If you’ve only ever copied and pasted text with Google Translate, you’re missing out. The app can visually translate signs and menus, save your most-used phrases, and more.

Even if you're pretty sure you'll have a data connection at your destination, it only takes a minute to download your target language into the Google Translate app.

Just tap the name of the language on the main screen; it may say “Detect Language.” From that screen, you can tap the download icon next to any language you need along the way. (Here are Google’s official instructions.)

Now you can translate that customs form while flying across the ocean. Or translate stuff all over Paris when you think the French mobile network sucks but you just forgot to turn on international roaming. Wonder how I know.