Spaniards age 30 and under have had plenty of English language lessons at school—generally more than enough to help you order lunch or find your size at local shops.

Even so, the following key Spanish phrases will come in handy and could even save you some cash on your next trip to Spain. More often than not, a little Spanish will get a smile and better service than babbling in English from the get-go.

For maximum politeness, all verbs are conjugated using “usted”, Spanish’s more formal you.

Related: 7 Phrases to help you save in Barcelona

1. ¿Habla inglés?: Do you speak English?

It’s best to ask, and not assume that someone will understand English. Nine times out of ten, people in shops and restaurants will do what it takes to reach an understanding, even if their English is limited to the basics. In Barcelona’s famous La Boquería Market, I know a fishmonger who gets called away from her stand to help other vendors with English-speaking clientele.

2. Perdón/Perdone: Excuse me.

This is a biggie. This will save you from all kinds of dirty looks, and the occasional scene when you accidentally bump into someone or need to elbow your way out of a crowded bus or subway wagon. It works especially nicely when paired with #1, as in, “Perdone ¿Habla inglés?” Translation: “Excuse, me, but do you speak English?”

Knowing a little Spanish can go a long way with a waiter in Madrid. Photo: rafa_luque

3. Por favor and gracias: Please and thank you

Just like everywhere else in the world, add a please and thank you to your sentence, a pleasant tone of voice, and a smile, and you’ll be on your way to a much friendlier encounter.

Related: When (and when not) to tip in Barcelona

4. ¿Dónde está? + name of place or attraction: Where is it?

If your Spanish isn’t great and the place you’re looking for isn’t nearby, it’s best to use this phrase with a map out, so the person can physically point you in the right direction.

Two of my most used combinations with this one are “¿Dónde está el metro?” And “¿Dónde está el lavabo?” Respectively “where’s the subway?” and “where’s the bathroom?”

5. ¿Cuánto cuesta?: How much does it cost?

This is one you don’t have to ask as often in Spain, as prices are generally posted for everyone to see outside restaurants and inside shops and markets. Still, on the odd occasion, you’re not sure, it’s best to know before you find yourself shelling out far more euros than you expected at the register.

6. ¿Tenéis alguna oferta?: Do you have any sales or special deals?

It never hurts to ask if something’s on offer — some shop attendants are cagey and won’t volunteer this information on their own while others are busy and may forget. Either way, it’s a question that may save you money — maybe your café con leche and your friend’s croissant can be rung up as the breakfast special for €2, as opposed to separately for €3.40.

7. Entrada libre y gratuita: Free/Open Entrance

This sign on doors of galleries and museums means you can come in and have a look around at your leisure — for free. Keep an eye out for these words at several attractions around Spain including Madrid and Barcelona.

8. Tarifa reducida: Reduced price

This one is usually divided into groups — Jóvenes (young people) usually under a specific set age of 15 or 18, Mayores de 60 (over sixty), and Estudiantes (students, with a valid student ID), just be aware that in some museums only International Student IDs are accepted.

You can ask for a sample but just do it very politely. Photo: binderdonedat

9. ¿Se puede probar?: Can I try it on/out?

This is an important phrase. In specialty food stores, chances are you should sample that expensive cheese before you cart a big chunk of it home. However, it’s still not typical in Spain to leave out trays of samples. If you want to try something, you have to ask very nicely first.

The same goes for that trendy shop with locally designed threads — there’s a dressing room, we promise. It just might be tricky to find, and besides, local culture dictates asking first. It works in both circumstances by asking and pointing at what you want to try out or on.

10.  ¿Se acepta tarjetas?: Do you take credit cards?

Believe it or not, lots of establishments, even in big Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona won’t allow you to pay with your trusty Visa or MasterCard. You’re best off always having a little cash on hand, but for the times you don’t, or would prefer to use your card, it’s always better to ask. Also, forget about paying with American Express or Discover pretty much everywhere in Spain.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget Hola and Adiós.

Hello and goodbye are in a lot of traveler’s arsenal of Spanish, but aren’t always used when they should be. In Spain, common courtesy dictates greeting staff when you come in, and when you leave — courteous customers always get the best deals and friendliest service.

The post 10 Spanish phrases every traveler should know appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So what can we do about the not-fitting-in situation? Read on my friend, read on.

Start with the shoes

Let’s start with the obvious: lose the shoes. It even rhymes, so no excuses. White New Balance runners might be fine in Connecticut but in Florence they’ll blow your cover faster than whistling “Dixie Land” through a megaphone.

Consider leather walking shoes, leather sandals, or if you must, a more conservative sports shoe. You’ll find affordable shops selling shoes on Via del Corso. And while we’re on the subject of footwear, sports sandals don’t cut it here either. Leather. Leather. Leather! And flip-flops? Forget it.

On the subject of shorts

Let’s move our way up, shall we? How about shorts? Nope. Italians don’t wear them. Unless it’s at the beach where the name of the game is to wear the least amount of clothing possible. A true Italian would rather eat canned tomato sauce than be caught wearing half a pair of pants in the street. Long pants, shirts, dresses, but no shorts.

As for beachwear, one word: Speedo.

Shirts

Now we come to the torso. Remember, you’re trying to blend in, not look like a walking billboard. Big letters out, neatly-pressed shirts or monochrome tees in. Don’t shout with your t-shirt, save that for your hands and face – like the locals do.

The city center is filled with shops and sales are on twice a year at the end of the summer and after Christmas. Take advantage of those, stores slash prices by up to 75 percent.

Clothing outlets

There are several ways of cheaping your way into vogue. One suggestion is to attend “Vintage Selection” – Florence’s annual vintage clothing fair held in late January. Check Stazione Leopolda’s website for more info.

There are also discount clothing outlets in the outskirts of Florence which house most of the big Italian designer labels. The Mall and Barberino seem to be two of the more popular ones. They also offer tour packages which include entrance fees.

Ready to act

So now that you’re all dressed up, what do you do? Stay tuned for my next post: How to act like a local.

The post Florence: How to look like a local – Part 1: The Clothes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Trains are below the terminal

The Dutch are amazing at making the most of a small space. The entire airport train station is located down, way down, below the main passenger area. Escalator ramps tow visitors to the lower deck, while train departure information can be checked from the main floor. (FYI: It’s about a 20-minute trip to Amsterdam Central Station.)

Train tickets? Head to the yellow kiosks

Yellow electronic box kiosks are placed throughout the passenger terminal area and serve as a fast and easy way to buy a train ticket to your destination. All are locked and loaded with a touch screen, credit card payment (and coins) and English language option (see the UK flag on the bottom right of the screen). It takes just a few minutes and beats waiting in line to buy the same yellow ticket from the service desk.

You have nothing to declare, period

When it comes to Dutch airport authority, be polite yet direct. Never have a vague purpose for your trip; always have an answer. The Declarations wing is not for tourists or travelers, and just because you arrive from an international flight does not mean you have to stop each time you see an official.

“Americans might think they need to go through customs, but they just have to walk through Nothing To Declare without looking guilty,” says Lynelle Barrett, an editor at Expatica.com, an info site for expatriates. “That can save you from getting caught in a situation you don’t have to deal with in the first place.”

Leave your Amsterdam “trinkets” in Amsterdam

Departing from Schipol to catch a flight home? Regardless of where you’re going, soft drugs like marijuana are illegal to traffic – and that’s exactly what you’re doing if you don’t toss your party favors before boarding. Not to mention the obvious truth of these substances most likely being illegal where you land. Any trace can be detected, counted, and lead to serious trouble.

Tulips and cheese

Tulips going to the US need an official gold stamp, or seal, to certify it is safe to plant this bulb in American soil. These stamps can be purchased for a few euros from the flower shop, and some bulb bags might already have this seal. Either way, be 100 percent sure you’ve got the gold – it would be a pity to dump Dutch tulips with your liquids.

Dutch farm cheese is tricky – it depends on your customs officer. The rule is any cheese coming in to the US must be pasteurized, and this is not always the case in Europe. To up your chances, wrap your cheese well and go for the hard stuff.

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