The top 10 friendliest destinations for travelers

Traveling to a new country can be daunting, whether it’s grappling with a new language or navigating unfamiliar public transit systems.

Encountering friendly locals can significantly ease the stress of being in a foreign place, making you feel welcome and providing assistance if you’re lost.

Remitly, a digital financial services company, recently compiled a report on the world’s friendliest nations. They surveyed 3,000 participants from 27 countries in April, using a simplified version of the “agreeableness” section from the popular Big 5 Personality Test. Each participant received a score between 1 and 40, with higher scores indicating greater agreeableness. The average scores for each country determined their ranking in terms of friendliness.

An agreeable personality typically signifies traits such as friendliness, compassion, and empathy—qualities that prioritize interpersonal relationships and foster comfortable interactions for travelers in new destinations.

According to Remitly’s findings, here are the top 10 friendliest countries:

Belgium (Score: 32.5) Belgium is celebrated for its progressive social policies, low crime rates, and widespread English proficiency, making it easy for travelers to connect with locals.

Estonia (Score: 32.58) Estonia boasts UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a reputation for its respectful and polite locals who prioritize safety and openness.

Germany (Score: 32.66) Rich in history and culture, Germany is known for its helpful residents, although they may not engage in small talk readily.

Canada (Score: 32.84) Renowned for their kindness and politeness, Canadians create a welcoming atmosphere for travelers, often embodying the stereotype of apologizing frequently.

Australia (Score: 33.13) With its laid-back culture, Australia is known for its friendly locals who contribute to its reputation as a welcoming destination.

Sweden (Score: 33.30) Sweden, consistently ranked among the happiest countries, is noted for its courteous and welcoming populace.

Mexico (Score: 33.47) Strong family values and pride in heritage characterize Mexicans, who are generally friendly and hospitable towards travelers.

Croatia (Score: 33.50) Croatians are recognized for their politeness and sociability, making Croatia a highly welcoming country for visitors.

Greece (Score: 33.71) Embodying the ancient Greek principle of philoxenia, or hospitality to strangers, Greeks warmly welcome travelers with open arms.

South Africa (Score: 34.63) Topping the list, South Africans are renowned for their friendliness and readiness to engage with visitors. With eleven official languages spoken, including English and Afrikaans, travelers find it easy to communicate and connect with locals in South Africa.

These countries not only offer scenic beauty and cultural richness but also embody a welcoming spirit that enhances the travel experience for visitors from around the world.