Moving to a new country can be magical—but also surprisingly lonely. If you’re hoping to make friends abroad and crave something deeper than just casual chats, you’re not alone girls. We got you!
Whether you’re a solo traveler, remote worker, or newly relocated expat in a new country, these tips are made for expat women who want real connection, not just a contact list.
At Nomad Girls Club, we believe meaningful friendships can start with one small “hello.” Here’s how to meet people in a new country and build community—one honest moment at a time.
1. Say Yes (Even If You’re Nervous)
Say Yes more often!
That language exchange, beach yoga class, or casual coffee meetup? Most meaningful connections abroad begin in slightly awkward moments where we show up without needing to be perfect. Trying to make friends abroad is never easy—but showing up, even when you’re unsure, is how the magic begins.
Making friends in a foreign country is hard, but having an open mindset will help you more than you think. I’ve made some of my closest friends just by saying yes when it felt a little scary (mostly shy)!
Making friends while traveling often starts with these simple “yes” moments. That’s the vibe we create at every Nomad Girls Club gathering – cozy and real. And promise: no pressure.
2. Follow What Brings You Joy
Join spaces that already light you up – a dance class, book club, or creative workshop. When you’re doing what you love, you naturally attract people with shared energy. That’s the law of attraction, believe it or not!
If you’re trying to make friends abroad, joy is your shortcut. Doing something that fills your cup also fills your social circle!
That’s why the gatherings at Nomad Girls Club are built around joy, fun, and shared interests—so connection happens without forcing it. You don’t like one event? No stress, we’ve got plenty more designed to help you meet people in a new country, at your own pace.
This is one of our favorite friendship tips for solo travelers: shared joy builds faster connection. Honestly, some of the best women I’ve met abroad came from random art classes or a salsa night I almost skipped.
3. Use Apps Without Shame
Yes, it’s okay to meet new friends or people online – especially when you’re trying to make friends abroad. Apps like Meetup, Tribe, Bumble BFF and even Instagram are full of people looking for friendship, just like you.
Making friends as an expat doesn’t have to be awkward, these platforms were built for connection. Some of my favorite conversations started from a simple DM or event RSVP.
We use Meetup to announce our upcoming events—come join us! If you’re wondering how to meet people in a new country or how to connect with locals when traveling, this is one of the easiest (and least intimidating) ways to get started.
You don’t have to wait for someone to approach you – sometimes clicking “Attend” is the first brave step.
4. Be a Friendly “Regular”
Repetition builds connection. Visit the same café, yoga studio, or farmer’s market regularly. A familiar face becomes a friendly smile, then a conversation, then a community.
You can start a conversation with someone you meet often at the yoga studio like this:
“Hey, I see you coming often to Maria’s classes. I am (name), what’s your name?”
“ Hey (smile at the person), how are you? It seems like we are coming to the coffee shop at the same time everyday. What’s your name?”
Trying to make friends abroad doesn’t always mean doing something new, sometimes it’s just about showing up again and again.
This is how many expats slowly build community. If you’re learning how to socialize abroad or wondering how to make local friends abroad, consistency helps people warm up and recognize you. Even a simple “Hi, I’ve seen you here before” can turn into a genuine connection.
Some of my most unexpected friendships started with nothing more than a smile and a shared love for the same almond croissant at my favorite bakery!
5. Be Honest About Where You’re At
Saying “I just moved here and don’t know many people” can be a door-opener. Vulnerability creates space for connection and often makes others feel safe to share too.
When you’re trying to make friends abroad, honesty can be your superpower. You don’t need the perfect story or polished intro – just realness.
At our events, everyone’s in the same boat. Whether you’re making friends in a foreign country or simply feeling out of place, honesty makes room for connection. It’s one of the most underrated expat tips for making friends, being real instead of pretending you’ve got it all figured out.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve said “I just got here” and had someone respond with “me too.” That’s how it starts.
6. Host Something Tiny
You don’t have to throw a party. Invite one or two people for coffee, a walk, or a mini craft night. Small gatherings feel more intimate and less overwhelming.
If you’re trying to make friends abroad, these little moments of connection are everything. You don’t need a big guest list to create warmth – just intention.
This is a powerful move for those looking to connect with locals when traveling or make local friends abroad. Even just saying, “Hey, want to grab a tea sometime?” can go a long way.
Hospitality, even in tiny doses, builds bridges.
Some of the best conversations I’ve had abroad happened with just two people and a bottle of wine on the floor of someone’s Airbnb. Simple works.
7. Let It Take Time
Not every interaction will lead to instant friendship and that’s okay. Deep connections often grow slowly through shared experiences, little moments, and repeated presence.
When you’re trying to make friends abroad, it’s easy to feel discouraged if things don’t click right away. But real friendship rarely happens overnight.
Making friends as an expat often means letting bonds form gradually through spontaneous coffees, shared classes, or seeing each other again at the same weekend market. This is also one of the most comforting friendship tips for solo travelers: it’s not about doing more, it’s about being present.
Some of my strongest friendships started with small talk that turned into trust over time. Give it space to unfold, you’re not behind!
8. Follow Up (Like You Mean It)
Did you vibe with someone? Reach out. Text her. Invite her out again. Trying to make friends abroad doesn’t end after one good conversation—it’s the follow-up that turns a spark into something lasting.
Friendship tips for solo travelers always include this one: the second or third hangout is where the magic often happens. That’s when people start to open up and feel safe.
Making friends while traveling means you have to be a little braver than usual. Don’t wait too long—I’ve sent an awkward “Hey, wanna hang again?” messages that turned into incredible friendships.
Bring her to our next event, we’d love to meet her too!
9. Learn the Local Language (Even Just a Bit)
You don’t need fluency to make an impact. Just knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” or “how are you” can shift a moment from distant to personal.
It’s one of the best tips for how to make local friends abroad, just show that you care enough to try. Even if your accent’s off or you forget a word, the effort itself opens hearts.
Trying to make friends abroad often means stepping outside your comfort zone and language is a beautiful place to start. Locals appreciate when you engage with their culture, even in small ways.
I’ve had strangers light up just because I greeted them in their language, it instantly changed the energy. Those tiny phrases? They matter.
10. Just Show Up
When you feel unsure, it’s tempting to cancel plans but those are often the moments where the best connections surprise you.
Even quiet presence matters. Sometimes, making friends in a foreign country starts with simply being there – even if you’re feeling a little off.
If you’re trying to make friends abroad, showing up is half the journey. You don’t need to be the life of the party, just being in the room is enough.
Some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve found started on the nights I almost stayed home. The magic is often waiting on the other side of discomfort.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Trying to make friends abroad or relocating isn’t always easy but it is so worth it.
Start small. Stay open. Keep showing up. Whether you’re making friends as an expat or just figuring out how to meet people in a new country, trust that the right people will find you—and you’ll find them too.
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start? You’re not the only one.
Join us at a Nomad Girls Club event. We host creative gatherings, honest conversations, and warm spaces where women can feel at home – no matter where they are in the world.
You deserve connection. You deserve community. And you’re closer to it than you think.
