XE Currency

Money is a very hot topic when it comes to travel. Before heading overseas and while on tour, this app can be extremely helpful to determine how much money to tip, take out at an ATM and to know how local currency. All you need to do is add in the type of money you will be using in each country, and you can start converting on Vietnam Dong or Cambodian Riel. 

Translate Now

Whether you have studied the local language or not, Translate Now is a lifesaver when in a foreign country. This app can help translate over 60 languages. This way if you are having trouble communicating with a vendor or at a restaurant, you can ask them to speak into the phone or type out their question to better understand! It is particularly helpful when asking for directions or ordering food. 

Grab / Passapp local taxi

Grab is a very popular transportation app in Vietnam. Similar to an Uber, download the app, and away you go. You can enter in your pickup location or use the settings, and they’ll soon find you. It also picks up most of the tourist locations/hotels so you can type in the name of the hotel instead of having to enter in addresses. You can keep track of the driver’s route from the beginning, check the driver’s profile and get the exact price before the trip starts. For a trip to Ho Chi Minh City and other big cities in Vietnam, Grab is super handy.

PassApp is the common transportation app in Cambodia and allows you to book a cab, tuk-tuk or rickshaw. The fare comes up upon booking, so there is no need to wonder if you are paying the correct amount. 

Viber 

We all know family and friends back home will want a daily update while you are on your school tour. Downloading Viber will help them feel as if they are right there with you! This way you can text/call/video chat as long as you have wifi. In Vietnam and Cambodia wifi is available at every hotel, restaurant and coffee shop – it’s even on some buses!

Watsapp

Consider setting up a group watts app with your teacher and all the students. This way, while in hotel rooms, teachers can send messages to remind students about meeting times or clothing requirements etc. It’s also great for the group to share ‘pic of the day’ with each other.