50+ Essential Spanish Travel Phrases for Your Next Trip
Quick Answer
The most essential Spanish travel phrase is 'Disculpe, ¿habla inglés?' (excuse me, do you speak English?). But you'll get much further (and earn genuine warmth from locals) with even 20-30 phrases covering directions, hotels, food, shopping, and emergencies. Spanish is spoken in 21 countries, so these phrases work from Madrid to Mexico City to Buenos Aires.
Why Learn Spanish Travel Phrases?
Even 30 basic Spanish phrases can transform your travel experience. Spanish is the official language of 21 countries and spoken by approximately 559 million people worldwide, according to Ethnologue's 2024 data. That makes it the fourth most spoken language on Earth and the dominant language across most of the Americas and Spain.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Spain alone received over 85 million international tourists in 2023, while Mexico welcomed over 38 million. Add in Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica, and the rest of Latin America, and you're looking at hundreds of millions of travelers each year navigating Spanish-speaking destinations.
The truth is, you don't need fluency. You need the right 50 phrases in the right situations. Locals consistently respond with more patience, better recommendations, and genuine warmth when you make even a small effort in their language.
"Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going."
(Rita Mae Brown, author and linguist)
This guide covers the essential Spanish travel phrases organized by real travel situations: getting around, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and emergencies. Each phrase includes pronunciation, a usage example, and cultural context so you know exactly when and where to use it.
Quick Reference: Top 15 Spanish Travel Phrases
Getting Around
Navigation is the first challenge in any foreign city. These phrases will help you ask for directions, take taxis, and find your way to key landmarks.
¿Dónde está...?
/DOHN-deh ehs-TAH/
Literal meaning: Where is...?
“¿Dónde está la estación de metro?”
Where is the metro station?
The most versatile navigation phrase. Works in every country. Just add any location after 'está.'
This is your go-to directional phrase. Pair it with el hotel (the hotel), la playa (the beach), el aeropuerto (the airport), or el centro (the city center). The structure never changes.
A la derecha
/ah lah deh-REH-chah/
Literal meaning: To the right
“El museo está a la derecha.”
The museum is to the right.
Listen for this when receiving directions. Often paired with 'todo recto' (straight ahead).
When locals give you directions, you'll hear a la derecha (right), a la izquierda (left), and todo recto or todo derecho (straight ahead) constantly. Learning to recognize these three makes any set of directions manageable.
A la izquierda
/ah lah ees-kee-EHR-dah/
Literal meaning: To the left
“Gire a la izquierda en la esquina.”
Turn left at the corner.
Used alongside 'a la derecha' in directions. 'Gire' means 'turn.'
The pronunciation of izquierda trips up many travelers. Focus on the "ees-kee-EHR-dah" rhythm; the "zqu" cluster sounds like "skee."
¿Cuánto cuesta el taxi a...?
/KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah el TAHK-see ah/
Literal meaning: How much costs the taxi to...?
“¿Cuánto cuesta el taxi al aeropuerto?”
How much is a taxi to the airport?
Always ask before getting in. In many Latin American countries, negotiate the fare beforehand, meters aren't always used.
In Spain, taxis use meters and are well regulated. In Mexico, use official airport taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber or DiDi. In Argentina and Colombia, always confirm the price upfront or insist on the meter (el taxímetro).
💡 Taxi Safety Tip
In Mexico City, only use taxis de sitio (taxi stands) or ride-hailing apps. Never hail a random cab on the street, especially at night. In Spain, official taxis are clearly marked and metered, so they're safe to flag down anywhere.
¿Puede llevarme a...?
/PWEH-deh yeh-VAR-meh ah/
Literal meaning: Can you carry me to...?
“¿Puede llevarme al centro histórico?”
Can you take me to the historic center?
Useful for taxis and ride shares. 'Llevar' literally means 'to carry' but is used for giving rides.
Show the driver an address on your phone if pronunciation is tricky. Most taxi drivers appreciate the effort of asking in Spanish, even if you switch to showing a map afterward.
At the Hotel
Checking in, requesting amenities, and solving room issues are daily hotel interactions. These phrases cover the essentials.
Tengo una reserva
/TEHN-goh OO-nah reh-SEHR-vah/
Literal meaning: I have a reservation
“Buenas tardes, tengo una reserva a nombre de García.”
Good afternoon, I have a reservation under the name García.
In Spain, 'reserva' is standard. In some Latin American countries, you may also hear 'reservación.'
Always follow up with a nombre de... (under the name of...) and your surname. Hotel staff in tourist areas often speak some English, but starting in Spanish sets a friendly tone.
¿Tiene habitaciones disponibles?
/tee-EH-neh ah-bee-tah-see-OH-nehs dees-poh-NEE-blehs/
Literal meaning: Do you have rooms available?
“Buenas noches, ¿tiene habitaciones disponibles para esta noche?”
Good evening, do you have rooms available for tonight?
Useful for walk-ins. Add 'para dos personas' (for two people) or 'para una noche' (for one night) to specify.
For walk-ins at smaller hotels and hostales (guesthouses), this phrase is essential. Larger chain hotels usually have online booking, but in smaller towns across Latin America, walk-ins are still common.
La llave, por favor
/lah YAH-veh por fah-VOR/
Literal meaning: The key, please
“Disculpe, perdí la llave. ¿Puede darme otra?”
Excuse me, I lost the key. Can you give me another one?
Older hotels in Spain and Latin America still use physical keys. 'La tarjeta' refers to a key card.
In modern hotels, you might need la tarjeta (tah-HEH-tah), the key card. But many charming boutique hotels, posadas, and Airbnbs across the Spanish-speaking world still use traditional keys.
¿A qué hora es el desayuno?
/ah keh OH-rah ehs el deh-sah-YOO-noh/
Literal meaning: At what hour is the breakfast?
“¿A qué hora es el desayuno mañana?”
What time is breakfast tomorrow?
Meal times vary dramatically: in Spain, breakfast is 8-10 AM, lunch 2-4 PM, dinner 9-11 PM. In Mexico, schedules are earlier.
Understanding local meal schedules is critical. According to the Instituto Cervantes, the late Spanish dining schedule confuses more foreign visitors than any language barrier. Dinner at 10 PM is completely normal in Spain but would be unusual in Mexico, where dinner is typically at 7-8 PM.
Ordering Food
Restaurant meals are a highlight of any trip. These phrases cover ordering, dietary needs, and paying.
La cuenta, por favor
/lah KWEHN-tah por fah-VOR/
Literal meaning: The account, please
“Cuando pueda, la cuenta, por favor.”
Whenever you can, the bill, please.
In Spanish-speaking countries, waiters won't bring the bill until you ask. It's considered rude to rush diners.
This is arguably the single most important restaurant phrase. Unlike in the US or UK, the waiter will never drop the check at your table uninvited. You must ask for it. Adding cuando pueda (whenever you can) makes it extra polite.
¿Qué me recomienda?
/keh meh reh-koh-mee-EHN-dah/
Literal meaning: What do you recommend to me?
“Es mi primera vez aquí. ¿Qué me recomienda?”
It's my first time here. What do you recommend?
Waiters love this question. It signals trust and often leads to the restaurant's best dishes, not the tourist menu.
This phrase consistently produces the best dining experiences. Waiters take personal pride in their recommendations, and asking shows respect for their expertise. You'll often get dishes that aren't even on the menu.
Soy alérgico/a a...
/soy ah-LEHR-hee-koh/kah ah/
Literal meaning: I am allergic to...
“Soy alérgica a los mariscos.”
I'm allergic to shellfish.
Use '-o' ending if you're male, '-a' if female. Common allergens: mariscos (shellfish), nueces (nuts), gluten, lácteos (dairy).
Food allergies are a serious safety matter. Memorize your specific allergen: los cacahuetes (peanuts), los mariscos (shellfish), el gluten, los lácteos (dairy), los huevos (eggs). Write it on a card in your wallet as backup.
Quisiera...
/kee-see-EH-rah/
Literal meaning: I would want...
“Quisiera el menú del día, por favor.”
I would like the daily menu, please.
More polite than 'quiero' (I want). 'El menú del día' is a fixed-price daily meal available at most restaurants in Spain.
Quisiera is the polite conditional form. You'll hear locals use quiero (I want) casually, but as a visitor, quisiera shows good manners and earns you extra goodwill. In Spain, always ask about el menú del día, typically a three-course meal with drink for 10-15 euros.
Shopping
Whether you're at a market in Oaxaca or a boutique in Barcelona, these phrases help you navigate prices, bargaining, and payment.
¿Cuánto cuesta?
/KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah/
Literal meaning: How much does it cost?
“Me gusta este. ¿Cuánto cuesta?”
I like this one. How much does it cost?
Essential for markets, shops, and anywhere prices aren't displayed. Works in every Spanish-speaking country.
In markets across Latin America, prices are often not posted. Asking ¿Cuánto cuesta? is expected and not considered rude. In Spain, most shops have fixed posted prices, but this phrase is still useful for items without tags.
¿Tiene algo más barato?
/tee-EH-neh AHL-goh mahs bah-RAH-toh/
Literal meaning: Do you have something more cheap?
“Es bonito pero caro. ¿Tiene algo más barato?”
It's nice but expensive. Do you have something cheaper?
Perfectly acceptable in markets. In fixed-price stores, use with caution, it implies the item is overpriced.
At open-air markets in Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Colombia, gentle bargaining is expected and part of the social interaction. In Spain, prices are generally fixed. Knowing the difference matters. As linguist Anna Wierzbicka notes in Cross-Cultural Pragmatics, the social rules around commercial transactions vary dramatically even within the same language.
¿Aceptan tarjeta?
/ah-SEHP-tahn tar-HEH-tah/
Literal meaning: Do you accept card?
“¿Aceptan tarjeta de crédito o solo efectivo?”
Do you accept credit cards or only cash?
Spain is mostly card-friendly. In Latin America, smaller shops and markets are often cash-only. Always carry some local currency.
Spain has widely adopted card payments, but many small bars, chiringuitos (beach bars), and rural businesses remain cash-only. In Latin America, cash is king outside of major chains and tourist-oriented businesses. The phrase solo efectivo (cash only) is one you'll hear frequently.
Me lo llevo
/meh loh YEH-voh/
Literal meaning: I take it with me
“Perfecto, me lo llevo. ¿Cuánto es?”
Perfect, I'll take it. How much is it?
The standard way to say 'I'll buy it' in shops and markets. Change 'lo' to 'la' for feminine nouns or 'los/las' for plural.
After browsing and negotiating, me lo llevo seals the deal. It's casual, friendly, and tells the vendor you've made your decision. Pair it with a smile and you'll make a shopkeeper's day.
Emergencies
Nobody plans for emergencies, but knowing a few critical phrases can make a stressful situation manageable.
¡Ayuda!
/ah-YOO-dah/
Literal meaning: Help!
“¡Ayuda! ¡Alguien llame a una ambulancia!”
Help! Someone call an ambulance!
Universal across all Spanish-speaking countries. Shout it loudly in genuine emergencies.
This is the one word you hope you'll never need but must know. It's universally understood and will draw immediate attention.
Necesito un médico
/neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh/
Literal meaning: I need a doctor
“No me siento bien. Necesito un médico.”
I don't feel well. I need a doctor.
For less urgent situations, ask for 'una farmacia' (a pharmacy), pharmacists in Spain and Latin America can recommend treatments for minor ailments.
Pharmacists (farmacéuticos) across the Spanish-speaking world are far more empowered than in many English-speaking countries. For minor issues like headaches, stomach problems, or sunburn, a pharmacy visit is faster and cheaper than a doctor. Pharmacists can dispense many medications that would require a prescription elsewhere.
Llame a la policía
/YAH-meh ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah/
Literal meaning: Call the police
“Me robaron la cartera. Llame a la policía, por favor.”
My wallet was stolen. Call the police, please.
Emergency numbers vary: 112 in Spain, 911 in Mexico, 101 (police) in Argentina, 123 in Colombia. Save the local number before your trip.
Petty theft is the most common crime tourists face. If something is stolen, you'll need a police report (una denuncia) for your insurance claim. At the station, the phrase necesito poner una denuncia (I need to file a report) will start the process.
He perdido mi pasaporte
/eh pehr-DEE-doh mee pah-sah-POR-teh/
Literal meaning: I have lost my passport
“He perdido mi pasaporte. ¿Dónde está la embajada?”
I've lost my passport. Where is the embassy?
Contact your country's embassy or consulate immediately. Keep a photocopy of your passport separate from the original.
Always carry a photocopy of your passport (or a photo on your phone) separately from the original. The phrase la embajada (the embassy) and el consulado (the consulate) are essential to know in this situation.
Essential Survival Phrases
A few more phrases that don't fit neatly into categories but come up constantly during travel.
No entiendo
/noh ehn-tee-EHN-doh/
Literal meaning: I don't understand
“Lo siento, no entiendo. ¿Puede hablar más despacio?”
I'm sorry, I don't understand. Can you speak more slowly?
Pair with '¿Puede hablar más despacio?' to ask them to slow down. Most people will happily accommodate you.
This is not an admission of failure. It's a bridge to better communication. Spanish speakers almost always appreciate the honesty and will try to simplify their language, use hand gestures, or find someone who speaks English.
¿Dónde está el baño?
/DOHN-deh ehs-TAH el BAH-nyoh/
Literal meaning: Where is the bathroom?
“Disculpe, ¿dónde está el baño?”
Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
In Spain, you'll also hear 'el servicio' or 'el aseo.' In some Latin American countries, 'el sanitario' is used. 'Baño' is universally understood.
Possibly the most urgent travel phrase in any language. In restaurants and cafes, bathrooms may require a code or key, so ask ¿tiene llave para el baño? (do you have a key for the bathroom?).
¿Habla inglés?
/AH-blah een-GLEHS/
Literal meaning: Do you speak English?
“Disculpe, ¿habla inglés? Necesito ayuda.”
Excuse me, do you speak English? I need help.
Always start with 'Disculpe' (excuse me) first. Attempting even this one phrase in Spanish before switching to English is considered respectful.
This is your emergency exit phrase. But here's the cultural insight that transforms your interactions: always lead with a greeting (Hola or Buenos días), then try your Spanish first, and only resort to ¿Habla inglés? if you're truly stuck. According to research in cross-cultural pragmatics, this small effort changes how locals perceive and help you.
🌍 Regional Differences That Matter
Tipping culture varies dramatically:
- Spain: Tipping is not expected. Round up or leave small change (5-10%) for excellent service.
- Mexico: Tip 15-20% at restaurants, similar to the US. Check if propina is already included.
- Argentina: 10% is standard at restaurants. Cash tips preferred even when paying by card.
- Colombia: A 10% servicio charge is usually added to the bill. You can decline it, but rarely should.
Formality levels:
- Spain: People switch to tú (informal you) quickly. First-name basis is normal even in professional settings.
- Mexico: Usted (formal you) is much more common with strangers. Use it as your default.
- Argentina: Vos replaces tú entirely. You'll hear ¿Vos querés? instead of ¿Tú quieres?
The word for "bus" changes everywhere: autobús (Spain), camión (Mexico), colectivo (Argentina), guagua (Cuba, Canary Islands), micro (Chile).
Practice with Spanish Movies and TV
The best way to internalize these travel phrases is hearing them in context. Spanish-language films and TV shows expose you to natural pronunciation, regional accents, and real conversational speed.
Check out our guide to the best movies to learn Spanish for curated recommendations across Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. Hearing characters navigate airports, restaurants, and markets gives you a feel for how these phrases actually sound in conversation.
For structured practice with all the phrases in this guide, try learning Spanish with Wordy. The app lets you build custom vocabulary lists from movies and shows, so you can focus specifically on travel vocabulary while watching content you enjoy.
Want to build a stronger foundation before your trip? Browse our full collection of Spanish language guides covering greetings, numbers, slang, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Spanish phrases do I need for travel?
Is Spanish the same in Spain and Latin America?
Should I use 'tú' or 'usted' when traveling?
What emergency number should I call in Spanish-speaking countries?
Can I get by with English in Spain and Mexico?
How do I ask for the bill at a restaurant in Spanish?
Sources & References
- Instituto Cervantes — El español en el mundo, 2024 annual report
- Lonely Planet — Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary, 8th edition
- Wierzbicka, A. — Cross-Cultural Pragmatics (Mouton de Gruyter)
- Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 27th edition (2024)
- World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) — International Tourism Highlights, 2024 edition
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