10+ Apps to Download Before Your Trip to Southeast Asia
Whether I was trying to get from one suburb to another in Hanoi, spend the night on the lake in Khao Sok, or take a surf lesson in Lombok, there were a few apps that I needed to survive six months in Southeast Asia. While a big trip is a good to unplug, these apps allow travelers to easily book transportation, access their bank accounts, and have unique travel experiences while they're abroad.
While you can download many of these when you get there, it's just one more thing you can do to be more prepared for your trip. Besides, you won't want to spend precious wifi time downloading app after app. You might as well do it now. In addition to downloading the best apps for accommodations and travel experiences, be sure to check out my packing list for everything you need to bring with you on your trip.
If you are not packing a laptop or tablet, you will definitely want the app version of most of these sites. It just makes it a bit more user-friendly compared to the web version on your phone.
These are the best apps to download for your next upcoming trip to Southeast Asia:
Best Transportation Apps to Download for Southeast Asia
12Go Asia
12Go Asia is an app and website that provides transportation booking services for international and domestic travel. They offer a variety of transportation options, including trains, buses, ferries, vans, transfers, and even flights.
Download 12Go Asia or use the web browser version.
Gojek and Grab
Gojek and Grab are similar to Uber and Lyft. Some cities only offer one or the other, so it's good to have both on hand in case you need a ride. One of my favorite parts of Southeast Asia Travel is the $2 motorbike Grab rides. You get to passenger princess in big cities, and it's such a fun way to get around.
Google Maps
Most of us probably already have Google Maps on our phones, but it's worth downloading if you don't. Google Maps just tends to be more trustworthy overseas. You can pin recommendations, read reviews, and download your maps offline.
Best E-Sim Card Apps for Southeast Asia Travel
Airalo
I used Airalo religiously when backpacking around Europe. It's a super easy platform for downloading E-Sims and getting data anywhere in the world. Airalo's eSIMs are available in more than 200 countries and regions, and can be used for local, regional, or global coverage.
Yesim
Yesim is similar to Airalo, and it allows you to have cellular data anywhere in the world. It is worth downloading both so you can compare prices between the two depending on the region or country. The big benefit of Yesim is that you can also get a virtual phone number for receiving SMS message verifications.
Best Money Transfer App for Southeast Asia Travel
Wise
The Wise app is a money transfer app that lets users send, receive, and spend money in over 175 countries and 50 currencies. I use this as a Venmo of sorts when I'm traveling with people from other countries, an ATM card, and I even used it to pay rent in Melbourne.
You should never leave the country without an extra bank card. The Wise card is a great one to keep in your bag because you can pull out cash anywhere in the world and access your bank. Pro-tip: Set up your account before you leave for your trip so you can get a physical card and verify your bank account.
Best App for Booking Accommodation in Southeast Asia
Agoda
The Agoda app allows you to book homestays and hotels in Southeast Asia. I have also used it to book flights in the Philippines and Thailand. They have pretty good deals, especially if you're booking last minute.
Booking.com is one of the most popular travel booking websites. You can use it for reserving your accommodations. A lot of homestays and even hostels are on Booking, and they have a decent rewards program if you use it regularly.
Hostelworld
If you plan on staying in hostels, Hostelworld is the best way to book them. The reviews tend to be pretty accurate and you can rank hostels by location, rating, price, or any other factors.
Best Travel Experience Apps for Southeast Asia Travel
Eatwith
Eatwith is a platform that connects people with hosts for food experiences around the world, including dinner parties, cooking classes, and food tours. I have used it for a cooking class in Italy, a streetfood tour in Vietnam, and I honestly wish I had thought to use it more.
It allows you to connect with locals which makes everything more authentic and immersive.
Viator
Viator allows you to research and book tours, attractions, and activities. It's a great way to discover a new destination with a guided tour or find out the best things to do in your area.
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