By MOOK Scenic Spots / Yan Peijie, compiled and reported
While "English" is considered the global lingua franca and knowing English makes traveling abroad easier, you can still have a smooth and enjoyable trip even with limited English. Here are four countries where speaking only Chinese is enough for communication, ideal for those with poor English or who only speak Chinese. No need to worry about language barriers when traveling abroad—just do your homework beforehand and you’ll be fine!
1. Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand (Photo / Booking.com)
Thailand has become one of the favorite travel destinations for Taiwanese travelers in recent years. In popular tourist areas of Chiang Mai and Bangkok, there are many people who speak Chinese, especially in Chiang Mai where Chinese speakers are even more common. Moreover, most Thai shop owners don’t speak English very well, so English is generally not needed. To travel to Thailand, just prepare the following items:
(1) Mobile internet is crucial—Google Translate is very useful
(2) Paper and pen—when language fails, drawing or even gesturing can be great ways to communicate
(3) Print out important locations, Thai attractions, and prepare some simple Thai words and phrases in advance
As long as you have these three things ready, communication in Thailand won’t be a problem. Most importantly, do your homework in advance, and then fly to Thailand with a happy heart!
2. Singapore
Singapore (Photo / Singapore Tourism Board)
Singapore, known for its safety, is a multicultural society where almost everyone speaks English. Most ethnic Chinese in Singapore can also communicate in Chinese, with about half of the locals able to speak it. Language isn’t a major issue here. Additionally, pay special attention to local laws in Singapore—for example: tourists are prohibited from bringing chewing gum into the country, littering or spitting in public is not allowed, smoking is only permitted in designated areas, and jaywalking is not allowed. Be sure to remember these rules before going to Singapore to avoid fines.
3. South Korea
Samcheong-dong Street (Photo / Korea Tourism Organization)
Not knowing Korean or English is no problem when visiting South Korea. Especially in Seoul, many shop staff are Taiwanese or Chinese, and some restaurant aunties can speak Chinese. Most restaurants in tourist areas also have Chinese menus, and subway stations and bus stops have Chinese signs, making it very convenient. In popular tourist spots, if you can’t find your destination, get lost, or have any questions, there are also tourism information officers in red uniforms on the streets to help travelers. Also, before heading to South Korea, download the “Korea Navigator” mobile app in advance—it has built-in Chinese maps and subway maps, an essential tool for traveling in Korea!
4. Japan
Tokyo, Japan (Photo / Hotels.com)
Japan, a favorite travel destination for Taiwanese travelers year after year, is completely explorable even without English or Japanese skills. Aside from needing a bit of basic English when checking into hotels, you hardly need English the rest of the time. As a top tourist destination, most tourist attractions and areas have multilingual signs, and many shops have Chinese-speaking staff. Japanese also contains many Chinese characters, which are definitely understandable—so language isn’t an issue. To travel to Japan, just prepare the following:
(1) Mobile internet, translation apps, and Google Maps are essentials
(2) Paper and pen—writing Chinese characters, drawing, or gesturing all work
(3) Research attraction details and transportation routes in advance
(4) Prepare a few basic Japanese phrases to use when asking locals for directions
With the above preparations, you can easily enjoy delicious food, sightseeing, and shopping in Japan, exploring to your heart’s content!
No language barrier? No worries. Six ways to solve communication issues while traveling
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