Getting used to city life abroad can be daunting, especially if you’re new to the culture, language, and people. But we live in a digital age of convenience and have at our fingertips a whole host of resources designed to make things easier.
The Google Play Store hosts upwards of 100 apps for expats aimed at helping you make the most of your time in Düsseldorf, Germany. So which are the most accessible and useful apps for expats?
We’ve chosen 6 must-have apps for expats for you to keep in your digital backpack.
Rheinbahn – Navigator App
Essential for anyone living or traveling in Düsseldorf, the Rheinbahn App is tailor-made to help you navigate the city and is a go-to app for locals and expats alike. If you’re traveling the whole of Germany, you can also check out the country-wide app.
Nifty features include an integrated map of the city, construction delays and traffic reports, a monitor function that uses real-time data to predict punctuality, and, of course, the all-important option to buy ‘HandyTickets’.
An integrated VRR system opens the ticket on your device screen so you can climb on board, scan your device, and sit back and enjoy the ride. If you travel the same route regularly you could even save money with a subscription plan.
Get it on Google Play / App Store
TIP: If you need help cancelling a “bahn ticket” you can make use of aboalarm’s services – they provide you the entire cancellation letter filled out and can even send it to Rheinbahn for you.
There are also newer apps like NextTicket which not only allow you to tap on and off when hopping in public transit but also save you a few cents per ride too!
Check24 – Comparison App
Described as Germany’s ‘best comparison app’, Check24 is a free and useful one-stop-shop for managing all your deals, bookings, contracts, and purchases in one handy place.
You can compare and make savings on insurance, electricity and gas, credit cards, DSL and mobile, car rentals (also check out Free2Move for this), hotels, flights, holiday bookings, electronics, household goods, and professional service providers.
Keep your finances in view, with instant access to account balances. Security is a priority so you’ve got no worries about the app storing your details.
Wise – Money Transfer App
Sticking to the subject of money management, even after you’ve settled in Düsseldorf, you might find that you still need to move money to or from your home country.
While you could use your bank to make these transfers, you’d probably have to pay transfer fees. Your transfer would also be made at an uncompetitive exchange rate, and you’d have all the hassle of arranging it.
If you want to make simple, straightforward currency transfers on the go, check out a modern-day exchange platform like Wise.
Similarly, there are other money transfer websites that you can also consider as well (we compare them all on the blog)!
A Good Quality Language App
Any expat who struggles with the local dialect is sure to be familiar with apps like Google Translate.
The more you listen to the news, stories, and common phrases in German, the more comfortable you’ll become with hearing the language spoken and with speaking the language yourself. Apps like Babbel and Ling App (there’s a free edition too) will help you get exactly where you need to be, even when you’re on the go!
Nextdoor – Social Networking App
Establishing new friend circles and integrating into a new neighborhood can be a struggle. The struggle takes new dimensions when you’re in a new country as well.
Nextdoor is a free, private social networking app that connects you with your neighbors and keeps you abreast of events in your local community.
Whether you want to meet new people, look for local services or even find a trustworthy babysitter, Nextdoor is a great way to connect and stay up-to-date in your local area.
Nebanan is another extremely popular portal to connect with neighbors around your area!
Redy – Transport Sharing App
Beyond the bus and train options of Rheinbahn, the Redy app offers even more ways to explore Düsseldorf. Use the app to find a local car, scooter, bike-sharing provider, or vehicle rentals and taxi services. You can also find the fastest mode of transport to any destination which includes the public transport opportunities nearest you.
The scope of Redy is what makes the app so useful. Instead of using multiple apps to compare transport options in your area you can check them all in one place and get the best possible deal in the process.
NINA – National and Local Alerts App
Provided by the Federal Office of Civil Protection, NINA is an emergency information app designed to keep you abreast of urgent local and national news, covering both Düsseldorf and Germany generally.
While national emergencies are happily a rare occurrence, it pays to keep this app handy, if only for peace of mind.
Perhaps most useful is the weather warning feature which can alert you before the event of any disruptive or dangerous weather. This includes flood information and includes tips on how to protect yourself from possible dangers.
Other Apps to Consider:
Once you have these essentials, why not take a look at other apps available? Groupon and Lieferando will get you the best deals in the city for food and drink. ImmobilienScout24 will help you find your first apartment. Meetup.com will introduce you to new friends. Ebay Kleinanzeigen will help you furnish your new apartment in second-hand style. Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus have you covered for train and bus times, and FreeNow or UBER will help you grab a taxi to get around the city.
With such a wealth of support available, there’s really no longer a reason to feel adrift in Düsseldorf, Germany.
