Traveling is fun, but visiting a foreign country comes with its own set of worries. Many people worry about how to navigate the public transportation system in the foreign country they are visiting. A new environment with unfamiliar people, locations, and surroundings can sometimes feel intimidating even for a seasoned traveler. The first and easy choice some travelers may take is to hire a taxi whenever they want to go somewhere. But this can cost you a lot of time and money.
Using public transport in the country you are visiting will give you unique experiences about the people and culture of the place. It is also a quicker and more cost-effective form of transportation. In this blog, we will look at some tips to navigate the public transportation system in a foreign country.
Featured Image Source
Research the place and the system
Making spur-of-the-moment decisions is exciting when you are on vacation, but it is safer to do a bit of research about the country’s public transportation if you are planning on taking it. This can save you a lot of trouble attempting to read a sign in a foreign language or browsing travel forums in crowded metros. Before the trip, research the area you will be covering, nearby airports, prices, and ticket purchasing options.
Have a brief idea about the public transport systems you can use from the airport to the place you are staying. This will make it easier for you to prepare a taxi budget should the need arise. It will also be helpful for you to keep some local currency with you, in case the transit system there does not accept credit cards.
Take a map with you
Even though paper maps can seem a bit out of fashion in today’s digital world, it is one of the best ways to get a hang of the place you are visiting. Many people make the mistake of relying on online maps while traveling. Online maps can become unhelpful when you are for example, inside a metro with poor reception. If you feel it difficult to read paper maps in crowded places, make sure to download a map, so you can use it in offline mode. Write out detailed directions if you struggle with maps. You can also note down specific stops if you get confused with station names on metros. An offline copy of a map can also be helpful when the stop names are written in the local language, and you do not speak it.
Pay attention
Many people make their boring commute in public transit bearable by reading books or listening to music. But when you are in a foreign place, it is very important to pay attention to every audio or signage announcement. You will be able to gain crucial information like closed stations, canceled trains, route changes, etc. from these announcements. Make sure to read the notices posted on the metro trains or next to ticketing machines. You should also get familiar with how the place’s name sounds to help you get off at the right station. Additionally, being alert will enable you to pick up on social cues and be mindful of the etiquette you may need to follow when using public transport.
Use passes
Many cities across the world provide city cards or tourist passes. This will give you access to the city’s public transport system for a specific number of days. So you do not have to wait in ticket queues when commuting between different locations. Many city passes also offer discounts when you are traveling to prominent attractions which makes these a good money-saving option for travelers. If you are visiting the city on the weekend or for a day, you can also look into the weekend or day passes. These are typically cheaper compared to tourist passes.
Give importance to safety
Although taking public transportation is generally safe, it is better to be on the lookout for any dangers. Pickpockets prefer to operate in busy areas like public transport, so be careful of your belongings. Keep your baggage close to your body and valuables out of sight. Don’t be hesitant to switch to a different section of the train, bus, or station if you encounter someone suspicious. Additionally, if possible, avoid using public transportation after dark. Plan your route beforehand to avoid getting stranded in some seedy part of the city or missing your stop. You can also research the crime rate of the city’s public transport before starting the vacation.
Consider having a backup strategy
Make sure to have an idea about all the alternatives you have in case you get stranded somewhere before you depart from your accommodations. Ask the hosts or staff at your accommodation about the most dependable and safest options.
Conclusion
Using public transport in a foreign country is a great way to save money on your vacation. It will also help you experience the location uniquely and interact with the locals. Just follow our guide to navigate the public transportation system in a foreign country effortlessly and enjoy your vacation.
Are you ready to start planning your next trip? Don’t know how to start planning your trip? No worries – Travel-Wise has you covered! Find itineraries for your vacation spot of choice on our website and blogs to help you learn more. Also, our AI assistant can come up with new ideas to make your natural wonders trip planner even better. Use our template itineraries to organize and share your plans with your travel buddies. Take advantage of the journaling features in the Travel-Wise app to document your journey. So, start crafting your perfect vacation today!