Ah, the expat life. It’s all cobblestone streets, exotic foods, and Instagram-worthy sunsets, right? Wrong. Sometimes, it’s more like awkward encounters, cultural faux pas, and a creeping sense of isolation that makes you wonder why you ever left your couch. Today, we’re diving into the darker side of expat life: the cities that don’t just make life difficult for foreigners—they actively roll out the unwelcome mat. And yes, I’m looking at you, Querétaro, Mexico.

1. Frankfurt: Efficiency Over Warmth

A City That Works—But Not for Friendships

Frankfurt is the financial powerhouse of Germany, home to banks, international businesses, and expats chasing careers in finance. But don’t expect a warm welcome. The city is notoriously transactional, meaning social interactions often feel strictly business.

Expats frequently describe Frankfurt as efficient but soulless. Locals keep to themselves, and friendships outside of the workplace are rare. If you’re not deeply embedded in corporate culture or fluent in German, expect to feel like an outsider.

Pro Tip: Join professional networking groups—because in Frankfurt, work connections might be your only shot at a social life.

2. Marseille: A Love-It-or-Leave-It Kind of Place

The Southern Charm That Doesn’t Extend to Foreigners

Marseille is a city of contradictions. It boasts stunning Mediterranean views, a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, and some of the best seafood in France. But when it comes to accepting newcomers, it falls flat.

Marseille has a tough, gritty reputation and is often described as a city where locals are guarded, suspicious, and sometimes outright hostile to foreigners. Many expats find it difficult to break into social circles, and language barriers make things even tougher.

Pro Tip: If you don’t speak fluent French, expect to be met with indifference. And even if you do, the Marseillais attitude might still keep you at arm’s length.

3. Milan: Fashionable but Frosty

Style Over Substance?

Milan is the beating heart of Italy’s fashion and business industries, but it’s also one of the most closed-off cities for expats. Locals tend to stick with childhood friendships, making it extremely difficult to integrate into social circles.

If you’re not in the fashion world or an established professional, you might struggle to meet people outside of work. Unlike Rome or Naples, where warmth and hospitality are common, Milanese social culture is exclusive and cold.

Pro Tip: If you’re moving to Milan, be prepared for a lot of solo aperitivos before you crack the social code.

4. Cologne: Friendly on the Surface

Polite, But Distant

Cologne is often overshadowed by Berlin or Munich, but it’s a major city with a strong economy and high quality of life. Unfortunately, expats often find it incredibly difficult to form meaningful relationships here.

Germans in general tend to be reserved, but Cologne takes it a step further. Even if you speak German, locals may still keep their distance. Many expats report feeling like acquaintances rather than real friends, even after years of living in the city.

Pro Tip: Try integrating through hobby groups—Germans love structure, so having a common activity can help break the ice.

5. Istanbul: A City of Contrasts

A City That Loves Tourists, Not Expats

Istanbul is an incredible city—bustling, historical, and dynamic. But while it welcomes tourists with open arms, long-term expats often struggle. The social hierarchy is complex, and many locals don’t see expats as part of the community.

Additionally, the political climate and bureaucracy can make everyday life stressful for foreigners, from banking to residency permits.

Pro Tip: Be prepared for bureaucratic headaches and invest time in learning Turkish—it’s essential for making connections beyond surface-level interactions.

6. Paris: The City of Light (and Cold Shoulders)

Ah, Paris. The city of love, croissants, and… rudeness?

Beautiful, Expensive, and Cold

Paris is iconic for its art, history, and culture. But for many expats, it’s also one of the most difficult places to make friends. The Parisian social scene is notoriously exclusive, and even fluent French speakers often struggle to feel accepted.

Parisians have a reputation for being aloof, and unless you grew up in their social circles, breaking in is almost impossible.

Pro Tip: Your best bet? Befriend other expats. Even after years, you may find that locals remain distant.

7. Johannesburg: A City of Contrasts

Difficult to Connect Due to Safety Concerns

Johannesburg’s expat experience is heavily impacted by security issues. Expats live in gated communities and are often advised against walking around alone. This creates a bubble-like existence, making it very difficult to integrate with locals.

Pro Tip: If you move here, be prepared for a lifestyle centered around private spaces rather than public interaction.

8. Moscow: Cold in More Ways Than One

Hard Bureaucracy and Reserved Social Culture

Moscow’s imposing architecture and harsh winters match its social climate—reserved and unwelcoming to outsiders. While Russians can be incredibly loyal once you break through, getting to that point is difficult.

On top of that, bureaucracy is notoriously frustrating, making daily life as an expat a challenge.

Pro Tip: If you’re considering Moscow, patience and persistence are key.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Living in an unfriendly city can be tough, but it’s not impossible. With a bit of patience, a sense of humor, and a willingness to adapt, you can make even the most unwelcoming city feel like home.

So, are you up for the challenge? Or will you stick to friendlier shores? Either way, remember: every city has its quirks, and sometimes, those quirks are what make the experience unforgettable.

Thinking of moving abroad? Check out these resources for more tips and advice:

And if you’ve lived in any of these cities, share your experiences in the comments below.

And there you have it—a brutally honest take on the challenges of expat life in one of the world’s most unfriendly cities. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to eat my feelings in the form of a churro. Adiós!

Expats Beware: The Most Unfriendly Cities in the World for Foreigners