Technology continues to change the world. Foreign travel has numerous phone and tablet apps to make your travel easier, less costly, more convenient, and safer.
Here are six apps for your use on a Mexico rally with Chapter 8 – Your Mexican Connection.
1) Virtual Private Network
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a secure tunnel for your internet connection. It encrypts your data, protecting it from potential eavesdroppers, such as hackers or your internet service provider. It’s a tool for maintaining privacy and security online.
A VPN might be needed in Mexico for several reasons:
1. **Privacy:** Protecting personal data from cybercriminals or unauthorized surveillance.
2. **Security:** Safeguarding sensitive information when accessing public Wi-Fi networks, which can be vulnerable to hacking.
3. **Access to Restricted Content:** Bypassing geo-blocks to access websites or streaming services that might be restricted in Mexico.
4. **Anonymity:** Concealing online activities from government surveillance or ISP tracking.
5. **Business Use:** Ensuring secure communication and data transfer for remote work or accessing company networks from outside Mexico.
VPN companies all pretty much offer the same services so choosing one is likely to be based on price and availability in the country of interest.
2) Google Translate
This free translation feature from Google provides several different ways to translate languages in real-time or offline.
Download languages to use on-the-go
You can download languages onto your device. This allows you to translate without an internet connection.
To avoid slow downloads or extra data usage charges, download languages when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
You can use your phone’s camera to translate text in the world around you with the Translate app. For example, you can translate signs, menus, or handwritten notes.
The Translate app allows you to translate in near real-time while someone speaks a different language. For example, you can translate a classroom lecture or speech.
The rideshare app called DiDi is commonly available in Mexico because the drivers are allowed to accept cradit cards AND cash and charge a lower rate than other ride share apps. This because DiDi takes a substantially smaller cut from of the driver’s earnings.
DiDi rides are commonly less expense than Uber and some cities have a lot more DiDi drivers because they take a substantially smaller cut of the fare than Uber. Just like Uber, you can pay right through the app securely with your credit card or choose to pay in cash. You’ll also have the option to add a tip if you choose.
The driver’s vehicle reliability might be called into question, but there may be many more drivers available in your locals.
DiDi monitors your trip and if they notice something unusual like a detour or accident they will send you a notification and you can hit the SOS button to connect to emergency services.
4) WhatsApp Messaging
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app in Mexico, and is used for many purposes, including communication with friends and ordering services.
It is free and available on most mobile devices, and is the leader in social media and messaging across Latin America. In 2022, more than 90% of people in Mexico used WhatsApp, and it is the most popular way people communicate with each other.
WhatsApp is huge in Mexico due to its cost-effective communication, allowing free texts, calls, and media sharing over Wi-Fi. Its widespread adoption across various age groups and sectors, including businesses and services, makes it a central part of daily life and an essential tool for staying connected.
Voice calling lets you call your contacts using WhatsApp for free, even if they’re in another country. Voice calling uses your phone’s internet connection rather than your mobile plan’s minutes, but data charges may apply.
To add an international phone number on WhatsApp, you need to add “1” after “+52”.
5) Digital Map Application
Carry a digital map application on your phone or tablet. Whether you use Google Maps, Google Earth, Mapquest, Avenza or others, be prepared. If you lose your cellular signal plan be sure you have either configured offline maps or have taken a screenshot of the area you intend to travel in.
6) Currency Converter
Get a currency conversion app that knows the curency exchange rate. This is real helpful for avoiding being overcharged in restaurants, at toll booths, or retail establishments.
Consider: My Currency Converterfor iOS and Android.
