Best Language-Learning Apps for Global Travellers

Travelling the world is more than just sightseeing or escaping your reality for a brief moment. It’s an investment in your connection. It’s about learning the language and understanding customs and traditions. Leaving a new place with something that stays with you, be it a picture or a memory, and knowing even a little bit of the local language makes travel infinitely richer.

And because we live in a digital world, picking up a new language no longer means sitting in a classroom for hours learning ahead of your trip. Now, regardless of what language you’ve spoken all your life, with the right app, you can learn a new language on your phone and, most importantly, at your own pace. 

At Pesa, we believe that travel, like money, should feel free and borderless. Just like you use your Pesa multi-currency wallet to move cash across countries, these language apps help you move confidently through cultures.

Here are some of the best apps for global travellers. 

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1. Duolingo

Duolingo makes language learning fun and bite-sized. It gamifies each lesson with streaks, badges, and colourful visuals,  and all you need is 10 minutes a day.

Spend about 15 minutes daily, and you can pick up conversational basics in 3–6 months, just enough time to order food, ask for directions, and connect with locals.

Best for: Beginners and casual learners
Top languages: Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free (with ads); Premium option available

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Why we love it: You can learn offline, so it’s perfect for long flights or layovers.

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2. Babbel

Babbel focuses on real-world conversation, not just memorising vocabulary. Lessons are short (10–15 minutes) and cover pronunciation, grammar, and cultural tips.

Most learners notice real progress after one to two months of consistent study.

Best for: Travellers who want to sound fluent faster
Top languages: Spanish, German, French, Italian, Swedish
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Paid (starting around $10/month)

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Why we love it: It’s built around everyday scenarios — ordering coffee, asking for help, or introducing yourself on the go.

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3. Memrise

Memrise uses real videos of native speakers, helping you learn pronunciation and natural expressions. You’ll hear authentic accents and everyday phrases, not textbook sentences.

With 15–20 minutes of practice a day, you can build a strong foundation in 4–6 weeks.

Best for: Learning how locals actually speak
Top languages: Spanish, French, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free (limited); Pro from $8.49/month

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Why we love it: It helps you sound authentic and confident — not like a tourist.

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4. Busuu

Busuu combines AI-powered lessons with community feedback. Native speakers can correct your pronunciation or writing in real time. With regular practice, you can hold basic conversations in 2–3 months.

Best for: Getting feedback from native speakers
Top languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free (basic); Premium from $6.99/month‍

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Why we love it: You get to interact with locals online before you even travel there.

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5. Drops

Drops uses quick, visual flashcards and word games to teach you vocabulary fast. Each session lasts just five minutes, and it’s ideal for quick breaks or daily habits.

Two weeks of consistent use can help you master essential travel skills, including greetings, directions, and common phrases.

Best for: Travellers short on time
Top languages: Spanish, Korean, Japanese, French, Mandarin
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free (5-minute daily sessions); Premium from $9.99/month

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Why we love it: It’s visually appealing, fun, and can be used offline, requiring no Wi-Fi.

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6. Pimsleur

Pimsleur teaches through listening and repetition, which is ideal for those who prefer hands-free learning. Lessons last approximately 30 minutes, making them suitable for road trips or long-haul flights.

After a month of consistent listening, you’ll have a solid grasp of conversational basics.

Best for: Audio learners and frequent flyers
Top languages: Spanish, French, Japanese, Italian, Mandarin
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web, Amazon Alexa
Price: Paid (from $14.95/month)

Why we love it: You can learn anywhere, from a taxi to a train ride, without looking at your screen.

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7. HelloTalk

HelloTalk connects you with native speakers through chats, voice notes, and video calls. You can teach your language while learning theirs, making it a fun cultural exchange.

Best for: Language exchange and social learning
Top languages: Over 150, including Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, and Korean
Platforms: iOS, Android
Price: Free; VIP plan from $6.99/month

Why travellers love it: It’s like having a global network of language partners and friends in your pocket.

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How Long Does It Take to Learn a Language?

Most apps recommend 10–20 minutes of daily use. Here’s what you can expect:

• 2–4 weeks: Learn key phrases and travel vocabulary
  
  
• 3–6 months: Reach beginner conversational level
  
  
• 6–12 months: Build confidence for more extended conversations
  
  

Consistency matters more than time — even short, daily practice adds up.

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Free vs Paid: Which Should You Choose?

Free apps are great for travellers just starting, while paid versions often include advanced grammar, offline features, and pronunciation coaching, ideal for longer stays abroad.

‍Learn the Language, Live the World

Every language you learn opens a door to a new culture, new people, and new possibilities. And when you can greet someone in their language or read a menu without Google Translate, travel starts to feel a lot more personal.

Just like Pesa helps you send, spend, and save across borders with your multi-currency wallet, these apps help you move effortlessly through cultures.

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