The Apps You Need for Smarter Travel in Asia

While WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world, three other mobile apps have come to dominate in Asia, thanks to the additional features they provide users. WeChat in China, Line in Thailand and KakaoTalk in South Korea combine messaging functionality like text and video with the features of Uber, Google Maps and Apple Pay — maps, ride-sharing technology and cashless payment options — among many others.

For travelers especially, these three apps can help to smooth planning and tap into local life. Be aware some features on the apps are limited to locals, but enough services are available to all that downloading and using these one-shot apps could improve your stay in Asia.

With popular websites like Google, Facebook and Instagram blocked, WeChat is a social media platform in mainland China that has grown in popularity in recent years. Its translation tool and pay feature are two of the most helpful features to travelers.

To begin, download WeChat in any app store and as long as your phone is defaulted to English, the app will install in English. (Otherwise, you can click on the upper right-hand corner of the app to choose from 18 different languages.)

Source: The New York Times

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