Picture this: you’re walking down a bustling street in a foreign land, yet somehow you feel completely at home. The locals greet you with genuine smiles, strangers offer directions without being asked, and everyone treats you like you’ve lived there your whole life. While every travel experience differs, certain countries have mastered the art of making visitors feel truly welcome. Ready to discover where tourists consistently experience the warmest hospitality on Earth?
South Africa – The Gold Standard of Genuine Welcome
South Africa came in first place in Remitly’s World’s Friendliest Nations list, with an agreeableness score of 34.63 out of 40. What sets South Africans apart isn’t just politeness – it’s their natural ability to make everyone feel included. The local culture puts great value on politeness, and people commonly greet others – including strangers – warmly and affectionately. South Africans are also, stereotypically speaking, chatty and prefer to strike up a conversation to fill the silence. Nearly 9 in 10 expats say they’re happy living there, thanks to friendly locals, a strong sense of welcome, and a culture that’s easy to adapt to.
Greece – Where Philoxenia Lives On
Greek hospitality runs deeper than tourist brochures suggest. Greek hospitality, known as “philoxenia,” literally means “love of strangers” and remains deeply embedded in the culture. One of the few countries that made the top 10 list for both US News and World Population Review, Greece welcomed over 17 million tourists in just the first six months of 2023. Much of the country’s friendliness is attributed to the strong cultural heritage of the region, which locals continue to take great pride in. Their eagerness to share their history continually impresses travelers and has inspired many repeat visits over the years.
Philippines – Where Bayanihan Spirit Shines
The Philippines remains a global leader in hospitality, with Filipinos expressing genuine concern and friendliness towards visitors. Known for their cheerful hospitality, Filipinos often greet tourists with wide smiles and helpful attitudes, especially in rural communities and urban centers alike. The country’s strong cultural tradition of “bayanihan” (community spirit) shines through in everyday interactions. For good reason, Filipinos have long been certified as some of the friendliest people in the world, guided by traditional philosophies that are intrinsically woven into the culture of the land. The Filipino concept of ‘nayánayá’ encapsulates the strain of congeniality the island country is known for.
Taiwan – The Island of Genuine Kindness
Taiwan consistently earns praise for its remarkable hospitality toward foreign visitors. Taiwan stands out as another one of the friendliest nations in the world due to locals’ eagerness to assist despite language barriers. The only reason I rank Taiwan a place higher than Japan is that English is more widely spoken across the country, based on my travel experiences. This makes it easier for tourists to have friendly conversations with Taiwanese locals, who also seem to be a bit more open and outgoing than Japanese people. The practical combination of warmth and accessibility makes Taiwan uniquely welcoming.
New Zealand – Where Kiwis Welcome Everyone
New Zealand offers tourists breathtaking beauty and a welcoming atmosphere. The locals, often referred to as “Kiwis,” are known for their friendliness and easy-going nature. The country’s impressive visitor satisfaction speaks volumes about local hospitality. The net promoter score (NPS) measures the net effect of visitors’ likelihood to recommend New Zealand as a holiday destination to others. A score of 69 means that visitors had a positive experience in New Zealand and are more likely to recommend it as a holiday destination to others. New Zealand welcomed roughly 3.31 million international visitors in 2024, up 11.8% from the 2.96 million arrivals registered in 2023.
Ireland – Where Craic and Kindness Collide
Ireland is universally known as one of the friendliest countries in the world with incredibly helpful and chatty locals. While the Irish are characteristically friendly, they are also never afraid to be direct and blunt and won’t shy away from telling the truth. If travelers want to experience true Irish hospitality, all they have to do is visit a pub and strike up a conversation with the locals. Ireland’s reputation for friendliness remains unchanged in 2025. Whether enjoying a pint in a local pub or walking through scenic countryside, visitors frequently describe Irish locals as warm, humorous, and eager to share stories and help newcomers.
Japan – Where Respect Creates Connection
Japan ranks high on my list of friendliest countries due to its exceptionally well-mannered people. Japanese people are always polite, and although they might not always offer help proactively, they will do their best to assist if you ask them a question. Quoting a local, the BBC noted how ethical philosophies are passed down through generations in Japan, with simple proverbs like: “After someone has done something nice for us, we should do something nice for the other person. But after someone has done something bad to us, we shouldn’t do something bad to the other person.” Japan broke its record for foreign visitors in 2024, welcoming 36.87 million tourists, with South Korea, China, and Taiwan as the top contributors. This figure surpassed the previous high of 31.9 million set in 2019 and marked a 47% increase from the previous year.
Mexico – Where Warmth is a Way of Life
The friendliness of the Mexican people is well-known. The people of Mexico always welcome tourists with open arms. But in Mexico, the percentage of nice people is actually unreal. The TikToker goes on to say that Mexicans are generally warm in a “calm way,” rather than forcing or faking their friendliness. Mexico’s cultural emphasis on hospitality makes it a consistently top-rated destination for visitor satisfaction. This genuine approach to welcoming strangers creates an atmosphere where tourists naturally feel accepted rather than merely tolerated.
Costa Rica – The Pura Vida Paradise
This small country in Central America is famous for its extraordinary natural beauty and the friendliness of its people. Costa Ricans live by the “pura vida” philosophy, meaning to live to the fullest. Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle captures the essence of friendliness and easygoing charm. Tourists frequently mention the warmth of Ticos (locals), who are always ready to lend a hand or share their love for nature and local traditions. Plus, Costa Rica ranked 10th in the 2024 Global Retirement Index for retirement destinations.
Canada – The Land of Polite Perfection
Canada has a reputation for politeness which extends to its treatment of tourists. With a stunning natural landscape, Canada offers a variety of tourist attractions, such as the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, and historic cities. Canadian politeness isn’t just a stereotype – it’s a cultural reality that makes every visitor feel valued. From friendly border agents to helpful locals who offer directions with a smile, Canadians consistently demonstrate that kindness is truly a national characteristic. The country’s multicultural nature also means locals are naturally comfortable interacting with people from different backgrounds.
Conclusion
These ten countries prove that hospitality isn’t just about five-star service or fancy amenities – it’s about genuine human connection. Whether it’s South Africa’s chatty warmth, Greece’s ancient tradition of loving strangers, or Canada’s unfailing politeness, each destination offers something special that makes tourists feel truly welcome.
The common thread among all these places? Locals who see visitors not as walking wallets, but as fellow humans deserving of kindness and respect. What do you think about these welcoming destinations? Have you experienced this kind of genuine hospitality during your travels?