9 phrases American travelers use that locals actually appreciate hearing

Last summer, I was photographing street markets in Bangkok when I completely butchered the Thai greeting for "hello." I mean, it was embarrassing. But the vendor I was trying to communicate with lit up anyway, laughed, and helped me pronounce it correctly three times until I got it right.

That moment reminded me of something I'd been noticing throughout my travels over the years. Locals don't expect perfection from American tourists. They appreciate the effort, the respect, the willingness to meet them halfway.

After spending time in twenty-something countries and countless conversations with people who deal with tourists daily, I've noticed certain phrases consistently land well. These aren't magic words, they're just expressions of basic respect and cultural awareness that signal you're not just another oblivious traveler.

Here's what actually works.

1) "How do you say...?"

This one's simple but powerful.

When you ask a local how to say something in their language, you're doing two things at once. You're acknowledging that you're in their space and should make some effort to communicate on their terms. And you're treating them as a teacher rather than just a service provider.

I started doing this more intentionally after going vegan eight years ago. When I travel, finding food requires real conversation, not just pointing at menus. Asking "How do you say 'no dairy'?" or "What's the word for 'vegetables'?" opens doors that demanding "Do you have vegan options?" never does.

People remember travelers who try. Even if you completely mangle the pronunciation (and trust me, I do), the effort matters more than the execution.

2) "What do you recommend?"

This phrase works because it flips the script.

Instead of imposing your expectations on a place, you're asking someone with actual knowledge to guide you. You're admitting you don't know everything and that their opinion has value.

When I'm shooting photography around a new neighborhood, I'll ask locals where they'd go for coffee or what street has the best light in the afternoon. The recommendations I get are always better than what I'd find in my research.

I've noticed that when you ask someone for their expertise, they seem to become more invested in your experience. Maybe it's because you're treating them as an insider rather than just another person working in tourism.

Plus, you usually end up somewhere way more interesting than the tourist traps.

3) "I'm still learning"

Three words that lower everyone's stress level immediately.

When you lead with "I'm still learning," you're giving yourself and the other person permission to be imperfect. You're signaling that this interaction is a collaboration, not a transaction where everything needs to be flawless.

I use this constantly when trying to navigate food situations abroad. "I'm still learning about local cuisine, but I don't eat animal products" opens a completely different conversation than "I'm vegan, what can I eat here?"

The first version invites help. The second version sounds like a demand.

Locals appreciate when you acknowledge you're a work in progress rather than acting like you've got everything figured out after reading three blog posts.

4) "That's different from home"

This observation, stated neutrally, is gold.

Notice I didn't say "That's weird" or "We do it better in America." Just acknowledging that things are different, without judgment, shows cultural intelligence.

My partner, who isn't vegan, taught me this one. When we travel together, they're always noticing differences in how food is prepared or served, but they frame it as curiosity rather than criticism. "Interesting, we usually serve that cold at home" instead of "Why is this hot?"

The phrasing matters because it keeps the conversation open. You're making an observation, not a judgment. Locals deal with enough tourists who complain that things aren't like they are in America. Being the person who's just genuinely interested in how and why things differ makes you memorable for the right reasons.

5) "Thank you for your patience"

If you're struggling with language, currency, customs, or literally anything else, this phrase is your friend.

I've mentioned this before but international travel requires humility. You're going to be slow, confused, and probably holding up the line at some point. Acknowledging that someone is being patient with you while you figure things out shows you're aware of the inconvenience.

When I'm trying to explain my dietary restrictions in broken Spanish or pantomime, I always end with this. Because let's be honest, explaining that you don't eat cheese or eggs while standing at a street food cart in Mexico City does require patience from the person trying to help you.

The phrase works because it acknowledges the power dynamic without being weirdly self-deprecating. You're just recognizing that communication takes effort on both sides.

6) "Is this respectful?"

Before taking photos, entering certain spaces, or doing pretty much anything that might have cultural significance, asking this question can save you from being that tourist.

I learned this the hard way years ago when I was still doing music blogging and trying to photograph everything. I walked into a temple in Kyoto with my camera out, completely oblivious, until someone politely redirected me. Now I always ask first.

Photography rules vary significantly between religious sites, with some allowing photos freely while others prohibit them entirely, especially in sacred areas like main altars or during ceremonies. What's acceptable at one temple might be completely forbidden at another.

"Is it okay if I take photos here?" or "Is this appropriate to wear?" shows you understand that your normal might not be their normal. It demonstrates you care more about respecting local customs than getting the perfect shot for Instagram.

Locals notice and appreciate when travelers check themselves before potentially crossing lines. It's the difference between being a guest and being an intruder.

7) "I don't understand, can you help me?"

Direct, honest, and way more effective than pretending you know what's going on.

American culture often treats asking for help as weakness. But in most places I've traveled, asking for help is seen as reasonable behavior when you're clearly out of your element.

Last year in Portugal, I completely misunderstood the bus system and would have ended up nowhere near my apartment if I hadn't asked someone to help me figure out which stop was mine. Could I have struggled through it alone? Maybe. But asking took thirty seconds and I made a connection with someone who gave me restaurant recommendations I still think about.

The key is asking in a way that's respectful of someone's time. "I don't understand the menu, could you point me toward vegetable dishes?" is specific enough that someone can help quickly. "I don't understand anything about this country" is just exhausting for everyone.

I've mentioned this before but I recently read Rudá Iandê's new book "Laughing in the Face of Chaos" and one insight really stuck with me about travel: "What if we could learn to embrace the discomfort of not knowing?" That question shifted how I approach being lost or confused abroad. The discomfort of asking for help isn't something to avoid, it's actually where the most authentic interactions happen.

8) "This is beautiful"

Simple appreciation goes a long way.

Whether it's architecture, landscape, food presentation, or someone's craft, telling people you find their space or culture beautiful is universally well-received. Not in a performative "Oh my god this is SO amazing" way, but genuine recognition of what's around you.

I do this a lot with food, naturally. When a chef or cook has clearly put effort into a plant-based dish for me, telling them it's beautiful before I even taste it acknowledges their work. When I'm shooting photography and someone lets me capture their storefront or neighborhood, telling them their space is beautiful costs nothing and means something.

There's research from behavioral science showing that specific, genuine compliments create positive associations. People feel seen when you notice details about their environment or work.

It's not about flattery. It's about paying attention.

9) "I'm grateful to be here"

This one works especially well in places that don't see as many tourists, or in situations where someone has gone out of their way to help you.

Gratitude, when it's sincere, transcends language and culture. Saying you're grateful to be in someone's country, city, or establishment acknowledges that travel is a privilege and their hospitality isn't owed to you.

I found myself saying this a lot in smaller towns in Japan where my dietary restrictions required extra accommodation. When a restaurant owner spent fifteen minutes helping me understand ingredients and modifying a dish, "I'm so grateful to be here and that you'd do this for me" felt more accurate than just "thank you."

It's also true. Most of us get to travel because of circumstances beyond our control. Birth country, economic situation, family background. Acknowledging that you're fortunate to be somewhere, experiencing someone else's culture, keeps perspective in check.

Conclusion

None of these phrases are revolutionary. They're just basic expressions of respect, curiosity, and humility.

But that's exactly why they work. Locals in tourist destinations deal with entitled behavior constantly. Being the traveler who asks questions, admits what you don't know, and expresses genuine appreciation makes you stand out without even trying that hard.

The goal isn't to be the perfect tourist. It's to be a decent human who recognizes they're a guest in someone else's home.

And honestly? Travel is better when you approach it that way. You learn more, connect more, and usually eat better too.

Next time you're figuring out where to go, think less about what you want to see and more about how you want to show up. The experience will be richer for it.