The useful categories
The right list depends on your group and destinations. Avoid installing an app only because a generic packing list mentioned it.
- Payment: one mobile wallet plus your card issuer app.
- Movement: a familiar map plus local transit context.
- Communication: the messaging tools your group already uses.
- Recovery: provider support, email and password-manager access.
- Language: translation with downloaded language data if available.
Make the list work offline
Save order confirmations, hotel addresses and important QR codes. Turn on device backup and confirm that your authentication method still works when your home number is not the data line.
A reliable data connection is valuable, but the first hour should not depend on a fresh download or a forgotten password.