It is not necessary to speak a foreign language to travel full-time. In 2023, many Europeans speak English, and almost everyone working in tourist or tourist-related industries speaks English.

Fortunately, English is the common language in Europe – even when neither person is a native English speaker. For example, Germans and French will often communicate in English because that is the language they have in common. Recently, we observed an Italian shopkeeper interacting with a Romanian customer in English. After a brief introduction and request by the customer, they communicated perfectly.

There are some circumstances where travelers would benefit from knowing the local language. But, even in these situations, it is possible to get by using a cell phone translation app.

We have traveled extensively throughout Bosnia, Croatia, Italy, and Montenegro. In our experience, everyone in the tourism industry speaks English. Most people speak at least some English, even outside the tourism industry (or outside tourist areas). Surprisingly, this is even more so in developing countries.

For example, we spent a month in Genoa, Italy, which is not heavily reliant on tourism. Even there, everyone working in the service industry speaks English. However, we struggled to communicate with veterinarians when we needed to get Gus an EU pet passport. On the other hand, we spent a month in Sarajevo, Bosnia, and almost everyone we encountered spoke English. Similarly, everyone we have interacted with in Croatia speaks English.

Fortunately, there are cell phone apps that help with communication in areas where English is not widely spoken. Also, the Google Translate smartphone app has a feature that translates words in real time as you point the camera at them. This helps with signs in the grocery store and labels on packaging.

Even though you don’t need to speak the local language, we find it helpful to learn a few simple words in the local language wherever we are traveling. We try to learn to say the following:

• • Hello.
  • Please.
  • Thank you.
  • Sorry.
  • Good Morning.
  • Good Day.
  • Goodbye.
  • I don’t understand.
  • Do you speak English?
  • Where is the bathroom?
  • Check, please.
  • Do you take credit cards?
  • How much?
  • Where is…
  • Do you have…

We try to greet people in the local language, and if we need to communicate further, ask if they speak English. This is more polite and less presumptuous than just speaking English to them. It is always welcomed with a smile, and we almost always get a response in perfect English.

Interestingly, most people respond in English when we try to communicate in the local language. They would rather speak English to us than attempt to decipher our poor Italian – or whatever language we may be butchering. Nonetheless, knowing a few words of the local language makes our traveling experience more immersive and ultimately more enjoyable.

For the most part, it is not necessary to speak the local language to do anything you need to do. However, some situations are more difficult – or will take more patients, than others.

The servers in all restaurants and cafes speak English in the areas we have visited. The service industry is closely associated with tourism. Consequently, speaking English is a requirement for these jobs almost everywhere in Europe. In short, it is not necessary to speak the local language to eat at restaurants because all the tourists on vacation are eating there.

If you’ve read our article about avoiding travel fatigue, you know that grocery shopping is an essential activity for full-time travelers. Although restaurants are accustomed to serving tourists, most grocery stores cater to the locals. Significantly, the signs and labels are primarily in the local language. This is where a translator app like Google Translate comes in handy. The app allows you to quickly scan the sign or label and determine what items are and how much they cost. Once you do this a couple of times, you learn the basics required to grocery shop.

The checkout process can be confusing the first couple of times – especially if you use self-checkout. Again, the translator app is beneficial. Also, the cashiers may not speak as much English as others. However, they are only trying to communicate a couple of things: do you want a bag? And the amount owed. With a bit of patience, you will quickly pick up what they are asking and learn how to respond.

Because healthcare is not remotely related to tourism, many in the industry may not speak English. However, they are incredibly patient and helpful. They will work with you to determine your needs and get you the requested assistance or appointment.

We have not encountered problems buying train, ferry, or bus tickets. The ticket machines operate in multiple languages, and the ticket agents all speak some English. They interact with tourists regularly and will be able to assist.

Similarly, we have not had any problems communicating with taxi drivers or arranging private transfers from destination to destination. These are typical tourism jobs, and most people speak English.

Everyone working in hotels (except for the housekeeping crew) speaks English. These people interact with others from all over the world daily. They can probably answer any questions you have about the area and provide recommendations about where to go and what to avoid.

We don’t always have housekeeping services, but, when we do, communication can be challenging. Be prepared to use your translator app and hand signals.

The takeaway is that most Europeans speak at least some English. On the rare occasion you need to know the local language, a cell phone app will likely be sufficient to get you by.