If you’re viewing this in English, consider yourself lucky. Traveling globally is easier for you since one in five people can communicate in English.

At least, that’s what we think.

Damian Comito recalled a recent experience in a Rome restaurant where he intended to order coffee but instead received a hot plate of fried zucchini. The owner of a limousine service in Berth, Washington, Comito was puzzled by how this mix-up occurred.

“Luckily, a friendly local intervened,” he reminisced. “We all had a good laugh about it.”

These language mix-ups are mutual. Stephanie Rytting shared her story from her first trip to Paris after she picked up French. At a café, she confidently ordered a ham sandwich known as a croque-monsieur, but mistakenly called it a croque-madame, which comes with an egg. (Talk about a mistake!)

Explore Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel world wishes you wouldn’t find out about. Each edition is packed with urgent news, insightful analyses, and exclusive strategies to enhance your travel experience. But keep it a secret!

“The waiter kindly pointed out my mistake,” said Rytting, a travel advisor focusing on France. “I accepted my sandwich with a bit of embarrassment.”

Are we encountering more of these awkward translation situations? Definitely. An increasing number of Americans are venturing to remote destinations where English isn’t widely spoken – places where you’d better have your phone, a solid 5G connection, and Google Translate handy.

But perhaps you’d still venture there without it.

So let’s delve into the reasons behind these language blunders and how we can lessen them. I know you might be reaching for your translation app, but that’s just part of the answer.

Why do these translation mix-ups happen?

Translation mishaps often arise from unexpected places. While there are many amusing tales of wrong orders, most restaurant interactions go smoothly. (Here’s a handy tip: Many dishes have numbers next to them; use them to place your order instead of trying to pronounce the name.)

Bill McGee, a seasoned traveler and airline policy expert, explains that many significant translation issues stem from incorrect assumptions.

“Sometimes it’s basic things like the metric system, or the use of 24-hour clocks at train stations and airports. Dates could be in day-month-year format if you’re not careful. And in some locations, elevators may list a ground floor separate from the first floor,” he explained.

Many Americans tend to assume everything operates the same way as it does back at home: using the imperial system, the 12-hour clock, and writing dates in month-day-year format. (And honestly, I often have no clue what the elevator announcements mean.)

“The stereotype of the ‘ugly American’ continues to persist, especially when we neglect to acknowledge that different parts of the world operate in their own unique ways,” McGee stated.

Can translation apps reduce the chances of a mix-up while traveling?

When Americans find themselves in foreign countries, they typically go through several stages. Initially, they believe that everyone around them can speak English, perhaps because they see others attempting to do so.

The next realization hits when they notice that the English spoken by locals is often restricted to basic phrases: “yes,” “no,” “please,” and “thank you.” At this point, many people reach for a translation app like Google Translate.

“Translation apps can’t replace the nuances of natural language fluency,” noted David Koo, Global Rescue’s director of operations. “However, they can be vital for overcoming essential communication challenges, whether it’s navigating, reading menus, using public transport, shopping, or seeking help in emergencies.”

Koo, who is fluent in multiple languages, still uses translation apps even when he knows the language well. He has heard too many stories like that of the fried zucchini, and given his work in a security company, he understands that poor translations can lead to serious risks.

For instance, consider how crucial it is to communicate your medication allergies accurately to a doctor in Italy. A mix-up here could have serious consequences!

Tips to prevent translation troubles

Ordering something confusing like zucchini instead of a cappuccino is one thing; clear communication is vital in other scenarios. I’ve nearly made the common day-month-year mistake when booking accommodations in Europe. Double-checking is always a good idea to ensure that you have made the right arrangements.

Keep in mind that outside of the U.S., the day-month-year format is commonly used for making reservations.

“In certain travel situations, clear communication is essential,” remarked Aleksander Alski, who oversees U.S. sales for Vasco Electronics, a company specializing in translation tools. “Misunderstandings can really impact our travel experiences.”

This is very true. Last summer, while trekking through Southeast Asia, I asked a pharmacy worker in Chiang Mai, Thailand, if they had salicylic acid, a treatment for warts. She replied enthusiastically but handed me a box of Cialis instead.

“Oh no,” I exclaimed. Everything is alright, I assured her as I glanced down. The issue was actually with my feet; they were blistered from hiking. She turned a shade of embarrassment before locating the salicylic acid.

So, how can you prevent a misunderstanding while traveling?

• Learn some of the language. No need to master the whole language – just enough to say “yes” and “no,” at the very least. A useful phrase is “Where is the bathroom?” In Japan, I repeatedly used “excuse me.” Small efforts like these can clear up a lot of confusion.
• Don’t make assumptions. Never assume that everyone speaks English (even if locals seem to pretend they do). Don’t assume they use the same date format or measurements as you do. Assumptions can lead to misunderstandings in any language.

• Use an app. Download Google Translate or invest in a Vasco translator for your travels, even if you believe someone understands you. People often respond with “yes” out of politeness, even when they haven’t grasped what you said. Instead, try typing out what you wish to say and show it to them.

Here’s my perspective: It’s often about English. Many feel they know it or believe they should because of their school experience. Consequently, they muddle through conversations, leading to many errors. At the same time, Americans sometimes try to communicate their high school Spanish or French. That can work, but not always.

This results in a situation where travelers seem to speak past one another, even when using the same language. It’s something to keep in mind when exploring abroad.

The key is to keep a positive attitude. If you happen to order fried zucchini instead of coffee during your travels, treat it as a fun culinary exploration rather than a communication error. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your new favorite dish.