The way in which addresses are written differs from country to country. Some places simply use building numbers. Others reference whole blocks. If you think you can just look for numbers on doors, you may be in for a disorienting surprise. Before you hit the ground, be sure to learn how buildings are identified so that you can find that hidden ramen shop that you’ve heard so much about.
Photo taken in San Francisco.
I remember visiting Granada, Nicaragua years ago and learning this lesson. I was staying at the excellently named Bearded Monkey hostel, which, according to them was, “to the west side of where the fire department is.” Obviously I thought those were ridiculous directions–until I asked a kid to point me to the fire station and he said, “Yeah, the hostel is right beyond it. You’ll see it.”