17 Tips for Using Dating Apps ABROAD

Don’t act like you’ve never dreamt about meeting your soulmate while traveling, or maybe even having a steamy foreign affair! The problem though is usually figuring out where to even meet people abroad, since we all know it’s super rare these days for someone to just walk by and say hi. That’s where using dating apps abroad comes in for the win.

I know dating apps can seem sketchy and embarrassing to use at times, but don’t forget that we are in a digital age! You can easily have access to all the single people in almost any area you travel in, whether it’s just to make friends, or to find your potential partner!

To be completely honest with you, since I travel solo full time, I tend to use dating apps quite a bit (when I’m single). I especially use them if I’m in a destination where I don’t want to go somewhere alone; like out to a bar, a show, or even somewhere that I know I’d need help taking a picture!

I’ve had great success (well, other than falling in love), because I know how to use dating apps abroad properly and safely. If you’re going to be traveling soon, I’d recommend trying it out, but only if you follow these tips!

1. Don’t Use Suggestive Photos

Regardless of if you’re looking for something physical or not, don’t use suggestive photos. Yes, they may attract the types of people you’re looking for, but they will also definitely attract the wrong ones as well.

I hate to say this, but it’s been said several times that sex workers use these apps to find clients too, so you don’t want to make the wrong impression.

Anyway, use photos that are classy, and show how well traveled you are (even if you’re not). People tend to respect people they know have traveled, and know they’re not just on “holiday” and looking for a hook up!

If you need help taking some good classy photos of yourself, check out my tutorial: How to Take Better Selfies.

2. Consider the Culture and What’s Appropriate

The way we dress and act in the U.S. is definitely considered inappropriate in a lot of places. Be sure that you understand the culture where you’re traveling to and using dating apps in! You don’t want to offend someone or come across the wrong way for wearing a tank top or swimsuit!

Also consider places where meeting up right away might be inappropriate! For example, in Slovakia, the guys on my dating app all wanted to text for a couple days before meeting up!

3. Specifically State What You’re Looking for on Your Bio

In my experience, as a foreigner on a dating app abroad, it always translates to “on holiday and looking to hook up”. If that’s not what you’re looking for, then say it!

For example, on my bio I usually state: “I’m a Full-time travel blogger/Instagrammer just looking for friends to hang out or collaborate with, BUT if I happen to meet my travel prince charming I won’t complain.”

4. Don’t Give Away Too Much Information

Saying your from the U.S. is perfectly fine, and probably a good idea since most people abroad like Americans. But maybe leave out your hometown, where you went/go to school, and your dogs name. Just in case, you know…there’s that one creeper.

You also don’t have to mention how long you’re in town for. In fact, if you DO say you’re only there for a week, that’s another thing that translates to “on holiday and looking to hook up”. So maybe just say you’re unsure.

5. Never Say Where You’re Staying

This is a given, but also a question that’s bound to be asked. Although most people on dating apps abroad will ask this so they know what to show you nearby, you don’t need them knowing exactly where you’re sleeping.

Instead give them a general area, or even say that you’re staying with a friend. 

6. Ask What Their Social Media Handle Is

You really can never know who’s real or not these days, and we all know that applies to dating apps! While the people using dating apps abroad are typically less sketchy than the ones in the U.S. (who make fake profiles), it’s still a good idea to double check and do some research.

Always ask what they’re social media handle is so you can take a look at what they’re up to! That way you can see if they’re the type of person who drinks/smokes/parties, or the type that likes to go for weekend hikes and coffee with their dog. 

7. Use Whatsapp But Write Your Plans on the App Messenger

Most of the time when you’re using dating apps abroad, people will ask you to message them on Whatsapp because it’s easier. Yes, that’s true, and feel free to do that, but keep in mind that the dating apps can see your messages!

That being said, if you end up making plans, and you want a record of it that someone else could access if something were to happen, make the official plans through the app!

8. Meet Up in a Public Place

I’m sure you already know not to invite someone to your hotel or go to their house to meet for the first time. But you may also not consider that going on a hike or excursion could be potentially dangerous as well! 

For your first meet up, it should always be somewhere public, and somewhere you know how to get around at least a little bit. Restaurants, cafes, and bars are all great places, especially since you know there’s always going to be someone working in case you need back up!

9. Inform Someone of Where You’re Going and With Who

Whether it’s the front desk, your mom, best friend, or entire social media audience, always tell someone where you’re going and with who when you meet someone on a dating app abroad.

Give addresses, names, phone numbers, and social media handles, if anything for peace of mind!

10. Use a Tracking Device

Ok so this one might be a little extra, but if you (or like, your parents) are paranoid about things like meeting up with someone from a dating app abroad, just go ahead and do this.

There are apps like one I’ve worked with called Close Circle, that can literally track wherever you go, and have someone available 24/7 for SOS. You can also share your location with a family member so that they see where you’re going at all times.

Just, you know…in case you’ve seen Taken one too many times.

11. Pre-Plan Your Way Home

Don’t wait until it’s late, you’re tipsy, and they’re offering to give you a ride home to think about how you’re going to get there. Pre-plan your way home by mapping the route from where you’re going to your hotel, and how you’re going to get there.

Find out how late Ubers, taxis, and trains run, and that they’ll be available in that area.

12. Don’t Drink Too Much

I know, I know, I’m a buzzkill, but we’ve all seen way too many movies where the drunk tourist turns into an easy target. Not to mention, makes it easy to make some potentially regrettable decisions.

Drink water in between alcohol, and when you start to feel too tipsy, STOP. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.

13. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

“One more drink”, “Just one more place I want to show you”, “Just one kiss”, “Come home with me”. NO. No, nope, nopety nope nope nope. NO. You say NO, if you don’t feel comfortable. 

If they keep insisting, or want to get snippy, tell them you have diarrhea or are feeling gassy. Don’t be afraid to be stern either. People take advantage of nice people who are all “Well I don’t knowwww..” No. You are in charge of the situation, you say no if you want to.

14. Insist on Splitting the Bill

Depending on the person, culture, situation, etc., if someone pays for your drinks or meal, they could translate that to wanting something elsein return. And you know what I mean by else.

This always makes for a very awkward, uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous situation. To avoid it, insist on splitting the bill, and have cash ready to throw down.

I learned this the hard way when a guy in Lisbon kept insisting it would be rude if he didn’t pay for my drinks or meal even though I offered several times. I finally allowed it, and of course when it was time to say bye, he kept trying to kiss me, insisting that I must like him if I went on a datewith him…….

15. Attempt to Learn a Little of Their Language

One really cool thing about using dating apps abroad, especially if you’re from the U.S., is that a lot of people want to talk to you simply to practice their English! 

Depending on where you are and who you match with, there might be a bit of a language barrier, so it’s a good idea (and respectful) to try learning a little bit of their language before you meet! If anything, that way they won’t try to talk about you in their language. 😉 

16. Ask Questions About Dating, Social, and Family Life

Dating, social, and family life in other countries is typically drastically different than in the U.S. That’s why it’s a good idea, and especially a good opener, to ask what a typical date is like, or what they do for fun, and how often they see their family.

You’ll get a better idea of what their morals are like…and also how you should be acting.

For example, I remember a guy almost fainted when I held his hand to take a “Follow me to” picture on our first meet up in Bratislava, because he wasn’t used to women there being that affectionate!

Check out how drastically different life was when I did: Project Expat.

17. Get the Inside Scoop on Local Gems

Ok I’m not going to lie here, half the time I use dating apps abroad, it’s to get the inside scoop on local gems and awesome places to photograph. I literally have text conversations where they give me the best tips for restaurants, sightseeing, adventures, bars, etc., and don’t even expect anything in return! They’re just happy to share their country!

Of course it’s always nice when they also offer to show me around and help to photos, but if you’re not ready for a meet up yet, this is a great alternative way to use dating apps abroad!