There are over 1.4 billion English speakers worldwide, and, as a result, travelers who speak English have a major advantage. Even in countries with a different official language, it’s not uncommon to find people who speak at least a little bit of English, especially in major cities. While communicating in English may be enough for most travelers to get by, learning a few phrases of the local language can deepen your experience and potentially help you in the event of an emergency. If you’re planning a trip to a country where English is not the official language, read on to learn more about some of the most important phrases we recommend having up your sleeve.
Simple phrases
Beyond basic greetings such as “hello”, and “thank you”, knowing a few simple phrases will take you a long way when it comes to navigating an unfamiliar location and meeting new people. Try to memorize directional words as well as “where is?”, “I am going to”, and “station.” Also essential is “I don’t speak (language).”
Phrases for dining
If you have food allergies or follow a particular diet, it’s a good idea to learn how to communicate this in the language of your destination to avoid accidentally being served something you can’t eat. In general, phrases such as “Can I have…?”, “Is the tip included?”, and “Check, please!” can also ensure a smooth experience while dining out.
Emergency phrases
As if traveling didn’t already include plenty of uncertainty, figuring out what to do in an emergency when you don’t speak the local language can be seriously stressful. Having a few phrases such as “Call the police”, “I need an ambulance”, and “Can I use your phone?” in your back pocket can help to put your mind at ease so that you can focus on enjoying your trip.