Sometimes, it only takes a simple “please” and “thank you,” a warm smile, or a small gesture to turn a foreign place into a welcoming one. A recent international study reveals which countries are perceived as the most polite—and how locals rate their own sense of courtesy.
For travellers, it is often the subtle, everyday interactions that shape a destination: a friendly greeting in a café, patience in the face of language barriers, or a brief moment of kindness on the street. These small gestures define how welcome we feel. The British financial services provider Remitly surveyed expatriates worldwide to identify where politeness is most deeply rooted—and complemented the findings with locals’ own perceptions of their national character.
In a world of increasingly global travel, these nuances of etiquette often define not just a destination—but the experience of it. The British financial services provider “Remitly” surveyed people living abroad to find out where the most polite people can be found. More than 4,600 respondents across 26 countries shared their impressions, drawing on personal experiences and cultural encounters. The result is a nuanced portrait of global courtesy—revealing both how nations are seen from the outside and how they see themselves.
1st place: Japan (35.15%)
Japan stands as the gold standard of politeness. Courtesy here is not merely a social nicety but a deeply embedded cultural value. From the graceful bow—an expression of respect as much as greeting—to the intricacies of language shaped by honorifics, everyday life reflects a refined awareness of others and a strong sense of social harmony.
2nd place: Canada (13.35%)
Canada’s reputation for kindness is almost legendary—so much so that apologising has become something of a national stereotype. Yet beneath the humour lies a genuine culture of consideration and openness. Paired with its vast natural beauty and high quality of life, this welcoming attitude makes Canada an enduring favourite for both travellers and those seeking a new home.
3rd place: United Kingdom (6.23%)
Few nations embody etiquette quite like the United Kingdom. Politeness is woven into daily language—“please,” “thank you,” and even frequent apologies are second nature. The orderly ritual of queuing is emblematic of British life, while a dry, self-deprecating humour adds a distinctive charm that many newcomers quickly come to appreciate.
4th place: China (3.07%)
In China, politeness is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions shaped by Confucian values. Respect, hierarchy, and social harmony guide interactions, whether in the deference shown to elders or in the preference for subtle, non-confrontational communication. Relationships are cultivated with care, and courtesy is expressed through attentiveness and restraint.
5th place: Germany (2.80%)
Germany’s place in the top five may surprise some, given its reputation for directness. Yet it is precisely this clarity—paired with a strong respect for personal boundaries—that many respondents value. Courtesy here often manifests in reliability, punctuality, and quiet consideration, such as observing rest periods on evenings and Sundays. Formality in language gradually softens as relationships deepen, revealing a thoughtful and structured approach to social interaction.
The study also highlights an intriguing contrast between how countries are perceived and how they perceive themselves. Japan, for instance, is celebrated globally for its exceptional politeness, yet its own citizens rate themselves far more modestly—perhaps a reflection of cultural humility.
In contrast, Brazil and Chile lead in self-perception, with respondents awarding their own nations the highest scores for courtesy. In both countries, warmth, hospitality, and a strong sense of community shape daily life. India follows in third place, where politeness is often expressed less through formal phrases and more through care, attentiveness, and social bonds.
