iPhone tips you need to know before you head abroad
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Exploring the world is an incredible experience, but let's be honest, international travel can sometimes be a bit of a headache. From navigating new cities to communicating in different languages, there are plenty of potential hiccups along the way.
But don't worry, your iPhone has got your back. Whether you're getting lost in the winding streets of Rome or trying to order food in Tokyo, your iPhone is a trusty travel companion that can help you navigate unfamiliar territories, bridge language barriers and make the most of your global adventures. Here are five ways your iPhone can make travel better and turn those potential frustrations into a breeze.
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International travel destination on iPhone screen (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
1) Notes app
The Notes app is a native app that comes with most iPhones. It can be helpful for everything from making grocery lists to a travel packing list. The best part of this app is that it is already on your iPhone; you can make these lists "checkable," and you can share them with others. Follow these steps:
- Unlock your iPhone and tap on the Notes app.
- In the lower right corner, tap the note and pen icon.
Steps to use the Notes app to create and use a checklist (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
- Tap the capital and lowercase "A" icons to choose the font or style of your text, then tap the X in the right-hand corner.
- Next, tap the checklist icon to create the bubble.
- Type each item on your list and hit return after each to create a new bubble.
- Tap Done in the top right corner if you are done writing your list.
Steps to use the Notes app to create and use a checklist (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
- Then, while you are packing, tap the bubble to check it off
- A window may pop up asking, "Enable Automatic Sorting? Would you like checked items to automatically move to the bottom of your lists? You can change this later in Notes Settings." Click either Enable Sorting or Not Now.
Steps to use the Notes app to create and use a checklist (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
Here's how to protect your Apple iPhone notes while on the road.
2) Translate app
Another native app on an iPhone is the Translate app. This app will not only help you communicate with others in languages other than your native tongue. Follow these steps:
- Unlock your iPhone and tap on the Translate app.
- You can select the languages you desire at the top if they aren’t already set to the languages you desire. Your language should come first and the desired translated language second. Use the drop-down menu to select a language otherwise.
- Tap directly where it says Enter text, then hit Go or tap the microphone icon to speak the words you want to be translated and it will populate automatically.
Steps to use the Translate app (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
- You can see the result in the written word and hit the play icon if you want to hear the translated word.
Steps to use the Translate app (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
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In a recent iOS update, Apple introduced a nifty feature that allows you to translate languages instantly, without even opening the Translate app. This feature utilizes the "Dynamic Island," a pill-shaped area at the top of the iPhone screen that can change size and shape to accommodate various types of alerts, notifications and interactions, turning it into a kind of front-and-center information hub. The Dynamic Island feature is available on the iPhone 15 models, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. To learn more, check out our article on how to turn your iPhone into an instant foreign language translator.
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3) Text scanner
With iOS 15 or later, you can use your iPhone’s built-in camera to scan any text. This is especially great for translating text written in a foreign language. You can choose to copy, select, look up, translate or share any text you scan. Follow these steps:
- Unlock your iPhone and tap on the Camera app
- Put the object or text within view
- Give it a moment, but a yellow frame should appear, allowing you to detect the text.
- Options should populate above the yellow frame, tap the arrow to get to more options.
Steps to use the text scanner (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
- Tap Translate, and it will open the translate function in another window.
- It automatically detects the language it is originally in and offers a translation into another language, which you can change using the drop-down menu.
Steps to use the text scanner (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
4) Sharing your location for international travel with iPhone
When traveling abroad, being able to share your location with friends and family back home can provide peace of mind and make it easier to coordinate meetups or share your whereabouts. The iPhone offers a convenient way to do this through the built-in Location Sharing feature. Follow these steps:
Using Apple ID for Location Sharing
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Tap on your name at the top of the Settings menu.
- Tape Find My
- Tap on the Share My Location toggle to turn it on.
Steps to share your location for international travel with iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
- After enabling location sharing, you can select contacts with whom you want to share your location. You can do this by going into the Find My app.
- Selecting People
- Next, tap on the + sign
- Then select Share My Location
- Select the contact or contacts with whom you want to share your location
- Then tap Send
- You can also set a duration for how long you want to share your location with each contact.
- Then tap OK
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Steps to share your location for international travel with iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
By sharing your location while traveling internationally, your loved ones can easily keep track of your whereabouts, ensuring your safety and making it easier to coordinate meetups or activities during your trip. This feature can be particularly useful when exploring unfamiliar areas or if you get separated from your travel companions.
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5) Emergency services
It is a worst-case scenario to find yourself in a dangerous or life-threatening situation while traveling internationally. Time is of the absolute essence, so if you don’t have time to call or explain your condition, have a quick and easy way to alert your trusted contacts and let them know where you are and how they can help you.
Fortunately, there is a shortcut called the "In Case of Emergency" shortcut. This shortcut can send a message to your emergency contacts with your location and display a message on your screen with any relevant information. To learn a step-by-step guide to set it up, read our Emergency iPhone shortcut article, which could save your life.
In Case of Emergency shortcut on iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Your iPhone isn’t just for selfies and socials; it’s your trusty sidekick as you embark on your next international trip. Whether it’s keeping your travel must-haves in line with the Notes app or chatting up locals with the Translate app, your iPhone’s got your back. You already have your iPhone on you at all times, even when you’re going about your daily life. Why not use its features to make your travel adventures more organized, easier and safer?
Are there any travel challenges you’ve faced that you wish your iPhone could solve? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
