If you’re visiting Eritrea, having the right apps and tools will make your trip a lot smoother. Let’s go over some essential travel apps for navigating, booking, and getting around the country. These suggestions will help save you time and give you everything you need at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking for navigation, translation, or local transport options, this list has you covered.
Apps for Navigation
Google Maps
Let’s start with the most popular navigation app: Google Maps. While Eritrea lacks some detailed mapping, it still provides overall guidance on major roadways and cities. You can get driving or walking directions in Asmara or find nearby restaurants and accommodations. Download maps for offline use before arriving, so you won’t need an internet connection to access them.
Maps.me
Maps.me is a great alternative to Google Maps, especially in locations where Google Maps may not have as much detail. Maps.me offers offline use and detailed street coverage in smaller towns and rural areas. This app is very lightweight, and recent updates have made its maps in Eritrea better. Just download the Eritrea map pack before your trip.
OsmAnd
Another solid offline navigation app is OsmAnd. It’s more detailed than Google Maps in certain regions and can be customized based on your preferences. It provides good coverage of hiking trails and less-visited areas, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The app works offline once you’ve downloaded the maps and gives you turn-by-turn navigation for both walking and driving.
Translation Tools
Google Translate
Google Translate is possibly the easiest option for translating between languages on the go. While Tigrinya, a major language in Eritrea, is not available for full-text translation, you can use it for English-to-Arabic or English-to-Amharic translations since Arabic and Amharic are also spoken widely in Eritrea. This app even has a camera tool that can translate text on signs, menus, or posters instantly.
SayHi
SayHi is another useful translation app that supports voice-to-text translation. It works well for common phrases you may need in Eritrea. While it doesn’t offer Tigrinya yet either, you can use it to assist with Arabic or Italian translations, both of which are also understood in the country. The app is user-friendly, making it a good option if you struggle with language barriers.
Local Transportation Apps
InDrive
If you want to get around cities like Asmara, using InDrive can help. This ridesharing service lets you negotiate fares with drivers before booking the ride. In Eritrea, hailing a taxi can be confusing at first, so having InDrive will make getting around a lot easier. You get clear price agreements, and there are no surprises at the end of the trip.
Moovit
Moovit is a public transportation app that allows you to get timetable information for buses and other transit options. While public transport services in Eritrea may not be as advanced as in other cities, Moovit is still a helpful tool to see possible routes and bus stops in Asmara and other major cities. It includes real-time updates on delays where available, making it very useful if you want to take buses.
Booking Apps
Booking.com
Booking.com is one of the most reliable platforms for booking hotels in Eritrea. Even modest guesthouses are listed here. It offers competitive pricing and allows flexible booking options, perfect for spontaneous travelers. You can browse reviews from other travelers before making your decision, which makes it easy to pick a solid place to stay in Asmara or Massawa.
Airbnb
For those who prefer home rentals or private stays, Airbnb includes some listings in Eritrea. While the selection is relatively small compared to other countries, it can still offer unique lodging experiences. You’ll find a range of rooms and apartments in cities like Asmara, perfect for solo travelers or larger groups looking for affordable places to stay.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a classic flight comparison app. If you plan to fly into Asmara or other nearby destinations, Skyscanner helps you compare prices from different airlines. It offers transparent pricing and lets you filter flights based on layovers, airlines, and costs. You can even set up price alerts to get notifications when fares drop.
HotelTonight
If you prefer last-minute bookings, HotelTonight is ideal. While the selection of hotels in Eritrea may not be as broad, HotelTonight works well if you need to book accommodation in a pinch. It offers deals on same-day or next-day check-ins, which can save you money compared to regular booking methods.
Money and Currency Apps
XE Currency
XE Currency allows you to keep track of exchange rates between currencies. Eritrea’s Nakfa has currency controls, and exchanges can be cumbersome. XE lets you calculate how much you’re paying in local currency quickly. There’s an option to save rates offline, which is convenient if you aren’t connected to the internet.
Revolut
While payment by card is less common in Eritrea, you may still need a good budgeting or payment app for other destinations along your way. Revolut allows you to hold multiple currencies without hidden fees and gives you excellent exchange rates. If you’re traveling regionally beyond Eritrea, Revolut makes managing your money across different borders super simple.
Offline and Connectivity Tools
ExpressVPN
Since internet access in Eritrea can be limited or monitored in some places, using a VPN like ExpressVPN can keep your connection secure. It’s known for high-speed servers, and it works well in many restricted countries. This is especially important if you plan to book hotels or flights over an open WiFi network.
WiFi Map
WiFi Map helps you locate available WiFi hotspots in public areas. Given the sometimes limited mobile data service in Eritrea, having access to free internet can be a real lifesaver. The app provides password details shared by other users, so you can connect to networks in cafes, parks, or airports without needing to ask the staff.
Opera Mini
Opera Mini is a fantastic web browser for countries like Eritrea where internet speeds are slower. It compresses web pages and allows for much faster surfing while using limited data. This can be handy in areas where the internet connection isn’t great, making sure you’re still able to check your emails or social media without having to wait for ages for pages to load.
Safety and Information Apps
SafeTravel
SafeTravel is a great app for receiving alerts about any safety issues while abroad. It gives you real-time updates on travel advisories and has emergency contact information all in one place. Being aware of changes in the security status of areas in Eritrea can help you adapt your plans accordingly and stay safe during your travels.
TripWhistle
TripWhistle is a must-have if you want to have easy access to emergency numbers. In Eritrea, dialing the right number during an emergency can be a bit confusing. TripWhistle lists country-specific numbers for police, medical assistance, and fire department services. It also supports location sharing, making it easier to get help when you need it most.
Conclusion
Traveling through Eritrea can be an adventure, and using the right apps will make the trip much easier. Whether navigating streets, translating languages, or booking a room for the night, these apps equip you with everything you need to explore the country stress-free. Don’t forget to download offline versions where available since connectivity can sometimes be unpredictable in rural areas. Prepare ahead with these apps, and your adventure in Eritrea will be smooth sailing!
Leave a reply