The 7 Friendliest Countries for Expats
When it comes to moving abroad, a warm welcome can make all the difference. Discover the 7 friendliest countries for expats based on our annual Expat Insider survey results.
1. Brazil
Brazil’s locals are the friendliest towards foreigners, according to more than nine in ten expats living there (92%). Many expats find Brazilians legendary for their friendliness, with one US respondent noting that this reputation is completely justified.
In fact, 57% of expats in Brazil would possibly stay forever, drawn in by the welcoming atmosphere.
2. Costa Rica
Looking for an adventure? Many expats in Costa Rica moved to experience the excitement of living there, so a welcoming community is definitely a bonus. Around 90% of respondents agree that locals in Costa Rica are friendly towards foreigners.
Additionally, 85% are happy with their life abroad, a testament to the welcoming nature of the country.
3. Indonesia
“The people are warm and friendly, and the country has beautiful places to explore,” shares an Indian respondent in Indonesia.
It seems hardly surprising then that expats are very happy with their life in Indonesia (84%).
And with 41% planning to possibly stay there forever, it seems Indonesia has truly captured the heart of many.
4. The Philippines
Thinking of retiring but don’t know if you’ll make new friends?
The Philippines is quite welcoming, with 84% of expats agreeing that the locals are friendly. And more than half of expats in the Philippines (58%) plan on staying forever.
5. Vietnam
Vietnam is a popular destination among expats who’re relocating because they simply enjoy living abroad.
With its welcoming nature — 89% of respondents find that locals are friendly towards foreign residents — Vietnam makes an ideal country for those seeking a fresh start. Over four in five expats in Vietnam (81%) are happy with their life there.
6. Mexico
“I love the laid-back and welcoming attitude of the locals and their enjoyment of life,” a US American respondent shares.
In Mexico, 40% of expats consider staying forever, drawn in by friendly and life-loving locals, among other positives. In fact, Mexico ranks 2nd overall in the Expat Insider survey.
7. Colombia
Colombians are known for their warmth, with 86% of expats agreeing that they’re friendly. And with welcoming locals making it easy to feel at home, at least 80% of respondents in Colombia are happy with their life abroad.
As a British expat points out: “I really appreciate the genuine, honest, helpful, sincere, and good people here.”
About Shaldene Edwards
Shaldene is the Marketing and Communications Intern at InterNations. She is currently completing her studies in International Management as a bachelor's student. She likes travelling, learning about new cultures, and meeting new people.
Article topics
Related articles
Five Quotes That Will Change the Way You View Expat Life
Life abroad is full of ups and downs, moments of loneliness, and moments of joy, but different perspectives can help you feel centered as an expat, and make you realize how good things are or could be. Here are five quotes which will help you see expat life in a new light.
Why Female Friendships Are a Joy (Wherever You Go)
Female friendships are more than just an added bonus of living abroad, they’re a big source of comfort and joy for expat women. From mutual support to shared experiences and improved mental health, find out how having female friends can drastically improve your expat life!
Five Ways to Eat (& Feel) Like a Local
Sampling the local cuisine is a sure-fire way of helping you feel more integrated into the local culture and getting closer to calling your new host country a home. Here are five ways to step out of that culinary comfort zone and into the unknown territory of your new local cuisine.
Conquering Your Culture Shock — The Key to Success
Many people have heard of the term culture shock and most expats have probably experienced a certain degree of it themselves. For some, moving to a new country is a scary prospect and can affect both your mental and physical wellbeing. We have some tips on how to make the process a little easier.
Expat Life: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Becoming an expat is an adrenaline-inducing prospect, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. With all of the excitement experienced while building a new life abroad, there are, of course, also a few hurdles. Here’s an honest summary of what expat life is really like — including the good, the bad, and the ugly!