How to Go Hi-Tech When Visiting South America

South America is a vibrant and diverse continent that has much to offer visitors, including breathtaking scenery, rich history, and diverse cultures. With the advent of technology, it is now easier than ever to make the most of your trip to South America. Here are some tips on how to use hi-tech when visiting South America.

Navigation and Transportation

GPS navigation systems and ride-hailing apps have revolutionized the way people navigate and travel within South America's cities and towns. These apps have made it easy for people to get around without needing to know the local language or having to hail a taxi on the street. GPS navigation systems such as Google Maps, Waze, and Here Maps provide real-time directions and traffic updates to help people get to their destination quickly and efficiently.

Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Cabify have also gained immense popularity in South America, providing a safe, convenient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis. These apps allow passengers to book rides through their smartphones and track their driver's location in real-time. They also offer transparent pricing, eliminating the need for haggling with taxi drivers over fares.

In addition to GPS navigation and ride-hailing apps, travel apps like Skyscanner and Hopper have made it easy for people to book flights and check flight schedules. These apps provide a wealth of information on flight prices, schedules, and routes, helping travelers to make informed decisions about their travel plans. They also offer tips on how to save money on flights and transportation, such as by booking in advance or using reward programs.

Overall, these apps have made traveling in South America more accessible and convenient than ever before. Whether it's getting around a new city or booking a flight to a new destination, travelers can now rely on technology to make their journey easier and more enjoyable.

Language Translation

Learning a new language can indeed be a challenge, but fortunately, there are numerous tools and resources available that can help learners overcome common obstacles. One such tool is the language translation app, Google Translate. With this app, users can easily communicate with locals in their destination country even if they don't speak the local language. Simply type in what you want to say in your language, and the app will translate it into the desired language. However, it's important to keep in mind that relying solely on translation apps can hinder language learning progress, as they don't always provide accurate translations and can lead to misunderstandings.

To truly master a new language, language learners need to be able to practice speaking and listening skills. One common challenge for beginner language learners is the fear of speaking, as noted in a blog post by Cambridge ELT. It's important to practice speaking with native speakers or other language learners, even if it's uncomfortable at first. In addition, language learning apps like Mondly provide immersive and interactive language learning experiences that help learners build speaking and listening skills.

Another challenge that language learners face is the vast amount of vocabulary and grammar rules that they need to memorize. Flashcard apps like Memrise [3] can help learners memorize new vocabulary and reinforce grammar rules through repetition.

Finally, for those who are struggling with understanding texts or conversations in the target language, browser extensions like Toucan offer translations in various languages. This can help learners improve their reading comprehension and expand their vocabulary.

In conclusion, while language translation apps like Google Translate can be helpful for communicating with locals in a foreign country, they should not be relied upon solely for language learning. Language learners need to practice speaking and listening skills, memorize vocabulary and grammar rules, and expand their reading comprehension. Fortunately, there are many language learning tools and resources available to help learners overcome these challenges.

Currency Conversion

South America is comprised of multiple countries with different currencies, making it important to have a currency conversion app on hand. Apps like XE Currency or Currency Converter can quickly and easily convert currencies so you know how much money you are spending.

Safety and Security

Stay safe while traveling by downloading a safety app like bSafe or Circle of 6. These apps allow you to share your location with friends and family and even send out emergency alerts if needed.

Tourist Information

Make the most of your time in South America by downloading tourist information apps like TripAdvisor or Lonely Planet. These apps provide recommendations on the best things to see and do, as well as tips on where to eat, sleep, and shop.

In conclusion, using hi-tech when visiting South America makes your trip easier, safer, and more enjoyable. So be sure to take advantage of these tools to make the most of your time on this beautiful continent.

Jerry Nelson is an American writer living the expat life in Buenos Aires. Some of the adventures Jerry has enjoyed, he jumped into the ocean from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Aden, cut off a goat's balls as part of a mating ritual in Indonesia, raced a NASCAR around the oval in Charlotte, created a small coin purse out of live Tarantulas in Australia's outback, spent six-weeks with the Sinaloa cartel along the U.S./Mexican border and sailed a 16th century schooner through the sound and into the open ocean.

Never far from his coffee and Marlboros, Jerry is always glad to discuss future working opportunities. Email him at [email protected] and join the quarter-million who follow him on Twitter.