There’s something about stepping off a plane in a foreign country that makes you suddenly aware of how vulnerable you are. You don’t speak the language fluently, you’re unsure of the customs, and you’re hoping the locals will be kind enough to point you in the right direction when you inevitably get lost. Some countries wrap you in warmth from the moment you arrive. Others, well, let’s just say they take their time warming up to strangers.
Hospitality isn’t just about friendly smiles and polite greetings. It’s woven into the fabric of a culture, shaped by history, values, and how a nation views outsiders. The way a country treats its visitors says volumes about its people, and in a world where travel has fully bounced back from the 2020 pandemic, choosing your destination wisely has never been more important. Let’s dive into which nations roll out the red carpet for guests and which ones might leave you feeling a bit frosty.
Panama: Where Nearly Everyone Lives the Good Life
Panama topped the list as the friendliest country for expats in 2024, pushing Mexico to second place. Nearly 90% of expats said their income covers a comfortable life, and over 80% are happy with their overall experience. What’s striking here is the ease with which people settle in. Expats love the affordable housing, great weather, and easy visa process, and it’s a breeze to settle in, make local friends, and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. The Central American nation has quietly become a magnet for retirees and remote workers who want a genuine human connection without the hassle. Panama’s welcoming vibe isn’t manufactured for tourism brochures. It’s real, and you feel it everywhere.
Mexico: Warmth That’s Part of the Culture
Coming in at number two in InterNations’ 2024 rankings for friendliness toward expats, Mexico continues to win hearts with its warmth and vibrancy. 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. Honestly, Mexican hospitality has deep roots. Terms like “calidez Mexicana” and “buen trato” are used to describe acts of respect and kindness to others, values that permeate everyday interactions. Mexico attracted 41.95 million visitors in 2023 alone, and it’s not hard to see why people keep coming back. From bustling markets to quiet coastal towns, the genuine friendliness is palpable.
South Africa: The Continent’s Hospitality Champion
Here’s something that might surprise you. South Africa was crowned the friendliest country in the world, according to an analysis released in June 2024. South Africa tops Remitly’s list of friendliest countries with a total score of 34.63 out of 40. The nation’s diversity plays a massive role in this warmth. In 2024, the World Economic Forum voted South Africa as the top destination for tourism on the African continent because of its focus on inclusivity and hospitality. Whether you’re on safari spotting the Big Five or exploring Cape Town’s vibrant neighborhoods, locals have a knack for making visitors feel at home. The cities often score highly for their warmth and approachability in world rankings.
Greece: Ancient Hospitality Lives On
Greece is one of the few countries that made the top 10 list for both US News and World Population Review, welcoming over 17 million tourists in just the first six months of 2023. The secret sauce? The study authors point to the longstanding value of “philoxenia,” which translates to hospitality. Let’s be real, this isn’t some newfangled tourism slogan. 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 turned first-time visitors into lifelong fans. Whether you’re island hopping or exploring ancient ruins, the Greeks genuinely want you to love their country as much as they do.
Portugal: Europe’s Friendliest Welcome
Portugal, valued for its hospitable and warm people, holds the coveted position as the world’s friendliest country in some rankings. The number of foreign residents in Portugal has almost doubled in the past five years, and now makes up 600,000 of the country’s population. The Algarve coast, Lisbon’s winding streets, Porto’s riverside charm – everywhere you turn, there’s a welcoming energy. Portuguese communities are renowned for their openness to other cultures and their willingness to help newcomers integrate into their community. Portugal has one of the highest English-speaking populations in Europe, which certainly helps ease the transition for travelers and expats alike.
Costa Rica: Pure Life Philosophy
World Population Review found comments from all around the internet about Costa Ricans going above and beyond for expats. The variety of beautiful things to see in Costa Rica is accessible to even the most out-of-place traveler, making it clear why this Central American gem ranks among the world’s friendliest. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in the “Tico” culture, so much so that foreigners are often invited to family gatherings or celebrations. The Pura Vida philosophy isn’t just a catchy phrase – it’s a way of life that embraces simplicity, happiness, and genuine human connection. Costa Rica topped the list of countries to retire in 2024, according to the Global Retirement Index.
Indonesia: Southeast Asian Hospitality at Its Finest
Indonesia was named the friendliest country in the world in InterNations’ 2025 Expat Survey, rising to the top spot after finishing second in 2024. What sets Indonesian hospitality apart is the consistency across the tourism industry. Whether you’re staying at a budget guesthouse or a luxury resort, Indonesian people working in hospitality truly go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and ensure your stay is memorable. The warmth extends beyond the tourist zones, too. In local villages and smaller cities, you’ll find the same genuine kindness that has made Indonesia a beloved destination for travelers who crave authentic cultural experiences.
Ireland: The Craic and the Welcome
Rolling green hills, charming pubs, and people who will literally start chatting with you while you’re filming a video. Ireland has the friendliest people from all walks of life. Whether you’re talking to people at the pub or hiring a driver for the week, the Irish are fantastic. They will come right up and start a conversation without a second thought. Ireland is universally known as one of the friendliest countries in the world, with incredibly helpful and chatty locals. The Irish approach to hospitality goes beyond politeness to a genuine interest in visitors. If you want to experience true Irish hospitality, visit a pub and strike up a conversation. Within minutes, you’ll have new friends and possibly an invitation to someone’s home for dinner.
Finland: Cold Reception Despite Beautiful Landscapes
Here’s where things take a turn. In 2024, Finland landed at the bottom of the Expat Insider rankings, placing 51st out of 53 countries. What happened to the land of saunas and Northern Lights? Finland saw a sharp drop, with only 51% of expats happy with life there, down from 78% the year before. High living costs and social challenges weigh heavily – 83% say learning Finnish is difficult, and Finland ranks near the bottom for friendliness. Some travelers said locals felt distant, quiet, and uninterested in chatting with strangers. For visitors who expect casual friendliness, it came across as cold. To be fair, this is largely cultural – Finns value personal space and don’t approach unless there’s a reason. Still, for travelers expecting Nordic warmth, the reality can feel chilly.
Turkey: Economic Woes Dampen the Welcome
Turkey (Türkiye) landed at the bottom of the Expat Insider rankings in 2024, placing 52nd out of 53 countries. This might shock people who’ve experienced Turkish hospitality, which has traditionally been legendary. Turkey struggles most with work-related issues, ranking last in the Working Abroad Index – 40% of expats rate their career opportunities negatively, and 64% are unhappy with the economy. The economic instability has created frustration that spills over into daily interactions. While Turkish culture still fosters hospitality and connections to family and social groups, the broader challenges facing the country have taken a toll on the overall expat and visitor experience.
France: Beauty Without the Warmth
France fell into the ranks of unfriendly countries in the 2024 survey, placing 27th out of 53, which is surprisingly low for one of the world’s most visited nations. France, especially Paris, was mentioned as “least hospitable.” Some travelers said locals were cold, abrupt, or judgmental if you didn’t speak the language well. Others described being ignored in shops or restaurants, or feeling like staff were annoyed by basic questions. France’s timeless charm is undeniable, but some travelers say that beneath the beauty, they encountered a cooler, more distant side of locals. However, it’s worth noting that experiences vary widely – some people find Parisians welcoming once you make an effort to be polite and use basic French.
The Complex Reality of Hospitality
The 2024 survey garnered more than 12,500 respondents who represented 175 nationalities and lived in 174 different countries. These rankings aren’t pulled from thin air – they’re based on real experiences from real people navigating life in foreign lands. The ranks in surveys change dramatically within a few years, as many factors can greatly affect a country’s attitude towards foreign travelers or expats. Economic conditions, political instability, and overtourism backlash – all of these elements shape how welcoming a nation feels at any given moment. Many travelers said their experiences depended on who they were and how they were perceived. Women and travelers of color often shared that their treatment varied based on gender, race, or accent. Many agreed that every country has both kind and rude people, so these stories represent patterns, not absolutes.
Travel is ultimately about human connection. Yes, we want to see stunning landscapes and taste incredible food, but what we remember most are the people who helped us when we were lost, invited us to share a meal, or simply smiled and made us feel welcome. The countries that excel at hospitality understand this instinctively. They view visitors not as walking wallets but as guests worthy of respect and kindness. The ones that struggle often do so because of broader challenges – economic pressures, cultural differences, or simply being overwhelmed by too many tourists.
Choose your destinations not just for their beauty but for the warmth you’ll encounter. After all, the best souvenirs aren’t things you can buy in a shop – they’re the memories of genuine human kindness that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. What surprised you most about these rankings? Where have you felt most welcome in your travels?
