When you move to an English-speaking country, the language challenges you face are rarely the ones you practiced in class. Nobody asks you to conjugate a verb or identify a grammar rule. Instead, you need to explain a problem to your landlord, call a helpline when your heating breaks, or politely ask a neighbor to keep the noise down.
This collection covers seven of the most common daily situations you'll face abroad, with clear, natural phrases for each one. Keep this page bookmarked — you'll come back to it.
💡 You don't need to memorize every phrase. Read through them, pick the ones that apply to your situation, and practice saying those out loud a few times. That's enough preparation for most real-life moments.
Excuse me, where can I find [item]?
Do you have this in a different size?
Is this on sale / reduced?
Can I pay by card?
Could I have a bag, please?
I think there's an error with my change.
Do you have a loyalty card / membership?
Where are the toilets, please?
I'd like to make an appointment, please.
I've had this pain for [X] days.
It hurts here. / I have a pain in my [chest / stomach / head].
I'm allergic to [medication / ingredient].
Do I need a prescription for this?
How many times a day should I take this?
I'm not insured yet — how much will this cost?
Could you write that down for me, please?
I'd like to open a bank account.
What documents do I need?
I'd like to transfer money to [country].
My card has been blocked — can you help?
What is the fee for this transaction?
I'd like to check my balance, please.
Can I speak to someone about a loan?
I've lost my card — I need to cancel it.
The [heating / hot water / boiler] isn't working.
There's a leak in the bathroom.
The lock on the front door is broken.
When is a good time for a repair person to come?
Could I have a copy of the lease agreement?
I'd like to give one month's notice.
Could we discuss renewing the tenancy?
Who is responsible for this repair — me or you?
Hello, I'm calling about [reason].
Could you speak more slowly, please?
I'm sorry, I didn't catch that — could you repeat it?
Could you spell that for me?
Could I leave a message?
What is your reference number?
I've been on hold for a while — is someone available?
Thank you for your help. Goodbye.
How are you? / How's everything going?
Lovely weather today, isn't it? / Terrible weather!
Have a good weekend!
Is this your first time in [city]?
How long have you lived here?
Do you know any good restaurants nearby?
I'm still getting used to everything here.
My English is still improving — thanks for your patience!
Excuse me, could you help me?
I'm looking for [place / street].
I'm a bit lost — is this the right direction for [place]?
Could you show me on this map?
Is it far? Can I walk there?
I don't understand — do you speak [language]?
Could you write that down for me?
Thank you so much for your help.
One final note: the phrase "Could you write that down for me, please?" is one of the most underused but most helpful phrases you can have in daily life abroad. When someone gives you an address, a name, a reference number, or instructions — ask them to write it. It removes any risk of mishearing or misremembering, and most people are happy to do it.
Practice These in Our Free Lessons
Our beginner lesson series builds on exactly these kinds of real-life situations — with structured practice and dialogue examples.
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