Have you made a list of the friendliest countries to Americans at the back of your mind? It would be practical to know if a certain country is open for tourists or expatriates. Whether you’re going out of the US for travel purpose or you want to move to Europe, a little knowledge of its people wouldn’t hurt you when you get there. Have you been to a foreign country before where everybody can’t get enough of bright smiles? If we’re traveling alone to a new land different from the USA, we’d want to be around approachable and easy-going squad. It’s very appealing for a country to serve you at their very hospitable manner. And that my friend is what we are going to be talking about today. Which countries smile the most at the sight of you? Which countries can you pick a new home and get new bubbly neighbors? Let’s find out!
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When navigating to a new city, region, province, or country you never been to before, one is ambitious enough to gain the local’s trust and easily get your relationship with them to the next level. That’s possible, I’d say, at least when you’re traveling to a country with an ease culture. Anyhow, we should always respect the locals and citizens of all races.
Our ranking of the kindliest countries to Americans came from the International Openness 2015 report of the World Economic Forum. Let’s look for the amiable nationalities in the world that would care enough to take you in, shall we? But just before we go down on our list, here’s the 10 friendliest countries in the world for you to keep. If you’re an avid world explorer, having to read this would come in hand. Mind you, there are some familiar country names in this post that you’d also view from our previous one.
Here are the 25 friendliest countries to Americans!
25. Greece
Greeks are naturally laid-back and hospitable. You may be greeted with light kisses on both your cheeks by female and even male locals. Hugging close friends on the little-paved streets isn’t as awkward as it seems. Don’t be intimidated by them displaying affectionate gestures in public. You’ll get used to it, anyway. Anyhow, the Greeks love Americans! And, in general, they are known to be a good ‘friend to foreigners’, ‘Filoxenia’ in their local language.
24. Italy
Have you been to Italy? Do you have Italian friends? How long did it take you to develop a good relationship with them? When in Italy, 30 minutes would be enough time to make one of the chatty Italians your foe. If they liked you, you’ll get invited by your new friend to a dinner with their family which is considered a rare honor. It would be polite to bring a small present for the family who invited you to dinner. A simple box of pastries or chocolate would leave them smiling throughout the night.
23. Panama
One of the friendliest countries to Americans is Panama for they treat hosts as families, and family is their main priority. ‘Gringos’, a nickname Panamanians coined for Americans. The people of Panama are born to be hospitable and caring. Roaming around cities in the country is made easy by English speaking Panamanians who are very accommodating. The country owns a diverse and young culture. Which then attracts foreign tourists. Also, some of the ‘Gringos’ have picked Panama as their retirement place because of the affordable high quality of living.
22. Finland
Are you a fan of a soothing sauna and alcohol? Are you the type of person who casually hate small talks? Then you’d pass in some of the Finnish traditional customs! Finland may be covered in snow, always. But Finnish locals are warm and entertaining when meeting new foreign friends. They take pride in every accomplishment Finland scores especially in sports, culture, and technology. You know they love you if they’d shut up and observe for what news you have about their country. That’s very Finnish, indeed!
21. Switzerland
Why is Switzerland included in our list of the most accommodating countries to Americans? In general, Switzerland is a friendly country. Most of the Swiss speaks English. They tend to like more the tourists who speak a little German and French. At least those who try to learn the local dialects in Switzerland. Overall, you’ll get along just fine. The locals of Switzerland are very proud of what they have right now such as sustainable environment and traditional freedom. You can expect locals who are willing to show you around their beautiful country. The Swiss also practice common courtesy. Our insider tip for you is if ever you’d be riding an elevator, always greet passengers when stepping out. The most famous line you’d hear from someone who’s leaving an elevator is ‘Bonne Soiree’ which is translated to ‘Have a nice evening’.
20. Belgium
Belgium is a small country yet, it is packed with an army of humorous citizens. Belgians love telling jokes in most of the gatherings to add color to what’s being discussed. Belgium is one of the friendliest countries to Americans. Not only because Belgians and Americans get along too well when it comes to puns and hardcore jokes. It’s because both of these nations share a common mindset. Back in the age of World War II, they exchanged influential tactics to surpass the Nazis.
19. Croatia
If you’re watching the Game of Thrones (which I couldn’t think why anyone wouldn’t), can you identify this place, please? It’s the seaside fortress of Dubrovnik which was the picked as King’s Landing in seasons 2 and 3 of GOT. I don’t watch Game of Thrones. At all. And you should know that I’m only kidding. Alright, not only villages and old cities are inviting in this country, but their citizens too! Croatians like lively conversations. Don’t find it strange if your taxi cab driver would strike a conversation with you!
18. Hungary
Hospitality and great cuisine are what Hungary is made of. It’s one of the most welcoming countries to Americans too. They do shake hands with new acquaintances and exchange light kisses with friends. They are also very particular with time so be sure to show up a few minutes before the meeting starts. Make sure to advise your friends beforehand in case you are running late.
17. Czech Republic
Despite the formal greeting and last name basis in Czech, you should not mistaken the locals as a snob. It’s their custom tradition, a part of their culture, and one of the ingredients that makes them Czech locals. That’s deep! But once you get to know these awesome people, they are for keeps. People are reserved yet can be indirect in a conversation.
16. Japan
Japanese used to refer foreigners as ‘Gaijin’. They are friendly and helpful to foreigners. Japanese people try their best to communicate with tourists such as Americans even though some of them don’t speak fluent English. In this case, language is not going to be a barrier in helping tourists with the simplest things such as giving directions and letting them know of the best point of interests in Japan. Are you fond of selfies? The Japanese love taking photos too! Don’t be surprised if one of them spontaneously ask you to have a picture with them.
15. Peru
Peruvians are one of the nicest people on Earth- that’s a fact! American tourists wouldn’t encounter bad impressions nor experiences in connecting to locals in Peru. You can talk to anyone about tourist spots and what food do they recommend for you to try. Aside from the awe-inspiring sight of Machu Picchu, another highlight of this country that you’ll keep on searching for is the warm and bright smiles from locals you pass by. Socializing in Peru has never been an issue even though they have a conservative culture. Get used to being greeted by the lady at the convenient store, your local guide, the waiter from a canteen or restaurant, drivers, and basically, the whole population of Peru.
14. Portugal
What to love about Portugal? The Portuguese community speaks English confidently! If you ever lost your way to the popular Algarve, asking for directions won’t be hard. Or quit the drama and hire a friendly driver instead to show you the picturesque sites in Portugal!
13. France
It’s every girl’s dream to stand in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and just stare at it. In reality, there’d be more men stuck staring at you while you’re busy with the ever romantic view of Eiffel Tower. It’s normal to caught men’s attention in public. It’s tradition. And it’s a very French attitude towards meeting new acquaintances.
12. Germany
Germany is one of the friendliest countries to Americans. I’m pretty sure a lot of you would try to oppose this statement. Don’t judge too quickly. During first meetups, Germans are formal until you become friends with them. Germans are like coconut shells. They have a hard shell that wraps them on the outside, but deep down inside, they are soft (juicy and crispy ha ha!) just like a real coconut. Sometimes they may play hard to get. Try to impress them with you Pun-American lines! And good luck making them laugh! But in total, Germans are warm to its visitors.
11. United Kingdom
The Brits admire Americans for their charming attitude toward family and friends. Also, British people do love everything that is Americanized such as the pile of sandwiches, burgers, crispy fries, chocolate-coated pretzels. Wow, just everything that is fat and oily adds on our list! Kidding! American and the UK shares some common etiquette. You’d automatically hear a Brit saying ‘God Bless You’ when someone sneezes.
10. Netherlands
Why visit the Netherlands? It’s your access to nearby European countries such as Luxembourg for you can jump from one state to another by riding the tram. Another point is that the Dutch people are polite in conversations. They love American shows such as Dr. House as much as we love their original ‘Big Brother’ series. The Netherlands is a friendly country that is ruled by friendly locals. Get over the frank attitude of the Dutch people! It has been part of their culture ages ago. But pay close attention to their national achievements. The Netherlands is the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. It’s definitely an LGBT-friendly place!
9. Luxembourg
Overworked yet underpaid from where you came from? Why don’t you consider moving to the financial capital of Europe in Luxembourg? Not only are they welcoming to foreign travelers but also to international investors that would strengthen their economy. So what if you don’t speak French, German, or Luxembourgish? Most locals speak a tad of English. Learning their local dialects might be a long work in progress yet once you clearly speak it among your friends in the country, sky’s the limit in building relationships here!
8. Colombia
Being one of the happiest countries in the world, there’s no doubt how Colombia made it in our list of the friendliest countries to Americans! Cheap prices, green nature, and smiling locals are the things you’ll love in traveling throughout Colombia. Tourism is the biggest industry in the country so you’ll find Colombians speak English, especially when haggling tours among travelers.
7. Denmark
As far as being a friendly country, Denmark stands as the most peaceful country in the world! Danish people are polite and accommodating. Hot dogs are very popular in Denmark and they are served with lots of pickles on it. Danes wouldn’t mind sharing a hot dog meal with you as much as you wouldn’t mind eating on the streets in the US!
6. Iceland
Iceland is a vast country. We could say it’s one of the best reasons why the backpacking community loves Iceland. Although Icelanders are generally quiet, they are not shy. You’ll easily earn their trust by influencing yourself a bit of their culture. Be mindful of being loud on the streets or just anywhere. You’ll get bashed for it. Also, you should try their local cuisines. Sheep’s head and testicles, anyone? Yum.
5. Ireland
The Cranberries, Westlife, U2, The Corrs, is there anything more Irish than the world-known musical influencers I’ve mentioned? Music is one of the gifts of Ireland to the world. Other than that, we can enjoy Irish coffee with our Irish friends! Ireland is one of the friendliest countries to Americans. People are engaging and simply interesting. If you’ll be asking directions, they’ll offer you a ride straight to your destination. They want you to enjoy their culture and make yourself feel like home.
4. El Salvador
El Salvador steals the 4th spot in the list of World Economic Forum (International Openness Report 2015). It’s an exotic place waiting for you to explore it. Central America offers young and even pro travelers a spiced up adventure. Most of the spiced up adventure is found in El Salvador. Archeological sites, beaches, active volcanoes, and fresh seafood, I can’t find a reason not to visit this estranged country. But the locals residing in any municipalities of El Salvador are no strangers! The Mestizos are easy to get along with in spite of sounding indirect in communicating with other people.
3. New Zealand
One thing that makes you include New Zealand into your backpacking bucket list other than its picturesque nature is of its people. New Zealanders, the Kiwis, are said to be the friendliest in the world. Everyone is so light and active in socializing. Small talks or long talks, it doesn’t matter, locals both prefer talking to someone every now and then. If you’re planning on moving to New Zealand to start a new job, it’s not exaggerating to say that finding a stable career in the country is not a hassle at all. If you want to live in an isolated haven with only 3 to 4 million inhabitants, pack your bags and live a laid back life in New Zealand! This would work for someone who wants to live in a country where sheep rules!
2. Chile
Chileans are welcoming and friendly people! If you are friends with any Chilean locals, you’d often get a light kiss on both cheeks, be hugged, or offered a handshake for greetings. Think you know enough of the Spanish language? Well, that’s the primary speaking language in Chile. Yet, it will be difficult to understand the local accent of Chileans. But injecting more effort (and patience) in speaking Spanish in able to connect and jive with the locals is greatly appreciated! Americans and Chileans somehow, do meet up with the same rules of customs and traditions. In Chile, the family is the main structure of society. Moreover, Chileans embrace nationalism as much as how Americans express patriotism to the States.
Would you believe that the #1 friendliest country to Americans is…
1. Singapore
Singapore tops our list of the friendliest countries to Americans. There are a bunch of reasons why foreigners love being in Singapore. Singapore is diverse and a very comfortable country to live in. Singaporeans share a different set of cultures. If you’re an avid traveler, you’d meet most of the interesting people in Singapore. People find greater opportunities here than in other parts of the world they came from. Y u not pick Singapore as your country la? Y u not home yet la? Y u laughing? Stop laughing! Not trying to imitate a meme here la. This is the perfect time to introduce yourself to ‘Singlish’. It’s a colloquial dialect used in Singapore. Aside from English, it’s mixed up with Malay and Chinese languages too. Overall, Singaporeans are hospitable and very friendly. They are reserved but can be ultra-chatty once you get to know them better.
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