It is tradition for Guide Travel Books to include phrases in the native language of the destination country so people can learn them before their trip and use it, as this is considered polite. However, there are a few possible problems. One of them is pronunciation. Automatic translators, like Google Translate, can help you with this because they have an option to hear what is written and what is translated. Another problem is the answer you get. The Guide Travel Book teaches you a certain answer for each question… but natives can actually answer differently. And then, you will fail to understand it. What are you going to do?

Expecting everyone to know English is unrealistic. In touristic areas, like resorts for example, this is to be expected, yes. However, outside touristic routes, the situation can be quite different. Therefore, learning a little bit of the native language is a good idea. Natives do not expect you to be proficient in their language, but if you show an effort to talk in their language they may be a little more cooperative. On the other hand, you can understand a little bit of what people may say to you and what you read on signposts, which can be surprisingly helpful.

Instead of learning phrases, you can try to collect lists of vocabulary according to context. For example, terms related with trains: timetable, numbers, platform, departure, arrival, exit… Of course you can (and should) related these terms with the phrases on the Guide Travel Book. You can also understand the key words of the phrases, so if the answers are a bit different from the Guide Travel Book at least you understand the essential.

Above all, don’t be arrogant to assume people are stupid because they do not make an effort to understand you or because they do not know English. They are in their own country, have their own language and culture. Even if they make an effort to understand you, they don’t really need to do so. Furthermore, showing respect for them and their culture is not looking like you are before a curious animal in the Zoo. Be natural and act like you are talking with someone from your own country without forgetting the possible differences. Recognise they have the right to talk in their own language and that you are the foreigner who wants to be understood.