How quickly you make connections and settle into a new daily routine often determines how successful life abroad will be. A recent report highlights the countries where expats find their footing the fastest. Many of these destinations are also among the world’s most attractive travel spots.
Moving abroad is more than just a change of scenery. New arrivals often face many challenges: a foreign language, unfamiliar rules in everyday life and the question of how quickly a new social environment can be established. This is exactly where it is decided how easy or difficult it is to settle in. The latest "Expat Insider Report" from the "InterNations" network now shows where this new start is going particularly well.
Among other things, satisfaction with social life, access to local networks and how easy it is to make new friends were assessed. The ranking makes it clear that countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa in particular currently offer an environment in which new stages of life are not only possible, but also socially compatible.
Indonesia is at the top of the list. The country impresses in all the categories surveyed and is described by many expats as particularly accessible. New arrivals make friends relatively quickly and are often easily integrated into everyday life. Practical factors also play a role: with special visas for digital nomads, Indonesia has long since established itself as a destination for remote workers.
This trend is particularly evident in Bali. The island offers a strong international community, good infrastructure for mobile working and a large selection of meeting places - from simple bars to upscale locations with sea views. Places like Ubud complete the picture with a strong focus on wellness, nature and spirituality.
Colombia follows in second place. Here, a generally open and sociable culture makes it easier to settle in - even if your Spanish skills are still in need of improvement. While Bogotá is home to the largest expat community, Medellín is a particularly popular place to live. Neighborhoods such as El Poblado or Laureles offer coworking spaces, international meeting places and an active social life. At the same time, the price level remains significantly lower than in many Western countries. The country is also flexible when it comes to visas - with options for retirees and digital nomads, among others.
The combination of an open culture, warm hospitality and a relaxed attitude to life ensures that many newcomers quickly feel at home in Mexico. The uncomplicated way in which contacts are made is particularly appreciated; everyday life is social, interaction with locals is a matter of course and making new friends is comparatively easy. The feeling of being truly welcome is also perceived much more strongly by many expats in Mexico than the global average.
1. Indonesia
2. Colombia
3. Mexico
4. Philippines
5. Brazil
6. Panama
7. Oman
8. Thailand
9. Kenya
10. Vietnam
Methodology
The index assesses how easily expats arrive abroad. It is made up of three areas: "Finding Friends", "Culture & Welcome" and "Local Friendliness". Among other things, it looks at how satisfied people are with their social life, how easily they make friends locally, whether they feel welcome and how well they adapt to the local culture. For the 2025 ranking, 46 countries were taken into account - but only where at least 50 expats took part in the survey to ensure meaningful results. InterNations, the world's largest network for people living and working abroad (expats), has over 5.7 million members.
