Expensify

Expensify is an online expense tracker that allows its users to keep track of all incomings and outgoings, upload receipts and generate receipts, and create expense reports. Founded in 2008, the service is available on both desktop and as a mobile application.

One of the best features of Expensify is the ability to take photos of receipts and upload them onto the platform so that they can all be stored in one place. This is particularly useful when travelling on business trips that require reimbursements for items such as accommodation, car rental, public transport and lunch. With Expensify, there is no more scrambling around trying to find paper receipts amongst your luggage, all can be easily stored and accessed. This feature is also available on the free version of the app, which allows unlimited uploads.

Another great feature that I have found particularly useful in the past is the option to convert all incomings into one currency to help keep track of exactly how much you have received. When travelling and working, you will more often than not sign contracts for payments in the local currency, which may differ from your own. With the currency converter you can see exactly how much is coming and going if, for example, you are being paid by one employer in dollars, another in euros and a third in pounds.

One drawback, which will affect backpackers considerably more than business travellers, is the subscription cost. Although there is a free version, to make full use of the service, such as basic expense approval, ability to reimburse employers online and data synchronisation, it costs $5 USD per month. If you are looking to keep track of your finances when travelling but don’t wish to pay for it, then Mint may be a better option.

David Jones

I am a professional travel writer and travel enthusiast who traveled the world twice, so I am sharing my firsthand knowledge about everything related to travel and spending time abroad.