40 WAYS TO SAY HELLO AND THANK YOU AROUND THE WORLD

Discover 40 ways to say hello and thank you around the world, with unique greetings and local expressions to add a special touch to every journey.

As we celebrate 40 incredible years of helping travellers discover the world, we are continuing our 40 for 40 blog series with something a little different. This time, we are travelling across 40 countries to learn two of the simplest yet most meaningful words in any language, hello and thank you. 

From traditional greetings and local expressions to words shaped by culture and everyday life, each one offers a small glimpse into the place it comes from. So, before the next adventure begins, learn a few new words and see how saying hello and thank you can make travelling feel even more special. 

Greece 

Hello: Yassou 
Thank you: Efharistó 

Say “Yassou” as the blue-domed villages come into view, and keep “Efharistó” ready when the Greek welcome gets even warmer. A few local words can make an island escape feel instantly more personal. 

Thailand 

Hello: Sawasdee 
Thank you: Khop Khun 

A gentle “Sawasdee”, paired with the traditional wai, is a beautiful way to greet someone in Thailand. When the smiles, street food and island hospitality keep coming, “Khop Khun” is the perfect thank you. 

India 

Hello: Namaste 
Thank you: Dhanyavaad 

In India, “Namaste” can say hello with a simple joining of the hands, while “Dhanyavaad” expresses thanks. Across a country filled with different languages, these familiar words carry a sense of warmth and respect. 

Sri Lanka 

Hello: Ayubowan 
Thank you: Isthuthi 

Say “Ayubowan” when arriving in Sri Lanka, a traditional greeting wishing someone a long life. When the tea, smiles and island hospitality keep coming, “Isthuthi” is the word for thank you. 

Mauritius 

Hello: Bonzour 
Thank you: Mersi 

A sunny “Bonzour” feels right in Mauritius, especially with the island’s relaxed atmosphere. When someone adds a little extra warmth to the day, “Mersi” is an easy way to say thank you. 

Maldives 

Hello: Assalaamu Alaikum 
Thank you: Shukuriyaa 

On the islands, “Assalaamu Alaikum” is a familiar greeting, while “Shukuriyaa” means thank you in Dhivehi. Perfect words for days spent between turquoise lagoons and slow island mornings. 

South Africa 

Hello: Sawubona 
Thank you: Ngiyabonga 

South Africa has many languages, but “Sawubona” and “Ngiyabonga” offer a taste of isiZulu. Try them while travelling through a country where every region brings a different cultural rhythm. 

France 

Hello: Bonjour 
Thank you: Merci 

A simple “Bonjour” is the classic French hello, whether arriving at a little café or stepping into a grand Parisian hotel. After that perfect croissant or warm welcome, “Merci” is all that is needed. 

Spain 

Hello: Hola 
Thank you: Gracias 

Say “Hola” as the streets begin to fill with Spanish energy, then “Gracias” when the tapas, conversation and hospitality keep the evening going. Two little words that fit effortlessly into a Spanish escape. 

Vietnam 

Hello: Xin chào 
Thank you: C?m on 

Begin with “Xin chào” and you are ready to greet Vietnam with a smile. When someone points towards a hidden food stall or helps navigate a busy street, “C?m on” is the perfect thank you. 

Indonesia 

Hello: Halo 
Thank you: Terima kasih 

A friendly “Halo” is an easy way to start a conversation in Indonesia, while “Terima kasih” expresses thanks. From bustling markets to quiet island corners, these words can add a lovely local touch. 

USA 

Hello: Hi / Hey 
Thank you: Thanks 

In the USA, “Hi” or “Hey” keeps things wonderfully easygoing. After a friendly chat, helpful directions or a classic American diner refill, “Thanks” fits right in. 

Germany 

Hello: Hallo 
Thank you: Danke 

A confident “Hallo” is enough to get a conversation started in Germany. When the helpful hotel receptionist, friendly local or perfectly timed train connection makes the day easier, “Danke” does the job. 

Kenya 

Hello: Jambo 
Thank you: Asante 

Try “Jambo” when greeting someone in Kenya, then keep “Asante” ready for those moments when a little kindness comes your way. Two simple Swahili words that add something special to a safari adventure. 

Australia 

Hello: G’day 
Thank you: Cheers 

Nothing feels quite as Australian as a casual “G’day”. After a friendly chat, a helping hand or a round of coffees, “Cheers” makes for a wonderfully relaxed thank you. 

Japan 

Hello: Konnichiwa 
Thank you: Arigatou gozaimasu 

In Japan, “Konnichiwa” is a familiar hello, while “Arigatou gozaimasu” offers a more polite thank you. A little language effort fits beautifully with the country’s culture of courtesy and respect. 

Egypt 

Hello: Ahlan 
Thank you: Shukran 

A warm “Ahlan” is an easy way to say hello in Egypt, while “Shukran” means thank you. Try them while wandering through ancient streets, colourful bazaars or sharing tea with a local. 

Bahrain 

Hello: Marhaba 
Thank you: Shukran 

Begin with “Marhaba” and finish with “Shukran” when someone offers a helping hand. Simple Arabic phrases can make conversations feel a little warmer while experiencing Bahrain’s mix of tradition and modern life. 

Singapore 

Hello: Ni hao / Vanakkam 
Thank you: Xie xie / Nandri 

Singapore’s multicultural character means a hello can sound many different ways. Try “Ni hao” or “Vanakkam”, then remember “Xie xie” or “Nandri” when saying thank you. 

Malaysia 

Hello: Hai 
Thank you: Terima kasih 

A friendly “Hai” is an easy Malaysian hello, while “Terima kasih” is the phrase to remember when showing appreciation. Both fit naturally into everything from lively food markets to quiet beach escapes. 

Saudi Arabia 

Hello: Marhaba 
Thank you: Shukran 

“Marhaba” is a warm Arabic greeting to know in Saudi Arabia, while “Shukran” means thank you. Try them over a cup of Arabic coffee or after a welcoming conversation for a small touch of local etiquette. 

Ireland 

Hello: Dia dhuit 
Thank you: Go raibh maith agat 

In Ireland, “Dia dhuit” offers a traditional Irish hello, while “Go raibh maith agat” is used to say thank you. Even a few words of Irish can bring extra character to a journey through the Emerald Isle. 

Italy 

Hello: Ciao 
Thank you: Grazie 

Say “Ciao” over an espresso, then remember “Grazie” when the coffee arrives just right. Italian is made for expressive moments, and these two little words fit almost anywhere. 

Portugal 

Hello: Olá 
Thank you: Obrigado / Obrigada 

A relaxed “Olá” is all it takes to start a conversation in Portugal. When the seafood, sunshine or local hospitality leaves a lasting impression, “Obrigado” or “Obrigada” is the way to say thank you. 

Netherlands 

Hello: Hallo 
Thank you: Dank je 

A cheerful “Hallo” works perfectly in the Netherlands, while “Dank je” keeps the thank you simple. Handy words to know before setting off through canal-lined streets and lively Dutch squares. 

Switzerland 

Hello: Grüezi 
Thank you: Danke 

In German-speaking Switzerland, “Grüezi” is a familiar local greeting. When the mountain views, smooth train journeys or friendly service impress, “Danke” is an easy way to show appreciation. 

Austria 

Hello: Grüß Gott 
Thank you: Danke 

A traditional “Grüß Gott” can be heard across Austria, especially in more traditional settings. After a warm welcome, “Danke” is the simple thank you to keep close, perhaps while settling into a Viennese café. 

Turkey 

Hello: Merhaba 
Thank you: Tesekkür ederim 

Start with “Merhaba” and you have an easy Turkish hello ready for bustling bazaars, coastal towns and historic streets. When someone offers a helping hand, “Tesekkür ederim” is the polite way to say thank you. 

Morocco 

Hello: Marhaba 
Thank you: Shukran 

A welcoming “Marhaba” opens the conversation in Morocco, while “Shukran” expresses thanks. They fit naturally into a day of winding through souks, sipping mint tea and meeting people along the way. 

Mexico 

Hello: Hola 
Thank you: Gracias 

Say “Hola” as the music, colour and energy of Mexico begin to unfold. When the conversation turns friendly or the food arrives with an extra smile, “Gracias” is the word to remember. 

Brazil 

Hello: Olá 
Thank you: Obrigado / Obrigada 

A lively “Olá” is an easy Brazilian hello, while “Obrigado” or “Obrigada” adds a warm thank you. A few Portuguese words feel right at home among Brazil’s music, beaches and lively streets. 

South Korea 

Hello: Annyeonghaseyo 
Thank you: Gamsahamnida 

A respectful “Annyeonghaseyo” is the polite way to say hello in South Korea. When someone helps with directions, recommends a favourite dish or simply offers kindness, “Gamsahamnida” is the thank you to remember. 

China 

Hello: Ni hao 
Thank you: Xièxie 

In Mandarin, “Ni hao” is a simple hello and “Xièxie” means thank you. Two useful phrases to have ready while navigating everything from buzzing city streets to peaceful ancient towns. 

Philippines 

Hello: Kumusta 
Thank you: Salamat 

A cheerful “Kumusta” makes for an easy Filipino hello, while “Salamat” means thank you. Both feel perfectly at home in a country known for easygoing conversations and warm island hospitality. 

Cambodia 

Hello: Suosdei 
Thank you: Orkun 

A gentle “Suosdei” is the Khmer way to say hello, while “Orkun” means thank you. Add the traditional sampeah gesture and even a simple greeting can become a memorable part of a Cambodian journey. 

Fiji 

Hello: Bula 
Thank you: Vinaka 

“Bula” is much more than a simple hello in Fiji, carrying the warmth and energy of island life. When that warmth is returned with a helping hand or a friendly smile, “Vinaka” is the word for thank you. 

New Zealand 

Hello: Kia ora 
Thank you: Nga mihi 

“Kia ora” is one of the best-known Maori greetings in New Zealand and is widely used in everyday life. Add “Nga mihi” as a warm expression of thanks, and a few local words become part of the adventure. 

Tanzania 

Hello: Jambo 
Thank you: Asante 

A friendly “Jambo” is a familiar greeting in Tanzania, while “Asante” means thank you. Keep both ready while heading through lively towns, coastal landscapes or towards the unforgettable sights of the Serengeti. 

Iceland 

Hello: Halló 
Thank you: Takk 

A simple “Halló” works perfectly in Iceland, while “Takk” is the short and sweet way to say thank you. Useful little words for a country where dramatic landscapes often leave visitors searching for something bigger to say. 

Nepal 

Hello: Namaste 
Thank you: Dhanyabad 

Begin with “Namaste”, a familiar greeting that carries a sense of respect, and use “Dhanyabad” when saying thank you. They feel especially fitting in a country where tradition and hospitality are woven into the journey. 

After 40 years of helping travellers see more of the world, we have learnt that travel is as much about people as it is about places. So, wherever the next journey takes you, remember to say hello, thank you, and maybe a few words in the local language too.