Nothing confirms the insularity of British culture more than travelling abroad.
When exploring fascinating new cultures across the globe, we become accutely aware of how strange it is that we’ve been taught to expect foreign nations to welcome us in perfect English, when we should be making an effort to learn the basics of native languages before booking flights.
That being said, there’s only so much of a foreign language with an entirely different alphabet we can absorb before travelling. While European languages such as French, Spanish and Italian tend to be slightly kinder on our dastardly English brains, it’s slightly more acceptable to be dumbfounded by Thai road signs and Sanskrit menus.
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, it’s always smart to have a hi-tech translation device on hand. Not only does this prevent strained conversation, but it helps you learn important words and phrases as you go.
What is a translator device and how do they work?
Think of a translator device as having a polyglot in your pocket at all times. They tend to use technologies such as speech recognition, translation algorithms and language processing to give you real-time translation on the go. Newer, hi-tech devices have been implementing AI in order to speed up the process and improve its accuracy.
How can translator devices work offline?
Built-in eSims: many translation devices come with built-in eSims which instantly connect to the internet no matter where you are, for free. This, however, technically isn’t an “offline” translation. When purchasing a translator that promises connectivity on all your travels, make sure to research just how many countries the eSim in question is compatible with.
Pre-downloaded languages: for truly offline translation, some devices come with pre-downloaded languages. Without internet connectivity, it’s harder for these pre-sets to pick up the nuances of native speaking. As a result, it’s best to use offline translation for basic conversation rather than professional business meetings.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best translation devices with eSims and offline translation below.
Vasco Translator V4
- Offline translation method: eSim and pre-downloaded languages
- Languages: 108
A pricey but worthy business investment, the Vasco Translator V4 is an essential tool for entrepreneurial travellers. From Malay to Urdu, the handheld device is equipped to translate an impressive 108 languages and comes with a free lifetime Sim which promises internet connectivity in up to 200 countries at no additional cost.
The shock-resistant and splash-proof translator works via both voice recognition and photographs, depending on the translation scenario you find yourself in. Another impressive feature is the MultiTalk app, which allows up to 100 people to chat with instant translation.
Buy now £449.00, Selfridges
POCKETALK “S” Voice & Camera Translator
- Offline translation method: eSim
- Languages: 82
Weighing just 75g, this highly portable translation device comes with an eSim that offers data in over 130 different countries. Like most free eSims, this one will only last you two years before a replacement is required.
Fear not, Pocketalk offers a plan upgrade after those two years are up for 50 euros a year. Both voice recognition and photographic translation are available, and you can also connect to hotspots in a pinch.
Buy now £249.00, Amazon
Anifer Offline Language Translator Device
- Offline translation method: eSim, pre-downloaded languages
- Languages: 144 languages, 10 pre-downloaded offline languages
The Anfier offline translator comes equipped with 10 pre-downloaded offline languages, with the option to download more. It’s also capable of connecting to Wi-Fi so that you can enjoy the full range of languages on offer.
A feature that is often overlooked in real-time translation devices is the gender of the voice in question. Anfier’s offline language translator adapts to conversation and changes the translation voice accordingly.
Buy now £169.99, Amazon
Scan Reader Pen, 134 Language Translator Device
- Offline translation method: Pre-downloaded languages
- Languages: Offline translation in 14 languages
Designed with international students in mind, the scan reader pen offers instant translation for books and textbooks written in foreign languages. Though it can be connected to Wi-Fi, the pen comes with an impressive 14 pre-downloaded languages including Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, Malay, Spanish, Portuguese and more.
We’re big fans of the fact that the innovative scanner comes with a camera, smart recording, voice translation and dictionary applications. You can also save certain words to a vocabulary application to improve fluency on the move.
Buy now £89.99, Amazon
Adelagnes Z2 Instant Language Translator
- Offline translation method: Pre-downloaded languages
- Languages: 137
Complete with a sleek touchscreen, the Adelagnes Z2 translator is capable of pre-downloading a vast array of languages to ensure accurate translation wherever you roam. It can also be connected to the internet for highly accurate, real-time conversation translation.
The device can record up to 60 minutes of translation, can translate up to 74 different languages through photographs alone and offers 17 different offline languages at any given time.
Buy now £139.99, Amazon
Lexibook European Translator
- Offline translation method: Pre-downloaded languages
- Languages: 15
This rather vintage-looking device is as analogue as it gets in the world of offline translation devices. While it doesn’t offer a vast range of languages and can only be operated via a keyboard, it’s certainly a value-for-money accessory for Euro travellers looking to pack light.
The Lexibook contains 5,000 of the most commonly used words per language and is equipped with a euro converter, clock and mini-games.
Buy now £32.03, Ryman
