Spanish Travel Phrases Every American Should Know

October 16, 2024

Spanish Travel Phrases Every American Should Know

If you’re flying from the U.S. to Mexico, Spain, or Costa Rica, a handful of Spanish travel phrases will save you time, money, and awkward moments. These are the lines I end up using on every trip—split by scenario with quick pronunciations you can say or show on your phone.

1) Airport and arrivals

  • ¿Dónde está la aduana? — Where is customs? (dohn-deh es-TAH la ah-doo-AH-nah)
  • ¿Dónde recojo mi equipaje? — Where do I pick up my luggage? (dohn-deh reh-KOH-ho mee eh-kee-PAH-heh)
  • Necesito un taxi/uber. — I need a taxi/Uber. (neh-seh-SEE-toh oon TAK-see / OO-behr)
  • ¿Aceptan tarjeta? — Do you take card? (ah-SEP-tan tar-HEH-ta)

2) Hotels and check-in

  • Tengo una reservación a nombre de… — I have a reservation under… (TEN-go oo-na reh-ser-va-SYON ah NOM-breh deh)
  • ¿A qué hora es el check-out? — What time is check-out? (ah keh OH-rah es el check-out)
  • ¿Puedo tener otra llave? — Can I have another key? (PWEH-do teh-NAIR OH-trah YAH-veh)
  • ¿Hay desayuno incluido? — Is breakfast included? (eye deh-sah-YOO-no een-kloo-EE-doh)

3) Getting around town

  • ¿Dónde está la parada del autobús/metro? — Where’s the bus/metro stop? (dohn-deh es-TAH la pah-RAH-dah del ow-toh-BOOS / MEH-troh)
  • Voy a… — I’m going to… (boy AH)
  • Más despacio, por favor. — Slower, please. (mahs des-PAH-syo por fa-VOR)
  • ¿Puede escribirlo? — Can you write it down? (PWEH-deh es-kree-BEER-lo)

4) Eating and drinking

  • Una mesa para dos, por favor. — A table for two, please. (OO-nah MEH-sah PAH-rah dos por fa-VOR)
  • ¿Tiene opciones vegetarianas? — Do you have vegetarian options? (tee-EH-neh op-see-OH-nes beh-heh-tah-ree-AH-nas)
  • Sin picante, por favor. — No spicy, please. (seen pee-KAN-teh por fa-VOR)
  • La cuenta, por favor. — The bill, please. (lah KWEHN-tah por fa-VOR)

5) Emergencies and basics

  • Necesito ayuda. — I need help. (neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah)
  • Llame a la policía. — Call the police. (YAH-meh ah lah poh-LEE-syah)
  • Estoy perdido/a. — I’m lost. (es-TOY pehr-DEE-doh / pehr-DEE-dah)
  • Soy alérgico a… — I’m allergic to… (soy ah-LER-hee-ko ah)

How to practice fast (even on the plane)

  1. Download the Spanish pack in PhraseLog on Wi‑Fi before boarding.
  2. Pin the 10–15 phrases above you know you’ll need.
  3. Listen to native audio once or twice—don’t overthink perfect pronunciation.
  4. Screenshot or favorite anything you want to show a driver or waiter.

Keep Spanish handy on your trip

You don’t need to be fluent to move around confidently—you just need the right lines ready to go. Keep these phrases saved, replay the audio when you’re unsure, and you’ll be understood more often than not.

Download the free PhraseLog app to save these phrases, hear native audio, and stay offline once you land: