When you are planning to travel abroad, helpful translation apps make it possible to communicate with no language skills and avoid trouble with hotel boarding, paying tips abroad, or ordering something delicious at foreign restaurants. Some of them will help you translate the street signs as you travel or even learn the language when there is no Internet connection, and you want to take time and pursue your skills with the basic phrases. Since there are many choices, you must take your time and explore the reviews to find something that fits your needs the best way. 

Top 10 Translation Apps for Traveling 

1. Duolingo. 

This app will not only help you learn the most important phrases as you travel the world but will also assist you with the pronunciation and recognition of basic words and phrases. You can also translate what's being spoken and learn to recognize grammar rules as you see the examples. Since it's one of the most famous and free apps, it's also the most accessible for complete beginners.  

2. HelloTalk. 

Suppose you want to meet foreigners and ask them something in your language to receive an immediate translation as you travel. In that case, this community will be a great solution as it mixes text, audio, or video conversations. While it's mostly used to teach each other a foreign language in exchange (free of charge!), it's also a good emergency app to translate something. However, if you need help with some documents or a bank, approach the best translation websites online. Only a professional linguist will be able to help you translate something online or via video conferencing. Remember that human translation will always be the right choice! 

3. Rosetta Stone. 

One of the best apps that will let you learn a foreign language fast. It offers over 25 different languages by focusing on real-life phrases and work in the business environment. It offers numerous exercises and urgent training to prepare you for your foreign travels. 

4. Mango Language Learning. 

While it's not free, it's the best app to learn a foreign language in a game environment. The lessons last from 12 to 18 minutes and will help you train your pronunciation as you travel. 

5. Memrise. 

If you already have some basic language skills, learning with the flashcards and vocabulary hints offered by this app will be the most efficient solution. There are many videos recorded by native speakers that will help you get used to the foreign language speed. 

6. Google Translate App. 

It is one of the travel apps that needs no introduction. You can access over 108 languages to translate text and enjoy 59 languages without an Internet connection. You can translate images into 90 languages by using your camera. Most importantly, you can detect the language and access over 70 languages when you engage in a live conversation.

7. Lingo Deer Asian Languages App. 

If you would like to travel to Japan, China, Vietnam, or Korea, this great language app will be the best assistance as you dine at the restaurant or learn the most common tourist phrases. This is a unique solution you should take advantage of! 

8. iTranslate Translator. 

You can choose from over 100 languages as you work with the text content, images, or spoken word. It also has a great dictionary for each language coming along. It can work both online and offline as it helps to detect the language. Most importantly, it's free! This way, you can save money on translation as you start with this app and help yourself during conversations at the hotel or when you are purchasing something at the local shops. 

9. PhotoTranslator. 

Based on the AI-based tools and OCR methods, it works offline as well when you need to translate some images. It can detect languages automatically as it supports over 100 different languages. It's helpful for those cases when your phone connection is limited and you need to translate images fast. It's supported by iOS and Android platforms and is absolutely free. 

10. TripLingo. 

It has it all for foreign travelers as it has a great 10,000 words dictionary that works offline, a currency converter, and a tip assistant. There are over 2,000 phrases in over 15 languages and support for voice and image translation. 

Keeping Your Mobile Device Safe 

When you're dealing with unknown mobile apps for the first time, it's essential to ensure that the memory footprint and the technical requirements won't make your device lag. Start with reading the reviews and checking testimonials from those users who have already tried the offered solution you are interested in. If you find an application that you really like, think about finding 2-3 alternatives first and see which one has received the most positive reviews and support from the developers. If there are additional language databases or special features, see how these work and ask questions if something is unclear. Such an approach will help you to remain safe and enjoy using what you have downloaded without getting in trouble or having your phone locked in the middle of a foreign trip. 

BIO 

Ewan Jennings is a technology expert with a linguistic background who provides his skills to educators, businesses, and various organizations. His posts focus on education, online learning techniques, culture, language learning, and social marketing. Follow Ewan to discover new things and find inspiration.