Messaging Apps Around the World

Messaging Apps Around the World

Something happening more and more around the world is that the traditional Text message is starting to go away. With wifi and cellular data becoming more ubiquities and cheaper than text messaging, people are turning to messaging apps. Not everywhere you go will use the same messaging app, so it is important to know what app the locals are using and how to use it properly.

Do you want to keep in touch with that cute local girl or the cool bartender? Yes, you could have gotten their email address or Facebook, but honestly, people don’t check their personal email that often and Facebook is giving away a lot of information to an individual who is a stranger. So knowing what messaging app the locals use can be beneficial and almost a guarantee that they will share contact information with you.

Kakao – This app was made specifically for the South Korean market. They also have a host of companion apps like Kakao Taxi (the South Korean version of Uber) and Kakao Story. You can do almost anything you want from within the app itself, from sending and recording voice notes, making voice and video calls, and even sending your geolocation all without ever leaving to access another app. They have special Kakao characters for emojis, and will see them all over Korea.

Facebook Messenger – I know I said giving away Facebook is a lot of information, but this is also the widest spread of social media in the world. This app is mainly used within North America and a few other countries here and there.

Whatsapp – This is the second most used messaging app worldwide behind Facebook Messenger. It has a firm hold in South America, Africa, and Russia.

WeChat – You won’t find many people using this app outside of China, but you also won’t find many Chinese using anything else.

Line – This is a great app to have if you plan on traveling to Japan and most of South East Asia. In fact, many Japanese might even look at you funny if you try and get their phone number. This app has a nifty function where you can add a line robot to a group chat, and it will auto-translate anything you send into another language. So if you want to chat up that Japanese cutie, now you will have a way. The translation is not perfect, but it's a start and will help you out.

Viber – This app is most popular in a few Eastern European Countries and doesn’t have any unique features.

Kik – This is one of the few messaging apps that cannot make voice calls, but hey, these are primarily messaging apps anyways.

Tango – This app has all of the same basic features of most of the others on this list, but it also has games that you can play as well.

Nimbuzz – This app is huge in India. This messaging app also can communicate with other apps like Facebook and google +.

Hike – This is also another app that is big in India and also offers some of the same features as Nimbuzz

Not every messaging app is created equal; they each have their unique features and user base. I would suggest installing the app before you go to your travel destination. This will make keeping in touch with your new local friends much easier and won’t require you to get a sim card. The apps are free and very easy to use. While I mentioned some are used in specific areas, that does not mean they are only used in those places. These apps are all used worldwide and can vary from country to city and even neighborhood on what is popular in that particular area.

What app on this list is your favorite, and did I leave any off?

Cheers!

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