04 JULY 2025
This article appeared in CarterFive and has been published here with permission.
Everybody loves to travel to new, iconic places they have never seen. Nothing is more exciting than packing a bag and exploring a new culture and landscape.
However, some countries aren’t quite as perfect as the media makes them out to be. After all, every country has its fair share of problems.
Below, we will discuss some of the world’s most unfriendly countries, ranked by their lack of hospitality. While you may be able to guess a few, it’s safe to say that our list might just have you rethinking your next holiday…
#50. Qatar
When you think of Qatar, you probably think of luxury, high-rise buildings, scorching hot temperatures, and beautiful marinas.
Thanks to the Fifa World Cup, Qatar has become an increasingly popular holiday destination in recent years, but it’s definitely not everybody’s cup of tea.
In fact, many tourists to the country claim that they won’t visit Qatar again simply because they feel unwelcome.
The traffic is also some of the worst in the world, which may explain why the locals would prefer the tourists to stay away.
#49. South Africa
For many, South Africa may seem like the perfect holiday destination. While there are many great things about this country, it’s hard to overlook the high crime rates.
In fact, most tourists are told to avoid the big cities, such as Johannesburg, as local criminals will specifically target them.
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South Africa has many political problems, which means that the locals may seem angry or, in some cases, violent.
You’ll probably be safe if you plan to go on a safari, but we recommend avoiding any built-up areas.
#48. The Czech Republic
Prague is another popular tourist destination that may surprise you. In recent years, the city has become so popular amongst tourists that it has actually downgraded its reputation.
The government throws so much money at Prague that other areas of the Czech Republic have been put on the back burner.
For this reason, you could probably understand why the locals resent tourists. There’s no denying the fact that Prague is a stunning city with plenty of culture, architecture, and activities to keep you busy.
However, the unwelcoming attitude of the locals seems to overshadow this slightly.
#47. Hungary
Most people associate Hungary with one city in particular: Budapest. While this large country has plenty to offer in terms of architecture and natural beauty, tourists tend to flock to Budapest, ignoring the many other wonderful cities and sites to see.
As a result, Budapest has garnered a rather poor reputation for being one of the world’s rudest and most unwelcoming cities.
Like most popular tourist destinations, the city locals get rather annoyed when hoards of tourists visit.
#36. Canada
Seeing Canada on this list may be a bit of a shock. After all, the Canadian locals are synonymous with kindness!
It’s one of the most commonly believed stereotypes of the country. As it turns out, however, Canadians have a completely different side to them when you get on their wrong side.
In particular, Canadians hate being compared to Americans. It’s been noted that the French Canadians are by far the rudest of the lot, often judging tourists based on their language.
If you visit French-speaking parts of Canada, be sure to brush up on your French beforehand!
#35. Denmark
In recent years, Denmark officially became the 2nd happiest country in the world. For this reason, it may come as a bit of a surprise that they are on our list.
While the locals absolutely love their home nation and everything it offers, they don’t seem to take too kindly to the hordes of tourists that flock to their country during the peak seasons.
This is mainly because tourists disrupt their daily lives, causing more traffic on the roads and streets and making life more stressful.
According to the locals, the most frustrating thing is when tourists rent bicycles and ride on pedestrian-only roads.
#34. Japan
Japan is a must-see tourist destination for many. After all, the country perfectly combines a modern lifestyle with ancient culture.
While you might think that the language barrier would be the biggest issue when visiting Japan, many people actually struggle with the rudeness of the locals instead.
However, it’s important to remember that Japan is a very traditional and conservative nation. If you don’t respect their culture and etiquette, you will more than likely be on the receiving end of an upset local.
#33. Sweden
Sweden, like many Scandinavian countries, is considered one of the happiest places in the world. For this reason, tourists flock to the area during the Summer to see what the fuss is about.
If you are planning a trip to Sweden, it’s important to remember that every nation has its own way of communicating.
For example, Swedes tend to use facial expressions instead of words. As a result, you will likely get many one-word answers when communicating with the locals.
While this may be them being rude in some cases, it may also be a simple case of getting your wires crossed.
#32. Ireland
Ireland is a very popular tourist destination, especially among Americans. While Ireland has plenty to offer regarding natural beauty and history, the locals aren’t exactly too fond of tourists – and they will let you know it.
The Irish hate being stereotyped. If you mind your own business and are polite to the locals, you will likely be treated the same way.
However, if you allude to leprechauns, pots of gold, or excessive drinking in any way, you won’t be welcomed very graciously (and rightfully so).
#31. The Netherlands
Amsterdam is one of the tourist hubs of Europe. It makes sense, considering all the wonderful things to see and do.
However, if you ever find yourself in the Netherlands, it is worth noting that the Dutch locals are renowned for their dry sense of humor and blunt nature.
In other words, the country isn’t exactly for the faint of heart.
Americans, in particular, often find the Dutch rude, while, in reality, they just live a completely different way of life.
However, the locals will lose their temper if you use too much space in the bike lane.
#12. Russia
While Russia might not be at the top of your list of must-see places, there is much to appreciate about this massive country.
However, you might have heard a few stories about how unfriendly the locals can be. The Russians are considered to be some of the rudest in the world.
Like many foreign-speaking countries, the locals hate it when tourists expect them to speak English. You are much less likely to receive an earful from an angry Russian if you try to speak their language first.
We know it’s easier said than done, but it’s important to remember that you are visiting their country.
#11. France
France is yet another trendy tourist destination that most people have at the top of their must-visit list.
From the cobbled streets of Paris to the mountainous Alps, there is something for everyone. However, before you book your flights, remember that the French are considered some of the rudest in the world.
Like many Southern European natives, the French are renowned for being blunt and straight-speaking. They don’t really do pleasantries, which can come across as rude to foreigners.
#10. Venezuela
Venezuela, like most countries on our list, has much to offer. With some of the world’s most diverse natural beauty, it’s definitely a country worth seeing.
That said, some tourists have had less-than-pleasant experiences with the locals.
Venezuelans have strict traditions that visitors may not always understand. To stay on their good side, it’s best to brush up on local etiquette beforehand.
#9. Kuwait
Kuwait, like many Middle Eastern countries, has very strict rules and regulations. The locals are also very conservative.
If you are planning a trip to Kuwait, you may want to research the local customs beforehand.
Most tourists who have had bad experiences with the people of Kuwait haven’t respected or abided by their traditions.
While some of their customs may seem strange to you, it’s important to remember that you are visiting their country.
#8. The United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is another Middle Eastern country that abides by several strict costumes and traditions.
For example, all citizens must dress modestly and respect each other’s personal space.
Additionally, using your right hand to receive items or gifts is respectful. If you fail to abide by these customs, you may feel unwelcome by the locals.
#7. Belgium
While Belgium has plenty to offer in terms of history, natural beauty, and delicious desserts, it is worth noting that it is considered one of the rudest countries in the world.
Like Germany and Switzerland, Belgians are renowned for being hard-working, efficient, and blunt.
These qualities are often mistaken for rudeness. However, in the bigger cities, it’s safe to say that the locals get pretty fed up with nosy tourists interrupting their daily routine.
#6. Chad
Chad is a landlocked African country that faces several challenges, such as political instability and crime.
For this reason, it’s no surprise that the locals don’t take tourists very kindly.
In fact, some tourists feel that the locals simply want to be left alone, which can come across as hostility.
Third-world countries are often risky travel destinations, and Chad is no different.
#5. Bolivia
Bolivia is a charismatic South American country that offers various natural wonders. While Bolivia is diverse and beautiful, it also experiences its fair share of issues, such as economic instability.
For the most part, Bolivian locals are warm and hospitable, welcoming tourists with open arms. However, when economic issues arise, the locals lose some of their friendliness due to stress.
#4. Latvia
Like most Baltic nations, Latvia has a very different way of life from that of more Western countries.
For example, smiling isn’t really a thing that people do. It’s important not to look too far into it.
If you smile at someone on the street and they don’t smile back, they aren’t trying to be rude… Latvians are raised to be stoic and mind their own business.
#3. Iran
The fact that Iran is on our list probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Iran used to be one of the most advanced countries in the world before a revolution, and political interference severely damaged the government and economy.
Nowadays, Iran is still recovering from decades of conflict. As a result, the locals are incredibly stressed, which can come across as unwelcoming.
#2. Pakistan
Pakistan is yet another highly populated country that experiences its fair share of issues. For starters, stories of violent extremists run rampant, leaving the locals in a constant state of fear.
Foreigners who do visit the country claim that crime is a significant problem, especially pickpockets trying their luck with tourists.
While the locals aren’t necessarily rude, they definitely aren’t welcoming.
#1. Slovakia
Slovakia has an incredibly rich history and many stunning scenic attractions. However, if you have never been to Slovakia before, the attitude of the locals might surprise you.
This isn’t them trying to be rude, per se.
Slovakians are known for keeping to themselves, meaning they aren’t as upfront as other cultures. They value privacy, meaning they may even avoid you once they realize you are foreign.
However, once you understand their culture, they will be sure to open up to you.