Nobody expects you to master a language for a week's trip. But learning a few key phrases shows respect, gets you warmer service, and helps in a pinch. Locals notice the effort even when your accent is terrible.
Learn these before you go
- Hello and goodbye
- Please and thank you
- Yes and no
- Excuse me / sorry
- Do you speak English?
- How much is this?
- Where is…? (the toilet, the station, the airport)
- I'd like…
- Help and the local emergency number
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Have a backup
Download an offline translation app and the offline map before you land — signal and roaming can't be relied on. A screenshot of key phrases works too.
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Lead with the effort
Open in the local language, then ask if they speak English. Starting in their language first almost always gets a warmer response.