8 Effective Smartphone Apps for the Budget Biyahera

Most smartphones and tablets today are already equipped with apps that you can use whenever and wherever you may be. And for the last two years, I've heavily relied on my phone whenever I travel around the Philippines or Asia. It has been a great device when it comes to checking the weather, consulting interactive maps and nearby landmarks, scouting for cheap flight options, taking and editing photos, and making free calls and SMS. Here's a few of the apps that actually help enhance my travels.

1) VIBER - Viber works as long as you have an Internet connection. Most of the accommodations that I've stayed in would usually offer Free Wi-Fi, so my Viber app stays open and connected. It has proven very cheaply on my end, especially when I travel abroad. I get to use it for either voice or video calls whenever I call my loved ones in the Philippines. It saves me from having to spend on international calls or SMS. 


2) Skype or Yahoo Messenger - If all else fails, there's always these two other options. Both offer instant messaging and calls. Skype on the other hand provides a video call feature. And just like Viber, both are free of charge --- just as long as you stay connected on the Internet.

3) Project NOAH - This app was developed by both the Department of Science and Technology - Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (DOST-NOAH) and ABS-CBN Corporation. Although this app works only in the Philippines, I still get to refer to it for typhoon forecasts, probability of rain, temperature and other weather hazards. 

4) Maps - If there aren't any hard copies of maps around, I would usually rely on an interactive version of it.

5) DocsToGo - Since I love to read, I would usually fill my phone with eBooks and documents straight from my computer. I would load it with travel-related materials, fictional novels, and my trip itineraries. I even put in a copy of my airline e-tickets, just in case I lose the printed ones.


6) Flashlight - You can't go wrong with a flashlight app! I tend to forget the actual thing whenever I'd travel. At least with this built-in search light, I'm sure to see in the dark! :)

7) Converter - I get to use this app whenever I need to have a certain currency converted or if I wanted to check on specific weights or distances. There are plenty of app choices when it comes to converters. But my personal favorite is the GlobeConvert Free.

8) Skyscanner - Whenever I need to see all of my flight options, I check out Skyscanner. It's a website that helps you compare prices from several airlines, hotels and car hires. The app helps narrow down your choices, and will help direct you to the best options yet.

How about you? What apps accompany you whenever you travel? I'll probably add a few more on this list as I go along the way, as there'll surely be other effective apps for traveling.

Explore & Be Free!
Mai

*NOTE: All photos posted here are screenshots taken from my smartphone. All the apps mentioned can be downloaded directly from the iTunes APP Store.

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32 comments

  1. Thanks for this list! I'm downloading now :D I think for the docs, I can maximize it if I have a tablet.

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  2. From your 8 apps listed here we have 3 in common - Yahoo messenger, Google maps and flashlight.

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  3. Thanks for this list Mam, I already used Viber and Skype, I'm interested to download for Project NOAH. I'm just curious about its features.

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  4. I caaan't live without my smartphone. I feel like you took my right hand if I didn't have my smartphone with me. Viber and google maps! one of the applications I can't live without. :)

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  5. I have the 5 apps installed in my iPhone :) For a traveler, kelangan talaga ang currency converter!

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  6. DOn't forget camera 360. It's an app for smartphone that would allow you to enhance your pictures. You know, when you want to use your phone to take pictures, you can produce an output as good as the DSLR.

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  7. Hi Shirgie! Thanks for the recommendation. I downloaded it after reading your comment. But before that, I've already downloaded the Snapseed App. It's like my mini-photoshop! I get to edit photos extensively as well. :)

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  8. Astig! I also loved your coffee app list, Algene! :)

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  9. Same sentiment here. :) We're already living in an age where technology is already a necessity. Times have indeed changed.. hopefully for the better! :) Anyhow, do you have other apps that you use whenever you travel?

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  10. Oh, do download! :) The Project Noah app proved efficient, especially when the recent storms hit the Philippines. I was really updated..

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  11. Awesome! What flashlight app do you use? :)

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  12. Yeah, same sentiment here! The bigger the screen, the better! ;-)

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  13. I'm curious about Project NOAH. I've heard about it before but I didn't know they have an app. I don't have much apps in my phone but what I often use is camera 360 and kindle reader. :) Maybe you could try Audible too---for listening to audio books while on travel. :)

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  14. Ay, what's that? I just downloaded that app straight from the iTunes App Store. I was only required to be connected on the internet. :)

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  15. I mean when you use the apps you need to connect online or you can use it offline?

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  16. It will prompt that you'll need to be connected on the internet. But it can still work without accessing any. Try it now.. try to check the MTSAT, and choose % Chance of Rain, the map will show which places will have some downpour. :)

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  17. I already gave up on Yahoo! Messenger after i started using Skype, Viber, WhatsApp and now Line, WeChat and KakaoTalk, not mention the iOS messenger and video call apps. But what delighted me the most is the skyscanner. I did not know about it until today. I must have been missing a lot. Downloading it right now! Hihi i'm a sucker for the best options!

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  18. Ok mam thanks, I will try to download this tomorrow, we don't have connection in our house. I can access only in the office. I'm just renting on net shop right now.

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  19. Are we friends in Yahoo Messenger? I used Viber, YM and Skype a lot. It's always faster communicating that way. I have yet to try Project Noah.

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  20. I have used some of these apps myself. These apps are really helpful. I have also taken note of the apps mentioned here in the comments section hehe.
    -Wanderer Juan

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  21. You simply are truly a budgetbiyahera, you are indeed spot on with I think the most necessary and probably the must have too apps.

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  22. I used WeChat a lot when I was in Indonesia and also Google Maps. And specifically for Indonesia, there is a Transjakarta app that helped me navigate their busway system.

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  23. Know little about thes apps, kasi up to now wala pa akong mobile phone anak. Skype, I am too familiar with that as well as Viber.

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  24. smartphone is very important nowadays and you saves money from then. So far I love using skype as my family knows how to use it and our ways of communicating without breaking a bank.

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  25. Very helpful sakin ang skype en yahoo :) tsaka mabilis at walang hassle gamitin :) currency converter and Noah are both interesting- will check now. thanks Mai

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  26. i have tow of those apps... ma download nga yung docstogo and flashlight... nice post mai ;)

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  27. Thanks for visiting, Jherson! And sobrang helpful sakin ng DocsToGo! :) Punong-puno na nga ng eBooks at trip itineraries, hehe!

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  28. I'm very thankful for the one who innovated on smart phone apps, especially social media and communications. Before, calling a friend or relative abroad is expensive. Now with these apps, we can contact them online easily and cost-free.

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  29. Project Noah is something that is interesting and so is Maps. Very helpful yan for travelers.

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  30. Viber one of my favoirte apps on my phone as well. I don't have a lot of friends doing Skype or YM (or maybe it's just I don't join), preferring FB chat.

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