Austria has once again been voted an Unfriendly Country by expats. But where do the upturned corners of the mouth come from—and how can you not take it personally?

We’ve done it again. Austria has been voted the most Unfriendly country in the world. This is not the first time. With its “Expat Insider 2023 Study,” the InterNations expatriate network asked foreign workers for the tenth time to find out where they are friendliest and where they are best to settle. Previously, Austria occupies the last place, in terms of acclimatization we have reached at least the penultimate place – ahead of Kuwait. Vienna was also recently voted the most unfriendly city, but that doesn’t stop anyone from simultaneously choosing the city as the most liveable city in the world (Vienna always gives good results in the rankings).

You don’t have to be an expat to experience unfriendliness in Austria. It is enough to carefully walk around the city. A smile is rarely enough for someone – and if it is, they sure want something. This becomes even better evident after a short stay abroad. It usually doesn’t take long before you’re amazed at your “how words” after not paying attention and know you’re home again.