No need to worry about practical English when chatting with foreigners – a lazy traveler’s guide

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

When traveling to non-Chinese-speaking countries, English communication is crucial—whether it's checking into a hotel, ordering food at a restaurant, using transportation, or shopping. To avoid misunderstandings, learning some basic phrases and words can help save a lot of energy and time during your trip.

Accommodation
 
I’d like to book a room for March 6th.
I’d like to make a reservation for one night on the 6th of March.
 
What is the room rate?
What are the room rates?
 
What time is check-in/check-out?
When is check-in time / check-out time?
 
What time is breakfast served?
What time can I have breakfast?
 
There is no hot water in my room.
There's no running hot water in my room.
 
The air conditioner (TV, light) is not working.
The air-conditioner (T.V. set、light) doesn't work.
 
Does the room have Wi-Fi?
Does the room have Internet(Wifi) access?
 
How do I get to the hotel?
How do I get to the hotel?
 
I’d like to set a wake-up call for 8 a.m.
I would like to have a morning Call at 8:00 in the morning.
 
I’ll be arriving late. Please keep my reservation.
I’ll arrive late. Please keep my reservation.

Airport
 
I’d like to book X tickets for a flight to XX on X/X/X. What time does the flight depart?
I’d like to make flight reservations to __ on __ for __. What is the departure time of the flight to __?
 
Can I choose an aisle/window seat?
Can I have an aisle seat / a window seat?
 
Which gate does this flight board at?
What gate does the flight board at?
 
Where is Gate X?
Excuse me, where is Gate __?
 
What time does boarding begin for this flight?
When does the flight begin boarding?
 
Where is the transfer counter/transfer hall?
Excuse me, where is the transfer desk / lounge?
 
Visa
Passport
Terminal
One-way ticket
Round trip ticket
First-class section
Business-class section
Economy-class section
Duty-Free Shop
Currency Exchange/Money Exchange

Transportation & Asking for Directions
 
Excuse me, where is the bus/taxi stop?
Where is the bus stop / taxi stand?
 
Sorry, could you please tell me how to get to XX?
Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the __?
 
Excuse me, is there a public restroom nearby?
Is there a public toilet nearby?
 
Could you please take me to this attraction/address.
Take me to __ / this address, please.
 
Please stop here / turn left / turn right.
Please stop / turn left / right here.
 
East
West
North
South
Left
Right
Front
Back
Crossroad / Intersection

Dining
 
I would like to order now.
May I order, please?
 
Could I have the menu, please?
May I have a menu, please?
 
I’d like to reserve a table for two.
I like to make a reservation for two.
 
I have a reservation for today at X o'clock.
I have a reservation at __:__.
 
Appetizer
Salad (and Soup) Salad (and Soup)
Main Course Main Course
Side Side Dish
Seafood Seafood
Specialty Specialty
Dessert Dessert
Beverage Beverage
Kids Menu Kids Menu