Traveling to an English-speaking country can be an exciting experience, but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not confident in your language skills. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or handling an emergency, knowing key phrases will help you navigate different situations with ease. Here are some essential English phrases every traveler should know.

Shopping Phrases

Shopping in a new country is easier when you know how to ask for help.

• “How much does this cost?”
• “Do you have this in another size/color?”
• “Can I pay with a credit card?”
• “Where can I find souvenirs?”

Practicing these phrases before your trip will make shopping experiences more enjoyable.

Dining Out

Ordering food in a restaurant is a common situation where knowing the right words can make a big difference.

• “I’d like to order [dish].”
• “Can I see the menu, please?”
• “Could you recommend something popular?”
• “May I have the check, please?”

If you’re planning to study abroad through an ESL F-1 study abroad program, these phrases will come in handy when dining with classmates and new friends.

Emergency Situations

While we hope you never face an emergency, it’s important to be prepared.

• “I need help!”
• “Please call an ambulance.”
• “Where is the nearest hospital?”
• “I lost my passport. Where is the nearest embassy?”

These are very useful English phrases to remember in case of emergency, but also practical survival phrases for daily life to remember in the future.

Master English for Travel with The English Island

Whether you’re traveling abroad to the US, visiting for fun, communicating with other English speakers, or using English for work, improving your English skills will make your journey smoother. At The English Island, located in Atlanta, GA, USA, we offer personalized instruction through our ESOL F-1 intensive English program to help students communicate confidently in any situation.