Traveling to a new country that doesn’t speak your language? First thing you should do is to learn phrases in that language that can help you navigate and survive in a new culture. For instance, here in Spain, knowing just the basics like “Hola,” & “Por Favor,” won’t get you very far.

Now there are so many sites you can use, like YouTube that can help you learn the new language and the proper pronunciation for free! If you don’t have the time to learn the whole language before your trip, here are some useful phrases to learn before you travel to Spain:

When you meet new people in a different country, you may want to introduce yourself. “My name is…” Spanish translation: “Me Ilamo…” (me lya-mo.) If you are asking their name, it’s very similar: “Como te Ilamas?” (ko-mo te lya-mas.)

The primary language in Spain is Spanish, but you will come across some people who can also speak different languages. For example, you want to know if someone speaks English: “Habla ingles?” (ab-la een-gles.)

For traveling and purchasing items, it’s not as simple. Searching for the next train or bus: “When is the next bus/train?” Translation: “A que hora es el proximo autobus/tren,” (a ke O-ra es el prok-see-mo ow-to-boos/ tren?) But how will you get on the train with out knowing how much the ticket is? “Cuanto cuesta…un billete?” (Kwan-to Kwes-ta…oon bee-lyte) “How much is…one ticket?”

After you arrive off the train or bus, you decide you’re hungry, so you order food. It’s kind of strange to say “one hamburger por favor,” it almost sounds rude though lots of restaurants are used to that informal way, especially in tourist areas. The proper way to ask is “Quiero una…food item “ (Kye-ro oona…) To ask for the bill: “Puedo ver el menu?” (Pwe-do ver el me-noo) Lastly before you leave, you may need to use the bathroom, so you ask, “where is the bathroom?” Translation: “Donde esta el bano?” (don-de esta el ban-yo)

When you’re traveling to another country, don’t be afraid to ask for help, if needed. “Puede ayudarme? (Pew-de a-yoo-dar-me) Don’t forget to thank them for their help and service when leaving. “Muchos gracias, hasta luego!” (moo-chas gra-thyas, as-ta lu-ego) “Thank you very much, see you later bye!”

Learning a whole new language is very stressful and hard but coming to a new country doesn’t need to be. Just learn essential phrases to help you navigate each new place. It’ll make your trip so much easier and a whole new learning experience.