FOREIGN LANGUAGE BARRIER TIPS
If you don’t know the language in the country you will be visiting, it is wise to make sure you have directions and addresses written down on paper so you can give these to the taxi or Uber driver. If you cannot say the words, at least you can show them the words.
Another great way to do this is to simply take a screenshot of the map and address on your phone. This way if you are out of internet range, your photos will still work. NOTE: make sure to bring back up battery. Screenshots won’t help if you cannot turn on your phone.
LEARN A FEW KEY PHRASES – LANGUAGE BARRIER
Besides having directions stored that I cannot pronounce. I also have a translation app on my phone. For example: The taxi driver or local can speak into my telephone and it will translate it into English for me. Vice versa, I can speak into the app and it will translate it into the countries language for me. My favorite is google translate. It’s fast and accurate. You can speak into your phone and it will spit out your phrase vocally in the language you choose.
To leave a great impression, know how to at least say, ‘Thank You!’ or ‘Please’ in the countries language. If you get really ambitious, you can always buy a phrase book and take the time to learn sentences that may help you navigate the country.