Google Translate
URL: https://support.google.com/
Price: Free
Wave goodbye to the language barrier with Google Translate, or just take some time to familiarise yourself with some key words and phrases before you travel. With this, one of the best and most popular apps of its kind, you can translate speech and handwriting into 80 languages as well as hear what you want to say spoken aloud.
It removes any excuse you may have for not being able to communicate while you're away as, as long as your phone is with you, so is your ability to understand.
Why is this app so good for business travel? Adjusting to a foreign country is difficult enough, so it's important to be prepared before you get there. Even if your language skills aren't quite up to scratch, however, this app is an easy and efficient way to boost your level of understanding.
Skype
URL: http://skype.com/
Price: Free
The last thing you want to go home to is a huge phone bill, and Skype is the best way to avoid this while still keeping in contact with family or colleagues back at the office.
With instant messaging, voice calls and video chat all incorporated into one app, there are various ways in which you can keep in touch or reach someone in an emergency as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, it's all free to use. There's a small charge for mobile/landline calls, but it's still cheaper than using your mobile.
Why is this app so good for business travel? Whether it's for getting in touch with contacts in the area, co-workers or your loved ones back home, Skype is an invaluable communication tool for when business takes you far away from home. It saves money, and widespread Wi-Fi connectivity in many countries makes it super-convenient.
