A handful of correct phrases opens many doors. These are in simple MSA, understood in most Arab countries; later you can learn the equivalents in your destination's dialect.
Greetings
السلام عليكم (as-salāmu ʿalaykum) — a general greeting; the reply is وعليكم السلام.
شكراً (shukran) — thank you. عفواً (ʿafwan) — you're welcome, or excuse me.
Hotel and restaurant
أين أقرب فندق؟ (ayna aqrab funduq?) — Where is the nearest hotel?
أريد قائمة الطعام من فضلك (urīdu qāʾimat aṭ-ṭaʿām min faḍlik) — I'd like the menu, please.
الحساب من فضلك (al-ḥisāb min faḍlik) — The bill, please.
Getting around
كم الأجرة؟ (kam al-ujra?) — How much is the fare?
أين المحطة؟ (ayna al-maḥaṭṭa?) — Where is the station?
هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟ (hal tatakallam al-inglīziyya?) — Do you speak English?
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