Navigating VallartaIf you’ve ever visited or lived in Mexico, this news probably won’t come as a surprise.
According to the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, Mexico has been ranked the #1 country in the world for helping foreigners feel at home. The survey, based on responses from nearly 8,000 people living abroad, recognized Mexico as the global leader in local friendliness, making friends, and creating a welcoming culture.
The numbers tell the story. Nearly three-quarters of expats said it’s easy to make Mexican friends, and many say their closest friendships are with locals rather than other foreigners. That’s something few countries can claim.
What’s even more impressive is that this isn’t a one-time achievement. Mexico has consistently ranked among the world’s best places for expats to settle in for more than a decade, showing that its reputation for warmth and hospitality is deeply rooted.
For those of us who call Mexico home—whether by birth or by choice—it’s easy to see why. Neighbors greet one another, communities come together, and visitors are often treated like family. It’s a culture built on kindness, generosity, and genuine human connection.
This latest recognition simply confirms what millions of people have experienced firsthand: when it comes to making people feel welcome, Mexico truly stands in a class of its own.