Last month I asked you in which countries you’d encountered the friendliest and rudest locals.
But before you read the results, I think everything is best summed up by these 2 answers I received:
“People all over the world will be rude to you if you do not respect them, their culture or their language.”
And
“We’ve found everywhere in the world that If you’re friendly to people, they’ll generally be friendly to you.”
And the fact that France tops both the friendliest and rudest lists, shows it’s all down to personal experience.
And here’s the results of what you sent me (and please excuse the hideously stereotyped images) …
FRIENDLIEST:
1. France
“My husband and I have been to France several times and have NEVER experienced rudeness, nor animosity toward Americans, nor any of those negatives for which France is allegedly famous.
We attempt to speak a little French, for which people are most appreciative, though they usually fall into English to prevent any more fracturing of their language on our part!”
2. Australia
“We just got back from a month in Australia and New Zealand traveling on our own and i must say those Aussies and Kiwis are by far the nicest and friendliest we have met anywhere in the world.”
3. Italy
“Italians are always enjoying life as much as possible and care about everyone around them
(except when they are driving!).”
4. Ireland
“But I would now have to say Ireland. We had an accident driving on the Ring of Kerry and ruined a tire and the rim. Our car was un-driveable and we were in the countryside.
We were traveling with another couple and he went walking down the road to see if he could find some help, as there was nothing where we had stopped.
He encountered a gentleman walking his dog, who promptly went home, got his cell phone, called a garage he knew (which we would not have found in a million years).”
5. UK
“If you are an American the English are about as friendly as they come. They always treat you as a long lost relative and really seem to like Americans.”
6. New Zealand
“The friendliest and nicest people in the world live in New Zealand!”
7. Spain
“My offering is Spain. I have traveled quite a bit throughout Europe as well as in South America and Asia – and not just as a tourist. I generally travel alone and whether on business or just wandering, try to interact as much as possible with local people. Without a doubt, in my opinion, Spain ranks as the number 1 country for friendliness.”
8. Mexico
“The friendliest have been in Mexico (Mexico City the friendliest big city I have been to)
The people are courteous, have good conversations, want to help and know how to have fun!”
9. Germany
“I have to give the award for friendliest country to Germany. I was driving along the Rhine, taking a detour on my way to Frankfurt, and I stopped frequently along the way. The residents of these small towns were some of the friendliest I’ve met.
They were always anxious to show off their local food and drink, and tell you about the history of their town. Of course, this extended the time of my trip, but the time was well spent.”
10. Slovenia
“But let me not forget Slovenia! Sophisticated, humble, generous and open.”
11. Dominican Republic
“I lived and worked with campesinos in the Dominican Republic for several years, and I found
them to be astonishingly generous and friendly to strangers; never rude.
The response, typically, to a ‘gracias’ wasn’t the usual ‘de nada’, but rather ‘a sus ordenes’ (at your service), and that’s how they lived. Even in the cities, people were gracious and cheerful wherever I went.”
12. US
“USA (California coast, Hawaii and small towns). The Pacific coast makes Americans mellow and more helpful.”
13. Canada
“My experience of travel in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and England, dog owners are the friendliest people, regardless of their country of residence.
If a person is walking a dog and you try to strike up a conversation about their dog, dog-lovers can’t resist it. Ooing or ahhhing over someone’s dog is a great way to put even the crankiest person in a better mood.”
14. Thailand
“Michael, as an American living overseas 14 years now and have traveled countries around the globe. I would have to say Thailand is about the friendliest country my wife and I have traveled and Indonesia would be second.”
15. Slovak Republic
“My first pick would be the Slovak Republic, formerly part of Czechoslovakia. I have visited there 7 or 8 times since my first visit in 1970.”
16. Brazil
“However, the friendliest people that I have met around the world are the Brazilians. One evening I was taking a stroll on Copacabana beach with my wife when two lovely young ladies approached us, offering some “personal” services for a slight fee.
When I told then no thanks, I am with my wife, one of them replied, “No problem, we can get someone for her, too.”
But seriously, Brazilians were friendly in every circumstance.”
RUDEST:
1. France
“I went to a restaurant in Orleon, France and had a very difficult time communicating my menu order. The waiter apparently did not know a word of English so, I stumbled thru the menu and ended up pointing to the entre I desired.
The whole time I was ordering, the waiter was mumbling in French. Finally, the meal came and it was very good.
When I paid the check, the waiter responded, in perfect English, “Thank you very much for dining in our restaurant. I hope you visit us on your next trip to France”.
2. UK
“Very rude people!!!! I’m dual UK/USA nationality….”
3. Germany
“Germany: not rude, just cool.”
4. US
“Rudest are New Yorkers”
5. Eygpt
No reason given
6. Switzerland
“Swiss can be downright nasty if they suspect the size of your bank account is puny.”
7. Austria
“We meet so many rude people in Austria.”
8. Puerto Rico
“Puerto Rico gets my vote as the most indifferent, not necessarily rude. Prices are high, tips added on to the check and, lacking incentive, the service is uniformly bad.
So bad that when treated with mediocre service, it sparkles by comparison.”
9. Greece
“We found the rudest people in Greece, beginning with the tour director to Rhodes, Delphi and Meteora. She screamed at us as if she were a drill sergeant.”
10. Sweden
“Least helpful have been the Swedes.”
11. Argentina
“Haughtiest are the Argentines.”
Did you agree or disagree? Leave a comment on your experiences…
