We currently live in an increasingly digital world where most of our interactions occur through mobile phones. You are probably reading this article from a mobile device screen. Apps are an important mobile part of our world. They have become very important to communicating, moving, and buying things. There are more than 3 million worldwide applications, but their use often depends on the region.
If you're a digitally savvy person visiting or relocating to the UK, you'll want to know which apps will be most useful in your new location. We've put together the most important applications you need.
Best Navigation app — Google Maps
Online maps are one of the least valuable inventions of the last few years.
Google Maps is one of the safest ways to get around the UK. It provides location travel data, so you know how long it will take based on your shipping choices. In addition to providing location data, it can also be used as a search tool to find interesting places to visit.
If you use an iPhone, you can choose Apple Maps, the default app for your device of choice. Alternatively, you can decide to go with Waze, a user-led navigation app. In London, Birmingham, or Manchester, you can try CityMapper for a more personalized experience. The App is arguably the best for navigating cities, offers more transportation options than Google Maps, and considers real-time disruptions to provide recommendations.
Best App for car transport — Uber
Like many other European countries, the UK offers three main domestic transport options: car, bus or train. If you want to travel short distances and time is of the essence, then the Uber app is the best option for you.
With over 70,000 drivers and five million+ riders, Uber is the most popular ride-hailing service in the UK. Bolt ride is a cheaper but less popular option, especially with drivers. But if you're looking for something with a little pizzazz, Wheely lets you book luxury rides so you can choose your music, car temperature, and route.
On the other hand, if you are in London, you can opt for one of the city's famous black cabs for a truly British experience.
Best Rail Transport app — Trainline
You can't stay too long in the UK before discovering the importance of its famous rail network for everyday life. Many people choose to use the train because it's cheaper for long distances. Also, it's a fast way to get around.
However, the UK has over 24000 trains and 2500+ train stations. It can be difficult to keep track of train schedules and ticket prices if you're a beginner.
Trainline is a mobile application for getting around for many people in the country. This application allows users to get real-time travel and ticket information. Additionally, users can get ticket price predictions based on historical data. You can purchase tickets when they are likely to be the cheapest. Some other alternatives include Live TrainTimes UK and Interrail.
Best App for banking — Revolut
Banking is one of the most geographically-regulated sectors. Whether you are visiting or here for the long haul, you will eventually need to be able to complete transactions within the UK. To this end, you'll need to create a bank account.
While there are several options, we recommend digital-first banking options like Revolut and Monzo as great choices. This is especially important if you are not yet a resident, as there is less need to open an account.
Smartest App for sending money back home — moneyTRIP
If you are an African immigrant, you are very likely to frequently send money back to your country.
You need to have the moneyTRIP App, as it gives you instant access to the best money transfer providers in your country. In addition, moneyTRIP makes real-time comparisons between providers to help you achieve the best deals for your business. moneyTRIP is Launching soon—signup for a waitlist.
Other options include remittance providers such as Wise (formerly Transferwise), Azimo, and Remitly. If you are looking for something a little more African, Lemonade Finance also offers great rates on transactions to Nigeria and Ghana.
