10 Cool Apple Watch Tips & Apps for Travelling with Non-Cellular Models
Your Apple Watch doesn't need Cellular to become an incredible travel companion.
If you're travelling with an Apple Watch GPS (non-cellular), pairing it with your iPhone using an AirSims travel eSIM gives you the best of both worlds. Your iPhone stays connected to fast local mobile data while your Apple Watch communicates with your iPhone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, letting you enjoy notifications, navigation, fitness tracking and much more without expensive roaming charges.
Here are our favourite tips and apps to make the most of your Apple Watch while travelling.
1. 🗺️ Navigate Cities Without Constantly Looking at Your Phone
Apple Maps sends gentle vibration alerts ("taps") to your Apple Watch when it's time to turn. It's surprisingly useful when exploring unfamiliar cities—you can keep your phone safely in your pocket while walking.
Travel Tip: Your AirSims travel eSIM keeps your iPhone connected to local mobile data, allowing Apple Maps to update routes in real time.
2. 💳 Use Apple Pay Around the World
Many countries now accept contactless payments almost everywhere. Paying directly from your Apple Watch is often quicker than pulling out your wallet or phone.
- No need to unlock your phone.
- Great for trains, cafés and supermarkets.
- Extra security thanks to Apple Pay tokenisation.
3. ✈️ Keep Your Boarding Pass on Your Wrist
Store airline boarding passes in Apple Wallet before heading to the airport. Simply raise your wrist to scan your boarding pass at security or the boarding gate.
It's especially handy when you're carrying luggage or rushing through busy terminals.
4. 🌍 Translate Conversations Quickly
Using Apple's Translate app (through your iPhone), you can quickly access translations while your Apple Watch displays notifications and shortcuts.
Perfect when ordering food, asking for directions or communicating with locals.
5. 🚶 Track Your Daily Adventures
Travelling often means walking far more than normal.
Your Apple Watch automatically tracks:
- Steps
- Distance walked
- Flights climbed
- Calories burned
- Heart rate
It's fun to see just how much exploring you've done each day.
6. 🌦️ Check Local Weather Instantly
Weather can change quickly while travelling.
With your iPhone connected through an AirSims travel eSIM, your Apple Watch can display current weather, rain forecasts and temperature updates without relying on hotel Wi-Fi.
7. 📸 Control Your iPhone Camera Remotely
The built-in Camera Remote app lets you:
- Take group photos
- Capture selfies from a distance
- Avoid asking strangers to take your picture
- See a live preview on your watch
It's perfect for landmarks and scenic viewpoints.
8. 🎵 Listen to Music While Exploring
Download playlists before your trip or stream music through your iPhone using local mobile data.
Your Apple Watch makes it easy to:
- Skip songs
- Adjust volume
- Pause playback
- Control podcasts
No need to constantly reach for your phone.
9. 📱 Stay Connected Without Holding Your Phone
As long as your Apple Watch stays within Bluetooth range of your iPhone (or both devices share Wi-Fi), you'll receive:
- Messages
- Phone call notifications
- WhatsApp notifications
- Calendar reminders
- Email alerts
Your AirSimss travel eSIM provides the mobile data connection through your iPhone while your watch keeps you informed.
10. 🧳 Never Lose Your Travel Gear
If you use Apple's Find My network with AirTags, your Apple Watch lets you quickly locate:
- Luggage
- Backpacks
- Camera bags
- Keys
- Wallets
It's one of those features you hope never to need—but you'll be glad it's there if your belongings go missing.
Recommended Travel Apps
| App | Great For |
|---|---|
| Apple Maps | Walking navigation |
| Google Maps | Public transport & reviews |
| Citymapper | Metro & bus directions |
| Apple Wallet | Boarding passes & payments |
| Find My | Locate AirTags and Apple devices |
| Weather | Forecasts and alerts |
| Shazam | Identify songs while travelling |
| Spotify or Apple Music | Music and podcasts |
How Does This Work?
Your Apple Watch GPS model does not require its own mobile plan while travelling.
Instead:
- Install your AirSIMs travel eSIM on your iPhone.
- Your iPhone connects to local mobile networks.
- Your Apple Watch communicates with your iPhone using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
- You enjoy many connected Apple Watch features while avoiding expensive international roaming.
This setup works brilliantly for most travellers and is the easiest way to stay connected abroad.
Travel Smarter with AirSims
Whether you're exploring Europe, discovering Asia or heading on your next adventure, an AirSims travel eSIM keeps your iPhone connected so your Apple Watch can do what it does best.
Enjoy affordable local data, avoid roaming charges, and make your Apple Watch an even more useful travel companion.
Note: Apple Watch GPS (non-cellular) models require a paired iPhone nearby (via Bluetooth or the same Wi-Fi network) for many connected features. Functionality may vary depending on your Apple Watch model, iPhone compatibility and app support.
