Top 20 apps for au pairs

Being an au pair is a life-changing adventure that combines travel, cultural exchange and personal growth. With all that it involves – navigating a new country, a new language, making new friends and even managing your finances in another banking system – it can sometimes be challenging.   
Thankfully, nowadays there's an app for almost everything. Here’s a list of  useful apps for au pairs, to help make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. 

Language Learning 

Babbel 

Learning the local language is crucial for communication and integration. Babbel offers interactive and engaging lessons tailored to your level, helping you learn everyday vocabulary and phrases quickly. 

Translators (Reverso/DeepL) 

While learning a language, having a reliable translator on hand is essential. Reverso and DeepL are excellent tools for translating phrases and understanding context, ensuring you can always make yourself understood. 

Navigation and Travel 

Google Maps 

As you might already know, Google Maps is a real lifesaver for navigating unfamiliar cities. It offers detailed directions, real-time traffic updates and information on public transportation, making it easier to find your way around. 

Flixbus 

For affordable travel across Europe, Flixbus is a fantastic option. The app allows you to book tickets, check schedules and find the best routes for your trips. 

Omio 

Omio simplifies travel planning by comparing various modes of transport, including trains, buses and flights. It’s perfect for finding the fastest or cheapest way to reach your destination and the best deals. 

Trainline 

If you prefer to travel by train, Trainline is the go-to app, which provides comprehensive information on train schedules, ticket prices and route options across Europe. 

BlaBlaCar 

For a more social and economical travel option, consider BlaBlaCar. This carpooling app connects you with drivers heading to your same destination, offering a cost-effective and simple way to travel. 

DB Navigator (Germany) 

If you're in Germany, the DB Navigator app is indispensable. It covers the entire German rail network, providing schedules, ticket booking and real-time updates on train, tram and bus services. 

Skyscanner/Google Flights 

For international travel, Skyscanner and Google Flights are both excellent. These platforms can help you find the best flight deals, compare prices and track fare changes, ensuring you get the best value for your money. 

Accommodation 

Booking.com 

When traveling, Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels to guesthouses. It’s user-friendly and often features great deals and discounts. 

Airbnb 

Airbnb is ideal for finding unique and affordable accommodation options. Whether you’re looking for a private room or an entire home, this app has plenty of choices to suit your needs.

Hostelworld 

If you’re a young person, want to socialise and perhaps are on a tight budget, Hostelworld is the perfect app. It specialises in hostels, offering reviews, ratings and a variety of low-cost accommodation options. 

Meet New Friends 

Bumble 

Bumble isn’t only an app for dating, iIt also has a BFF mode to help you make new friends. This is a really great way to meet locals and other expats who share your interests. 

Facebook 

Facebook is a valuable tool for finding local events, expat groups and community activities. Joining groups for au pairs or expats in your area can help you connect with others and share your experiences. 

Meetup 

Meetup helps you find and join local groups that match your interests, from language exchange clubs to hiking groups. It’s an excellent way to socialise and meet people with similar hobbies. 

Online Banking 

N26 

N26 is a mobile bank that makes managing your finances abroad very simple. It offers features like real-time transaction updates, fee-free currency exchange and budgeting tools. 

Revolut 

Revolut is another excellent option for au pairs, offering multi-currency accounts, low-fee currency exchange and convenient money transfers, all managed through an intuitive app. 

Hype (for Italy) 

Hype is an innovative banking app that offers a range of features including instant payments, budget tracking and easy transfers, making it simple to handle your finances on the go. 

Wise  

Wise is perfect for international money transfers. It offers low fees and uses the real exchange rate, ensuring you get the most out of your money when sending funds home or making purchases in different currencies. 

So, we hope these apps can you help you on your way. And we wish you the very best for your au pair adventure!

About the author: 

Silvia, 22, is originally from Italy but has been living abroad since going to the UK as an exchange student at the age of 16. After that she became an au pair in Germany for two years and now has become part of the AuPairWorld team, where she works as a Social Media Marketing Trainee. As a committed traveller, Silvia is happy to support travellers, young expats and people who would like to move abroad, with her travel-oriented Instagram account.