So you’re packed and ready to go! Congratulations! If you’re headed to a foreign country, you might want to pack a little more than your walking shoes and sunscreen. Learning or writing down a few choice phrases for travelers in the language of the country you’re visiting is never a bad thing: not only does it open up communication with locals, but learning some of these can also help you communicate in an emergency.
Below is a list of helpful phrases for travelers that can be useful when you’re having a good time or when you’re in a bit of a bind. Sit for a minute before you leave and write down the translation for each one—you never know when they can come in handy!
- Hello!
- How are you?
- My name is:
- Please / thank you
- Excuse me
- Where is the…? (restaurant, hotel, bank, hospital, bus and toilet – very important and better to learn than bathroom or restroom, because they might send you to a completely different place!)
- How much does this cost? (A currency converter on your phone will be a good thing to have to figure out the exchange rate.)
- I would like (water, coffee, beer, wine, bread) In a pinch, show them a picture of what you want on your phone!
- Check please!
- Do you take credit cards?
- Cheers!
- Help!
- Do you speak English?
- Can you speak more slowly?
- I don’t understand.
- I need help.
- Can you show me on the map how to get there?
- Please call the American Embassy.
- Please call the police.
- I need a doctor.
- I’m allergic to ____.