Learn 10 phrases before traveling to USA

Hey everyone!

Welcome back to my YouTube channel.

In today's video, I am in New York City (the city that never sleeps).

Today I'm a tourist visiting the Big Apple and we'll learn some basic English phrases and practice some common tourist situations.

So today I will teach you 10 English phrases you need to know when you travel to the United States.

The first phrase is: "How much is it?".

People ask "How much is it?" while traveling to find out the cost of something they want to do or see.

For example How much is one ticket for a bus ride? -Uh it depends on where you going.

Okay probably downtown. How much is a ticket? -Downtown, $59

$59? -Yes.

I want to go on a bus tour so I asked "How much is one ticket?"

and if you're planning to travel by train or subway you can ask "How much is a ticket?" to find out the fare.

You can also use this phrase "How much is it?" to ask about food prices and trust me you'll need it in New York because prices can be all over the place.

How much is it for one hot dog? -$4.

$4, okay thank you.

Hi, how are you?

Um how much is it for a slice of pizza? -It's over there.

The next phrase is "Can you take a picture of me?".

This is a phrase you'll use a lot when traveling whether you're on your own or with a big group.

You'll want pictures to show your friends and family back home how much fun you're having in New York City.

Hi excuse me can you take a picture of me? -Sure no problem.

Can you take a picture of me? Thank you.

Thank you!

Don't be afraid to ask a stranger, "Can you take a picture of me?".

It's a great way to get a good photo and sometimes they might want you to take their photo too.

This next phrase you might need especially when traveling to New York City is "Do you speak English?".

This phrase can be a lifesaver when you're in a difficult situation.

If you need help with something you'll want to make sure you can communicate with the person you're asking.

So "Do you speak English?" is a way to find someone who can understand you and help you.

Excuse me do you speak English? -Yes I speak English.

You can also use this phrase if you speak another language.

For example, if you're in a big city like New York with many people who speak different languages you might find someone who can speak your native language.

For example, if my my first language was Spanish I would ask "Do you speak Spanish?".

Hi, do you speak Spanish? -I speak three languages.

Hablas español? (Do you speak Spanish) -Si (Yes).

Hi do you speak Spanish? -Spanish?

Español, si? -Cuanto cuesta un vaso de sandia?

$5 But if your first language is Mandarin, Portuguese, French, etc., you can ask the same question in case you need help on the street.

The next question is "Where is it?".

You can use this phrase to find out where something is at.

For example, if you're at a restaurant and need to use the restroom you can ask, "Where's the restroom?".

Where's the restroom? -Right behind the bar.

Thank you!

Hi, excuse me do you work here? -Yes.

Um where is the nearest restroom? -Sure just go straight the hallway, you go all the way down your right side. -Okay straight the hallway and all the way down on the right side.

Thank you.

Where is the closest Starbucks? -Starbucks?

Over there, oh thank you!

Excuse me do you know where I can find an ATM? -ATM?

Yeah, I just got here. -Do they have it in that deli?

I have no idea. My ATM I just go to Chase.

You go to Chase over there?

-There's a Chase. If you go straight you'll find a Chase.

Okay, thank you. Thanks!

You can also use this phrase if you need to find the subway.

It's a simple and direct way to get information to avoid getting lost in the city.

Hi, where is the subway for Train F? -Train F? It's at Briant Park.

You know where Briant Park is? -No where is that at?

Outside the door here, cross the street, walk to your right.

-Okay outside the door, cross the street, walk to the right. Thank you!

Hi excuse me I'm not from around here but where is the nearest train station?

Uh train station? Like subway? -Yeah the subway yeah.

Okay, the closest one is going to be 34th Street. -Over there 34th Street? Okay.

Okay, thank you. -Yeah no problem.

Sometimes it's tough navigating a big city like New York especially when your English isn't perfect.

It's easy to get lost especially when people speak really fast.

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Now let's get back to the video!

When you're traveling you're probably not making food in your hotel since you'll be trying out all the amazing restaurants in New York.

So the next phrase is super important...

"Do I need a reservation to eat here?".

Hi, do I need a reservation to eat here? -You don't need a reservation now.

Okay.

Hi, excuse me. Do I need a reservation to eat here?

-No you can just walk inside.

Okay thank you.

Uh are you planning on walking in today? The weekend?

Probably today for lunch. -Today is a good day for lunch and um we have happy hour 4 to 6.

Some places get packed or crowded, especially on weekends so that's why you should always ask the host "Do I need a reservation to eat here?" so you won't get stuck without a table.

The next phrase is "Do you accept cash or card?".

This is a common question because not all places accept all payment methods.

So in New York, you might find some street vendors or small shops that only take cash, but then there are some restaurants that might only accept credit cards.

So always ask "Do you accept cash or card?".

Hi, do you accept credit card? -Just cash.

Just cash? Okay, thank you.

Do you accept cash? -Yes.

Yes, you do? -Cash and card.

Cash and card? Okay thank you.

Do you have a white shirt that says I love New York?

-What size?

Um what sizes do you have?

Small, medium, extra large, and kids size. -Do you have a small?

And then do you accept cash or card?

Both? Okay.

Another way to ask "Do you accept cash or card?" is: "Can I pay with cash or card?".

It's a bit more direct, but it means the same thing.

The next question is, "Are you in line?".

I used this phrase way more than I thought I would in in New York.

It's a busy city and there are lines everywhere-- at restaurants, cafes, even for the subway.

It's super helpful to know if you're supposed to join the line or if someone's already waiting.

Excuse me, are you in line? -No I'm not go ahead.

Thanks.

When you're traveling especially abroad your phone service might not work the same way it does back home.

Even if you do have phone service the connection might be bad in some places.

That's why you need to ask this question: "Do you have Wi-Fi?" or "What's the Wi-Fi password?".

Do you have Wi-Fi? -Yeah.

You do? What's the password? -I Love Cannolis 123.

Perfect thank you! -You got it.

What's the Wi-Fi password? Do you have Wi-Fi here? -No.

No okay, thanks.

Once you know they have Wi-Fi then you should follow up with "What's the Wi-Fi password?" because most Wi-Fi networks have passwords.

The next phrase is "Can I get..." or "I would like this.".

When you're in a new place it's important to be polite when asking for things.

"Can I get..." or "I would like..." are common ways to make requests in a friendly and respectful manner.

Hi, can I get the check, please?

Thank you.

Hi, can I get two cannolis and one cappuccino, please?

-Yeah regular?

Um yeah regular yeah. -And to stay or to go?

Um to stay (for here).

Hi, I'd like to get this pair, please. Okay, gotcha.

Thanks.

These phrases sound more natural and less direct than simply saying "Give me" or "I want".

Tourists want to make the most of their time so they need to know when things are open and closed.

So the next question "What time..." helps plan their activities.

For example: I saw a sign over there that says that you have happy hour.

-Of course, we do!

What time is happy hour? Now right now.

Right now? Until what time? -Until 7.

What time does this store close? -7 p.m.

7pm? Okay and what time does it open tomorrow? -12 p.m.

12:00 p.m.? Okay, thank you.

If you're looking to save money on drinks or if you want to make sure you get to a store before it closes asking "What time is happy hour?" or

"What time does this store close?" can really come in handy while traveling.

Now this is the bonus round!

I'm going to give you a scenario and your job is to tell me the right question to ask.

Let's say you're looking for something in the store and then you see someone nearby.

If you're not sure if they work there or if they're a customer how would you say that?

You can ask "Do you work here?".

Hi excuse me do you work here? -Yes.

Hi, do you work here? -Yes!

Now let's say you're in a souvenir shop and you're trying to find something inside the store.

What phrase would you use?

You can say "I'm looking for...".

I'm looking for some magnets. -You are looking for magnets.

Now if you're in a clothing store and you find this amazing shirt, you want to see how it looks on you in the fitting room.

What do you say to the salesperson?

You can ask "Can I try this on?".

Hi. -How are you?

Good how are you? Can I try this on?

Thank you. -Just one?

Yes, just one. -On this side are the fitting rooms. Okay thank you.

Did you notice something special I kept saying and repeating throughout this video?

I used some magic words that are really important when you're traveling especially in a big city like New York.

I always said "Excuse me!" to get someone's attention and I always said "Thank you" after they helped me.

Remember these words excuse me and thank you go a long way especially when you ask for help from strangers.

So now you know some essential English phrases to use when you're a tourist traveling to the U.S.

Remember to practice them and have a wonderful time exploring the city!

Okay everybody!

That's all for today's video.

Go ahead and give me a like, subscribe, and I'll see you guys next week!

Bye!