The 10 Best Apps for Digital Nomads: From Airbnb to WhatsApp

Friday, September 2, 2022

If you're a digital nomad, you know that having the right apps can make all the difference. Whether you're looking for a place to stay, trying to figure out how to get around, or just want to keep in touch with your family back home, guess what? There's an app for that! This post will look at ten of the best digital nomad apps. From Airbnb to WhatsApp, we've got you covered.

So, without further ado, here are the ten best apps for digital nomads:

1. Skyscanner

Skyscanner is an excellent app and my preferred one for finding cheap flights. With Skyscanner, you can search for flights by date and destination and set up price alerts so that you never miss a deal on a destination you want. Just read the fine print from the airline or travel agency before purchasing. For example, many domestic flight prices are for hand luggage only. But you, if you've been listening, should be traveling with only carry-on bags anywhere!

2. Airbnb

Airbnb is a great way to find accommodations in cities worldwide. While Airbnb used to offer much cheaper rates than you would find at a hotel, you can still find some great deals if you search hard enough. The trick is to book long-term stays, where you are offered significant discounts. However, always read previous reviews first and message the host about WIFI reliability before booking. Mention you will be working remotely, and your livelihood depends on internet connectivity.

3. Acorns 

Acorns (Raiz app in Australiainfo-icon, Indonesiainfo-icon, and Malaysiainfo-icon) serves several purposes for the traveler. Firstly, you can link your debit or credit card, and it will round up the spare change to the dollar when making purchases and invest the difference into your account. It's a great way to set and forget an investment account. I use it for my emergency account that I do not touch unless, God forbid, I need to for an emergency. This offers incredible peace of mind, especially while traveling abroad. 

Secondly, Acorns and Raiz have a Rewards feature. The stores will invest a percentage of the purchase amount back into your Acorns account when you purchase through Acorns online portal, including flights, transport, and accommodation. As a result, you get something back for your travel expenses. 

4. Rome2Rio

Rome2Rio is an essential app for travelers who are always on the move. With Rome2Rio, you can quickly figure out how to get from one place to another, whether you're taking a bus, a train, or a plane. While it's not always 100% accurate, from my experience, it's right at least 95% of the time.

5. Camplify 

Camplify is an excellent app for finding RV rentals that are sitting unused in people's driveways. Another sharing economy app, think of it like Airbnb for RVs, campervans, pimped-up vans, and caravans. With Camplify, you can search for RVs by location and date. You can also read reviews to find the best option for you. You will find the prices considerably cheaper than a traditional caravan rental business. While only available in the UKinfo-icon, Spaininfo-icon, Australia, and New Zealandinfo-icon thus far, I expect this business to grow and push into other markets in time.

6. Wise

Getting into fintech now. And seamless transactions abroad are essential (and a common pain point for the nomad!). Using Wise's borderless account, you can get a great exchange rate and avoid fees when abroad. They support over 50 currencies meaning you can transfer from one currency to another when traveling to a new country at a competitive exchange rate. You will avoid those annoying foreign currency fees when using your Wise card to pay for things or get money from a cash machine. 

7. Revolut 

The other must-have financial app is Revolut. It is an excellent app for managing your money while you're traveling. With Revolut, you can easily send and receive money in different currencies and use your prepaid card to make purchases in local currency. Revolut is a personal favorite of mine due to its awesome user experience, reliability, and supporting a whopping 140+ currencies.

8. WhatsApp

A more obvious app on the list, but WhatsApp is great because you can retain your phone number when using a local SIM card. This makes WhatsApp is an excellent app for staying in touch with your friends and family back home without having to provide them with a new number. With WhatsApp, you can easily send text messages, photos, and videos and make voice and video calls. With a business WhatsApp account, any freelance clients back home can still reach you on the same number.

9. Meetup

The digital nomad lifestyle can be a lonely affair at times. An excellent way to alleviate this is through the MeetUp app. You can find local groups, including fellow nomads or ex-pats, or perhaps people interested in hiking, who all want to connect. Need someone to head out for a night on the town with? Chances are there will be a group within your age group looking to do the same. If you're looking for a closer connection, perhaps opt for Bumble or Hinge instead!

10. Worldpackers

When you travel, you might come across communities that don't have the same opportunities and resources as you do. Especially when visiting lower socio-economic countries. It's important to remember that world travel is a privilege most people cannot afford. Therefore, giving back is commendable and can be an enriching experience that can fundamentally change you. Worldpackers is an excellent app for sustainable travel by finding volunteering opportunities. With Worldpackers, you can search for opportunities by location and date and read reviews to find the best option for you.

So there you have it! The ten best apps for digital nomads. With these apps, you'll be able to find a place to stay, get around from one city to another, send money abroad, and even find volunteering opportunities. So what are you waiting for? Download them today and start your digital nomad adventure!

Do you have a favorite digital nomad app that we didn't mention? Let us know in the comments below! And if you found this blog post helpful, be sure to share it with your friends. Happy travels!

Author: Tim Roberts is a freelance writer, blogger, and author of Goodbye Office, Hello World: How to become a digital nomad.