Hey Snobsters, Cole here!
Long gone are the days of not being able to sufficiently communicate with people in the countries you’re visiting, because, thanks to modern technology, we have the luxury of having access to language translator apps! You can easily download these on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet/iPad.
For Kelsea and I, traveling often to different parts of the world where English is not a first language was not always easy for us, but the use of translator apps have been a God-send. It makes ordering food, getting Ubers or taxis, asking for directions, and just communicating as a whole with the locals, a much easier and complication-free experience. Plus, it’s also a lot safer to be able to properly communicate with natives of a foreign country.
So, I wanted to share with you Snobsters some of my favorite language translator apps that I’ve experimented with over the years of traveling abroad.
iTranslate
iTranslate is one of the most popular language translator apps on iTunes. It can be used to translate over 100 different languages from around the world. The basic app is free, but the pro version is $39.99 per year, or $4.99 a month… which is a pretty good deal, especially if you’re a jet setter like I am.
The pro version has offline capabilities, website translation, voice mode, and verb conjugations. So, if you’re an avid traveler, I definitely recommend purchasing the pro version. It is worth the investment!
iTranslate is available on iTunes and Google Play.
Google Translate
Very simple to use, Google Translate also has language translations for over 100 languages, but an interesting feature it boasts is that it has camera translation. This means users can take a picture of wording in a different language, e.g. a sign, and it will give an instant translation instead of having to type it out. Amazing!
Google Translate is available for free on iTunes and Google Play.
TripLingo
TripLingo is an interesting translator to have on hand, as it helps you “talk like a local” with cool lingo and phrases to use instead of just standard translations. You start by selecting a destination and downloading the package for your desired city. This package will include a voice translator, an image translator, a Wi-Fi dialer to make calls from abroad, and a selection of key phrases from that particular city, detailing when to say them.
As mentioned, their phrase section is especially cool, as it has sections for humor, flirting, and a list of safety and cultural norms for you to be aware of so you’ll fit right in! I absolutely love this feature because it truly helps Kelsea and I grow closer to the locals by understanding and being aware of their phrases that they would more commonly use with people they feel close to. I’ve noticed that locals respect us a lot more for this, so TripLingo is definitely one of my most favorite translation apps. It is a perfect companion translator to accompany more traditional ones you have downloaded.
TripLingo is available for free on iTunes and Google Play, and the pro version is $39.99 for 3 months, which unlocks even more phrases and content.
Papago
If you’re planning a trip to Asia, then this is the app for you! Papago specializes in Asian languages such as Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian. I used this particular app on a trip to Shanghai and it was fantastic.
Translations are available in text, photo, and voice form. A really fun feature it has is a conversation translation where you can simultaneously speak in each other’s language when talking one-on-one with a foreigner. A dictionary and phrase book for you to utilize is also included.
Papago is available for free on iTunes and Google Play.
iTranslate Voice
Branched off of iTranslate, iTranslate Voice is primarily utilized for voice notes. You can speak into your phone using the app and it will immediately translate your voice into your chosen language. So, if you prefer to speak into the app rather than write in what you need translated, then this app is a great option for you. You can also export, copy and share transcripts of all your voice conversations, which is helpful when really trying to learn a language, or if you plan on returning to that country later on.
iTranslate Voice is available for free on iTunes and Google Play.
So there you have it Snobsters! A list of my favorite language translator apps that I have found to be very helpful on my travels abroad. I hope you can utilize them on your next adventure abroad, and then hopefully, you won’t stick out too much like the regular tourists. Never the best look.
~ Bon Voyage, Snob World
