Travel Tips: Language
Don't be a tourist
It is an old argument, but are we tourists or travellers? Probably a bit of both but the sure way to be treated like a tourist is to go around speaking in our native tongue and not bothering to learn even a few words of the local language. 'Please' and 'thank you' can go a long way, as do a few numbers, and as well as earning, by offering, a little respect can save you a few bucks too. For instance, a taxi driver may be less inclined to try and rip you off if he doesn't think you are on your first visit to his town or country.
A few words at the border
Watching a parade of rich travellers going past his remote and impoverished border post is going to get to him sooner or later. Why not have some fun and shake one down? Learning to greet the officers in their native language, and saying 'thank you' as they stamp your passport can be a good way to avoid being that one. It's a polite thing to do anyway and both words will be useful throughout your new destination.
Use the library
Expensive language courses may be hired for free at your hometown library.
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