8 Countries Where Americans Felt Most Welcomed, Survey Finds

The world has become a smaller place for American travelers and expats, yet finding truly welcoming destinations remains a genuine concern. With shifting global dynamics and sometimes tense international relationships, Americans often wonder where they’ll receive the warmest reception abroad. Recent comprehensive surveys from Pew Research Center and InterNations reveal fascinating insights about which countries genuinely embrace visitors from the United States.

Panama

Panama ranked second in the 2024 InterNations Expat Insider survey, with 94% of expats happy with their life abroad. Nearly three-quarters of expats feel comfortable with their financial situation in Panama, and over 80% of them report being happy with their life in the country. The country’s strategic position as a bridge between the Americas makes it incredibly accessible for Americans, requiring just three hours from Miami. Accommodation in Panama is both affordable and easy to find, and the proximity to the United States makes it incredibly convenient for Americans who want to maintain ties back home while enjoying a significantly lower cost of living.

Mexico

Mexico has regularly scored well in the settling in category since 2014, with an impressive 86% of respondents rating the general friendliness of the Mexican people positively and 85% feeling welcome. The country’s cultural warmth translates into practical benefits for American visitors. Almost nine in 10 expats in Mexico say they are happy – 20 percentage points more than the global average of 68%, with respondents saying that Mexico is a friendly country and makes them feel welcome. Two-thirds of Mexicans hold a favorable opinion of their neighbors, and almost half of Mexicans believe that American entertainment is among the best.

Poland

Poland stands out as having the most favorable view of the United States among all surveyed countries, with more than 85 percent of residents holding positive opinions, with recent surveys showing Poland among the most US-favorable countries globally. Poland consistently shows among the highest favorability ratings toward the United States in Europe. Poland’s positive attitude toward the United States is rooted in President Reagan’s stance against the USSR and America’s help when Poland left the Soviet bloc. This historical bond creates genuine warmth that American visitors consistently experience throughout their travels.

South Korea

South Korea represents a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity that captivates American visitors, with the country’s rapid economic development and cultural influence through K-pop and Korean dramas creating strong cultural bridges with America. In the Asia-Pacific region, 70% or more rate the U.S. positively in Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand, with Seoul and Busan offering American travelers an incredibly welcoming atmosphere, with English widely spoken in tourist areas and locals eager to share their culture.

Japan

Japan’s legendary hospitality, known as “omotenashi,” creates an unparalleled experience for American visitors, with the Japanese approach to customer service and genuine care for guests making Americans feel not just welcomed but truly valued. Some of the strongest positive opinions come from Poland (93%), Israel (87%), South Korea (79%), Nigeria (74%), and Japan (73%). From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, American travelers consistently report feeling safe, respected, and embraced by local communities.

Nigeria

Nigeria presents a compelling case of genuine enthusiasm for American visitors, with nearly three-quarters of the population expressing positive views about the United States. Some of the strongest positive opinions come from Poland (93%), Israel (87%), South Korea (79%), Nigeria (74%), and Japan (73%). The West African nation’s embrace of American culture, music, and business creates an environment where American visitors find unexpected connections and authentic hospitality. India, Kenya and Nigeria were the only countries polled that maintained net positive views of Israel.

Spain

Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Bilbao all boast large English-speaking expat communities, while the coastal city of Valencia is quickly gaining traction as a coveted spot, ranking first in InterNations’ 2024 Quality of Life Index. There’s much to love about Spain: modern cities and quaint small towns, high-quality universal health care and a world-renowned dining and nightlife scene, with Spain also being one of the most culturally liberal and welcoming countries for LGBTQ+ travelers according to the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. Spain holds views on Americans and their entertainment industry similar to Sweden’s, however, fewer people in Spain hold unfavorable views of Americans, at 39%, securing the fourteenth position on the list of countries that welcome Americans with open arms.

Costa Rica

Nearly 120,000 Americans now call Costa Rica home, with this tropical paradise consistently ranking among the top destinations for American expats seeking a better quality of life, natural beauty, and a more affordable cost of living, as Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle has captivated retirees, digital nomads, and families alike. The country offers beautiful natural landscapes, from beaches to rainforests, and a warm, friendly culture, with Costa Rica’s public and private healthcare systems considered top-notch, especially in urban centers like San José, and travelers holding American passports welcomed to Costa Rica without the need for a tourist visa in 2025.

These findings reveal that Americans continue to find genuine warmth and acceptance across diverse cultures and continents. From Panama’s exceptional expat satisfaction rates to Poland’s historic friendship, these countries demonstrate that political tensions don’t necessarily translate to personal experiences. What would you say draws you most to these welcoming destinations?