In today’s globalized world, making friends from different cultures has become a necessity. Some people seek friendships for socializing, while others aim to connect with potential friends in a destination country before an international trip. Thanks to advancements in technology, meeting these expectations is now easier than ever. Below is a list of the best apps to help you make friends from other countries.
Apps to Meet Friends From Other Countries
Tinder
Tinder is one of the world’s most popular dating apps and, like others, it operates on a location-based system. Typically, dating apps limit matches to a range of 50–100 kilometers, but premium memberships remove this restriction.
Tinder offers a similar feature called Passport, which allows users to change their location to any part of the world and connect with people there. However, this feature is only available in paid versions (Tinder Plus or Gold).
In short, by upgrading to Tinder Gold or Plus, users can use the Passport feature to make new friends from anywhere in the world.
HelloTalk
HelloTalk is one of the best apps for learning a language while making friends from around the world. Designed for language practice through conversations with native speakers, it supports over 100 languages.
By interacting with people from different cultures, you can broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives. However, HelloTalk is primarily focused on language exchange and socializing—not dating or flirting. We recommend using the app for its intended purpose: connecting with others to learn and share languages.
Tandem
Tandem is another great app for connecting with native speakers and enhancing your language skills, similar to HelloTalk. After setting up your profile, you can match with people who share your interests by specifying your learning goals and preferred topics.
Focused on language exchange and socializing rather than dating, Tandem provides basic features for free while offering premium options for additional benefits. If you use the app as intended, it can become a favorite tool for meaningful language practice and cultural exchange over time.
InterPals
InterPals is a platform that helps you connect, meet, and befriend people worldwide while also offering opportunities to practice new languages. The app provides free basic features, including messaging and video calls, making it easy to interact with others.
A great option for cultural exchange, InterPals stands out from similar apps by allowing users to pursue friendships or even use it as a dating platform if they choose.
Bumpy
Bumpy is a global friendship and dating app used in over 100 countries. What sets it apart is its strong verification system – approximately 90% of users are photo-verified, significantly reducing fake accounts.
The app’s standout feature is its automatic message translation, which breaks down language barriers when connecting with people who speak different languages. This functionality makes Bumpy particularly useful for international communication, whether you’re looking to make friends or explore romantic connections.
Slowly
Slowly revives the nostalgic tradition of pen pal friendships in our fast-paced digital world. While Generation Z may be unfamiliar with this concept, those born before 1980 will remember the meaningful connections built through patient correspondence.
This unique app intentionally delays message delivery – the farther apart users are, the longer it takes for messages to arrive (hours or even days). Designed as a digital alternative to traditional letter-writing, Slowly is perfect for those seeking deeper, more thoughtful friendships in an era of instant communication.
Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing offers a unique way to make global friendships while traveling. Unlike typical social apps, it connects travelers with local hosts who provide affordable accommodation—think of it as a social version of Airbnb.
Before your trip, you can contact verified hosts through the platform’s referral system, ensuring trusted connections. Beyond just finding a place to stay, Couchsurfing helps you forge new friendships and get insider tips on local attractions from your hosts. If you’re planning a trip and want to meet people in your destination, this app is an ideal choice for combining travel and meaningful connections.
Wakie
Wakie is a global social app that connects users through random voice and video calls with people worldwide. The platform lets you interact anonymously without requiring you to reveal your real identity.
Ideal for language learners, Wakie helps you practice with native speakers while building meaningful friendships. The app offers free basic features and boasts an intuitive, user-friendly interface—making it easy to start conversations and expand your cultural horizons.
