Friendliest foreign country or place you have been to.

  • Thread starter gravenewworld
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In summary: I don't think I ever felt so welcome in my life.In summary, the friendliest foreign country is Thailand.
  • #1
gravenewworld
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Friendliest foreign country- Thailand by far.


People in Spain and Italy really weren't that friendly at all. Spain was really pretty bad. Maybe that was just because I was in major cities for those two countries though.
 
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  • #2
Well, it's not a foreign place, but the friendliest place I've been in the U.S. was Kentucky. Tennessee was extremely hospitable too.
 
  • #3
I've been over most of Europe and the friendliest place I've been is Mexico.

One time I got off the bus in Puerta Vallarta and was carrying two large bags. (I had accumulated a lot of junk over my 3 months there.) Some guy came up and offered to help me carry them. I thought to myself this might be a trick, but at least he won't be running too fast if he is carrying my bag. I should be able to catch him easily. And if he was going to threaten me with a weapon then it doesn't matter if he is carrying my bag anyway. So I agreed to let him help.

I was looking to take a boat to an isolated community. He told me that the dock on the beach where I was had already finished it's last run for the day. It was early afternoon at the time, but it isn't like the US where things are open 24/7. He said there was another place that still has a boat running. So we got on the bus and went for a 15 minute ride out of the downtown area. At this point I'm starting to think I'm pretty stupid.

We get off at this little restaurant with a nearby dock. The next boat is ready to leave in about 30 minutes. I see other foreigners there arranging there belongings on the boat. I start to feel safer. I offer to buy this helpful guy some lunch, and we sit down and talk for a short time. This is where he tells me that he was planning to rob me. Then he gives me the name of someone in the area that I'm going to that can hook me up with a place to stay for the time I'm there. (oh, he asked for a few bucks also, which I gladly gave him. He earned it.)

See? Even the criminals are polite!

I ran into the guy that he recommended. He was wealking on the beach selling pot from a fat log that he carried around in his hand. There was no authority at this location. He was also sleazing my friend's sister persistently. Even despite these things I wouldn't have trusted this guy. I got bad vibes from him.
 
  • #4
I was not impressed with the hospitality in most of Europe. I've had beer poured on my head by strangers. A taxi driver altered his fare and drew a knife on my friends when they refused to pay the extra amount. Someone I knew was raped by transvestites. (no kidding) Not to mention the numerous paltry insults and prejudices.

Not that I think the US is any friendlier than Europe. Pretty similar actually.
 
  • #5
Fairbanks, Alaska. Lived there for a year. The people are open and intimate from the day you meet them. At least that's true of the people I met who were associated with the University there.
 
  • #6
I've lived in Poland for 4 years and in the US for the remainder. I have to say, generally the people in the US are nicer folk. At least among my peers. I left Poland when I was 12-ish, and pretty much everybody in school was a jerk. Not just to me, but it was very dog-eat-dog. And it wasn't just limited to my school at all.

When I got back here, I was surprised that when someone bumped into me (in school) they actually said "Oh, excuse me." and generally not be jerks to you.

Of course I'm making generalities in both cases.


Huckleberry said:
This is where he tells me that he was planning to rob me.

Hahahahaha!
 
  • #7
haha, one thing is for sure, my country's people are somewhat lacking in basic courtesy and manners. But maybe it's just because we're shy :X

BTW I'm from Singapore
 
  • #8
People in Aruba were incredibly nice on my trip there. I'd love to live there someday when retired.
 
  • #9
Dominican Republic!, very friendly come visit and bring your euros or dollars :rofl:
 
  • #10
Parts of Canada are very friendly. I've had pleasant experiences in Nova Scotia and in Quebec. Even with my crappy French, I've had a blast at Winter Carnival and hanging out with bikers there in the summer. Usually, I would get "adopted" by some nice bilingual lady, and she'd keep me caught up with the conversations.
 
  • #11
Austria or Germany. Boy are they friendly...
 
  • #12
I was impressed by how friendly everyone was in Chicago. I was expecting the typical snootiness of big city folk but everyone was very nice. I live in East Tennessee where everyone smiles and says hi so I have high standards for niceness.
 
  • #13
larkspur said:
I was impressed by how friendly everyone was in Chicago. I was expecting the typical snootiness of big city folk but everyone was very nice. I live in East Tennessee where everyone smiles and says hi so I have high standards for niceness.
I have spent a lot of time in the south, and the much-vaunted "Southern hospitality" seems like so much veneer and pretense to me.

We Mainers are portrayed as being reserved and stand-offish, but we are polite in the ways that count. I can't tell you how many times that people from other states have visited and have raved at how nice Mainers are. It can be as simple as people in cars stopping for pedestrians that are not in crosswalks so they can cross a street. One couple from Mass that my wife and I had ridden with annually for years (Harley riders like us) got caught in a thunderstorm here and pulled over under a big maple tree to ride it out. An elderly couple across the road told them to get over to their porch and fed them cookies and lemonade until the storm blew over. As Bob said "bikers in black leather would not get any such treatment in Mass - they'd probably call the cops" and he and his wife and kids moved here within a couple of years. They're not going back.
 
  • #14
People in CA were also very very friendly. Especially in San Diego.
 
  • #15
gravenewworld said:
Friendliest foreign country- Thailand by far.
I quickly clicked on this thread ready to type in a country, and to my surprise, in the first sentence somebody says the same one.

Thailand, by far.
 

1. What makes a foreign country or place "friendly"?

A friendly foreign country or place is typically perceived as welcoming and hospitable to visitors. This can include factors such as the kindness and helpfulness of locals, ease of communication, and overall sense of safety and comfort.

2. How can one determine if a foreign country or place is friendly before visiting?

Researching and reading reviews from other travelers is a good way to gauge the friendliness of a foreign country or place. Additionally, learning about the culture and customs of the destination can also provide insight into the level of friendliness towards visitors.

3. Are there any specific countries or places known for their friendliness?

Yes, there are many countries and places that are commonly regarded as friendly to travelers. Some examples include Canada, Ireland, Thailand, and New Zealand. However, friendliness can vary depending on individual experiences and perceptions.

4. How can one make the most out of a trip to a friendly foreign country or place?

Interacting with locals and immersing oneself in the culture can enhance the experience in a friendly foreign country or place. Participating in local activities, trying new foods, and learning the language are all great ways to fully embrace the friendliness of a destination.

5. Can a foreign country or place be friendly but also have potential risks for travelers?

Yes, it is possible for a foreign country or place to be considered friendly, but still have certain risks for travelers. It is important to research and understand any potential safety concerns before visiting a destination, and to always exercise caution and common sense while traveling.

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