Google Translate

Google Translate 

Google Translate is what will save you more times than you will even want to think about.  This app is considered essential, and highly recommended that you get it immediately.  Currently it is available in more than 100 languages (with new ones added often), 37 of the languages can be translated directly from your camera requiring no actual input.  32 of the languages can be translated by just speaking to your phone.

If you are lost, need a taxi, are looking for something at a store, or whatever else you may need translated, this app will be something you will use almost daily if you are overseas and don’t speak the local language.  It is super easy to type something in your native language and then just show the phone display to whoever needs to see it to have them read the translation.  You can still stumble over the words trying to speak the local language if you want, but now at least the other person will know what you were trying to say.

It should be said that this app does have its limits.  It will never be a perfect translation, but usually it will be close enough for most people to understand what you are asking.

Just like with Google Maps, there are language packs that you can download before your trip.  Once you arrive even if you don’t have data on your phone you can still do an offline translation if you’ve already downloaded the language packs.

Available on Android, Apple & PC.