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25 Free Travel Apps You Can’t Travel Southeast Asia Without!  

Travel Apps / Free Travel Apps / Southeast Asia travel / Backpacking Southeast Asia / travel tips / travel inspiration / Thailand travel guide / Southeast Asia itineraries / southeast Asia budget / South east Asia trip / Trip Planner App / Trip Organizer App / Flights App / Hotels App

Planning your next South East Asia trip? Here are the top 25 FREE travel apps you need to download before visiting Southeast Asia. 

Ever wondered how on earth we used to travel without our smartphones? It’s like trying to remember life before coffee – nearly impossible! 

Nowadays, with so many websites and travel guides available, choosing the right travel apps can be very overwhelming.

But fear not! Today, I’m sharing my favorite travel apps to save you time and money. 

Trust me, these free travel apps will completely revolutionize the way you travel. I love them so much that I used them every single day while backpacking Southeast Asia! 

Why are these travel apps important? Let me break it down:

  • Find cheap flights in Southeast Asia 
  • Manage your finances abroad 
  • Make friends when traveling solo
  • Stay safe as a solo female travel 
  • …. and countless other scenarios! 

So, without further ado, let’s discover the absolute best travel apps for Southeast Asia! 

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Short on time? No worries, here’s a quick guide of the top free travel apps you MUST download before you leave for your South East Asia trip 

  • Hotel Apps: Hostelworld, Booking.com and Airbnb. 
  • Transportation and Flight Apps: Grab, 12Go Asia, Skyscanner, and Google Maps.
  • Money Management Apps: XE Currency Converter, Splitwise and Trabee Pocket.
  • Communication and Safety Apps: ESIMs, VPN, Google Translate, Life 360, and Whatsapp.
  • Trip Planning Apps: Tripit, Wonderlog, Get Your Guide, and Tripadvisor. 
  • Other Travel Apps: Polar Steps, Travel Boast, Been and TikTok.

Trust me – hit that download button now, and you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without these must-have travel apps. 

Travel Apps / Free Travel Apps / Southeast Asia travel / Backpacking Southeast Asia / travel tips / travel inspiration / Thailand travel guide / Southeast Asia itineraries / southeast Asia budget / South east Asia trip / Trip Planner App / Trip Organizer App / Flights App / Hotels App
Travel Apps / Free Travel Apps / Southeast Asia travel / Backpacking Southeast Asia / travel tips / travel inspiration / Thailand travel guide / Southeast Asia itineraries / southeast Asia budget / South east Asia trip / Trip Planner App / Trip Organizer App / Flights App / Hotels App

Imagine yourself staying in a party hostel in Thailand, a dreamy villa in Bali, or a charming guesthouse in Luang Prabang. 

These must-have travel apps are your key to discovering the best stays in Southeast Asia, tailored to every budget and taste.

1. Hostelworld App: To Discover Affordable Hostels in Southeast Asia

Backpacking Southeast Asia on a budget? Hostels are the way to go, and booking them is a breeze with Hostelworld.

This user-friendly app features fantastic hostels in Thailand and beyond. 

You can scroll through reviews from fellow solo female travelers and easily filter results by room type—be it a private room, hostel dorm, or a female-only dorm. 

Personally, whenever I travel Southeast Asia, I use Hostelworld every single day, and it has never let me down.

I LOVE the chat feature which connects you with fellow backpackers in Southeast Asia before even reaching your hostel.

No doubt, Hostelworld stands out as one of the best free travel apps for booking affordable accommodation in Southeast Asia. 

Download Hostelworld App: iPhone | Android

Screenshot of Hostelworld. One of the best travel apps in Southeast Asia.
Hostelworld | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

2. Booking.com: To Book Hotels and Homestays 

Booking.com has become one of my favorite travel apps for accommodation in Southeast Asia when traveling with family and friends. 

This top-notch vacation rental platform offers a wide range of options, from private rooms to unique homestays and luxury resorts. 

Digging into this travel mobile app, you can discover fantastic deals – like the $9 per night budget hotel I found in Hue, Vietnam.

Just remember, a private room with Booking.com might actually be cheaper than two separate beds in a hostel dorm

Another great feature is the free Genius loyalty program. After just five stays in two years, I unlocked discounts of up to 30% and even free breakfast at many hotels in Southeast Asia. 

Travel Tip: To save money while traveling, consider bypassing the middleman and booking directly through hotel websites or via email.

Download Booking.com: iPhone | Android

Screenshot of Booking.com. One of the best travel apps in Southeast Asia.
Booking.com | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

3. Airbnb: To Book Unique Accommodations in Southeast Asia

Airbnb offers some of the most unique places to stay in Southeast Asia, from stunning villas in Bali to cozy treehouses in the Philippines. 

 What really excites me is that Airbnb isn’t just reserved for couples or solo travelers;  it’s one of the best travel apps for families with kids or groups of friends.

But it’s more than just finding where to stay in Southeast Asia; Airbnb also offers immersive experiences, like hiring a local photographer or joining a guided tour to discover hidden gems in Vietnam.  

Download Airbnb: iPhone | Android

Screenshot of Airbnb. One of the best travel apps in Southeast Asia.
Airbnb | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

4. Other Great Hotel Apps 

Agoda App: It’s similar to Booking.com but can sometimes offer lower prices for certain hotels in Southeast Asia. Download Agoda App: iPhone | Android

Hotel Tonight App: Haven’t personally tried it yet, but I´ve heard it offers great discounts on last-minute accommodations. Download HotelTonight: iPhone | Android

a villa in bali, one of the most unique places to stay in southeast asia that you can find with agoda app.
Hotel Apps for Southeast Asia

Dreaming of backpacking Southeast Asia but wondering about the best way to get around Southeast Asia? You´re in the right place! 

Check out these free travel apps to help you navigate the natural wonders of Southeast Asia.

1. 12Go Asia App: Travel Apps To Book Transportation in Southeast Asia

When it comes to finding the best way to travel Southeast Asia, 12Go Asia stands out as one of the best free travel apps.

Honestly, it saved me so many times during my last SE Asia trip. 

Just enter your dates, departure, and destination, and this travel mobile app will show you all the different transportation options—buses, ferries, trains, private minivans—all while keeping your precious Southeast Asia budget intact! 

While you can buy the tickets directly on the 12Go Asia App (no need to print them!), you can also check prices on the app and book through a local shop. 

Download 12Go Asia App: iPhone | Android

Travel Tip: If locals try to overcharge you, show them the app price and more often than not, they’ll match it.  

Screenshot of 12GO Asia. Best way to get around Southeast Asia.
12Go Asia | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

2. Grab App: Travel Apps To Order a Taxi

Before your  South East Asia trip, make sure to download Grab— the Uber of Southeast Asia—on your phone.

As the leading Superapp in Southeast Asia, Grab has consistently been my top choice for ride-hailing in every Southeast Asian country I’ve visited (except Laos).

Even if you choose a tuk-tuk or a local taxi, always double-check Grab to ensure you’re paying a fair price.

What are the Advantages of Grab? 

  • Experience faster and cheaper rides compared to local taxis.
  • Get upfront details on costs and estimated arrival times for full transparency.
  • Enjoy being able to save your card details on the app. 
  • Avoid haggling with taxi drivers and potential scams that can come with local transportation.
  • Plan ahead by pre-booking rides and track your journey for extra security.
  • Enjoy fast and quality food delivery
  • In certain areas, solo travelers can book a cheap motorbike through Grab—a truly unique way to travel Southeast Asia.

Other ride-hailing apps in Southeast Asia include Bolt (slightly cheaper when available), Uber, and GoJek (for Indonesia). Download Grab App iPhone | Android

Travel Tip: Since different apps cover different regions, I recommend downloading at least Grab and Bolt to compare prices. 

Screenshot of Grab. Best way to get around Southeast Asia.
Grab | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

3. Google Maps: Travel Apps To Get Around Southeast Asia

Whether you’re exploring Southeast Asia or your local city, Google Maps is an absolute must-have—undoubtedly one of the best free travel apps out there! 

Trust me, I’m not the only one singing its praises; Google Maps was the most downloaded travel app worldwide in 2023.

Why is Google Maps So Much Better?

Google Maps shows you the best way to get around Southeast Asia —whether it’s by driving, walking, or public transport.

Plus, most attractions and restaurants listed on Google Maps come with helpful reviews and images!

One standout feature that I absolutely love is ‘Your Places,’ allowing you to save your favorite locations and create a personalized travel map and travel itinerary for your upcoming SE Asia trip.

Travel Tip: you can even download maps for offline use

Download Google Maps: iPhone | Android

Screenshot of Google Maps. Best way to get around Southeast Asia.
Google Maps | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

4. Other Free Travel Apps to Travel South East Asia 

Rome2Rio: To Plan Travel Routes.

When it comes to planning travel routes within or between countries, Rome2Rio stands out as one of the best travel apps.

This travel mobile app not only suggests routes you might not have considered but also offers precise time and cost estimates to organize your travel itinerary. 

To be completely honest, when backpacking Southeast Asia, I found myself consistently turning to 12GO Asia but Rome2Rio is another great option! 

Download Rome2Rio: Iphone | Android

Citymapper: For Public Transportation

Citymapper is my go-to trip organizer app for navigating bustling cities in Southeast Asia.

With real-time info and detailed public transportation routes, it’s a game-changer for city exploration.

Download Citymapper: iPhone | Android

Maps.me: To Explore In Remote Destinations 

Maps.me is one of the best free travel apps for off-the-beaten-path destinations, featuring hiking trails not available on Google Maps. 

Just a heads up—since 2023, you can download only 10 maps for free for offline use, so plan ahead!

Download Maps.me: iPhone | Android

Free travel apps to find the best way to get around southeast asia
App to Get Around Southeast Asia

Waze: For Road Trips

Embarking on a road trip in Southeast Asia? Waze is the free travel mobile app you need, offering real-time traffic updates, speed limits, toll charges, police presence, and even guiding you to the cheapest gas station.

And the best part? Waze works offline too!

Download Waze: iPhone | Android

AllTrails: To Discover Hiking Trails 

With trail details, elevation gain, and fellow travelers’ reviews, AllTrails is your ultimate travel mobile app for hiking and outdoor activities in Southeast Asia. 

A quick tip: Learn from my mistakes! Don’t trust trails marked as “easy” if you’re not a seasoned hiker!

Download AllTrails: iPhone | Android

all trails is the perfect travel app for adventure travel in southeast asia
Couple Traveling Around Southeast Asia

Planning your next SE Asia trip? While flying might be the best way to travel Southeast Asia, costs can quickly add up. 

Fear not! Maximize your travel budget with these must-have flight apps! These travel apps offer real-time flight information, helping you save money on flights and optimize your travel points. 

1. Skyscanner: Travel Apps Compare Flight Prices in Southeast Asia

While I know there are now several flight apps available, I genuinely still believe Skyscanner is the best app to find cheap flights in Southeast Asia—and honestly, anywhere else.

Skyscanner scans through thousands of flights to offer you the best options for your dates and budget. You can filter results by price, duration, airline, or stops. 

With a bit of research, you can get amazing deals like my $20 flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh, almost matching the cost of a 20-hour night train.

Feeling spontaneous? Enter your departure airport, set dates, and hit ‘Everywhere’ to discover new flights in Southeast Asia, adding new destinations to your travel bucket list.

Download Skyscanner: iPhone | Android

Other free travel apps to find cheap flights in Southeast Asia include Kayak, Kiwi, Google Flights, Hopper, and Momondo.

Screenshot of Skyscanner App. One of the best flight apps to find cheap flights in Southeast Asia
Skyscanner | Best Flight Apps for Southeast Asia

2. Airline Apps: Travel Apps Book Cheap Flights in Southeast Asia 

While I use Skyscanner to compare prices, I always book my flights directly on the airline’s website to avoid potential issues with third-party services.

As I usually travel Southeast Asia on a budget,  most of my flights are with AirAsia, so I make sure to download their app. 

These free travel apps allow you to check in online, breeze through airport queues with your boarding pass on your phone, and receive flight alerts.

Plus, you can make instant changes and purchase add-ons with just a few clicks.

a woman backpacking south east asia looking fr travel inspiration on her phone

Read More: How to Get Through Airport Security FASTER – 8 Must-Know Travel Tips

3. LoungeBuddy: Travel Apps Easily Access Airport Lounges

LoungeBuddy is a great trip organizer app for those looking to elevate their airport experience.

This travel mobile app grants access to exclusive airport lounges worldwide, and yes, even when backpacking Southeast Asia on a shoestring. 

Simply enter your credit card and airline status, and the app will show you the available lounges at your airport.

No status or cards? No problem. You can purchase access directly on the LoungeBuddy app for the same day or even two months in advance. 

For frequent flyers, or those willing to invest in a $99 annual fee, Priority Pass is another excellent travel app offering access to over 1,300 lounges globally.

No more uncomfortable layovers or overpriced airport food!

Download LoungeBuddy: Iphone 

Screenshot of Lounge Buddy. Best way to travel Southeast Asia
Loungebuddy | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

4. Other Flight Apps in Southeast Asia 

Finally, consider downloading a free flight tracker like Flighty or Flight Radar.

These free travel apps provide all the possible details about your flights, along with convenient alerts for possible delays and cancellations.

Beyond your own travels, these flight apps can also be useful for airport pickups or coordinating with fellow travelers.

a woman with a plane flight tracker to find cheap flights in south east asia
Flight Tracking Apps for Southeast Asia

Staying safe and connected while traveling Southeast Asia should always be a top priority, and these free travel apps should help you do just that: 

1. eSIMs: To Stay Connected While Solo Traveling

Ever heard of eSIMs? They’re virtual SIM cards that can be activated and managed electronically, just by downloading a travel mobile app. 

With eSIMs, you’ll have data and internet access as soon as you land in a new country, without having to buy a new physical card at each destination.

Yet, let me be brutally honest— eSIMS might not be worth the hype.

Much more expensive than your regular SIM card, eSIMs could burn a hole in your budget for Southeast Asia. 

Don’t get me wrong— Staying connected while traveling is a must, and while eSIMs are fantastic if your budget allows, a good old physical card does the job just as well at a fraction of the cost.

Best eSIMs in Southeast Asia: Airalo and Holafly 

Screenshot of Airarlo. An eSIM that allows you to stay connected while traveling solo in southeast Asia
Airalo | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

Read Next: 10 Reasons To Stay Connected While Traveling Solo (the best SIM Card!) 

2. VPN: To Ensure Online Security While Traveling SE Asia

A VPN or “Virtual Private Network” basically encrypts all your online data and changes your IP address to the country of your choice. 

Before any South East Asia trip, I always download a VPN on all my electronic devices and I highly recommend you do the same. 

Reasons to Use a VPN while Traveling Southeast Asia 

  • Keep online information safe when connected to public WIFI: Protect your bank passwords and credit card numbers! 
  • Hide your location: Binge-watch your favorite TV shows, even if they’re not available in your current region. 
  • Access blocked sites: When I studied in China, I needed a VPN to access websites like Google, Facebook, or YouTube.
  • Save money on flights: Change your location to explore different flight prices.  I lack the patience for this, but maybe you do!

Of all the VPNs I’ve tried, I can personally recommend VPN Surfshark and Express VPN

While not free, they are extremely reliable and user-friendly. Keep an eye out for discounts from travel bloggers and Instagrammers—they’re worth it!

Screenshot of a VPN . this travel mobile app keeps your online information safe while traveling solo.
Surfshark VPN | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

Related Post: 40 Safety Items for Solo Female Travelers in 2024. 

3. Google Translate: To Connect With Locals 

Learning a few local phrases is my go-to advice for any SE Asia trip, but let’s face it—sometimes, it’s just not enough.

Enter one of my all-time favorite travel apps: Google Translate. This mobile app is downright amazing and I used it multiple times a day during my last Southeast Asia vacation.

What Are the Advantages of Google Translate? 

Here’s how it works: Google Translate lets you type in your native language and translates it instantly into your destination’s language, and vice versa.

It can even read the translated text aloud, a real lifesaver when trying to understand your taxi driver or bargain at a night market. 

Even better, take a quick photo of the local menu, and the app will translate it for you, saving you from some interesting food choices.

Oh, and did I mention you can download the local language for offline use?

Travel Tip: If you’re a slow traveler looking to pick up the local language, I would suggest doubling up with a language app like Duolingo. 

Download Google Translate: iPhone | Android

screenshot of Google translate. a must-have travel app to communicate with locals in Southeast Asia.
Google Translate | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

4. Life 360: To Share Your Location With Loved Ones 

Life360 is a free travel mobile app that shares your real-time location with family and friends back home, ensuring that someone always knows exactly where you are.  

It’s not just for you; it’s their peace of mind too.

What I loved about Life 360 is the level of detail it provides, including location alerts, battery life notifications, and recent travel history.

Download Life 360: iPhone | Android

Screenshot of Life 360. one of the best free travel apps to stay safe as a solo female traveler
Life 360 | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

Read More: 12 Expert Tips to Prevent Lost Luggage at the Airport (Add a Tracker!) 

5. WhatsApp: To Message and Call on the Go

Honestly, I don’t think of WhatsApp as a travel app; I’ve been using it to text my friends ever since I got my first phone.

Surprisingly, I’ve found that some people don’t use it regularly (what do you guys use instead????). 

Anyway, here’s what you need to know: yes, Southeast Asia has WhatsApp, and it’s super useful for us solo travelers. 

Reasons to Use WhatsApp When Traveling

This free travel mobile app uses your internet connection for chatting or video calling with loved ones, without eating into your call or text allowance.

So, as long as you’re connected to WIFI or have data, you can forget about those SMS fees.

There are also some great WhatsApp groups you can join to connect with like-minded solo travelers and share valuable travel tips for navigating around Southeast Asia.

Plus, many tour companies and places to stay in Southeast Asia have WhatsApp, making it super easy to contact them directly without wasting money on calls or texts. 

Download Whatsapp: iPhone | Android

screenshot of whatsapp. a free travel app that allows you to keep it touch with friends and family while traveling southeast asia
WhatsApp | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

From organizing travel documents to finding out the best things to do in Southeast Asia, these free travel apps are your go-to travel guides. 

Simplify your journey with trip planning apps that promise a perfectly planned SE Asia trip.

1. Tripit App: To Organize Your Travel Documents 

TripIt is one of the best free travel apps I´ve found to keep all my travel documents organized during my tours of South East Asia. 

Whenever I receive a confirmation email for a hotel, restaurant, flight, tour, or rental car, I simply forward it to TripIt, and the app will automatically add it to my Southeast Asia travel itinerary. 

The added bonus? You can share your travel plans with friends or emergency contacts just for that extra peace of mind.

While I stick to the free version, there’s also a pro version of this travel planner app priced at $49 per year, offering extra features like flight alerts, check-in reminders, and more.

Download Tripit: iPhone | Android

a screenshot of tripit, the best trip planner app and trip organizer app for your southeast Asia itinerary
Tripit | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

2. Wonderlog App: To Create Personalized Travel Itineraries 

Wanderlog is hands down the best trip organizer app available (Yes, even better than Tripit!). Think of it as a blend of Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and Splitwise. 

What are the benefits of a travel planner app like Wonderlog? 

  • Comprehensive Organization: Input all your travel details, list your must-visit places, and even attach confirmation emails (although I often use TripIt for this).
  • Useful Map: Everything is displayed on a map with bright colors for easy reference.
  • Local Recommendations: Access lists of recommended restaurants, hotels, and activities from other users or free travel guides.
  • Collaborative Planning: Create your travel itinerary with friends, with changes syncing in real-time, keeping everyone in the loop. Ideal for group travel, helping with budgeting and expense splitting.
  • Pro Features: While Wonderlog is still free, there is a pro version that offers perks like offline use and exporting information to Google Maps. 

While it might seem a bit overwhelming at first, Wanderlog is a powerful tool that helps you create the perfect Southeast itinerary. 

Download Wonderlog: iPhone | Android

a screenshot of Wonderlog, the best trip planner app and trip organizer app for your southeast Asia itinerary
Wonderlog | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

3. Get Your Guide: To Book Exciting Activities and Experiences

Get Your Guide has become one of my favorite free travel apps for booking tours and activities worldwide.

It’s not just handy for planning activities in Southeast Asia but also for finding exciting things to do back home. 

Whether cruising through Halong Bay in Vietnam, island-hopping in the Philippines, or visiting Cambodia’s Killing Fields, Get Your Guide has it covered.

I can personally vouch that every adventure booked through this app has been an absolute blast!

What I love most about this travel planner app are its authentic reviews, the flexible cancellation policies, and the convenience of booking tickets in advance.

No more waiting in lines or stressing about printing tickets!

Download GetYourGuide: iPhone | Android

Similar Travel Apps: Viator, Klook, and Airbnb Experiences 

a screenshot of get your guide. One of the best travel apps to book activities and things to do in southeast asia
Get Your Guide | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

Read Next: My Experience Visiting the Cambodia Killing Fields (+ Brief Historical Overview!) 

4. Tripadvisor: To Read Trusted Travel Reviews

When it comes to finding reliable reviews and ratings for hotels, excursions, and activities in Southeast Asia, Tripadvisor is my go-to travel planner app

I frequently use it to read others’ opinions, ensuring that my money is well-spent.

This daily habit has saved me countless times. 

For example, there was a hotel on my Thailand bucket list that looked fabulous but Tripadvisor reviews hinted at potential bed bug issues. Not willing to take the risk, I decided to book elsewhere.

Whether you’re planning the perfect Southeast Asia itinerary or seeking the best things to do in Thailand or any other country, I highly recommend taking advantage of this incredible travel mobile app.

Download Tripadvisor: iPhone | Android

a screenshot of tripadvisor. one of the best free travel apps to read reviews and find the best restaurants in south east asia
Tripadvisor | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

Related Post: 10 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Thailand in 2024. 

5. You Travel Insurance App: To Access Your Health Insurance Information 

When you are backpacking around Southeast Asia, having travel insurance is a must, and if your insurance provider offers a travel mobile app, be sure to download it! 

Coming from Spain, I usually book my travel insurance through Hey Mondo, and their 24/7 chat in Spanish has come in handy so many times!

Now, if you’re from the UK, the NHS App grants you access to health records and travel vaccinations.

For others, try to find out if there’s a similar app for your country!

a free travel app that allows you to access your travel insurance and avoid bali belly
Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia

Read More: How to Get Back Lost Luggage at the Airport (Without Travel Insurance!) 

Wondering how to travel Southeast Asia on a shoestring? 

Discover some amazing free travel apps to help you manage your finances abroad, from keeping track of your expenses to splitting bills or mastering exchange rates. 

Your SE Asia trip just got a whole lot easier! 

1. XE Currency Converter: To Check Real-Time Currency Exchange Rates.

Visiting Southeast Asia means dealing with different currencies, and let’s be real, keeping track of all those exchange rates can feel like a mental workout. 

Not good at math? No problem – neither am I! That’s where XE Currency Converter comes to the rescue. This currency exchange app is super practical and easy to use. 

Just enter the price you’re given, and it’ll show you the equivalent in your home currency. 

No more second-guessing if you’re getting a good deal or falling for a scam while backpacking around Southeast Asia.

During my solo trip, I used this travel mobile app multiple times a day, sparing myself from several embarrassing mistakes.

Remember, 20,695 Lak might sound like a fortune, but it’s just 1 USD. 

Travel Tip: You can download multiple currencies for an offline price check. 

Download XE Currency Converter: iPhone | Android

a screenshot of XE currency converter. one of the best money management apps if traveling southeast asia on a shoestring.
XE Currency Converter | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

Read Next: How to Travel with Cash – 15 Expert Money Management Tips! 

2. Splitwise: To Split Expenses in South East Asia. 

Forget the headache of manually splitting expenses, when traveling Southeast Asia with friends or family.

Download free travel apps like Tricount or Splitwise, enter your trip details, choose your currency, and invite the rest of your travel group.

Every time someone makes a payment, log it in the app.

Splitwise diligently keeps track, and at the end of your SE Asia trip, it effortlessly calculates who owes what to whom.

But wait, there’s more – you can even store receipts directly in the app and settle up seamlessly via payment transfer.

Travel Tip: Don’t limit it to travel, you can also use Splitwise to split bills with your partner or college roommates back home. 

Download Splitwise: iPhone | Android

a screenshot of splitwise. a free travel app to split expenses when backpacking southeast asia
Splitwise | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

3. Trabee Pocket: To Track Your  Expenses While Traveling SE Asia

If you are backpacking Southeast Asia on a shoestring, you need to keep track of your travel expenses.

Trust me, you don’t want to burn through your budget for Southeast Asia and emergency funds in the first few weeks of your SE Asia trip. 

To make sure you stick to your daily budget,  I 100% recommend getting a budget-tracking app.

I swear by Trabee Pocket but there are other excellent free travel apps like TravelSpend or Tripcoin.

How Do Budgeting Apps Work?

Every time I make a purchase, I log it into this travel planner app and choose an expense category (Food, transport, accommodation…).

This allows me to see exactly where my money is going and make the necessary adjustments before it is too late.

Travel Tip: Get ready to cut back on non-travel essentials like alcohol or dining out to stretch your funds further. 

Download Trabee Pocket: iPhone | Android

a screenshot of trabee pocket. a budget tracking app, perfect to track expenses make sure you stick to your budget for southeast asia
TrabeePocket | Best Travel Apps for Southeast Asia

4. Your Bank Apps: To Manage Finances Abroad

When it comes to managing my finances on the road, quick and safe access to my money is non-negotiable. 

I never rely on just one travel mobile app; I always have a backup. That means having my trusted traditional bank app from back home and a selection of travel cards for those on-the-go payments.

These travel cards have saved me so much money in foreign transaction fees and ATM withdrawal charges.

Best part? They’re absolutely free!

I mostly used Revolut and N26 but there are so many other amazing travel cards out there, including Monzo or Wise.

Do yourself a favor—take a moment to research and find the travel card that works best for you. 

a money management app to create the perfect budget for southeast asia

Related Post: 15 Great Tips for Using Travel Cards in Southeast Asia (Are they Worth It?) 

During your Southeast Asia vacation, downtime is inevitable—be it on long travel days, during layovers, or when you just want a chill night at your accommodation. 

These are familiar travel apps you likely already use, but I’ll share some travel tips on how to make the most of them while traveling Southeast Asia. 

1. Instagram: To Share Memorable Travel Photos 

Bring your loved ones on your South East Asia trip through Instagram.

Follow travel photographers and influencers to discover the most Instagrammable spots and add new places to your travel bucket list!

2. Facebook: To Join Travel Groups 

In 2023, Facebook remains the most popular social media app in Southeast Asia.

Join travel groups like “Girls Love Travel” or “Travel Squad” to get answers, share travel tips, and the chance to meet your next travel buddy. 

3. Pinterest: To Find Travel Inspiration and Ideas

Discover inspiration for everything on Pinterest, from outfits to recipes and, of course, travel.

Save pins using travel boards for quick access—dream destinations, solo travel tips, or money-saving hacks. 

Follow me on Pinterest! @herasianadventures

4. TikTok: To Watch Travel Videos 

TikTok is another great app for travel inspiration! Discover fantastic travel hacks and explore packing tips, must-try activities, and hidden gems in Thailand. 

Some travelers even share their day-to-day Southeast Asia adventures so you can get a realistic idea of what to expect.

It’s addictive, but fear not, you can save the videos for later!

a woman using instagram a free travel apps to find the most instagrammable spots in singapore

5. Spotify: To Listen To Music On The Go 

Liven up your Southeast Asia adventure by creating a special travel playlist on Spotify. 

Encourage fellow travelers to add their favorite songs, turning them into your trip’s soundtrack.

With Spotify Premium, you can also download content for offline access—totally worth it!

Similar Travel Apps: Amazon Music and Apple Music.

6. Netflix: To Stream Movies and TV Shows Anywhere 

With Netflix, you can download your favorite movies and TV shows for offline viewing using Wi-Fi.

Just remember to check the expiration dates before you leave and bring some noise-canceling headphones! 

Similar Travel Apps: Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

7. Audible: To Listen to Audiobooks During Your Travels 

Learn something new or enjoy a great story with Audible. Though a paid service, it’s worth the investment for unlimited listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and more

a kindle, a free travel apps that allows you to keep yourself entertained offline

8. Kindle: To Read Books on the Road

With Amazon Kindle, you can download and read thousands of books on your phone or tablet.

It is a free travel mobile app, and you only pay for the books you choose. 

Kindle is undoubtedly one of the best apps for travelers, especially for those who love reading but have limited bag space!

9. Phone Games: To Pass Time While Solo Traveling 

Don’t forget your favorite phone games! Whether it’s Sudoku or Candy Crush, keep your go-to games on hand for entertainment during long travel days. 

Ready for a few surprises? Discover some unmissable travel apps that go beyond the basics to help you make the most of your South East Asia trip

  • Polarsteps App: Create a mini travel diary by adding photos or texts about each place, sharing your adventures with friends and family in real-time.
  • Been App:  To keep track of the different countries you’ve visited. 
  • Travel Boast App: To capture your travel routes through short videos. 
  • Bumble App: To make friends while solo traveling. 
  • Happy Cow App: To discover vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Southeast Asia.
  • Pack Point: To create the perfect travel packing list for your backpacking trip
  • Flush: To find bathrooms while traveling Southeast Asia. 

And there you have it – my favorite free travel apps for navigating Southeast Asia.

But guess what? There are so many other fantastic travel apps I can’t wait to share with you! Get ready for Part 2, coming your way soon.

 Tell me, which of these free travel apps are you downloading for your next SE Asia trip? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Here’s to happy travels. 

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Travel Apps / Free Travel Apps / Southeast Asia travel / Backpacking Southeast Asia / travel tips / travel inspiration / Thailand travel guide / Southeast Asia itineraries / southeast Asia budget / South east Asia trip / Trip Planner App / Trip Organizer App / Flights App / Hotels App
Travel Apps / Free Travel Apps / Southeast Asia travel / Backpacking Southeast Asia / travel tips / travel inspiration / Thailand travel guide / Southeast Asia itineraries / southeast Asia budget / South east Asia trip / Trip Planner App / Trip Organizer App / Flights App / Hotels App

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7 Comments

  1. Downloading Hostelworld now for my upcoming trip!!

  2. Southeast Asia is very much on my bucket list, and I’m always keen to understand the best travel tools when in regions I’m unfamiliar with. This list is super comprehensive, I espeically appreciate the notse about 12Go for transportation. I can’t travel without Whatsapp and Tripit, so really love that they were on the list too.

    1. I mean I literally use WhatsApp every single day so it is really great! And yes, make sure to download grab and 12Go for your next Southeast Asia trip! They will save yo so much time and money!

  3. We have quite a few travel apps that we never travel without. So it was interesting to see the ones we should add if we head back to SE Asia. Transportation apps are definitely something we would want to have. We have not yet tried Wanderlog but it keeps coming up so I really should check it out. Some good additions!

    1. You definitely should! I was super skeptical at first but it has helped me so much!

  4. These are amazing, I didn’t know about half of them. Thanks for sharing, I’ll definitely be downloading some of them!

    1. Thank you for reading!! I´m so happy you found it useful!

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