Ding, Ding! Bell or No?

[PamNY]

- I think the words for "right" and "left" are some of the first words anyone learns in any language, and I think it's safe to assume that even a tourist would understand those words.

Oak, I live in lower Manhattan and I have a dog. That means I give directions to tourists a lot. Many people know "left" and "right," but certainly not all.

"On your left" is confusing to native speakers sometimes; it certainly might be confusing to visitors. In my case, using the bell is simple courtesy.