Travel can be frustrating for your mobile employees if they do not have the right resources. In this month's newsletter, our guest author, Cathy Heyne, GMS, Managing Director, Marketing & Business Development for Living Abroad LLC, shares a list of great technology tools that can make travel easier for mobile employees.

Uber

Uber is an app that lets you find a car or taxi with the click of a button. Once your account information is saved in the system, you simply say that you are looking for a car, and Uber will use your smartphone’s built in GPS system so that the car can easily locate you. Another feature of the app is that you can watch - in real time - where your cab actually is, and how far it is from your destination. All of your driver’s information and arrival time will be texted to you, and you can easily get in contact with the driver if necessary. Also - no cash is exchanged and tipping is automatically included; the entire transaction is done via your Uber account.

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/uber/id368677368
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab

SitOrSquat

SitOrsquat is an app cleverly designed by Charmin - with the express purpose of helping you find clean public restrooms throughout the world. The app has a built in rating feature, a visual map, and is regularly updated with live feedback from people all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a bathroom in the United States or Hungary - SitOrSquat likely has it. SitOrSquat is a great app to use when going on road trips, or even just going locally around a location you aren’t yet familiar with.

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sitorsquat-restroom-finder/id511855507
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.charmin.sitorsquat

Living Abroad’s BT App - Go4Biz

Living Abroad’s Go4Biz is the first of its kind - a one-stop resource for business travelers that need instant access to country information in 170+ countries. Go4Biz is designed to give you information on transportation, culture, and business etiquette in your current destination. Unlike ordinary travel apps, Go4Biz gives you the information you might only get as a local. And that ensures that whether you’re abroad for business or as an expat, your mission is successful.

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/go4biz-lite/id708988162?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.livingabroad.g4bl

Packing Pro

Packing Pro is an easy way to keep all your packing details organized, particularly if you have a family. Packing Pro helps you organize your trip, and plan your essentials such as clothing and accessories. It then organizes your packing based on the trip, or a date. For example, you can use the app to plan multiple arrangements and trips - a Disneyland trip, an expat assignment, or just a weekend getaway - all in one place. Packing Pro has won several awards, and has been featured in National Geographic, BBC, CNN, the Wall Street Journal and other publications.

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/packing-pro/id312266675

Smart Traveler

The US Department of State “Smart Traveler” App gives you access to the latest up-to-date immigration and travel information provided by the US Government. The app also provides you with frequent updates to official country information, travel advisories and alerts, maps, US Embassy locations, and much more. For more information on individual countries, check out the US Dept. of State website here: http://www.state.gov/

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-traveler/id442693988
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.state.apps.smarttraveler

IRS2Go

Over 5.5 million people have downloaded the free IRS2Go phone app, which is available in both English and Spanish for Apple and Android devices. The totally redesigned IRS2Go 4.0 provides features to help taxpayers check on the status of their tax refunds, obtain tax records, find free tax preparation providers and stay connected with the IRS through social media channels such as YouTube and Twitter.

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/irs2go/id414113282?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.irs

If you have any questions regarding Living Abroad’s Go4Biz app, please contact Cathy at cathy.heyne@livingabroad.com or +1.203.286.1338. We can be reached at support4MyGTN@gtn.com for questions regarding the GTN Travel & Workday Calendar.

The information provided is for general guidance only, and should not be utilized in lieu of obtaining professional advice.

Author: Cathy Heyne, Managing Director, Marketing & Business Development, Living Abroad LLC