Travel in Asia and Southeast Asia feels easier than ever, thanks to technology, but many travelers lean on the same apps: Klook, Booking.com, Google Maps, and Google Translate. Those are useful, but they’re not the whole story. I’ve found other apps that solve everyday travel problems—such as paying in cash-heavy markets, booking transportation in places with language barriers, or simply staying in touch when everyone uses different messaging platforms. These apps are the ones I would download before boarding a plane to Southeast Asia. I rely on these apps when I travel in Asia to manage payments, book rides, and stay connected.
Table of Contents
- Wise – Low-Fee Multi-Currency Payments
- Moreta Pay – Cashless Convenience Everywhere
- Grab – An All-in-One Travel Companion
- Airalo – Seamless Regional eSIM
- 12Go Asia – Easy Transport Bookings
- LINE – Stay Connected
- WhatsApp – Communication Across Asia
- Country-Specific Apps
Wise – Low-Fee Multi-Currency Payments
Money is often the source of the most stress when traveling. ATMs don’t always work, and exchange counters can feel like traps. Wise solves both problems by letting you hold multiple currencies at once with some of the lowest conversion fees available. I’ve used the Wise debit card to pay for hotels in local currency and withdraw cash at fair rates. It also connects seamlessly to other wallets in Asia, so you can fund services like GrabPay or Moreta Pay.
Moreta Pay – Cashless Convenience Everywhere
In markets and taxis where cash still dominates, Moreta Pay fills the gap. The app links directly to your bank card and works with QR codes in several Asian countries. I remember paying for street food in a crowded night market without fumbling for bills—just a quick scan and it was done. It’s safer, faster, and makes everyday purchases easier.
Grab – An All-in-One Travel Companion
Getting from one place to another can be tricky, and that’s where Grab becomes indispensable. In Chiang Mai, I used Grab to call a ride to Wat Chalermprakiat in Lampang, and Suwat showed up. We had such a great time with him that he became our driver for the rest of the trip—and now he’s a friend we see every time we return. After the climb, we were exhausted, so we ordered dinner through GrabFood. It was waiting for us when we got back, which made the evening that much easier.
Airalo – Seamless Regional eSIM
Staying connected is pretty important. Even though Steven and I travel together, we aren’t attached at the hip because we like different things. Airalo makes staying connected possible with its Asialink eSIM, which covers more than a dozen countries. Just activate data before leaving the airport and walk straight out with maps and messages ready to go. For multi-country trips, it eliminates the hassle of buying new SIM cards at every stop.
12Go Asia – Easy Transport Bookings
While official websites don’t include extra fees, they can be confusing and often don’t accept foreign payments. That’s why we use 12Go Asia. I tend to book the highest category in Asia because standard options are usually very basic, often without air conditioning. Since transportation is priced with the local economy in mind, upgrading is still affordable and makes long journeys more comfortable. I booked an overnight train in Thailand and a ferry in Indonesia within minutes. Tickets were delivered straight to my phone, so I avoided crowded counters and language barriers. Having that confirmation ahead of time gave me peace of mind.
LINE – Stay Connected
When I lived in Asia, I quickly learned that LINE was essential. Hotels used it to send updates, restaurants accepted reservations, and friends shared directions and photos. It’s the dominant messaging app in Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan, and without it, I would have missed important conversations that kept my trip running smoothly.
WhatsApp – Communication Across Asia
When I think of the most important apps I use for traveling in Asia, WhatsApp stands out because it keeps me connected with drivers, guides, and hotels, lets me make appointments, reserve rooms and tables, and arrange airport transfers without missing important messages. It’s also my go-to for staying in touch with drivers and guides. In Bali, for example, a driver sent me his live location pin through WhatsApp so I could spot him in a crowded airport parking area. Everyone uses it, and not having it means missing the messages that keep your trip running smoothly.
Country-Specific Apps
Some apps only work in certain countries, but they make travel much easier. They let you pay with a saved card, order food without cash, and drop a pin to call a ride. Others help you find your way or stay in touch when global apps don’t work well. I have used all the apps below. Using them saves time and reduces stress, making daily life feel smoother while you’re abroad.
- KakaoTalk – The go-to messaging app in South Korea for friends, hotels, and businesses
- Kakao Taxi – Pin-drop taxi app; accepts stored cards or Kakao Pay
- Naver Map – More accurate than Google Maps in South Korea
- Coupang Eats – Food delivery with quick service and in-app payments in South Korea
- GoJek – Ride-hailing, delivery, and services in Indonesia
- Zalo – Widely used messaging app in Vietnam
- In Thailand, travelers check Air4Thai for real-time pollution levels, while in South Korea, AirVisual is the go-to app for daily air quality updates.
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