Best Apps to Use When Shopping Internationally
When different languages, unfamiliar currencies, and small suitcases make shopping abroad a hassle, these apps can simplify your experience.
While shopping is often a fun part of vacationing abroad, the hassle of reading tags in another language, converting currencies, and transporting the purchases home can often make the experience more complicated than enjoyable. To make this an easier experience, try out the three Android apps below. However, when using your phone to access these apps abroad — especially when relying on a public Wi-Fi network — make sure to activate the anti-hacking feature. This tool will identify and block dangerous websites and protect your information from theft and phishing attempts:
Scan and Translate
Most users prefer to be able to read an item’s tag before purchasing, particularly when checking for certain fabrics or ingredients that might activate allergies. When shopping abroad, however, travelers who aren’t fluent in the country’s native language often face difficulties in doing so. In these cases, the Scan and Translate app becomes useful. This application allows users to “read” text on tags and images and translate them into their native language. The app allows for offline character recognition of 54 separate languages and the ability to translate into more than ninety languages, as well. In cases where the scanning function fails, the app also allows for entering text similarly to a traditional translation tool.
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Easy Currency Converter
Travelers shopping abroad may often find themselves staring at a price tag, unable to turn foreign currencies into recognizable numbers. The Easy Currency Converter app solves this problem, offering exchange rates for more than 180 currencies with both online, live exchange rates and offline mode options. The application also offers conversion rates for 4 metals and Bitcoin, in addition to the ability to convert multiple currencies at once. Users can also view graphs of fluctuations within the currency exchange rate, and they can set up personalized currency lists.
Grabr
Shopping abroad inevitably leads to the struggle of fitting new purchases into an already overstuffed suitcase or else dragging extra luggage along for the duration of the trip. Luckily for travelers, the app Grabr allows purchasers to connect with travelers willing to deliver the goods at a later date. Using the app, users can post their item and travelers can make bids to pick up the item. After choosing the best offer, Android users can chat with the traveler, set up a secure payment to be released upon delivery, and choose a public meeting place to receive the item. Purchasers will receive regular delivery updates while saving themselves the high fees typically associated with overseas delivery.