Hailed by millions: Grab
Source:
https://scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3022566/grab-instagram-5-apps-you-simply-cannot-live-without-when Leisure
From Grab to Instagram: 5 apps you simply cannot live without when travelling in Southeast Asia
Did you know that Instagram is handy for ordering food? Or that Grab is a great substitute when Uber isn’t available? These are five travel apps to download before visiting Southeast Asia, from Malaysia and Singapore to the Philippines
Augmented reality provides useful marketing information via the smartphone to shoppers and visitors.
Recently, I attended a family reunion in the Philippines where my parents, both ethnic Chinese, were born and raised. Before smartphones, visiting the Philippines – despite being one of Asia’s most English-friendly countries – often required the help of locals to get around, arrange meetings and see the sights. At least, that was its reputation.
Having never been there before, but eager to learn about my heritage, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was, but I was also aware of how limited I’d be without some key apps.
These are five essential apps you should download before travelling around Southeast Asia.
Grab
I can’t tell you how convenient it is to get around when you’ve got Grab on your phone. Uber is popular in Hong Kong but it’s not available in countries like Singapore and Malaysia, so you’ll need Grab. I felt completely safe using Grab – whether in the Philippines, Singapore or Thailand – and it’s a real convenience when the queues for taxis seem miles long.
It’s a search engine, too: Instagram
While Instagram doesn’t rate a mention on Google search as a top travel app, I absolutely believe it is a lifesaver. A lot of the older generation – by whom I mean people aged 30 and above who still use Facebook – don’t realise that Instagram is not just a social media app, but a powerful search engine.
Instagram is useful on food expeditions.
Want to find which restaurant serves the best Hainanese chicken in Singapore? Just type “hainanese chicken singapore” in the search tab and you’ll be directed to different locations along with maps and other details. Dive deeper to see the photos associated with each location.
It is also extremely handy when you want to order a certain dish but can’t pronounce its name. Search the hashtag “#” and name of the dish and point out the picture of the food to your waiter.
WhatsApp, Line, Viber, Messenger
Stay in touch via WhatsApp (above), Line, Viber or Messenger.
If you are from the United States, you might still be using iMessage, but in Southeast Asia, it’s one of the least-used apps to communicate with friends. Depending on the country, you’ll want an app like WhatsApp, Line or Vibe to send or receive texts, start group chats, make video calls and so on – as long as you have a decent Wi-fi or a cellular connection.
Klook offers excellent deals.
If I were to describe Klook to a venture capitalist, I’d say it’s Groupon for travellers 2.0.
Klook will give you broad idea of things to do and eat across Southeast Asia (and the many other countries it serves) providing descriptions and reviews as well as discount prices on everything from restaurant meals to tickets for attractions like museums and amusement parks. It offers sim card packages, pocket Wi-fi and train tickets, too.
YouTube
There are many great YouTubers on the road in Southeast Asia who provide unique insights on what to expect while travelling, along with intricate details of their own journey.
I tried to document an episode on my YouTube channel while travelling in the Philippines and I have to say that it’s no easy task – having to film what I’m doing takes away from the actual travel experience. Nonetheless, many others obviously enjoy it, and their insights can make your own trip that much better.