Traveling the world is a thrilling adventure—but managing your money abroad can be a challenge if you’re not properly prepared. Whether you’re trying to avoid foreign transaction fees, split costs with fellow travelers, or simply keep an eye on your spending, having the right apps on your phone can make all the difference.
To help you stay financially savvy on the go, here’s a comprehensive list of the best money apps every traveler should download before their next trip.
1. Wise (formerly TransferWise) – Best for Currency Exchange and International Transfers
Wise is one of the most trusted platforms for international money transfers. Unlike traditional banks that often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates, Wise uses the real mid-market rate and low transparent fees. This makes it a favorite among digital nomads and long-term travelers.
Key Features:
- Real exchange rates (mid-market rates)
- Multi-currency account (hold and convert 40+ currencies)
- Low and transparent transfer fees
- Debit card for global spending
Why Travelers Love It:
Wise allows you to spend in local currencies without getting ripped off. You can also receive payments from different countries as if you had a local bank account there—perfect for freelancers, expats, or anyone working remotely.
2. Revolut – Best All-in-One Travel Finance App
Revolut is more than just a currency exchange app—it’s a full-featured financial platform that combines banking, budgeting, travel insurance, crypto trading, and more. It’s especially great for travelers who want to keep everything in one place.
Standout Features:
- Exchange and hold 30+ currencies
- Budget tracking and spending analytics
- Travel insurance and lounge access (with premium plans)
- Freeze/unfreeze card instantly for safety
- Virtual cards for online purchases
Best For:
Travelers who want more than just basic banking. Revolut makes it easy to monitor your expenses, switch between currencies, and manage your money securely—no matter where you are in the world.
3. XE Currency – Best for Real-Time Currency Conversion
When you’re shopping in local markets or checking if a cab fare is fair, XE Currency is your best friend. This app provides real-time exchange rates for every major currency and even works offline by saving the latest updated rates.
Top Features:
- Live exchange rate monitoring
- Currency calculator and converter
- Offline functionality
- Historical charts and rate alerts
Why It’s a Must-Have:
XE Currency is lightweight, reliable, and fast—ideal for travelers who frequently hop between countries and need to understand costs on the fly.
4. Splitwise – Best for Group Travel Expenses
Traveling with friends or in a group? Splitwise takes the headache out of tracking shared expenses. It helps you log every cost, track who owes whom, and settle up easily, even in different currencies.
Features You’ll Use:
- Add expenses and split costs evenly or unevenly
- Track multiple trips or groups
- Supports different currencies
- Syncs across devices
Why It’s Useful:
No more awkward “Who paid for what?” conversations at the end of a trip. Everyone gets a clear picture of what they owe, and you can link to PayPal or Venmo to settle instantly.
5. Trail Wallet – Best for Budget-Conscious Travelers
If you’re a backpacker or simply someone who wants to stick to a daily travel budget, Trail Wallet is a fantastic expense tracker made specifically for travelers. You can set budgets, track expenses in multiple currencies, and categorize your spending.
Key Benefits:
- Simple, clean interface
- Set daily or trip-wide budgets
- Works offline
- Categorize spending for analysis
Ideal For:
Those who want a hassle-free way to keep tabs on where their money is going, especially while on the road with limited Wi-Fi access.
6. Venmo / PayPal / Cash App – Best for Sending and Receiving Money
While these apps are more U.S.-centric, they’re incredibly useful if you’re traveling within the U.S. or sending money between fellow Americans abroad. PayPal is the most internationally recognized, while Venmo and Cash App are simpler for domestic peer-to-peer transfers.
Quick Comparison:
- Venmo: Great for quick splits among U.S.-based friends
- PayPal: Accepted globally, can link to foreign accounts
- Cash App: Fast, easy, with Bitcoin functionality
Pro Tip:
Always check fees for international transfers—especially with PayPal. Wise or Revolut may be cheaper alternatives for cross-border transactions.
7. GlobeConvert – Best for Quick Currency + Unit Conversions
In addition to currency conversion, GlobeConvert also helps travelers convert measurements, temperatures, distances, and more. It’s particularly helpful in countries where metric vs. imperial confusion might cause problems.
Highlights:
- Currency conversion with real-time updates
- Over 160 units of measurement
- Offline mode available
Great For:
Travelers navigating foreign menus, signs, or sizes—whether converting kilometers to miles or Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Final Tips for Using Money Apps While Traveling
- Download apps before you leave: Some may require verification via SMS or banking information you can’t easily access abroad.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
- Always update exchange rates when connected to Wi-Fi.
- Keep a backup payment method in case of card loss or app error.
Conclusion
Money shouldn’t be a source of stress when you’re exploring the world. With the right apps on your phone, you can convert currencies, track spending, split costs, and stay financially organized no matter where your journey takes you.
From Wise for international transfers to Splitwise for group budgeting, each app on this list is designed to make your travel life smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. So before you hop on your next flight, make sure you’ve got these digital tools in your pocket.
Bon voyage—and budget wisely!
