Best way to translate menus and signs in real time while traveling?
My Sinhala is non-existent. What's the most practical way to understand menus and signs?
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3 Answers from travellers
Google Translate app with camera translation works well for printed menus and signs. Download offline language packs first. Many restaurants in tourist areas have English menus or staff who can explain dishes. For spoken language, the conversation mode in Translate can help with simple interactions. Learning the names of a few common dishes and ingredients in advance makes life easier. Most people are happy to help if you show genuine effort.
Pointing at dishes other people are eating and asking 'what is that?' works surprisingly well. Photos of dishes on your phone can also help when ordering.
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