Essential Phone Apps to Download Before Your Trip to Paris
Planning a trip to Paris is exciting, but it can also be daunting if you don’t know where to begin. Here’s a list of essential phone apps that will help you navigate the capital with ease. Be sure to download these free applications before you hop on the plane so that you can make the most of your stay from the minute you land in the city. You can find all of these apps for free in the App Store or on Google Play according to your device.
Need international data to enjoy access to these phone apps? Get easy access to data in France and throughout Europe while avoiding roaming charges with the all-inclusive Orange Holiday SIM card.
Citymapper
You’ll notice right away that this navigation map is a step above all the rest. You can compare different modes of transport (bike, bus, metro, taxi, rideshare, scooters) in terms of cost and trip time in order to make a choice that works best for you. Citymapper is user-friendly with clear directions no matter what mode of transportation you choose.
This app is especially ideal if you’re in a hurry on the metro. Not only does it tell you which exit to take, but it also suggests which car to get in, making transfers and exiting the metro station even smoother. Additionally, Citymapper takes into account when there are problems on certain lines and offers alternate routes.
When walking or biking, Citymapper converts your estimated calories burned into French foods and drinks—an excellent way to keep track of all those croissants you’re eating!
Bonjour RATP
The official metro, bus, and RER train map of Paris and the Île-de-France region, you’ll definitely need the RATP app if you are planning on using public transportation. Since paper transportation tickets are being phased out, you’ll likely be buying a plastic Navigo Easy pass from a kiosk. Once you have this pass, you can quickly add more tickets to it directly through the application.
One of the best features of the RATP app is the ability to see which Paris transportation lines are suspended and/or experiencing delays. Checking updates in this app will allow you to plan ahead and find an alternate route when service is interrupted by demonstrations in the city, accidents on the line, or modifications due to construction work.
WordReference Dictionary
If you anticipate the French language being a barrier for you on your trip to Paris, you’ll appreciate the WordReference Dictionary app. In this trusty online dictionary, you can look up words and phrases as well as hear their pronunciation in French.
As opposed to translation software, a dictionary gives you greater control over the accuracy of the vocabulary you are looking up. This is a great resource for when you need to search for key words when out and about. Check menu items, read signs and directions, and learn some essential words for greetings and pleasantries.
France 24
France 24 is a Paris-based television news network. Access articles, live feeds, and international news from the France 24 app which is available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic. As much as we like to unplug while on vacation, it’s very important to stay on top of the latest news now more than ever. Keep up with world news, important events, and ever-changing regulations from the convenience of your phone.
FlashInvaders
This phone app might not be “essential” for your stay in Paris, but it sure is fun!
Invader is an anonymous street artist who has invaded cities around the world with mosaic creatures formed from ceramic tiles. When you spot one of these pixelized Space Invaders, you can use the FlashInvader app to take a picture. You earn points with every Space Invader you find, and you can see your score in comparison to other players around the world.
Invader started this project in Paris and is continuously deploying more pieces, so this is where you will find the highest concentration of Space Invaders. This is an entertaining way to explore the city and remind yourself to look up at the beautiful architecture as you walk around. This game is not just for kids—I guarantee you will become addicted to it!
Accessing Data in Paris
All of these phone applications require access to the Internet in order to fully make use of their functions. While Paris is a modern city, free and reliable wi-fi is hard to come by. As a tourist, you’ll quickly rack up exorbitant roaming charges if you stick with your regular mobile service provider.
With the Orange Holiday SIM card, you’ll be ready to go immediately upon arrival in Paris when you order your pre-activated card in advance. It automatically connects your device to the best local network available. Enjoy a worry-free trip to Europe with a reliable data connection from the #1 mobile network in France.
