by | Gibraltar | .gi | Lithuania | .lt | Serbia | .rs | |||
| Belgium | be | Greece | .gr | Luxembourg | .lu | Slovakia | .sk | |||
| Bosnia Herzegovina | .ba | Guernsey | .gg | Malta | .mt | Slovenia | .si | |||
| Bulgaria | .bg | Holy See | .va | Moldova | .md | Spain | .es | |||
| Croatia | .hr | Hungary | .hu | Monaco | .mc | Svalbard | .sj | |||
| Cyprus | .cy | Iceland | .is | Montenegro | .me | Sweden | .se | |||
| Czechia | .cz | Ireland | .ie | Netherlands | .nl | Switzerland | .ch | |||
| Denmark | .dk | Isle of Man | .im | North Macedonia | .mk | Turkey | .tr | |||
| Estonia | .ee | Italy | .it | Norway | .no | Ukraine | .ua | |||
| European Union | .eu | Jan Mayen | .sj | Poland | .pl | United Kingdom | .uk | |||
| Faroe Islands | .fo | Jersey | .je | Portugal | .pt |