Most and Least Welcoming Countries for Expats: From Charming Locals to Cultural Challenges - International Edition (English)

• A survey conducted by InterNations among expatriates living in 53 different nations worldwide was carried out.
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A survey has identified the most welcoming nation for expatriates globally, and a country in Central America leads the rankings.

The outcome originates from a poll conducted by InterNations , a survey for expats, where foreigners living in 53 different countries worldwide were asked to rate their adopted homes.

Expat respondents were queried regarding their social lives, feelings of being settled-in, ease of adapting to the local culture, and perceptions of the locals' amiability.

Where then are the most welcoming spots for expats looking to relocate?

The friendliest...

Costa Rica

Costa Rica stands out as the most welcoming nation for expats looking to move abroad.

Most expatriates (88 percent) report feeling "very welcome" in Costa Rica, and 83 percent say they feel as though they have found a home there.

More than a third (35 per cent) think it's very easy to get used to the local culture, compared to just 21 per cent worldwide.

A Canadian living abroad shares with InterNations: "The residents here are typically kind and delightful individuals. One gradually embraces a 'Pura Vida' lifestyle in Costa Rica."

Ninety percent of expatriates consider the locals to be friendly, so it comes as no shock that 58 percent find making local friends straightforward.

Mexico

Mexico secures the second spot in the rankings thanks to high scores for its welcoming inhabitants.

Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of expatriates report being satisfied with their social life in Mexico, and an even greater percentage—85 percent—feel welcomed in the country.

According to 67 percent of expatriates, making local friends is straightforward. However, only 31 percent mention that most of their friends are Mexican, which significantly exceeds the worldwide average of 17 percent.

An American expatriate shares with InterNations: "Here, social relationships appear to be significant for individuals, hence their enthusiasm in forming new friendships, which often include expats."

The Philippines

Over forty percent of expatriates (41%) residing in the Philippines, which holds the third position on the list, mention that their primary friendships are with locals.

Nearly 70 percent (specifically 69 percent) of expatriates find it easy to make local friends in the Philippines, and about 68 percent are satisfied with their social lives in this Southeast Asian nation.

A UK expatriate tells InterNations: "I enjoy the relaxed and unrestricted way of life here. People are always ready for a conversation."

Almost eighty percent of expatriates feel welcomed in the country (85%), and nearly eight out of ten people (78%) report feeling at home in the Philippines.

The least friendly...

Kuwait

Kuwait is considered the least welcoming nation for expatriates. Just one-quarter of these individuals report feeling welcomed (26 percent), with nearly half stating they do not feel at home (49 percent).

Slightly less than half (47 percent) of the respondents find it challenging to adapt to the local culture, whereas merely 22 percent express satisfaction with their social life in Kuwait.

Over half (53 percent) of the expatriates polled indicate that they have friendships solely with other international residents in the Middle Eastern nation.

This might be due to the fact that 61 percent of expatriates find it challenging to form friendships with locals in Kuwait.

Norway

Norway is nearly at the bottom of the rankings. Many expatriates struggle to form local friendships in this Scandinavian nation, as 67 percent report finding it challenging, and 49 percent express dissatisfaction with their social lives.

Fewer than half of the residents in Norway (49 percent) report feeling at home, whereas 40 percent perceive the locals as unwelcoming.

Expat individuals often struggle with adapting to the local customs in Norway, even when they have acquired language skills.

An expatriate from Kenya shared with InterNations: "Despite my proficient Norwegian language abilities, I am unable to form friendships with Norwegians."

Germany

In Germany, the situation isn’t much better as it places third from last regarding friendliness, with only 32 percent of expats feeling welcomed.

Less than 40 percent (39 percent) of expatriates find locals welcoming in Germany, and 65 percent mention difficulties in befriending people from the area.

A Czech expatriate tells InterNations: "Making friends with Germans can be challenging since they often stick to their groups formed back in early education."