Of all the things to worry about when moving to America, making sure you have the right apps on your iPhone or Android for when you arrive in New York doesn't seem that important but turns out it's possibly the best thing you could do to save yourself!
Apps, apps, apps. There are millions of them available and choosing the best ones can make or break your day, so which are the most important? I couldn't decide between a few of these, and they fit into the same category so here are my top 7(ish) apps that you need to have for your first day to make life a lot easier.
#6 Sport & Entertainment
Sure, it's not that important, but after the stress of moving, maybe you need to see a show or some sport! Full list here.
- Tunity – At a bar and can't hear the TV? This will play the audio from any TV on your phone!
- StubHub – Tickets to all the shows, this is how you get to sports and singers alike
- TodayTix – For Broadway shows it's one of the easiest
#5 Shopping
You're probably going to need some things when you move in, so save yourself the time:
- Amazon – This one is easy, but it's worthwhile. It works amazingly, it's cheaper than most stores. My ONE recommendation though: Don't use the app (download it, but don't use it), instead go to https://smile.amazon.com/. It's the exact same prices, except your purchases raise money for a selected charity (if you don't know any charities, pick mine, Variety – the Children's Charity of New York!)
#4 Dining, Food & Drink
You're going to need to eat as soon as you arrive, there's a full list here, but my pick of the litter is:
- Seamless/GrubHub – The NYC food delivery service
- Open Table – One of the leaders for booking dine-in dinners
#3 Money
When you've come along to Dinner with New Friends and made some friends, you'll need to split the check:
- Venmo – We don't normally send money to each other's banks, we “Venmo you”. A quick and easy way to send cash!
#2 Transport
Getting around can be hectic, but once you've worked out how to use these, you'll be a pro! More here.
- CityMapper – Probably the most comprehensive getting around app for NYC
- Transit – A quick reference for all the times of upcoming trains nearby (and anywhere else)
- Bellhop – Can't be bothered with public transport and want a car? This will compare Uber, Lyft, Juno, and a cab's prices for you!
- Google Maps – I feel like a copout but you'll need it. A lot.
- Curb/Arro – Never have to worry about paying in a cab again. This turns your cab into an Uber (oh yeah you probably need Uber, Lyft, Via, and Juno too).
#1 Weather
The weather in New York will change on a dime (which is a 10c coin for all you new folk), you need this:
- First thing to note is that the default Apple Weather App is as accurate as me asking each morning “Alexa, tell me a random number please!”. Stop it.
- AccuWeather – It doesn't have the funniest quips about today's weather but it's the most accurate and includes the “RealFeel”. Listen to the Real Feel, it really feels that, the wind will bite your core.
ParkYou!
Launched in November 2018, ParkYou! enables city drivers to instantaneously find street parking. You sign up and you tell the community when you're looking or leaving a parking space. You'll never miss out on a spot with this one!
Waze
An alternative to Google and Apple Maps for driving, it offers much more real-time news in order to get you around the ridiculous amount of traffic in the city. The only thing better than this app for getting around is… walking.
