AbstractRecently, a number of nonlocal integrable equations, such as the ‐symmetric nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation and ‐symmetric Davey–Stewartson equations, were proposed and studied. Here, we show that many of such nonlocal integrable equations can be converted to local integrable equations through simple variable transformations. Examples include these nonlocal NLS and Davey–Stewartson equations, a nonlocal derivative NLS equation, the reverse space‐time complex‐modified Korteweg–de Vries (CMKdV) equation, and many others. These transformations not only establish immediately the integrability of these nonlocal equations, but also allow us to construct their Lax pairs and analytical solutions from those of the local equations. These transformations can also be used to derive new nonlocal integrable equations. As applications of these transformations, we use them to derive rogue wave solutions for the partially ‐symmetric Davey–Stewartson equations and the nonlocal derivative NLS equation. In addition, we use them to derive multisoliton and quasi‐periodic solutions in the reverse space‐time CMKdV equation. Furthermore, we use them to construct many new nonlocal integrable equations such as nonlocal short pulse equations, nonlocal nonlinear diffusion equations, and nonlocal Sasa–Satsuma equations.