
A traveler and marketer on TikTok has shared a useful tip for iPhone users who are traveling internationally and many users are thrilled with the discovery.
Chicago-based Bianca Montalvo, as @bianca.montalvo on the platform, shared a viral video in which she explained a way that users can make their next trip abroad, “So much easier.”
The video proved popular with more than 630,000 views, 20,000 likes and hundreds of comments within six days online.

Photo by Anyaberkut / Getty Images
A Calculator Trick
Montalvo pointed out that if you are traveling in a country that doesn’t share your home country’s currency, you can easily figure out the exchange rate by changing the settings.
“All you have to do is open up the calculator app on your phone and click the icon in the lower left hand corner, then toggle currency on,” Montalvo told her 18,600 followers.
“Your calculator is now a currency converter, allowing you to easily convert while traveling abroad without having to download another app.
As a handy perk, Montalvo added that, “The best part is it works without data.”
Other iPhone Tricks for Travel
If you’re planning to travel internationally with an iPhone, several lesser-known tips can make your journey smoother.
First, enable the “eSIM” functionality if your iPhone supports it. This allows you to easily add a local data plan from your destination, saving you from high roaming fees.
Many providers, such as Airalo and GigSky, offer affordable eSIMs that can be activated directly through an app on your phone.
Finally, using the “Translate” app in iOS will allow you to download language packs for offline translation—a feature that can be invaluable when you’re offline in a foreign country.
In an email to Newsweek, Montalvo added that offline maps are useful.
“I download maps of the cities I’m visiting in advance,” she said, “This ensures I have access to navigation even without cellular service.”
Montalvo also uses her Apple Wallet for boarding passes and metro tickets, as well as flight tracking in messages.
“If someone sends you a flight number via iMessage, tap on it to view real-time flight tracking,” Montalvo said.
“It’s a quick and easy way to keep tabs on arrivals or departures without needing a separate app.”
Users React
Commenters appreciated the video from Montalvo.
User @_landon_hillebrand pointed out that the calculator can handle much more than just currency: “It also converts other things like miles to kilometers and pounds to kilos! Also helps with international travel.”
User @flooffmaster9000 asked: “How does it not use data when the exchange rate constantly fluctuates?”
“It’ll update the rate whenever you connect to data or Wi-Fi again,” Montalvo answered.
Other users, meanwhile, appreciated the vast amounts of information available on TikTok.
“They can not remove this app, we all have learned so much,” user @lunitabonita1957 posted.