Trail of Asia

Top Free iPhone Apps For Travelers in Asia

Below are a list of free iPhone travel apps which I find it useful. However, since it is free, don’t expect these to perform like paid apps. If you’re looking for something more extensive and willing to pay for it, this list is not for you. If you don’t believe in paying for your travel apps, read on.

Sun Alert Lite

Not getting tanned in Asia is like committing cardinal sin for travelers. The bad news is too much sun is bad for you. But the good news is Sun Alert Lite able to calculate the maximum sun exposure time for you by retrieving your location information, UV radiation data and recommend proper sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen for your type of skin. It also comes with a timer alerting you when you have enough of Vitamin D for the day. Requires internet connection.

Google Goggles

Ever wonder what is the name of that fancy building just across the street? Instead of doing the conventional text search on Google, Google Goggles allow you to take a photo of any landmarks and it will automatically translate the photo into plain text. Almost like having a guide by your side. Requires internet connection.

Mosquito Device

Mosquito is not the biggest threat in Asia but this app comes in handy when you’re hanging out with fellow travelers at night in the backpackers courtyard. This app uses high pitch sound waves to keep away mosquitoes and yet you won’t be able to hear it. Also a good companion for outdoor activities. Able to operate offline.

Scribe Lite

Comes with user friendly interface, this app can be your travel diary equip with the ability to include photos and scribbles in a fast pace. Able to operate offline.

Maps

Google Maps, iLink BKK (Bangkok), Singapore Transit and MTR Mobile (Hong Kong) are a few useful apps to guide you around on public transport in different cities. This will make you look less like a lost tourist trying to find your direction. Requires internet connection.

Converter Plus

Converter Plus has the ability to convert multiple currencies and other units ranging from weight, temperature, area and many others. It is the most extensive converter within the app. Able to operate offline.

Location Based Travel Apps

If you do a quick search on App Store by typing in the country or location name, you’ll be able to find quite a number of free travel guide apps. Even though the content is not extensive (obviously because it’s free), but it is good enough to get you started in a foreign land. Among the useful apps are TrulyAsia.tv featuring Malaysia, Hong Kong Map and Walking Tours, Travel Fish Lite specific product line includes Angkor Wat Lite, Ko Samet Lite, Ko Lanta Lite, Ko Phi Phi Lite, Luang Prabang Lite and so much more.

iTranslate

Language barrier can be the biggest nightmare for travelers especially when asking for directions. Equip your iPhone with iTranslate app and simply type in your preferred language and get it translated for you within seconds. Able to operate offline.

Jiwire

This is a WiFi finder integrated with Google Maps that searches local WiFi connection near you. The beauty of this is that it has the ability to only search WiFi locations for free. Able to operate offline.