Imagine having an AI travel assistant inside the same app you use to message friends and check hotel confirmations. That’s exactly what you get when you use tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI, and Perplexity AI in WhatsApp.
For travelers juggling time zones, spotty connections, and on-the-go decisions, AI inside WhatsApp is one of the most convenient ways to get help. No app switching, no browser tabs, no friction.
Why Use AI in WhatsApp While You Travel?
Travelers are already familiar with WhatsApp. It's lightweight, encrypted, and widely used for international communication. Adding AI to that flow gives you:
- Faster problem-solving: Ask a question without opening a separate browser or app. Answers are giving within seconds.
- Better mobile UX: WhatsApp is optimized for weak connections and small screens as opposed to going to the AI's website.
- One less app to install: Save data and battery by doing more in one place. No need to switch between apps to get what you need.
- Familiarity: You don't need to learn a new interface while on the move
- Ease of information sharing: Just like normal chats, simply forward the messages and it'll retain the format exactly as is.
- Offline experience: Unlike apps or pages, whatever information you've gotten from AI is saved, with or without internet connection.
Whether you're coordinating a group trip, looking for travel recommendations or navigating a foreign transit system, AI tools inside WhatsApp simplify every step for a more enjoyable experience.
1. How to Use ChatGPT in WhatsApp
There are two ways to access ChatGPT inside WhatsApp:
Option 1: Official ChatGPT on WhatsApp (via GPT4o)
OpenAI has rolled out a direct WhatsApp integration using the new GPT-4o model.
How to set it up:
- Save this number to your contacts: +1 (800) 242-8478
- Open WhatsApp > search for ChatGPT and start a chat with it
- Type your question like you would in ChatGPT
No signup or OpenAI account is required. It’s lightweight and surprisingly fast.
Note: This number may be region-dependent or part of OpenAI’s ongoing rollout. If it's not active in your country, try a third-party option listed below.
2: Use Third-Party Bots (e.g. BuddyGPT, Shmooz, WizAI)
These bots use OpenAI’s API to create ChatGPT experiences inside WhatsApp. They're ideal if you're looking for features like longer responses or paid upgrades.
If you're curious about other options, tools like BuddyGPT, Shmooz AI, and WizAI offer ChatGPT-like functionality inside WhatsApp via unofficial integrations. Beware these are not associated with OpenAI as of time of writing and features are subject to change.
BuddyGPT
BuddyGPT is a third-party tool that lets you chat with ChatGPT through WhatsApp. It’s designed to mimic the experience of using ChatGPT's web interface but inside a WhatsApp chat window.
- The free plan includes 15 messages per month, which is enough for light or occasional use while traveling.
- It’s a popular choice for quick, one-off queries like translations, itinerary help, or restaurant searches.
- Paid plans are available if you want more messages or priority access.
- WizAI doesn't require a login. Just open the chat link and start messaging like you would with a contact.
While convenient, keep in mind that message caps apply and data is handled by a third-party platform.
Shmooz AI
Shmooz AI is another unofficial ChatGPT wrapper built for WhatsApp, with a slightly more polished interface aimed at travelers, students, and casual users.
- It offers 5 free messages per day, which resets every 24 hours.
- The tool is optimized to answer travel-related prompts like “Plan a weekend in Madrid” or “Translate this phrase into Thai.”
- You don’t need to register or download anything.
- Shmooz also includes prompt suggestions and example questions to get started quickly.
As with all third-party bots, avoid using it for sensitive or private data, especially while connected to public Wi-Fi.
WizAI
WizAI provides a more open-ended AI chat experience through WhatsApp, supporting longer and more detailed responses than some of its competitors.
- The platform supports both free and paid usage tiers, with the free version offering limited daily interactions.
- It’s suitable for users who want to dive deeper into travel planning, decision-making, or even light research.
- The setup process is minimal, just click a link and start chatting like the other AI tools.
- WizAI is often praised for its balance of speed, detail, and usability inside the WhatsApp interface.
Because it’s a third-party service, always double-check key travel info and avoid sharing personal data like booking references or IDs.
3. Meta AI in WhatsApp
In select countries, Meta has started integrating its own AI directly into WhatsApp.
How to access Meta AI:
Click the search bar and type your query. Next, tap the blue ring icon under Ask Meta AI header to get started
You don’t need to install or sign up for anything. It’s built into WhatsApp if you’re eligible.
What Meta AI Can Do:
- Provide definitions, recommendations, or translations
- Answer general knowledge questions
- Summarize links or plan simple tasks
How to Mute or Limit Meta AI:
- Tap the AI response
- Go to Settings > AI Preferences
- Mute or hide replies in group chats if you prefer less interaction
4. Perplexity AI in WhatsApp
Perplexity doesn’t have a WhatsApp bot yet, but its mobile browser experience is excellent. It delivers sourced, up-to-date answers, which is useful for planning, local searches, and comparison shopping.
Quick travel use:
- Ask it for “best SIM cards for tourists in Japan” or “Is Uber legal in Athens?”
- Summarize travel blogs and paste the highlights into WhatsApp
- Use it to fact-check recommendations before booking anything
What Can You Ask AI in WhatsApp While Traveling?
As always, spend extra time searching for critical queries like visa requirements. Other than that, AI in WhatsApp works perfectly for travel-related needs. Here’s a list of high-impact use cases that are especially valuable on the road:
Travel Planning
- “What should I do on a 4-day trip to Seoul?”
- “How long should I spend in Lisbon and Porto?”
- “Can you suggest a walking tour for Bruges?”
Local Navigation
- “What’s the best way to get from Schiphol airport to city center?”
- “Does Rome have Uber or another rideshare?”
Food & Dining
- “Recommend a vegan-friendly restaurant near Barcelona Gothic Quarter”
- “What is this dish: ‘okonomiyaki’?”
Language + Cultural Help
- “Translate: ‘I have a nut allergy’ into French”
- “What’s the tipping custom in Vietnam?”
Logistics & Rules
- “Do I need a visa for Croatia if I have a US passport?”
- “What plug type do they use in Argentina?”
Device Help
- “How do I activate eSIM on my Samsung S23?”
- “Is WhatsApp blocked in Dubai?”
Pros & Cons of Using AI in WhatsApp for Travel
Here are some realistic advantages and disadvantages of using AI in WhatsApp for your trips:
Pros
- No need to switch apps; everything happens inside WhatsApp
- Mobile-friendly, even on weak or unstable connections
- Helpful for real-time decision-making while traveling
- Simple, private, and familiar chat-based interface
- Great for quick tasks like translations, directions, and travel tips
- Refer to past chats without internet connection
- Share information as you would with normal messages
Cons
- Third-party bots vary in quality and reliability
- Free plans often include message limits
- Meta AI isn’t available in all countries yet
- Limited integration with personal travel apps or booking tools
Tips for Using AI in WhatsApp Abroad
- Bookmark or star key messages: Useful info like translations or itineraries can get buried. Star them for offline access.
- Use with Wi-Fi when possible: AI responses can use more data than simple texts.
- Avoid sensitive topics: Don’t share passport info or booking credentials with third-party bots.
- Try voice input: WhatsApp’s voice-to-text feature works well if you’re walking or in a rush.
- Pair it with Google Maps or Rome2Rio: Ask AI for suggestions, then confirm or explore options in dedicated travel apps.
Using AI in WhatsApp with Travel eSIM
AI inside WhatsApp isn't just a novelty. It’s a genuinely useful travel companion. Whether you’re translating phrases, checking train schedules, or looking for a place to eat, having instant answers inside your most-used messaging app makes travel smoother and less stressful.
To get started, try the official ChatGPT number or a travel-friendly bot like Shmooz AI. And if you’re often away from Wi-Fi, pairing WhatsApp AI with a travel eSIM gives you on-the-go access without the roaming charges. It’s a simple upgrade that turns your phone into a smarter, more connected travel tool.
Eskimo is currently offering a free global eSIM for compatible phones, no purchase required. It’s a fast, risk-free way to test mobile AI while abroad