From Wi-Fi obsession to Costco comparisons, these common tourist phrases guarantee a few eye rolls abroad.
Traveling abroad is exciting — new places to explore, new foods to try, and new memories to make.
But sometimes, middle-class tourists have a way of saying things that instantly make locals, fellow travelers, and even their own families quietly cringe.
It’s rarely intentional.
Usually, it comes from a mix of excitement, confusion, and a dash of culture shock.
Still, certain phrases tend to scream, “I’m a tourist!” louder than any camera strap or souvenir T-shirt ever could.
Here are seven things middle-class tourists say abroad that reliably earn an eye roll (and maybe a knowing laugh).
1. “Wait, how much is that in dollars?”
It’s perfectly reasonable to want to know what something costs in your own currency.
But loudly announcing this question at a bustling market or café makes you stand out immediately.
Middle-class tourists often treat currency conversion like a group activity, pulling out calculators or phone apps to compare prices out loud.
Locals aren’t impressed — they’re used to their own prices and don’t need commentary about how “cheap” or “expensive” everything feels.
Plus, haggling over a five-cent difference isn’t the power move you think it is.
Seasoned travelers handle conversions quietly and move on.
Because nothing screams “tourist” like a public math session over bottled water.
2. “Why don’t they speak English here?”
This one guarantees an eye roll every single time.
Middle-class tourists sometimes forget they are the visitors in another country, not the other way around.
Expecting everyone to speak English, no matter where you are, can come across as entitled.
While it’s true that English is common in many places, assuming it’s universal is a mistake.
A simple “hello” or “thank you” in the local language goes a long way.
Even if you butcher the pronunciation, the effort shows respect.
Nothing kills goodwill faster than loudly demanding, “Why can’t they just speak English?!” while surrounded by people who… don’t need to.
3. “This isn’t how they make it back home.”
Food is one of the best parts of traveling.
But middle-class tourists sometimes can’t help comparing every dish to what they’re used to.
Whether it’s pizza in Italy or tacos in Mexico, they’ll announce, “Hmm, this isn’t like the version I get at home.”
Of course it isn’t — that’s the point.
Authentic dishes often look and taste different from the Americanized versions found at chain restaurants.
When you critique local food for not matching your expectations, it comes off as dismissive.
A better approach? Eat with curiosity and an open mind.
Leave the comparisons at home with your frozen pizza rolls.
4. “I wonder how much this would cost at Costco.”
Nothing says middle-class traveler quite like turning every purchase into a mental price check at their favorite big-box store.
Whether it’s wine in France, spices in Morocco, or handmade pottery in Greece, someone always says, “I bet I could get this for half the price at Costco.”
Sure, maybe you could — but that’s not the point.
You’re paying for the experience, the craftsmanship, and the memory of buying it where it was made.
Reducing everything to a Costco price comparison misses the magic entirely.
And yes, locals absolutely notice when you mutter this under your breath while holding their carefully made goods.
5. “Can we get something familiar instead?”
Trying new foods can be intimidating, especially in a country where menus are in another language.
But middle-class tourists often reach a point where they just want the comfort of what they know.
Cue the hunt for a recognizable chain restaurant or a meal of chicken nuggets and fries.
There’s nothing wrong with craving a taste of home — but loudly rejecting local cuisine in favor of “safe” options gets judged quickly.
Travel is about expanding horizons, not retreating into the familiar.
Plus, you didn’t fly across the world to eat the exact same burger you could get down the street back home.
6. “Do they have Wi-Fi here?”
Technology dependence is universal, but middle-class tourists take it to another level.
Before admiring the scenery or chatting with locals, the first question out of their mouths is often, “Do they have Wi-Fi here?”
They’ll pace around a café or plaza, phone in hand, desperate for a signal to upload photos or check email.
To locals, it looks like you care more about your feed than their culture.
Sure, staying connected is practical, but it doesn’t need to be the headline of every moment.
Sometimes, the most memorable travel experiences happen when you put the phone down.
Even if — gasp — you have to wait a few hours to post that perfect sunset shot.
7. “Wow, this place is so cheap!”
Middle-class tourists often marvel at how affordable things seem compared to back home.
But saying this out loud can feel tone-deaf.
What’s “cheap” to you might represent someone else’s livelihood.
When you gush about low prices in front of locals, it can sound dismissive or patronizing.
It’s perfectly fine to appreciate the value you’re getting.
Just keep those comments to yourself — or save them for a private conversation later.
Because no one enjoys feeling like their culture has been reduced to a bargain-bin find.
Closing reflection: travel is about respect
Most middle-class tourists don’t mean to offend.
They’re simply navigating unfamiliar places with the tools they know.
But a little awareness goes a long way.
The best travelers stay curious, humble, and open-minded — and they think before they speak.
Because the goal of travel isn’t just to see the world.
It’s to connect with it.
And nothing builds connection faster than leaving a few eye-roll-inducing phrases back home.
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