LIST: 6 Best Translation Apps for Your Next International Travel

These apps may be used offline.
by Ina Louise Manto | January 31, 2023

English may be the universal language, but there are situations where the language barrier takes its toll, especially when you’re headed to a destination where the population doesn’t speak the language. From simple phrases that will let you order a meal or ask locals for directions, here’s a list of the best translation apps that will help you on your next international travel:

Google Translate

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Google Translate is a no-brainer; it’s the first app that comes to mind when it comes to translation. It has been around since 2006 and has over 500 million users as of 2016. The app may not be the most accurate application out there, but it gets the job done, has the greatest number of languages you’ll find in an app, and will help you get by with its simple translations.

Key features: Instant camera translation, conversations, handwriting, and phrasebook

Is it available offline? Yes, with 59 languages

Languages covered: 133

Download the app on iOS and Android.

Papago

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If you’re traveling around Asia, Papago is the way to go. The South Korean app focuses on East Asian and Southeast Asian languages. One of its best features includes an additional dictionary below the translation tab, so you can check extra meanings other than the initial translation it provides. This is also best to use in South Korea, as it provides translations with and without honorifics.

Key features: Text, image, voice, conversation, handwriting, and website translation

Is it available offline? Yes

Languages covered: English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese

Download the app on iOS and Android.

Waygo

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If you’re traveling to China, Japan, and Korea, Waygo will be your best friend. It also provides Cantonese and Kanji translations – all you have to do is hover your camera over the foreign text and it will be translated in real time. But its biggest caveat is that its free translations are only limited to 10 per day; you would have to upgrade to unlock the unlimited feature.

Key features: Instant offline OCR, Chinese translation provides photos of food, no data connection required

Is it available offline? Yes

Languages covered: Chinese, Korean, and Japanese

Download the app on iOS.

iTranslate Translator

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With over 200 million downloads, iTranslate is one of the most popular translation apps you can download. Other than the usual text and image translations, one of its best features includes translating dialects. The app is also good for language learning as it provides widgets and flashcards.

Key features: Switching between male and female voices, dictionaries, and phrasebook, also available for Apple Watch

Is it available offline? Yes

Languages covered: over 100

Download the app on iOS and Android.

TripLingo

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TripLingo will help you sound like a local. Yes, it will translate your voice to whichever language you choose. Speaking of sounding like a local, this app will also let you know the ins and outs of a destination, including safety tools for emergencies, a tip calculator, and culture notes that provide a list of etiquette and the like.

Key features: Image and voice translation, phrasebook, Wi-Fi dialer for making free international calls

Is it available offline? Yes

Languages covered: 42

Download the app here.

Microsoft Translator

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This app is for when you’re traveling solo and meeting a new set of friends. Microsoft Translator has a multi-person conversation translation, which requires you to connect devices and have in-person conversations with up to 100 people. It also provides alternate meanings and translations to help you express yourself in the best way possible.

Key features: Text, camera, and voice translation; pin and save most frequent translations for later use

Is it available offline? Yes

Languages covered: over 70

Download the app on iOS and Android.

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