We know it’s a cardinal rule break to include phones in Race Across the World: The Experience. But once you stop treating it like a phone and start treating it like a tool, it will start making sense to you!
Race Across the World: The Experience puts you and your team in charge. It’s totally self-guided so you can make decisions that impact your race and to do that, you’ll need to get information from somewhere. That’s where your phone comes in.
Read on to find out what role phones play in the race, and when you should (and shouldn’t) use it to get ahead!
Can You Take Part in Race Across the World: The Experience Without a Phone?
No, phones are an integral part of the experience but not in the way you might think.
To take part in the race, you need to have WhatsApp installed and mobile data. This is because this is how all clues, help and key game mechanics are delivered to you during the race.
Players who don’t have WhatsApp still need their own ticket to play, but can read instructions and clues on another player’s phone.
Setting Up Your Race
Setting up your Race Across The World experience is the same no matter where you play, whether that’s in the City of London, Manchester or London’s West End.
We won’t go into all the details about the setup process, but rest assured it can easily be done from a desktop or from your phone. All the instructions you need are in your confirmation email.
During setup, you’ll be able to add WhatsApp phone numbers for your team members. Only team members who have had their information added will be able to receive messages.
Only one person per team needs to reply, but it can be handy for everyone to be able to read the messages (especially if someone’s phone battery runs out on them!).
Starting Your Race
Once you’re all set up, each team will receive a WhatsApp message containing the start location, further instructions and the opportunity to get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Assemble your team(s) and head to the start location. Once there, send “START” to receive your first checkpoint. Don’t worry, it won’t be too far away, and this is where you collect your race pack(s). If you’re playing as multiple teams, it’s likely you’ll be sent to different checkpoints.
Using Your Phone During Race Across The World: The Experience
Throughout the experience, phones are your primary game tool for receiving clues, directions and managing your budget. It’s also where you’ll get updates on the leaderboard positions.
But that doesn’t mean you spend a few hours staring down at a rectangle.
At the start of each leg, you’ll choose from a set of two directions that cost different amounts. Cheaper directions are harder to unravel, while expensive directions are easier to decipher.
All the instructions take place within WhatsApp, but the majority of your race involves looking up, down, and around you to find out where to go next. Take your pick and head towards your next destination…before your rival teams do!
Getting Help on The Race
Race Across The World: The Experience is the official live experience of the hit TV show, so it follows that you take on the race as a team independently. But self-guided doesn’t mean abandoned!
There are multiple ways to receive help during the race. You can get help in-game by sending “HINT” to get an extra clue, or “LOST” if you need to get your bearings. We also send you a link to our WhatsApp where you can reach us if you have a query.
Be Your Own Camera Crew
Throughout the race, you’ll get a few prompts to take a pic or short clip of where you’re at in the race. These are totally optional and you won’t be penalised for not taking part. It’s a bit of fun, and we love to see your submissions!
If you want to go ahead and vlog your race or create a reel, remember to tag us on Instagram!
When Not To Use Your Phone
The only app you truly need to play Race Across The World: The Experience is WhatsApp. However, you might want to use the calculator app for any quick sums you might need to make, or your notes app for jotting things down.
You might be tempted to get help from AI, but we really advise against it. All our clues are hand-written and come from our team’s heads, so try to stick to the real world while you play. That’s often where the answers are!
Ready to Race?
If you’re ready to race, book your tickets now directly from our website.
Check out our FAQs for answers to any other questions you may have or feel free to contact us. See you on the leaderboard!