How the shortcuts work

TravelAlly shortcuts let you log expenses directly from your iOS routine – via Apple Pay, voice input, or a photo of a receipt. Simply download the right shortcut and follow the setup instructions below.

Apple Pay Automation

Automation required

Every time you pay with Apple Pay, the expense is automatically logged in your TravelAlly trip – with zero extra effort. The shortcut reads the transaction amount and merchant name directly from the Apple Pay notification and creates an expense instantly.

Setup

  1. Add the shortcut via the download link below.
  2. Open the shortcut in the Shortcuts app and select the trip where expenses should be logged.
  3. In the Shortcuts app, create a new Automation and choose "Transaction" (Apple Pay) as the trigger.
  4. Add the TravelAlly shortcut as the action for this automation.
  5. Set the automation to "Run Immediately" (without asking).

Note: In some cases Apple does not deliver transaction details immediately after a payment. When this happens, the shortcut will unfortunately fail. This is a technical limitation on Apple's end and outside of my control as a developer.

Add Expense by Voice

Apple Intelligence

Open the shortcut and dictate your expense in natural language – for example "50 euros for dinner tonight, paid by card". Apple Intelligence automatically detects the title, amount, currency, category, date, and payment method, then creates the expense in TravelAlly. The underlying AI prompt can be customized at any time in the Shortcuts app.

Setup

  1. Add the shortcut via the download link below.
  2. Open the shortcut in the Shortcuts app and select the desired trip.

Important: This shortcut requires Apple Intelligence and only works on compatible devices. For devices without Apple Intelligence, the Claude-based version directly below is available instead.

Add Expense by Voice (without Apple Intelligence)

Claude App required

This version works on all iPhones – even without Apple Intelligence. The functionality is identical: dictate your expense in natural language, and the relevant information is extracted automatically. Instead of Apple Intelligence, the Claude app handles the AI processing.

Setup

  1. Make sure the Claude app is installed and set up on your device.
  2. Add the shortcut via the download link below.
  3. Open the shortcut in the Shortcuts app and select the desired trip.

The Claude app by Anthropic must be downloaded for free from the App Store and set up with an account. The shortcut uses the Claude action in the Shortcuts app.

Scan Receipt and Create Expense

Apple Intelligence Share Sheet

Photograph a receipt or share an existing receipt image or PDF directly via the iOS Share Sheet. Apple Intelligence automatically detects merchant, amount, currency, and date, then creates an expense in TravelAlly. Alternatively, launch the shortcut directly – the camera opens automatically to scan the receipt on the spot.

Setup

  1. Add the shortcut via the download link below.
  2. Open the shortcut in the Shortcuts app and select the desired trip.
  3. To use: Launch the shortcut directly (camera opens) or share a photo/PDF via the Share Sheet and select the shortcut.

Important: This shortcut requires Apple Intelligence and only works on compatible devices. For older devices, the Claude-based version directly below is available instead.

Scan Receipt and Create Expense (without Apple Intelligence)

Claude App required Share Sheet

This version works on all iPhones – even without Apple Intelligence. The receipt is first converted to text using OCR, then the extracted text is sent to Claude which interprets the expense data. Recognition accuracy is slightly lower than the Apple Intelligence version, but works reliably for common receipts.

Setup

  1. Make sure the Claude app is installed and set up on your device.
  2. Add the shortcut via the download link below.
  3. Open the shortcut in the Shortcuts app and select the desired trip.

The Claude app by Anthropic must be downloaded for free from the App Store and set up with an account.