Discover the Top 5 Essential Apps the Bulk of Expats Rely on in France
Traveling to France, whether for the first or tenth time, can always raise concerns. How will you ensure you have mobile data 24/7? Where will you order food from, and how will you find transportation? All these questions are even more pertinent when you head to a French city you’ve never visited.
But fret not! Some studies disclose the mobile apps expats depend on and use the most. We’re breaking them down so you will have a flawless, stress-free trip to France this or next year!
An app for mobile data
Hardly can a foreigner manage not to run up their phone bills when they’re neglecting the speed at which the hefty roaming fees add up. Assuming you don’t have a mobile data plan from a national operator activated, you may be forced to support the expensive roaming charges unless you dodge them in a few easy steps with the world-known eSIMs. These untactile chips have revolutionized traveling, allowing holidaymakers to use the internet stress-freely wherever they go in the country covered. For instance, installing and activating your eSIM from a reliable and renowned provider will have you rest assured knowing you have internet everywhere you go in France, even in the most off-beat and off-the-beaten-path locations.
Round-the-clock customer support, WhatsApp number transfer, customizable plans, unlimited data, instant digital card delivery, and more are all available, so you will never have to worry about your connectivity. Moreover, with Holalfy’s eSIM for France, you’ll enjoy all these perks plus the guarantee that you’ll have data to run all the other apps below that you need in the new country, like food delivery or transportation installments.Â
Navigation apps
For a while, Google Maps has ranked first as the most used and downloaded web mapping service in France. It offers essential data like live traffic conditions, street maps, popular attractions, and trajectory planning for cars, foot, and bicycles. The app also provides details about neighborhoods, public transportation means, and the best routes to avoid heavy traffic. Most probably, this app already rests on your phone, working on both iOS and Android.
You can download Organic Maps if you worry about running out of data when you expect it the least. At the same time, numerous Parisians advocate for Citymapper to offer more thorough and on-point data, which is somewhat expected given that the app works in fewer regions worldwide and is in expansion. This one would suit those needing information about wheelchair-friendly routes and the best traveling methods for individuals with prams or luggage. Furthermore, this public transit app works across Monaco’s border and in Paris and Lion.
If you are traveling in any other part of the country and looking for really insightful info about its cities, you may find the France Travel Guide Offline helpful. It’s a great starting point if you want to navigate spots before packing your bags to get an idea of what to expect and find entertaining establishments, museums, eateries, events, and more.
Transportation apps
Bonjour RATP is a necessary installment if you’re heading to Paris. It shows you where you can hire bikes, renew and purchase tickets, and determine the top road to your destination. According to data from the state-owned operator’s website, this app registers over 1 million itinerary queries daily and onboards over 2.5 million users monthly.Â
Traveling beyond the île de France region and Paris and between French cities? Then, you can safely familiarize yourself with SNCF Connect, the app of the state-owned operator for trains. This is a top choice for expats, nationals, and all sorts of travelers traveling this way, helping users determine the most suitable routes to get to their destination, receive notifications and alerts in real-time for the best synchronization, and allowing interested parties to reserve, download, or exchange tickets from any location. Managing your trips has never been easier and safer.
Apps for events and socializing
If there’s anything you won’t run short of in this multi-cultural and dynamic country, it’s fun and enriching activities to engage in. You could be into French festivals, landmark visiting, cave exploring, castle visiting, bicycle touring, or wine tasting, to name a few of the main things that visitors head to France for. There’s something to suit any taste – the only important element to figure out is how you’ll find these gems and who will join them with you if you want company.
Staying current with everything isn’t just challenging, but unnecessary, too. There are some great go-toes you can download to be up-to-date with every party, tour, exhibition, and so on. Ticketmaster can hit your spot if you love live shows, keeping you posted with the latest French shows and allowing you to purchase tickets and learn about the country’s cultural scene.
At the same time, MeetUp is a widely held social app used by those looking to meet new people and share a good time or try new experiences. All you have to do is download this pro-bono app and provide details about your interests, after which the algorithm will present you with the available social groups around you.
Food delivery apps
You can hardly find a few other international cuisines that get people as stirred up as the French gastronomy does. Once you’re crossing the French border, one of your most notable experiences will inevitably be the culinary one, for you’ll be spoilt for choice with both budget-friendly takeouts and first-rate food orders. France has everything, from big-name Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic neighborhood cafes, meaning that fetching them into your kitchen will become easier once you sign up for deliveries or order from your preferred local supermarket. With several food delivery apps waiting for your attention, you may want to check out the following two most used ones:
- HelloFresh offers boxes and meal kits containing fresh ingredients, both locally and internationally supplied, as well as inventive recipe ideas. The service delivers across France and caters to numerous dietary requirements and preferences, meaning you may be a whisk away from whipping up gourmet dishes of restaurant quality in the comfort of your home.Â
- TheFork is your go-to if you want restaurant-caliber dish combinations and suitable wine to elevate your tastebuds’ experience, all according to your budgetary criteria. The app will help you uncover the top eateries you should try based on the information provided, offering details on the establishments’ mean meal price points and assisting with your budgeting.
Now that you know about all these must-have apps, you can see which healthcare and banking apps suit your needs the most. Then, you’ll be ready to enjoy your French stay like a native!