Regardless of whether you’ve decided to move abroad or just want to visit for a nice vacation, you might want to know which places are most welcoming to foreigners. Here are the top 10 friendliest countries in the world you should consider if you’re afraid that you won’t be able to get accustomed to a strange environment and a completely different way of life.
#1 Both the People and the Prices in Cambodia Are Friendly
Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, just west of Vietnam, and is slowly becoming an expat paradise. Depending on what data you’re looking at, 92-96 percent of expats agree that Cambodians are very friendly to outsiders, be it tourists or people looking to move there. The locals are always ready to help everyone out and are very welcoming and patient. In case you’re planning on moving to Cambodia for good, you will find that you’ll be accepted surprisingly quickly.
Places to Visit in Cambodia
There are many different areas that are must-see in Cambodia, from the wonderful beaches to the capital of Phnom Penh. But the number one place to see is the temple city of Angkor Wat. It was one of the largest cities on Earth in medieval times, and today it’s a wonderful tourist attraction that can take three days to experience fully.
#2 New Zealand Is More Than You Can See in Photos
Perhaps you’ve been planning on moving to New Zealand for a long time, or you just want to see the wonderful mountains and visit Hobbiton. Whatever the case might be, you will find nothing but kindness and openness from the local Kiwis. The country has some of the most beautiful natural scenery and beaches. And the locals themselves are very laid-back, positive, and ready to help out any strangers. They are very modest as well as funny, famous for their sense of humor along with their Aussie brothers and friends.
Things to Do in New Zealand
If you’re an outdoorsy person, then New Zealand may just be your dream destination to move to. The neverending hiking and biking trails all across the nation are amazing, and they go through the country’s wonderful mountains and forests. The beaches are some of the most attractive ones in the world, and kayaking, diving, and sailing are all fun activities that you can engage in. Whether you are a big Tolkien fan or not, you can’t miss out on the chance to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and experience Middle Earth.
#3 Unfriendly Canadians Don’t Exist
The stereotype that Canadians are a friendly bunch, perhaps even too friendly, isn’t there for no reason. According to many expat polls of the friendliest countries, Canada almost always finds its way into the top 10. All Canadians are very welcoming to strangers and are happy to learn more about different cultures and make friends. You have both the British and French cultures to learn about and many different places to visit.
Best Places to Move To in Canada
You will also have a variety of cities and towns to choose from if you’re planning on moving to Canada. On the west side, you have the urban and beautiful Vancouver, famous for its pleasant climate, especially when compared to the rest of the country. In the east, you have Toronto that is commonly favored by expats, while Montreal and Quebec City would be the ones if you’d like to make the best of the French side of things.
#4 Mexico Is One of the Warmest Countries in the World
Our southern neighbor always finds itself in the top 5 of the lists of the friendliest countries on the globe. The people in Mexico are always ready to hear you out and help out. They always have a friendly attitude towards foreigners, are interested in having fun, just like the many tourists that visit every year. You won’t have any trouble getting accustomed to the local culture if you’re planning on relocating there. In case you’re just visiting, there are many wonderful places to experience.
Where to Travel and What to See
Cancun is the place to be if you want to have a good time, enjoy reef snorkeling and the wonderful beaches. Mexico City is the country’s capital and has many things to offer for individuals of all interests. You can also visit and explore many of the local Mayan ruins, like the world-famous Chichen Itza.
#5 The Philippines
No matter if you are just visiting or moving to the Philippines, you will come to find a welcoming and friendly community. It may not seem so, but the Philippines are a wonderful melting pot of many different cultures, which makes it very appealing for both tourists and expats. It is located in the western Pacific, and the capital of Manila is among the most popular places to move to in the Philippines. The natives in the Philippines are patient, welcoming, and very accepting of strangers.
Places to See in the Philippines
The capital of Manila is located in a beautiful bay and is home to many Spanish colonial museums and landmarks. Bohol is an amazing island where you can go diving and dolphin-watching. Boracay is one of the most famous islands, known for its White Beach resort.
#6 Vietnam Is Not Unfriendly at All
The Vietnam War may still be fresh in some people’s memories, but the country has completely recovered and moved on, and the Vietnamese people are more welcoming than anyone would expect. Visitors from around the globe, and especially the US, will be surprised by how open, nice, and warm the Vietnamese are. Not only is it very welcoming towards strangers, but it is also a very safe place to visit or move to. How to live abroad won’t be an issue if you decide to relocate to Vietnam.
Places to Visit and Move To
In case you’ve decided on moving to Vietnam, then Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital could be the best place to move to. Ho Chi Minh City is another location that expats like, as it was a French colony and home to many cultural landmarks, museums, and urban markets. When people think of visiting Vietnam, they imagine the amazing bays, limestone islands, and floating villages, and the Ha Long Bay is the most famous one to visit.
#7 Book a Hotel in Iceland Straight Away
Iceland is a small, island nation located in the North Atlantic, and has been becoming increasingly popular with both tourists and expats. You will find wonderful scenery and the waters of the Blue Lagoon that everyone wants to enjoy. But the Icelandic people are what makes visiting Iceland, and moving to Iceland wonderful. Icelanders are among the happiest bunch around the globe and are always happy to share their joy with everyone. They always go out of their way to make everyone’s stay an amazing and unforgettable experience.
The Blue Lagoon Experience
Iceland is home to many different hot springs, but the Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous ones. It is a geothermal spa located in the south of the island, in a lava field, and it offers an astonishing experience to anyone who visits.
#8 Costa Rica Is Both Welcoming and Cheap
Costa Rica is a Central American country that’s home to some of the most beautiful natural scenery on the entire planet. This is just one of the reasons why it’s popular with tourists, as well as those planning on moving there. The people of Costa Rica are just as amazing as the country’s nature, and they make it one of the most welcoming countries in the world. Whether you are visiting for a couple of weeks or have decided to settle down in Costa Rica, you will be welcomed with open arms. Making friends and fitting in with the locals will be surprisingly easy, so much so that you’ll feel at home as soon as you get there.
Top Expat Locations in Costa Rica
The Central Valley is among the most popular places to move to because of the capital San Jose, the cool weather, and many things to do and places to see. The Southern Zone is the wild, seaside, laidback community with a warmer climate that is more humid. Arenal is home to Costa Rica’s largest volcano and a freshwater lake, and a perfect retirement haven where you can meet new friends.
#9 Ireland Is Known for Its Friendliness
Just like the Canadian stereotype, the stereotype that the Irish are the friendliest people on Earth also makes a lot of sense. The stereotype had started somewhere, and you won’t be surprised by how friendly the Irish can be. They are very open, extroverted, and will be more than happy to hear your story out. Whether you’re just a tourist that’s in a local pub for a beer, or if you’ve only recently moved there and want to make friends in the new country, you’ll be asked about your experience in Ireland and given tips and advice on the best places to see and places to avoid.
Planning on Moving to Ireland
Ireland is among the welcoming countries in the world, and this is just one of the many reasons why it may seem appealing if you’re thinking of moving overseas. It is home to the breathtaking countryside, wonderful coastlines, places to hike and camp, amazing people, and rich culture and history.
#10 Portugal is One of the Friendliest Countries in 2020
This Iberian nation is home to one of the best and warmest climates in the world, and the Portuguese are the same. According to many polls, Portugal is at the top of the friendliest countries in the world, if not the most friendly one. Compared to their Spanish neighbors, the Portuguese are quite modest, so much so that they may appear shy or quiet at first. The Portuguese communities are very welcoming once you get to know them. Get your international moving by sea services sorted out if you’re ready to move to Portugal.
Making Friends
Once you get started, the Portuguese may seem somewhat bashful, but you’ll learn that they’re very warm once you break the ice. Learning a language abroad should be your priority if you plan on moving to Portugal. It will be useful both when it comes to meeting new local friends and when it comes to finding work there. Leave the packing to the professionals while you take the time to learn the wonderful Portuguese language.
