Obviously, your phone is an incredibly handy tool, and once you have a cell plan (remember, you have a “cell phone” now, not a “mobile”), you can go ahead and start using some of these very handy apps. Most are available on both Android and iOS and they will make everything in your life a little bit easier. There are options for everything but here's what I've collected so far.
For iOS users: You will first need to change your phone to be in a US region (which requires US banking details – click here for help), however, it's quite easy.
Banking
What's going on with banking? And why do people keep asking to “Venmo” you?
- Your banking app – With the creation of “Zelle” there is now an ability to send money from bank to bank without a third party app. Once you have a bank account, be sure to download the app so you can do this and avoid ACH and Wires.
- Venmo – This is basically how everyone sends each other money whether it be for a drink, meal or a nice hat.
- Square Cash (the “Cash App”) – A new-comer to the market which does basically the same as Venmo but makes it slightly easier to transfer money.
Communication
Talking with everyone of your new friends, and keeping in touch with your friends from home is especially important.
- Skype – Cheap calls back to foreign countries with great quality (and you can call landlines and mobiles)
- WhatsApp – Communicate with the world in one app!
- Signal – The secure non-Facebook owned version of WhatsApp for those of you who demand a little more privacy.
Shopping
- Amazon – Do me a favor and say thank you for this website, please use this link to https://smile.amazon.com and select “Variety – the Children's Charity of New York” – I'm the President of the Charity and we help kids in need! Here's more.
Directions & Transport
- Apple Maps – Yes, it had a rocky start, but the app is now amazing at directions, especially when driving
- Google Maps – The classic and the best. Don't worry about specific apps for the subway or buses, just use Google Maps.
- CityMapper – Probably the most comprehensive getting around app for NYC. Some people really love it over the normal Google Maps.
Transport
- Obi – Can't be bothered with public transport and want a car? This will compare Uber, Lyft, other ride shares, and a cab's prices for you!
- CitiBike – CitiBikes are everywhere in NYC and are a simple way of getting around. More here!
- Uber – Absolutely everywhere in the city and generally one of the most popular ways to get around
- Lyft – Younger sister of Uber but the big up and comer, probably #2.
- Revel – A new breed of blue Teslas popping up all over the country
- Curb – If you want to catch a yellow cab in NYC this will allow you to not only book them in advance, but if you just climb into one, you can put the code in from the TV screen and allow you to pay automatically from your phone!
Renting
- Spare Room – A popular app for finding spare rooms in apartments and buildings
- StreetEasy – The most popular app for once you're looking for an actual apartment to yourself and not just a space
- Zillow – Just like StreetEasy and allows you to browse through thousands of available places to buy or sell
- AirBnB – Just in case you want a weekend away!
Dining, Food & Drink
- The Infatuation – A great and simple app for finding somewhere to eat that's going to be great
- Seamless/GrubHub – Great food delivery service
- UberEats – Similar to Seamless ($15 off first order with eats-joshp367ue)
- PostMates – Similar to UberEats ($100 off with link)
- Caviar – For a slightly fancier delivered meal
- Delivery.com – Similar to PostMates ($7 off with the link)
- Open Table & Resy & Tock – The leaders for booking dine-in dinners
Sports & Shows
- SeatGeek – One of the major new players in seats
- StubHub – Good cheap tickets from other people
- TodayTix – For Broadway shows
- TKTS – Last minute Broadway shows
- Tunity – At a bar, can't hear the TV? This will play the audio from any TV on your phone!
Weather
- Weather – The default weather app you've got is as accurate as anything else, let's be honest
Flights
- Hopper – Monitors flight prices and helps for when to buy
Security & Privacy
- TrueCaller – You are going to receive a LOT of spam calls, this app will help you slow that down
- Do Not Call Register – Federal Trade Commission's (Government) spam filter
