I've been totally spoiled I'm 45 when I travel for business internationally meetings where I'm the only one there who doesn't know the languagee are switched to English... I always make sure to say thank you and let them know to switch to native tongue when they want ... I'll get a 'translation feed' from a coworker when needed we might be IMing.  Germans and Chinese seem to know many ges quite well, I like teaching slangug when they ask how well I understand 'em. I have friends globally now that id run through bricks walls for, many of whom were my trusted translators.  Ill ask bring over their 'wish lists' of goods for my Chinese friends in particular but Germans won't turn down a bottle of American made bourbon.  ;)

I really feel it is my duty to be over the l top nice when I travel since out current President in particlur is such a vulgar unacceptable pig.

A smile handshake please and a thank you in english works fine in most places. Google translate is a true blessing too.