Smartphones are called smartphones for a reason. Just because you might not have service abroad (or don’t want to rack up your phone bill), doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider bringing your phone along anyway. They’re good for emergencies, taking pictures, and can provide lots of handy information, especially with these 10 apps:

1. Couchsurfing

The Couchsurfing app is a great tool to use for finding free accommodation. Couchsurfing allows people to open up their homes to travelers for free. Some people provide a space on the floor, a couch, a bed, or maybe even a whole room. You can work out the logistics with your host once you sign up and get in contact with them. If your host is generous and has time, they might even show you around and be able to be a bit of a tour guide during your stay.

The Couchsurfing platform also allows you to meet other travelers and locals. Some areas, like Reykjavík, Iceland, have regular couchsurfing meet-ups scheduled, and others have spontaneous ones.

2. Hostelworld

Hostelworld lets you browse hostels (and some hotels) all around the world. You can read reviews, find hostels with availability, and book your accommodation through them.

3. Airbnb

Airbnb, like Couchsurfing and Hostelworld, is another accommodation service. Similar to Couchsurfing, Airbnb lets people open up their homes to travelers, except there’s a cost with Airbnb. However, don’t let that steer you away. “Airbnb-ing” can be very economical depending on what your plans are.

4. XE Currency

XE Currency is an app that tracks exchange rates. You type in the exact amount of one currency and have it be converted into up to ten other currencies at a time. The app requires an internet connection for the most current exchange rates, however it also functions offline by using the last saved conversion rate, which makes shopping in a foreign country a heck of a lot easier.

5. WhatsApp

WhatsApp lets you communicate with people internationally for free. All you need is data or a wifi connection. You can text, call, and video call anyone who is in your contacts list and has the app as well.

6. Google Maps

Google Maps can be a lifesaver. Although it works best with an internet connection, it’s still great offline as well. You can use it to orient yourself when you don’t have data. If you need to search for something and you don’t have data, find a local restaurant (Starbucks and McDonland’s are your best bets) and mooch off of their wifi, then you can search for specific things and find directions to it (via foot, bike, train, or car). Google Maps is, in my experience, more often than not, very accurate, but always use common sense. If you end up going through or to a place that makes you feel uncomfortable, seems dodgy, or simply isn’t accessible (i.e. don’t drive into a river) find another way. Google maps usually gives several ways you can go about to get to your destination.

7. Google Translate

Don’t speak the language of the country you’re in? Google Translate is great for translating words here and there. This can be helpful when trying to figure out menus, signs, and maps.

8. Local public transport app

If you’re traveling by public transport, see if there’s an app for it. For example, there’s the Deutsche Bahn app for those in Germany where you can see timetables, plan a trip, and even buy tickets through the app. Some other popular ones are SBB/CFF/FFS for Switzerland, SNCF for France and Trenitalia for Italy.

9. Banking app

Keep tabs on your bank account via your bank’s mobile banking features. Most major banks and credit unions have their own app (like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.) and some smaller ones (likes TruWest) have one too. This is much easier than logging into your account through a web browser and the app can send you notifications when there’s suspicious activity happening with your account, when your account is getting low, and a number of other things. Of course, don’t have the app remember you login information just in case your phone gets stolen.

10. Yelp

Not sure what places have a good reputation? Yelp can help with that. Type in the name of the place you’re thinking about going to a see what other people thought of it, or use Yelp to find places that suit what you’re looking for.

There are thousands of apps out there. Browse your phone’s app store for apps related to these suggestions to find others that make your travels less stressful!