73+ Essential Arabic Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries (+ Free Pdf)

Traveling to an Arabic-speaking country? Planning a journey to Dubai, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Oman or other places in the Middle East and North Africa? If YES, then you should learn some Arabic travel phrases for tourists.

I’ve visited a couple of the countries mentioned above, and therefore have prepared a guide with basic Arabic words and phrases, including easy Arabic phrases “Marhaba” (Hello) and “Shukran” (Thank you), with FREE Arabic for travelers pdf.

Planning your TRIP TO Jordan?
I’ve done the work! Below are some of my top Jordan travel resources.

BEST PLACES TO STAY in JORDAN:
• New Maryland Hotel (I stayed here in Amman)
• Tell Madaba (I stayed here! Amazing homemade breakfast)
• Mosaic city Hotel (I stayed here in Madaba)
• Mövenpick Dead Sea (I stayed here and admired sunset over Dead Sea)
• Petra Moon Luxury Hotel (I stayed here. Superb! Right in front of the entrance)
• Warm Bubbles Wadi Rum (it’s like you are on Mars!)
• Twins Boutique Hotel (I stayed here in Aqaba)

TOP EXPERIENCES in JORDAN:
• Jordan 8 day tour (safer than traveling as a solo female)
• Jerash and Ajloun Castle tour (great if you don’t want to drive)
• Dead Sea, Mount Nebo and Baptism Site tour (must do experience)
• Petra day trip from Amman (top selling tour)
• Exploring Wadi rum and sleeping in desert (MUST!)
• Aqaba snorkeling and use of Berenice Beach Club (you want to be in a beach club)
Page Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Middle East and Northern Africa, home of the Arabic language, desert landscapes and lively spice scent filled souks and bazaars. Learning useful Arabic words for travel will come in handy when bargaining at local markets in Morocco or visiting 124 floor of Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

If you are traveling to Egypt to see the Great Pyramids, or venturing to the UNESCO World Heritage site Petra in Jordan, knowing some basic Arabic words and phrases will be key to successful communication.

In this language guide on the best Arabic phrases to know, you’ll find a curated selection of essential Arabic words, greeting Arabic phrases and Arabic for tourists. Inside there is also FREE basic Arabic phrases pdf, that will serve as a handy resource for your Arabic adventure.
 
Now, let’s begin learning Arabic, one essential Arabic travel phrase at a time!

Arabic phrases for travel

KEY TAKEAWAYS

● Learn must-know Arabic language words and simple Arabic phrases you’ll likely need for ordering food, asking for directions, and greeting locals.

● Find Arabic pronunciation so you don’t need to worry about saying useful words and phrases.

● Download basic Arabic travel phrases pdf for easy access on your North Africa and Middle East trip!

Where is ARABIC spoken?

Did you know that more than 400 million people speak Arabic as their first or second language?

That is a lot of “shukrans” and “habibis”. 

Arabic is spoken in several countries primarily in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as in some other regions. It is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and below you can find Arab countries list.

Arabic is the official language in the following countries:
• Middle East countries list: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen.
• List of Arab countries in North Africa: Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania.
• Other regions: Palestinian territories, Israel (Arabic is one of the official languages, along with Hebrew), and parts of Western Sahara.

In addition to being the official language in these countries, Arabic holds cultural and religious significance as the language of the Quran, the holy book of Islam and Allah. It is widely used in Islamic religious ceremonies and prayers by Muslims around the world, regardless of their native language.

Arabic also serves as a lingua franca for communication between speakers of different Arabic dialects and is used as a second language in many countries with significant Arab diaspora communities.

The best way to learn Arabic phrases for travel is by using apps like Duolingo or Memrise. But since Arabic is hard language to learn, you will most probably learn most of your phrases when traveling. It will be beneficial to download Arabic for travelers pdf and bring it with you.

Arabic language basics

Before you start to learn everyday Arabic phrases, you should know that the Arabic language is one of the hardest languages to learn for English speakers. Not only because of their unique and beautiful arabic alphabet but also because of their grammar and writing system.

Words in Arabic and standard Arabic phrases are written and read from RIGHT to LEFT.

This is also the case in Arabic travel phrases you will find below. Phrases in Arabic are written from right to left and Arabic translation phrases are written from left to right.

Letters in Arabic words and phrases change shape based on their position in the word. Some of the wolves also don’t get written, and Arabic speakers should ‘just know’ how to pronounce the word. Not unlike in Japanese or Swahili language, where once you know the sound of the letter, you can read everything.

Arabic language also uses different grammar and has sounds that are foreign to the English language. Plus there are many dialects distinctive for Arabic-speaking countries.

A collection of Arabic phrases for travel you will find below is using Modern Standard Arabic. This is like a common Arabic, that everywhere in the Arabic-speaking world should understand. All essential Arabic travel phrases also have a phonetic translation under their Arabic writing.

Essential Arabic travel phrases

Basic Arabic phrases for travel

Basic Arabic phrases for conversation that showcase politeness and cultural respect, encouraging positive interactions with locals and are a base for every communication. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

Essential Arabic phrases for greetings and introductions

Basic Arabic greetings phrases will lay the foundation for any interaction, allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression. They are Easy arabic words you already know and Arabic basic words, to know when visiting Dubai. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

Essential Arabic travel phrases for directions and getting around

Arabic phrases to know when asking for directions will enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

Useful Arabic phrases for tourists when ordering food and drinks

Useful Arabic words and phrases for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

Basic Arabic words for travel and shopping

Arabic language words for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

Basic Arabic hotel phrases

Arabic hotel phrases you will need when checking in a hotel, asking for towels, fixing air conditioning, enquiring what time is breakfast, and what is included in your room rate. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT.

Standard Arabic phrases and best survival phrases in case of emergencies

Here you will find simple Arabic words in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations. Don’t forget that the Arabic words are read from RIGHT to LEFT and that those can be useful phrases in Dubai.

Beyond essential Arabic travel phrases

If you’re like me and really love learning a few phrases in new languages, expand your study beyond the must know travel phrases and basic phrases in Arabic. I always learn how to say please and thank you, never visit a country without knowing the local word for “coffee” and never leave without knowing how to say;

Best language App for traveling abroad

Learning a language is a long process. If you think you won’t have time to learn basic Arabic greetings and responses, or if the situations come your way when above mentioned Arabic phrases for travel won’t be enough, use Google Translate. This is my favorite language app, that I use on (almost) every trip.

Google Translate

Price: Free
Language: 200+ languages
Download: iOS | Android | Website

Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places.

I’m sure you are familiar with the language app already. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘camera translation’.

All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone.

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➤ Read more travel guides

Did you enjoy this guide with common Arabic words, common Arabic phrases for tourists and basic Arabic words for beginners with pronunciation.

Don’t forget you can download basic Arabic words for beginners pdf.

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