Must have apps for a trip in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, boasting a mix of diverse cultures, stunning natural landscapes, and bustling cities. To make your trip more convenient and seamless, it is essential to have some useful apps on your phone. Here is a list of “must-have” apps when traveling to Malaysia, helping you navigate, explore, and enjoy every moment of your trip.

Why Is It Essential To Use These Apps ?

Using travel apps is essential because they save time, help you find reliable information, and make smart choices for your trip. Sometimes they offer discounts on bookings, help manage schedules efficiently, and overcome language barriers with translation tools. Additionally, these apps enhance your experience by suggesting attractions, local cuisines, and unique activities, making your journey more enjoyable and memorable.

Moving Apps

Google Maps

Indispensable for any trip, Google Maps is a reliable companion that helps you find your way quickly, especially when you are exploring big cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang. Besides directions, Google Maps also provides information about tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels, and other necessary services.

Google Maps is a reliable companion that helps you find your way quickly. Source: FPT Shop

Grab

When travelling in Malaysia, Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app, similar to Uber, allowing you to book a motorbike taxi, taxi or private car. In addition to ride-hailing, Grab also provides other services such as food delivery, mobile payments and delivery, which are very convenient for tourists.

Riding with Grab saves you time and avoids the risks of traveling on crowded public transport. This is an ideal choice for family trips or when you need to travel to far-away attractions.

When travelling in Malaysia, Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app. Source: Doanh nhan

Language and Communication Apps

Google Translate

Although English is widely spoken in Malaysia, you may still have trouble communicating with locals at times. This app will allow you to translate texts, voice, and image  easily. Thanks to Google Translate, you can easily communicate with local people if you do not know the native language.

Thanks to Google Translate, you can easily communicate with local people. Source: Hoang Ha Mobile

Payment and Banking Apps

XE Currency

Malaysia uses the Ringgit (MYR), so a currency conversion app like XE Currency comes in handy. It helps you get quick exchange rates, saves rates for offline use, and offers built-in calculators to help you manage your spending more easily.

 XE Currency helps you get quick exchange rates, saves rates. Source: CompareRemit

Touch 'n Go eWallet

This digital wallet is widely accepted across Malaysia. Use it to pay for public transport, tolls, and purchases at stores, restaurants, and attractions. It’s a safer and more convenient alternative to carrying cash. TnG (Touch ‘n Go) e-wallet simplifies transactions with just a tap of your smartphone using a secure QR code, allowing you to go cashless and not dealing with exchange rates and ATMs anymore. Most street food vendors have started accepting QR code payments already, making it incredibly convenient for visitors to enjoy local meals at local prices without the need for cash on hand.

Touch 'n Go eWallet is widely accepted across Malaysia. Source: Risemalaysia

Food and Culture Discovery Apps

Foodpanda

Foodpanda is, without a question, one of the most popular food delivery apps in the country. The platform connects users with a vast array of restaurants and eateries, offering a diverse selection of cuisines to suit every palate.

With Foodpanda, you can browse through hundreds of restaurants in your area, explore menus, and place orders with just a few taps on your smartphone. As everywhere else, you can read detailed information about each restaurant, including customer reviews, ratings, and delivery times. Make sure that deliveries can be disrupted when it rains. Good thing about Foodpanda is that it also offers cash-on-delivery as well.

Foodpanda is one of the most popular food delivery apps in the country. Source: Doanh Nhan

Booking apps

AirAsia Super App

The AirAsia Super App is a one-stop platform for all your travel needs. In addition to booking cheap flights, you can also book hotels, rent cars or buy tickets to attractions directly on the app. A standout feature is the ability to accumulate reward points for every transaction, helping you save more on future trips.

The AirAsia Super App is a one-stop platform for all your travel needs. Source: Airasia newsroom

Traveloka

Traveloka is the top travel application in Southeast Asia, helping users easily search and book airline tickets, hotel rooms, sightseeing tickets, etc. In addition, the application provides users with many options in terms of types, prices and locations, helping users easily find accommodation, transportation and travel services that suit their needs and budget.

Traveloka is the top travel application in Southeast Asia. Source: Traveloka 

Klook

Klook is an app for booking tickets to attractions, tours, and activities. You can find great deals on Klook, from theme park tickets to day tours. Booking through the app also saves you time and avoids queues.

Klook is an app for booking tickets to attractions, tours, and activities. Source: Techsignin.com

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TripAdvisor

Considered as a useful electronic travel guide for travelers, TripAdvisor is famous for its huge database of travel information including very practical features from flight search to travel information discussion. In addition, you can find many tips, reviews sent by millions of travelers from all over the world for reference. It offers ranked lists of attractions, restaurants, and hotels based on real reviews. You can also read articles, photos, and travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip.

TripAdvisor is famous for its huge database of travel information. Source: Graphic Design Forum

Note when installing these applications

When installing and using travel apps, especially when traveling abroad like Malaysia, there are some important things you need to keep in mind to ensure your safety and convenience during your trip. Here are some tips when installing Malaysia travel apps:

• Download only from official sources: Download apps from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) to avoid malware.
• Make sure your app is always up to date to get new features and better security.
• Only grant necessary permissions, like location to Google Maps or Grab, to protect your personal information.
• Save your confirmation code and booking details in an easy-to-find place, like a notes app or email.
• Manage mobile data: Check your mobile plan or buy a local SIM to avoid extra charges.

Note when installing these applications. Source: AARP

Conclusion

With these must-have apps, your trip to Malaysia will be smoother and more enjoyable. Be sure to download them before your journey and keep a power bank handy to ensure your devices stay charged throughout the day. Happy travels !

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