Last updated: . Updated offline-map and GPS guidance, communication and cultural assumptions, guest-content attribution, and the context for separate historical Vietnam family footage. Date information added October 31, 2026.
Ordering food with a translation app
Historical footage from Leslie and Chris’s Vietnam trip.
Playback isn’t available here. Open the film on Vimeo ↗
The advice below is guest content by Nina Nguyen of vina.com. The video is separate historical footage from Leslie and Chris’s Vietnam travels.
Original YouTube video: Watch on YouTube.
Are you worried about traveling abroad without speaking the language of that country? Communication and language barriers are one of the reasons why some people do not want to travel abroad. It is said that tourism helps enhance your awareness of the cultures and languages of other countries all over the world. But you can’t learn a language every time you go to a new country.
Communication is important, especially when you’re in a new country because it will help you explore your surroundings, shop, and take advantage of services. How can you communicate with locals when they don’t speak the language you know?
One common piece of advice is to learn common phrases and words before traveling. Or you can take advantage of many free online translation tools to help you use the local language. You may find English-speaking staff in some tourist destinations, but it helps to have another way to communicate.
Even if you don’t know the local language, keep in mind that there are “other languages” that you can use. Be prepared to use nonverbal communication.
These tips can help you communicate more easily while traveling despite language barriers.
Pointing to a picture, place name, or item can help when you do not share a spoken language. If a menu includes food pictures, you can point to a dish. You can also point to an item in a store or a place on a map to show what you mean. A local person may be willing to help, so you can ask politely.
Pay attention to local customs around pointing. Gestures such as nodding or shaking your head can mean different things across cultures. If you are unsure what a gesture means, confirm with words, writing, or another clear cue. When pointing, use an open hand if you are unsure whether a finger is appropriate.
Although the Internet is popular in many travel destinations, you may be in areas without Wi-Fi. What you need to do is to download a map of the places on your itinerary and store them on your phone. GPS positioning can work without an internet connection, but maps and directions need the right offline data. Download and test the relevant area before leaving connectivity. For example, Google Maps supports offline driving within a downloaded area, but its offline mode does not provide walking, cycling, or public-transport directions. Check the app’s limitations for your route.
Google Maps explains how to download offline maps; availability and functions vary by area. See Google Maps’ current offline map guidance.
Even if you have a good understanding of the customs and traditions of the country you are visiting, you can still make some small mistakes. No matter how much you prepare, there will be situations where you may not know what to do or say. Being polite is a useful starting point.
Being polite can help you to handle stressful situations. A patient, friendly approach can make the exchange easier, though people may be busy or unable to help. It is better to learn how to speak the following basic sentence patterns in their language: Thank you, Please, I am sorry, etc.
Don’t forget the general greetings, including Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening, Good night, Goodbye, and See you again.
A warm smile can be a friendly way to begin an interaction, though it cannot guarantee how someone will respond.
When asking for help in a country where English is not the main language, look for someone who is willing and able to help rather than assuming language ability from age. Hotel or restaurant staff may be able to point you in the right direction, but help and English-language service are not guaranteed.
Even if the language is too difficult to learn, you need to know something about the culture of that country. Each country has its customs and traditions that local people expect foreigners to understand and respect. Learning about them can reduce misunderstandings, such as eating time, touching others, patting the head, wearing appropriate clothes, etc. For example, you need to know how to bow in Japan.
A hotel reception may have a map of the area. Mark the places you plan to visit to help you find your way. If you get lost, someone local may also be able to help.
You can also use your smartphone to photograph intersections, buildings, and signs along your route so you can retrace your path if you get lost.
If you would like to find local people who speak English, look for public places where conversation is welcome, such as visitor information centers or souvenir shops. Ask whether someone has time to help or would enjoy practicing English; respect their answer.
Author bio:
I am Nina Nguyen. I was born in Vietnam – a country with many unknown beaches, historic sites, and tourist attractions. Understanding that Vietnam nowadays is a famous destination, I establish the blog site vina.com to introduce the elegant beauty of Vietnam to friends around the world. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, our blog will provide you with essential information on where to go and what to do in our country.
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