Must-Have Travel Apps and Tools for Visiting Somalia

Somalia might not have as many tourism-specific apps as other places, but don’t worry; there are some great global and local apps that will help you travel around the country smoothly. Here are some must-haves to make your trip easier and more enjoyable:

Google Maps (Free)

Even in remote places, Google Maps is often your best bet for navigation. It offers street maps, satellite images, and it even works offline if you download maps in advance. This is especially useful when you don’t have a mobile data connection while traveling through less developed areas of Somalia.

Maps.me (Free)

This is a great app for offline navigation. You can download full maps of the cities or regions you’re visiting before you arrive, and the app will still work using GPS. It’s handy in Somalia since mobile internet isn’t always reliable, especially in rural areas where Google Maps may not work as well offline.

Google Translate (Free)

Somalia’s official languages are Somali and Arabic, but English is also spoken in some areas, especially in larger cities like Mogadishu. Google Translate helps you bridge any language gaps. It works offline too; just download the Somali and Arabic language packs before your trip.

Careem (Free/Paid)

Careem, which was bought by Uber, is popular in many countries in the Middle East and parts of Africa. In Somalia’s capital city of Mogadishu, Careem might be your go-to for reliable and safe transportation. With it, you can book taxis via the app—just like Uber—and you’ll have the convenience of knowing your fare upfront.

XE Currency (Free)

Somalia uses the Somali Shilling. XE Currency is a great app to keep an eye on exchange rates and to do quick currency conversions on the go. It works offline and can store the latest rates, making it easier to stay on budget and know exactly how much you’re spending.

Skyscanner (Free)

If you’re looking to book flights into or around Somalia, Skyscanner is one of the best tools out there. It helps you find cheap deals by comparing multiple airlines in real-time. Whether you’re flying in from Nairobi or connecting to other cities, Skyscanner simplifies the process.

Booking.com (Free)

There aren’t a ton of big hotel chains across Somalia, but Booking.com is the best tool to find local hotels and guesthouses. Plus, many listings come with reviews from other travelers, so you’ll know exactly what you’re booking. It’s also handy for last-minute bookings or securing a place to stay upon landing.

VPN (Paid/Free Options)

While internet access might be available, it’s always a good idea to use a VPN for secure browsing. Some popular options include NordVPN or ExpressVPN, both of which offer encryption to keep your connection private. Even if the internet isn’t blocked, this adds peace of mind while checking sensitive information like bank accounts.

Whatsapp (Free)

If you need to stay in touch with locals or home while traveling in Somalia, Whatsapp is the easiest way. Local SIM cards usually offer cheap mobile data plans, and Whatsapp works great even with slow connections. It’s also commonly used in Somalia for everything from chatting to sending documents and making voice/video calls.

Revolut or Wise (Free/Paid)

These apps offer easy international money transfers and low-fee currency exchanges. Revolut and Wise both come with multi-currency accounts, which can be handy if you’re managing different currencies on your trip. Wise tends to have better exchange rates while Revolut is more focused on spending and budgeting tools that sync with its mobile app.

Currency (Cash is King)

In Somalia, cash is still widely preferred, especially in markets or smaller family-run businesses. While apps like those mentioned can help you track your budget, make sure to have cash on hand. There isn’t an app for this, but budget travelers should know that larger cities may accept credit cards, while rural areas almost exclusively deal in cash.