Moving to a new country for studies, work, or life brings unique challenges and considerations. Staying connected with family and having the right digital tools can provide both practical support and peace of mind. Here are seven must-have apps that can help you navigate life abroad more safely and efficiently for international students, expats, and immigrants.
Table of contents
1. Google Translate – Break Down Language Barriers Instantly
Why it’s essential: Communication is your gateway to opportunity and safety.
Google Translate isn’t just about converting text. The camera feature lets you instantly translate signs, legal documents, medical forms, and official notices by simply pointing your phone at them. The conversation mode enables real-time dialogue with officials, landlords, or emergency responders when language barriers could create dangerous misunderstandings.
Key features for those living abroad:
- Offline translation for 59 languages
- Camera translation for documents and signs
- Voice translation for emergency situations
- Handwriting recognition for complex characters
2. iSharing – Share Your Real-Time Location with Loved Ones
Why it’s essential: Family peace of mind and personal security when living far from home.
For international students and those living abroad, staying connected with family back home isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety. iSharing allows you to share your real-time location with trusted family members, giving them immediate awareness of your whereabouts. This becomes particularly crucial during routine appointments, late-night work shifts, or when traveling to unfamiliar areas.
Key safety benefits:
- Real-time location sharing with family abroad
- Emergency location alerts
- Check-in notifications for routine activities
- Group location sharing for study groups or work teams
- Battery and phone status monitoring
Many people living abroad find that having location sharing active provides their families crucial peace of mind, especially when navigating new environments and systems. It’s also invaluable for coordinating with new friends and roommates in an unfamiliar city.
3. Wise (formerly TransferWise) – Smart International Money Management
Why it’s essential: Avoid costly fees while managing money across borders.
Traditional banks can charge 3-5% in hidden fees for international transfers, making it expensive to send money home or receive support from family. Wise offers the real exchange rate with transparent, low fees – often saving users hundreds of dollars annually.
Money management features:
- Multi-currency accounts in over 50 currencies
- Local bank details in 10+ countries
- International debit card accepted worldwide
- Split bills with international roommates
- Receive salary in local currency, send home in your currency
4. Uber/Bolt – Safe and Reliable Transportation Worldwide
Why it’s essential: Safe transportation when you’re unfamiliar with local transit and safety concerns.
When you’re new to a country, knowing which areas are safe, how public transport works, or even how to hail a taxi can be overwhelming. Uber and Bolt provide consistent, safe transportation experiences worldwide with GPS tracking, cashless payments, and driver ratings. This is especially crucial for late-night travels, getting to important appointments, or when carrying valuable items like laptops.
Transportation safety features:
- GPS tracking shared with trusted contacts
- Cashless payments (no need for local currency initially)
- Driver identity verification and ratings
- Trip history for accountability
- Available in 70+ countries with consistent interface
- Upfront pricing to avoid overcharging
5. Facebook Marketplace – Affordable Living Made Easy
Why it’s essential: Stretch your budget while building community connections.
Starting fresh in a new country is expensive, but Facebook Marketplace helps international students and people living abroad find affordable essentials while connecting with local communities. Many expat communities actively use Marketplace to support each other with furniture, electronics, and cultural items.
Smart shopping strategies:
- Search for “international student” or “moving sale” listings
- Connect with other immigrants selling culturally specific items
- Find affordable furniture and appliances
- Discover community-specific deals and recommendations
- Sell items before moving or traveling home
6. Deliveroo/Uber Eats – Navigate Local Food Culture Safely
Why it’s essential: Discover local cuisine when language barriers make restaurant ordering difficult.
Food delivery apps aren’t just about convenience—they’re cultural navigation tools. When you can’t read menus, don’t know local dining customs, or want to try authentic cuisine safely, these apps provide photos, reviews, and contactless ordering. They’re also lifesavers during your first weeks when you’re too busy with paperwork and apartment hunting to grocery shop.
Cultural and practical benefits:
- Menu photos when language is a barrier
- Customer reviews in your language
- Discover authentic local restaurants
- Contactless delivery for safety
- Available during late hours when everything else is closed
- Dietary restriction filters (halal, vegetarian, etc.)
7. Air Doctor – Access Healthcare in Your Language
Why it’s essential: Navigate foreign healthcare systems with English-speaking medical professionals.
Healthcare can be one of the most stressful aspects of living abroad—different systems, language barriers, and unfamiliar insurance processes. Air Doctor connects you with English-speaking doctors globally for telemedicine consultations, prescription delivery, and medical advice. It’s particularly valuable for non-emergency medical questions when you’re unsure if you need to visit a hospital.
Healthcare navigation features:
- English-speaking doctors worldwide
- Telemedicine consultations from your accommodation
- Prescription delivery in many countries
- Medical certificate issuance for work/school
- Insurance claim assistance
- 24/7 availability for urgent medical questions
Staying Safe and Connected While Living Abroad
For international students and anyone living abroad, these apps represent more than convenience—they’re tools for safety, community building, and maintaining connections with home while establishing roots in a new country. Having reliable ways to communicate, share your location, and access resources is essential for anyone navigating life in an unfamiliar place.
Pro tip: Download and set up these apps before you need them urgently. Take time to familiarize yourself with features like offline translation, emergency contacts in location sharing apps, and community groups in your area.
Getting Started
Begin with the safety essentials: set up location sharing with trusted family members, download offline maps and translation tools, and establish reliable communication channels. Then build your community connections through Meetup and local online groups. Finally, optimize your finances with international-friendly banking and money transfer solutions.
Remember, staying informed, connected, and prepared isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment. These digital tools can help you build a successful, safe, and connected life in your new home.