The world’s friendliest countries for expats: Where does SA rank?

Where are the friendliest countries for expats?

A recent survey by InterNations, an expat guide, asked expats in 53 countries around the world to rate their new home on their friendliness factor.

As reported by Daily Mail, these expats were asked about their social life, whether they felt at home in their new country, how easy it was to get used to the culture and the friendliness of the local population. 

According to the 2024 ranking, Costa Rica topped the list of friendliest countries, coming in at number one, followed by Mexico and The Philippines in the second and third spots.

“Expats feel very welcome (88% vs. 63% globally) and at home (83% vs. 58%) in Costa Rica. They also say it’s easy to get used to the local culture: over a third (35%) agree completely with this point, compared to 21% worldwide. Plus, they rate the local population the friendliest worldwide! In fact, nine in ten (90%) rate the general friendliness of locals (vs. 63% globally) and friendliness towards foreign residents (vs. 61% globally) favorably.” the survery revealed.

At the bottom of the list, or the most unfriendly countries for expats, was Kuwait in 53rd position, Norway in 52nd and Germany in 51st.

South Africa featured somewhere in the middle, coming in at number 23 on the list.

Top 10 friendliest

These were the top 10 friendliest nations:

1. Costa Rica 
2. Mexico 
3. The Philippines 
4. Indonesia
5. Brazil 
6. Thailand 
7. Panama 
8. Colombia 
9. Kenya
10. Greece 

Top 10 unfriendliest

And these were the top 10 unfriendliest countries for expats:

1. Kuwait
2. Norway
3. Germany
4. Finland
5. Austria
6. Sweden
7. Czechia
8. Switzerland
9. Denmark
10. Hungary

What’s the friendliest country you’ve been to?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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