Thailand Tops List of Countries Where Tourists Feel Most Like Outsiders  

A recent study by Ubuy has revealed a ranking of countries based on factors that can make tourists feel disconnected, highlighting challenges such as language barriers, friendliness, and safety concerns. Thailand leads the list, despite its reputation for hospitality, due to its low English proficiency. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Mexico follow closely, both posing language and safety issues that might leave visitors struggling to integrate with local culture.

The study evaluated various metrics, including English proficiency, friendliness rankings, and safety indices, to determine a composite score for each country. Higher scores reflect a greater likelihood that visitors might feel out of place due to difficulties in communication, cultural integration, or safety.

Thailand

Thailand emerged as the top country where tourists might feel like outsiders, with a composite score of 98.9. Its English proficiency index of 416 is very low, posing a significant language barrier for visitors. Though Thailand is widely known for its friendly locals, the limited communication opportunities can make it difficult for travelers to immerse themselves fully. Additionally, the country’s moderate safety index of 62.2 may contribute to a sense of unfamiliarity. Despite the welcoming nature of the Thai people, Ubuy noted, “Many travelers may find it challenging to integrate themselves into local life completely.”

United Arab Emirates

The UAE ranked second with a composite score of 96.9. While millions of tourists flock to attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the country has a relatively low English proficiency index of 486 and a friendliness ranking of 18th. These factors can hinder interactions between visitors and locals. Moreover, the UAE receives only 8.1 million international tourists annually, a figure much lower than that of other global destinations. The study explained, “The limited integration with tourists may indicate the challenges faced by non-Arabic-speaking visitors in connecting with locals.”

MexicO

Mexico took third place with a composite score of 89.9. Known for its warm hospitality, the country still faces issues that can alienate tourists. Mexico has a low English proficiency index of 451 and a safety index of 46.3, the lowest among the top three countries. These safety concerns, coupled with language barriers, can leave visitors feeling detached. The study also pointed out that Mexico’s high emigration rate, with over 11 million citizens living abroad, underscores economic and social challenges that might influence the tourist experience.

Indonesia

Indonesia ranked fourth, scoring 83.9 on the composite index. Visitors to the country may face similar obstacles, as it has a low English proficiency index of 473 and a moderate safety index of 54.0. Despite being celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, these barriers can make the experience less inclusive. “Tourists may find it harder to connect with locals or navigate comfortably,” Ubuy noted.

China

China came in fifth with a composite score of 77.4. While the country boasts a high safety index, making it a relatively secure destination, its English proficiency index of 464 is low. Combined with a friendliness ranking of 25th, these factors can create challenges for tourists attempting to communicate and engage with locals. According to the study, “The language gap limits tourists’ sense of integration, making it harder for them to feel at home.”

Vietnam

Vietnam secured the sixth spot with a composite score of 74.7. The country strikes a balance between friendly locals and communication challenges. Its English proficiency index of 505 is higher than those of the other countries in the top five but still not high enough to ensure effortless communication. Additionally, Vietnam ranks fifth in friendliness but has a moderate safety index of 58.2. With just 3.8 million international tourists annually, many visitors might experience a sense of unfamiliarity.

Japan

With a composite score of 72.7, Japan ranked seventh. It is one of the safest destinations in the study, with a safety index of 77.3, but this is offset by its low English proficiency index of 457 and a friendliness rank of 36th. These factors, combined with cultural differences, make it difficult for tourists to feel integrated. The study noted, “Although Japan attracts millions of tourists annually, language and cultural barriers can leave visitors feeling more like spectators than participants.”

Brazil

Brazil ranked eighth, scoring 69.8. Despite its high friendliness ranking of second, the country’s low English proficiency index of 487 and poor safety index of 34.9—the lowest among the top 10—pose significant challenges. The study remarked that while friendliness can enhance the visitor experience, language and safety issues might still leave tourists feeling disconnected.

India

India ranked ninth with a composite score of 67.6. Although English is widely spoken, the country’s friendliness rank of 20th and safety index of 55.7 indicate that tourists might face difficulties in feeling entirely welcome. Receiving 17.9 million tourists annually, India’s vast population and diverse cultural landscape can be overwhelming for some visitors. “The scale and complexity of India may add to the challenges of navigating the country comfortably,” the study suggested.

Turkey

Rounding out the top 10, Turkey scored 58.9. Despite hosting 16 million tourists each year, the country’s low English proficiency index of 493 and a friendliness rank of 26th suggest that communication and cultural integration remain challenging. Turkey also has a moderate safety index of 59.0, which can contribute to feelings of unease among visitors.

Key Insights from the Study

The Ubuy analysis emphasizes how cultural and linguistic factors significantly impact tourists’ experiences. In many destinations, language barriers, safety concerns, and varying levels of friendliness can shape how welcomed or alienated travelers feel. “These insights highlight the importance of bridging linguistic and cultural gaps to create more inclusive and comfortable travel experiences,” the study stated.

As travelers increasingly seek meaningful connections during their journeys, understanding these rankings can help them prepare for potential challenges. By identifying destinations with lower English proficiency, friendliness scores, or safety indices, tourists can make informed choices that align with their preferences and comfort levels.

The study provides valuable guidance for tourists venturing into regions where communication and cultural integration might be more difficult. From Thailand’s language barriers to Brazil’s safety concerns, the findings offer an essential resource for navigating the complexities of global travel.