Mobile phones and handy travel apps

Mobile phones

If you are taking your mobile, ensure you have roaming switched on and that your device will work out of Australia (you may need to call your provider to unlock it). Check call rates to ensure you don’t come home to an enormous bill!

Internet on your mobile while you are away

Just a quick note that roaming data charges can add up pretty quickly, especially if you have a device such as an iphone with applications that automatically update on the go. We recommend you switch data roaming off while you are away. If you will be using maps then download them before you go. Don’t forget to pack your charger and adaptor!

Some handy travel apps

You can download any of these apps from the itunes apps store.

Packing Pro
More than just a digital packing list. It’s more like a personal packing assistant that is always by your side. It features an extensive, customizable catalog, several handy sample lists that can be used as templates, and unlimited, 100% customizable packing lists. A plethora of special functions include:

Trip it
Keeps you organized with all your trip details in one place

Around Me
Find both necessary and recreational services nearby, such as hospitals, banks, petrol stations, movie theaters and hotels.

Air Sharing
Among many features, it lets you locally store, load, and view PDF files. Buy the PDF files from LonelyPlanet.com, then load them onto your iPhone. Then when you’re traveling, instead of staring at a guidebook like a tourist, you stare at your cell phone like a local.

Wifi Trak
Especially if you’re traveling internationally and don’t want to pile up roaming charges, WifiTrak can help find open wi-fi hotspots.

Google Earth
Having satellite images from all over the world is great, but this app goes even further by linking you to restaurant reviews, hotels, and uploaded photos from landmarks nearby.

CardStar
Keep all of your membership numbers in ones place. Includes all frequent flier and hotel programs as well as retailers and grocery stores. Some of these include barcodes so you never have to carry the member cards again. Scan the barcodes right from your phone.

Airport Status
Find out which airports have delays and how that may affect your travel.

Citysearch
Easy way to find local information while traveling, i.e., restaurants, banks, shopping, petrol stations, entertainment, attractions, etc.

LocalPicks
Created by Trip Advisor, this is only for local restaurants but includes ratings for each one as well as links and maps to the restaurants.

Urbanspoon
A staple of the App store since it’s inception, finding restaurants is as easy as shaking your phone. Almost whatever you’re in the mood for, Urbanspoon can find it.

World Nomads
Available in numerous languages, offers translations for numbers and many common travel phrases.

Skype
The least expensive way for phone calls and it works internationally, too. The only limitation is that both must be logged into Skype at the same time.

The Weather Channel
Gives you local weather reports, extended forecasts, radar maps and video reports.

World Customs
This app is essential for any traveller. It includes customs, cultural information, and facts on over 165 different countries. Easily browsable by flag, by index, or just by scrolling, you’ll be able to find the exact country you’re in.

PowerPlug
A reference guide to the power plugs and electrical power systems of the world. Each country is listed along with its commonly found outlet types and power requirements. Search by map, country, or outlet type.

xe.com
Convert 180+ currencies on the go with the XE Currency converter by XE.com - the world’s favorite currency site.

Gowalla
Gowalla is a remarkable way to share and discover eateries, coffeehouses, nightlife hotspots, hipster hangouts, retail meccas, famous landmarks, notable architecture, parks, museums and more.

ToiletFinder

Beanhunter
Finding great coffee has never been so easy! Beanhunter allows users to add and review cafes from around the world, helping each other find “Coffee worth travelling for”.

Motion Alarm

OffMaps
OffMaps allows you to access maps and location bookmarks wherever you are, even offline and abroad. OffMaps stores maps directly on your device for any area and lets you search the map offline.

Locly
You don’t know where you are. You don’t know what’s nearby.

WIKITUDE
Wikitude World Browser presents the user with real-time data about their surroundings, nearby landmarks and other points of interest by overlaying information on the screen of the iPhone.

G-Park
1. Park your car and hit the ‘Park Me!’ button. 2. Get lost. 3. Hit the ‘Where Did I Park?’ button.

Conversion