How to Make Friends as a Digital Nomad

Building genuine connections while constantly moving between cities presents unique challenges that most remote workers never anticipated. Making friends as a digital nomad requires intentional effort and strategic approaches that go beyond traditional networking methods.

The freedom of location independence often comes with the hidden cost of social isolation, leaving many nomads scrolling through social media instead of engaging with real people in their temporary homes.

TL;DR: Making friends as a digital nomad requires proactive strategies, such as joining co-working spaces, attending local meetups, utilizing nomad-specific apps, and genuinely engaging with local culture. Success depends on consistency, openness to different types of friendships, and remembering that quality connections matter more than quantity when you’re constantly on the move.

Travelers at sunset to show how to make friends as a digital nomad

Why Make Friends as a Digital Nomad?

Making like-minded friends has several benefits, from exchanging digital nomad tips on the best coworking and coliving spaces to attending related events together.

Connecting with kindred spirits in coworking spaces is a great way to build friendships that may last longer than your current location. You will have access to reliable internet and other amenities. Thee space often hosts regular social events that allow members to mingle and connect. It’s also an excellent opportunity to learn about new cultures and share experiences living abroad with others in similar situations.

Finding potential friends doesn’t have to stop at coworking spaces. However, there are countless online resources, such as Facebook Groups, Reddit threads, Telegram communities, Meetup groups, and more, where you can get advice from seasoned travelers and find out about upcoming events near you. So don’t be afraid to reach out.

How to Make Friends as a Digital Nomad

The key lies in understanding that friendship formation changes dramatically when you’re operating without established social circles or familiar environments.

How to make friends as a digital nomad means embracing vulnerability, stepping outside comfort zones, and recognizing that meaningful relationships can develop quickly when both parties share similar lifestyle choices.

Smart nomads treat friendship-building as seriously as they treat finding reliable wifi, because social connections ultimately determine whether a location feels like home or just another temporary stop.

Connect in Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces are great places to connect with others, so why not drop in and see who’s around? You never know who you might meet: a local, a coworker, or another like-minded individual.

Coworking spaces offer a chance to connect with like-minded professionals and to collaborate with them to learn and grow. If you can’t find the perfect coworking space to suit your needs, it might be worth joining a Facebook Group or checking out a hostel where other digital nomads congregate.

Digital nomads connecting in a coworking space

You can also try connecting online by joining online communities and attending Meetups catering to the digital nomad community. While networking at cafes is always an option for someone seeking social interaction, consider taking language courses, as they are one of the best ways to make friends while exploring different cultures abroad.

Making friends doesn’t have to be complicated; you only need initiative and creativity. Invite people over for dinner or drinks, join groups on social media platforms, and check out local events – you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by new acquaintances!

As a digital nomad working in coworking spaces, having the best laptop is essential to success. The best laptops for digital nomads are not just trendy tech gadgets but tools that can significantly enhance productivity, creativity, and overall work experience.

Check Local Events

Attending local events can be a great way to broaden your horizons and get to know people in the area who may not necessarily be digital nomads. This could include a small meetup of coliving residents to larger work gatherings or language exchange groups.

You can also use sites like Meetup or Eventbrite to find out what’s happening in the city you’re visiting – this is particularly useful if you’re traveling to one of the prominent nomad hotspots. If you’re looking for more adventure, why not join other travelers on an excursion? You never know who or what connections you’ll make along the way!

Group of young people having fun at a meetup

Making an effort to attend local events enables you to connect with people in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Interacting with locals is one of the best ways to learn about a new culture and get involved in its traditions and activities. Additionally, it’s usually much cheaper than taking an expensive tour, making it a win-win!

Don’t forget that finding buddies doesn’t always require having common interests – often, just talking about yourself and learning about someone else can be enough for two people to bond over. Take some time out of your day to explore whatever interests you – attend a fantastic art show, visit a museum exhibit, or catch up on some live music. These experiences will expose you to diverse cultures and provide numerous networking opportunities.

Who knows? Perhaps by attending these events, you’ll gain more insight into yourself as well. Moving onto summits…

Go to Summits

Attending summits is a great way to expand your knowledge and connect with like-minded individuals without worrying about breaking the bank. Plus, you’ll gain valuable insights from industry leaders that will help shape your future career path.

Here are some of the ways attending summits can help you seek out new friends as you venture to new places:

You’ll meet others who have similar interests or goals.
You’ll be able to join in on conversations between experts in various fields.
You’ll be able to network with potential employers and discover job opportunities abroad.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend workshops and panels to learn more about how others have found friends within the community.

Attending summits is an excellent way for folks to explore new places, share ideas, exchange experiences, and make meaningful connections with people worldwide. With its relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of topics covered at events, it’s easy for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to find something interesting they can contribute to or learn from others.

So why not grab a ticket and start making new friends today?

Facebook Groups

Connecting with other digital nomads is a great way to learn and grow, and Facebook Groups are a great place to start! Joining the right group can be beneficial in a new city, as it allows you to make connections with locals, learn the local language, and meet expats who can help you navigate the area.

Screenshot of a Facebook Digital Nomad group

Relevant Facebook groups also offer helpful advice on navigating your new home and building a sense of community. Whether it’s finding work opportunities or tips on where to eat, having access to this information can be invaluable.

You don’t have to go it alone when you become part of these online communities – join in the conversations, ask questions, and benefit from the collective wisdom of fellow travelers.

Reddit Connections

Discovering Reddit is an ideal way to expand your network and gain access to valuable advice and resources. With its abundant discussion forums and vibrant community, you’ll surely find the support you need as you embark on your journey!

Create a post in one of the many subreddits dedicated to this topic or comment on someone else’s post. Either way, chances are good that someone will respond with helpful information or even make plans to meet up!

Screenshot of the Reddit digital nomad community

By joining the right Reddit communities, it’s easy to connect with people who share similar lifestyles and goals to yours. You can converse with fellow “slow travelers” from around the world and exchange stories about their experiences traveling while working remotely. Through these connections, you can receive advice on how to navigate life effectively, including finding trusted resources such as reliable Wi-Fi hotspots or budget travel tips, which allows you to grow both personally and professionally.

Participating in Reddit discussions is also a great way to build relationships with people who understand what it’s like to live abroad without family nearby. You may even form lasting friendships that extend beyond your travels! Taking advantage of such opportunities gives solace in knowing someone has been through something similar and might just be able to help along the way.

In the future, consider visiting popular destinations where digital nomads gather, allowing you to strengthen these bonds in person further; nothing beats face-to-face interactions.

Visit Popular Destinations

Making new acquaintances doesn’t have to be intimidating. Visiting popular destinations is a great way to meet new people and build relationships. It’s an ideal opportunity to explore a nomadic life and connect with others seeking friendships.

Here are some ideas on how you can make the most of it:

Get out of your comfort zone – challenge yourself by attending events, trying something new, or joining local activities that interest you.
Take advantage of cafes – these places are usually filled with friendly locals who would be happy to chat and advise about their city. Plus, it’s a great way to relax after a long workday.
Utilize online platforms – numerous websites and apps are available where you can connect with people from all over the world.
Strike up conversations – don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to someone at the hostel or bar – even if it’s just a simple hello! You never know when you might find someone with whom you click instantly.
Utilize technology – Social media networks provide numerous opportunities for those seeking to expand their network and connect with friends in unexpected places.

By actively engaging in activities that allow us to meet new people, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities for expanding our personal and professional lives while immersing ourselves in different cultures worldwide.

The key is being proactive about connecting with those around us—whether through small talk at coffee shops or signing up for group events—and embracing every opportunity we have to meet interesting new people during our travels. With this approach, we can create meaningful experiences and memories that’ll last us a lifetime – all while taking advantage of hostels and other accommodations along the way!

Take Advantage of Hostels

Forget Airbnb because taking advantage of hostels is a great way to explore your nomadic lifestyle and create lasting memories along the way! Staying in hostels allows you to meet friends who may share your lifestyle and interests.

Living abroad can be daunting, but staying in a hostel can make it much easier by providing a social atmosphere where forming new friendships is possible, if not inevitable. Plus, there’s always the chance that one of those friendships will result in lifelong friendships as you move from destination to destination.

Hostels also provide an opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds who come from different parts of the world. Whether they are locals or fellow digital nomads, everyone has an exciting story and a unique perspective on how they ended up living abroad, which makes for some memorable conversations!

Hostels are the perfect place to find compatible travelers and make new companions. The communal areas, such as lounges and standard rooms, provide excellent opportunities to meet others who may share similar interests, whether it be travel tips or simply having someone to share dinner with after a day of working remotely. Traveling alone without feeling completely isolated is hard enough, so why not take advantage of these social hangouts?

Many hostels offer fun activities, such as movie nights and barbecues, and they even have meetup groups like language exchange meetings that can help you pick up some local words while getting to know new people.

Although it can be intimidating to strike up conversations with strangers at first, don’t forget that most people staying in hostels are open-minded travelers looking for similar experiences, thus making them more likely than most locals (who already have their own established networks) to welcome newcomers into their group with open arms. So don’t be shy – seize every opportunity you get while taking advantage of staying in hostels – because before long, your network will expand beyond what you ever imagined possible when embarking on this journey!

Let’s discuss another great way nomads can make pals: hanging out at expat bars!

Hang out in Expat Bars

Grab a beer and join the conversation at an expat bar to meet new people and hear stories from around the world! Bars are often filled with travelers seeking companionship and looking for someone who understands their remote work life.

Here, you can find friends, connect with people, and not feel lonely. Enjoy great drinks in a relaxed setting, listen to music from around the world, and play games with your brethren.

At an expat bar, it’s easy to start conversations with others who have endured similar experiences, whether learning a new language or adapting to different cultures. You may even discover another traveler looking for someone to explore your current city or plan trips together!

With alcoholic drinks, music from all over the globe, and games to play – what more could you ask for? So don’t be shy – grab a beverage and join the fun. Ready for some team sports? Let’s head out and get active!

Play Team Sports

Playing team sports is a great way to bond with others and have healthy competition!

It’s no surprise; whether you’re a transient looking for friends in a new city or a local seeking ways to make new acquaintances, playing team sports is a great way to meet locals. Not only can it be physically beneficial, but it can also be incredibly social and mentally rewarding.

Not only that, but you get the bonus of having fun while making lasting connections with others. Plus, most team sports require less commitment than joining a club or organization, so you don’t need to worry about feeling stuck if the game isn’t your thing.

With all these advantages, it’s no wonder that playing team sports is such a great choice. Joining classes can offer another opportunity to expand your social circle. Keep reading to learn more!

Attend Classes

One great way to make new friendships is to attend classes in the area. Whether it’s a yoga or cooking class or something more unique like glass blowing or Japanese calligraphy, there’s bound to be something that interests you.

You will add new skills to your repertoire and be surrounded by people who share your interests and are likely open to socializing with new people. Plus, depending on the class type and length, you could have multiple opportunities to get to know one another over time.

Attending classes can provide comfort and familiarity that may feel lacking when arriving in an unfamiliar place. It’s natural for us all to want companionship; having peers in a structured environment can help fill that need more quickly than simply wandering around town, hoping for an invitation from someone else.

Being part of a group gives us access to more options – whether joining them at local hot spots or getting together privately for activities that aren’t available elsewhere – so don’t be afraid to take advantage!

Classes also offer the bonus of exploring subjects we might not otherwise have had the opportunity to, allowing us insight into different cultures and ways of life that we wouldn’t gain from sightseeing alone. Learning alongside others creates meaningful connections; whether those relationships last beyond the course’s duration remains up to each participant (and their schedule), but any interaction is sure to leave lasting memories, along with new experiences and knowledge.

Exchange Language Lessons

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture of your new home, why not try exchanging language lessons? Practicing and learning a new language can be easy while also making deep connections.

With so many online resources available today, finding suitable partners is easier than ever. You can search for people based on their location or native tongue and even set up virtual meetings with them. This is a great way to form friendships with those who share similar interests and are willing to help teach each other their respective languages.

In addition, exchanging language lessons also provides an opportunity for cultural exchange. By discussing topics related to your partner’s native country, such as its customs, traditions, art, music, or food culture, you can gain valuable insights into the local culture that would otherwise be difficult to obtain. You may even form lasting friendships through this cultural exchange!

Go on Tours

Another great way to meet people is by going on tours.

Participating in organized group activities with locals and travelers can be an excellent way to meet new people. Not only that, but it can also be a perfect opportunity to explore the country you’re currently living in or visiting more deeply.

Whether you join a cultural tour, take part in an outdoor adventure, or explore hidden gems of the city, there are plenty of ways to learn about a place while finding new friends at the same time.

When joining these tours, be sure to prepare yourself for engaging conversations with your fellow travelers. Ask them questions about their lives and experiences, and share stories of your travels and adventures. Try to find common ground between your paths, and exchange contact information if you feel like it.

Even if it’s just for one evening or one day, meeting people from around the world is always exciting and informative! And who knows? Perhaps after this tour, you’ll have established valuable contacts that’ll assist you during your stay in the country or even when you return home.

Making friends as a digital nomad doesn’t have to feel daunting when there are plenty of options, such as taking tours available for those seeking companionship on their journey. So why not hop on board and enjoy life outside your comfort zone? An exciting adventure awaits – happy travels!

Learn the Local Language

Learning the local language can help you unlock a deeper understanding of the culture and open up more meaningful opportunities to connect with people. Whether you take classes at a local school, hire a private tutor, or practice with locals alone, immersing yourself in the language can make it easier to relate to those around you.

As a bonus, mastering the language will also give you access to activities that may not be available to tourists. This could mean anything from attending interesting lectures to participating in outdoor excursions with locals.

Making friends abroad involves stepping out of your comfort zone and getting involved in the community. By learning the native tongue, you are putting yourself into situations where it’s easy for relationships to form naturally. You might discuss current events during lunchtime conversations or share stories over drinks after work. Whatever it is, speaking someone else’s language will give your conversations an extra layer of connection and understanding that wouldn’t otherwise be possible if English were being used exclusively.

Exploring different cultures through their unique languages presents a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, while fostering deeper connections with others than ever before. Additionally, by taking the initiative and showing respect for their customs and traditions, you are more likely to be welcomed into their circles, which can lead to lifelong friendships along your journey.

Ready for more? Then let’s take a tour together to meet other travelers!

Co-living Spaces

Living and working with remote-working travelers worldwide is a great way to gain new perspectives and discover exciting opportunities, so why not try co-living?

Co-living spaces are emerging in cities worldwide, providing both short-term and long-term accommodations for digital nomads. Whether looking for a place to stay for just one night or an entire month, coliving offers a convenient living space to help jumpstart your social life.

The best part of staying at coliving places is that they offer a variety of communal activities, perfect for networking and making friends. From game nights to yoga classes, there’s something for everyone! Additionally, many coliving places offer meals or cooking facilities, allowing you to share meals and stories with other travelers – what better way to get to know someone than over dinner?

When you feel lonely, coliving spaces offer great connections while away from home. It’s no wonder that so many people choose this route when relocating abroad. Its affordability and convenience make it easy to see why coliving has become such a popular choice among digital nomads.

With that said, let’s move on to finding out how to use Facebook events search as another tool in our quest for friendship!

Facebook Event Search

Now that you know how to take advantage of co-living spaces, it’s time to turn your attention to another great resource: Facebook event search. With a few clicks, you can quickly find events near you and connect with digital nomads who share your interests.

Whether you’re interested in attending a meditation class or joining a hiking group, there’s something for everyone on Facebook. You can even join virtual events if none are happening nearby. All you have to do is look up the event keyword and filter by location. This makes it easy to find people who are living near your current location or will be visiting soon.

Facebook Events and meetups are a fantastic way to connect with other digital nomads, make new friends, and discover various activities and opportunities in the area. Plus, many of these events are free or low-cost!

So don’t hesitate; start exploring Facebook Events today – endless possibilities! And why not take things one step further? Try connecting with local Facebook groups.

Local Facebook Groups

Connecting with local Facebook groups can open up a whole new world of exciting opportunities and unexpected encounters. Joining a group that caters to digital nomads allows you to meet others just like you, build relationships, and explore the area you’re visiting.

Here’s why connecting with local groups is so beneficial:

It provides you with access to valuable insider knowledge from local experts.
You can learn about events or activities that may not be well-advertised elsewhere.
It opens doors for collaboration on projects or business ventures.

Being part of these communities helps create a strong sense of belonging while traveling and can lead to lifelong connections with people worldwide. Without leaving your laptop, you can become part of a supportive online community where everyone understands what it means to be a digital nomad.

By attending local events or meetups, you can establish an even deeper connection with the place you’re visiting and its culture.

Attend Language Exchanges

Experience the culture and make connections with locals by attending language exchanges! Whether you’re just starting on your nomadic journey or have been living abroad for years, language exchanges are an effective way to learn the local language, gain insight into a new culture, and make friends. The table below lists some of the benefits of attending a language exchange.

Participating in a language exchange is an enjoyable experience that leaves you feeling enriched and connected to those around you. It will help you expand your network and open doors to various exciting opportunities in different countries. Don’t miss this chance to create meaningful experiences while increasing your global reach!

How to Make Friends as a Digital Nomad – 17 Tips

Table of Contents

Why Make Friends as a Digital Nomad?