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How to Meet People as an Expat

A WiZMe profile with My VYBE.

Living abroad is one of the most rewarding things you can do — and one of the loneliest, at least at first. A new country means no built-in network, sometimes a new language, and a lot of quiet evenings. Here's how expats turn that around.

1. Mix locals and internationals

Other expats understand exactly what you're going through; locals open the real door to the country. You want both, and you don't have to choose.

2. Anchor to routines

A regular café, gym, language class, or coworking space gives you the repeated contact friendships need — and a reason to practise the language.

3. Meet people who are near you now

When you don't know anyone, being able to see who around you is up to meet is priceless. Meeting people while abroad is easiest when it's local and immediate — and with WiZMe your exact location is never shared, so it stays safe as you find your feet.

4. Give it time and grace

Building a life somewhere new takes months, not weeks. Be patient with yourself, keep saying yes, and the new country slowly becomes home.

Meet the people already around you.

WiZMe is a free iPhone app for meeting people in real life — pick what you're up for, chat when you both say YUP, then meet in person.

Download on the App Store