I don’t blame you for thinking you’ll find at least one person who speaks English wherever you go.

It’s the most spoken language in the world after all. 

But English isn’t as universal as you might think it is. Less than half the countries ranked in EF’s English Proficiency Index have moderate proficiency or better. 

In most countries with low English proficiency, almost everything’s in the local language. Outside of a few touristy spots, most people won’t get what you’re saying. 

Sure, Google Translate and its “camera” feature is a huge lifesaver. But if you don’t have data or wifi to connect to? What are you going to do then? 

This is why learning the local language as a digital nomad (even the basics) comes in handy, especially if you’re staying somewhere for a while. 

Let’s go through some perks of picking up a new language and why it’ll make your trip a million times easier. 

1.  You’ll Navigate The City Stress-Free

No matter where you go, you’ll always need to find a place to eat, buy groceries, and so on. 

But what happens when you can’t even understand when someone gives you the price of something? You might 

• Give them the wrong amount,
• Get scammed,
• Awkwardly pull out your phone’s calculator and have them write the number, 
• Or you’ll have a lovely mix of all the above. 

It’s fun playing guessing games at first. But trust me, it won’t be nearly as fun after the 50th time that month. 

When you pick up at least the essentials, these little interactions become so much easier. You can go around the city without getting lost and actually have a pleasant time at the market. 

While it might seem small, those things help you get more comfortable wherever you go. 

2. A More Authentic Experience 

After living in Vietnam for a couple of years, I finally got serious about learning Vietnamese during the pandemic (thanks, GoVietnamese). 

Words can’t describe how you feel when you can finally have a real conversation and most people understand what you’re saying. Thanks to these language classes, I could finally branch out, make local friends, and learn more about life in the country while I was there. 

A huge part of what makes that country unique is the people you meet there. And when you know the language, you create a much more authentic experience than the average tourist who barely knows how to say hi. 

3. You Can Negotiate Cheaper Prices 

In some countries like Vietnam, Mexico, or the Philippines, haggling is like a national sport. 

The vendor gives you a price (usually 20-30% higher) then you name a number. From there you bounce back and forth until you finally agree on a “good” price. I was never amazing at it, but it’s something you need to do at least once in your life. It’s fun. 

But if you want to stand a chance, knowing at least numbers and some basic haggling phrases (discount, too expensive, etc.) can give you an edge.  

Vendors are more likely to give you a better deal if you can show you’re not simply another tourist and can actually talk to them in their language.

4. Respect Towards The Locals

I can’t even begin to tell you how many digital nomads or expats I see that don’t even know how to say hi in the country’s local language. 

Or worse yet, they’ll start speaking English (or Spanish, Chinese, etc.) as if the person should automatically know what they’re saying. 

Sorry to be blunt, but not everyone will know what you’re saying. And you know what? That’s fine. 99% of their interactions are probably in their native tongue. 

Why should they need to accommodate us? 

You don’t need to speak it perfectly. But even knowing a few words like “hello” and “thank you” in the country’s language shows respect and makes a huge difference in how the locals treat you. 

How Hard Is It To Learn A New Language?

From my own experience learning five different languages and teaching English for two years, it’s a mixed bag. 

Generally speaking, the closer a language is to your native tongue, the easier it is to pick up. This is why you see so many English speakers have less trouble learning Spanish, French, etc.

But just because you’re learning a more “hard” language doesn’t mean it’ll take you decades to learn it. It all really depends on how much effort you put into it. 

Here’s what worked for me: 

• Don’t force yourself to learn everything in one go. It’s completely fine to make mistakes and laugh at yourself when you screw up a key vocab word. I mean, even after months of learning, I’d still mess up my Vietnamese 80% of the time. 

• Immerse yourself in it as much as you can. Research shows actively listening to the target language helps you learn it faster. 

• Make it natural. Incorporate language learning into your day to day life in a way that isn’t boring. Love scrolling on TikTok or Insta Reels before bed? Use that time to follow creators in the language you’re trying to learn and pick up some basic phrases. 

Same goes with music, movies, YouTube vids, etc. You’re already doing these things, so why not use them to learn something new? 

How Much Of The Language Should You Learn? 

Learning new languages can be a double-edged sword. 

It’s helpful to pick them up as you go, especially if you’re heading to places that aren’t as touristy. But I know it’s a hassle to put time and effort into something you won’t use a few months from now. 

So how much should you actually learn? Before you start, ask yourself these three questions: 

• How fast can I learn the language conversationally?
• Am I staying here for a while? 
• Is it useful outside the country I’m visiting? 

If you’re only there for a month or two, no one’s expecting you to be fluent. A few essential phrases are more than enough. 

But if you’re staying there for longer or even planning on living there full-time, learning the language will go a long way. 

There are thousands of apps to help you get started. While I personally like using italki and Langotalk, test out a few others to get a feel for their system and find one that works for you. 

Final Thoughts 

Picking up your new home’s language opens doors. The people are nicer, everything gets done faster, and your experience becomes that much more memorable. 

So don’t be shy. Learn a few essential phrases and don’t be scared to use them. The locals will always appreciate your effort, even if it’s only the basics.