One of the biggest frustrations a traveler can have is not being able to communicate.
No matter how much you prepare for your big trip abroad, you can’t be expected to become fluent in the local language of wherever you’re headed. As a result, many travelers find themselves attached at the hip to their Google Translate app. Alternatively, they may spend a decent portion of their trip flipping through a phrase book to simply ask their server where the bathroom is.
If you’re about to go off to another country that doesn’t speak your language, but you aren’t sure how it’s going to work out, a user on TikTok says she has the solution. But does it really work?
Why Should You Wear Smart Glasses While Traveling?
In a video with over 86,000 views, TikTok user Sharvon (@sharvon) shows herself sitting at a table.
“Wearing smart glasses in Mexico, 10 out of 10, would recommend,” she starts. “Definitely translating everything we need to know.”
In the comments section, she said that she was doing a mix of both live translation and text translation.
“Our waitress didn’t speak English at all and we were able to communicate with her,” she wrote. “We also was able to just be nosy lol.”
What Are Smart Glasses?
The term “smart glasses” refers to a variety of computer technologies that can be contained in the form factor of a pair of glasses.
Sometimes, all smart glasses can do is play audio. Other times, they have a broad range of capabilities, ranging from video recording to real-time translation.
Smart glasses have seen incredible growth in popularity in recent years. According to Counterpoint Research, the market for smart glasses grew by more than 200% in the last year. This was fueled largely by the development of the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses.
Can You Legally Wear Them Everywhere?
Since smart glasses have become more popular, an increasing number of places have put restrictions on their use.
For example, MSC Cruises announced in December 2025 that it would not allow smart glasses aboard its ships. While they may provide some benefit to travelers, the cruise line argues that smart glasses are “devices capable of covertly or discreetly recording or transmitting data.” Consequently, the company states that travelers should not wear them in public areas of the ship due to privacy concerns.
There are also some states and countries where, depending on the glasses’ function, you may be unable to wear them. For example, there are many countries where taking someone’s photo without their permission is outright illegal. There are even more where it’s a major social faux pas. Even if you’re not taking photos, wearing smart glasses may be enough to get yourself questioned or detained.
Even if one is simply recording audio, there are many states and countries where both parties must be aware that recording is occurring before it can take place, especially if the conversation is presumed to be private.
If you’re traveling and would like an easy translation tool and don’t want to worry about accidentally breaking the law, you can use either your phone or one of many pocket translation devices.
Commenters Are Excited
In the comments section, many users were excited by the prospect of easy translation—though some had concerns about the legality.
“Right cause they talk mess when you don’t buy anything from them,” said a user.
“Going to get these for the nail salon!” exclaimed another.
“Make sure to look up countries rules you are visiting some countries will fine you for wearing the smart glasses,” stated a third.
@sharvon Smart glasses to translate 10/10 #smartglasses #mexico #ensenadabajacalifornia #carnivalcruise
BroBible reached out to Sharvon via TikTok direct message and comment.