Directory
Newcomer organisations, plus the libraries, cultural institutes and online groups the international community leans on. Listing here is free and always will be — nobody pays to appear.
Organisations whose stated purpose is serving expats and newcomers.
[PLACEHOLDER — Center Name Pending Research]
Penang — no verified organisation has been researched here yet.
[PLACEHOLDER — Center Name Pending Research]
Ho Chi Minh City — no verified organisation has been researched here yet.
Chamber or association
Lisbon
One of the oldest and most established institutions serving the American community in Portugal; promotes cultural, social, and business relations between Americans, Portuguese, and other international residents.
Chamber or association
Madrid
Social and professional organization for internationals living in Madrid, open to individuals and companies for networking through a regular calendar of events.
Chamber or association
Valencia
Resource and social organization for Americans living in and around Valencia and the surrounding autonomous region.
Community organisation
Buenos Aires
Nonprofit organization for the American and broader English-speaking women's community in Buenos Aires.
Community organisation
Singapore
Founded to provide friendship and support among Australian and New Zealand families in Singapore; has grown to 7,000+ members across multiple nationalities.
Chamber or association
Bangkok
Association for Australians and New Zealanders living in Thailand, headquartered in Bangkok with satellite presence in Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Chamber or association
San José
For over 25 years, has assisted foreign residents and retirees in Costa Rica and those considering the move, both before relocation and throughout residency.
Community organisation
Bali — Ubud
Women's organization fostering friendship among women of different nationalities in Bali while contributing to local community welfare; runs monthly lunches and social welfare visits.
Chamber or association
Panama City
Community platform and resource for Black expats, entrepreneurs, retirees, and newcomers relocating to Panama, founded by Charlotte Van Horn. Runs monthly 'Welcome Wednesdays' for newcomers and a B2B network for Black expat entrepreneurs.
Community organisation
Singapore
One of the oldest expat associations in Singapore. Members get access to activities and special interest groups, plus fundraising and volunteering opportunities for local charities.
Chamber or association
Bangkok
Long-established formal club serving Bangkok's British and broader international community.
Community organisation
Buenos Aires
Newcomers-focused club for internationals arriving in Buenos Aires, listed among established expat women's/newcomer associations in Latin America.
Newcomer meetup
Mexico City
Active community group hosting social events (dinners, socials) for the international community in Mexico City. Over 120 events since founding.
Chamber or association
Chiang Mai
Non-profit social organization under the theme 'Expats Helping Expats,' supporting foreigners living safely and legally in Thailand. Runs monthly meetings, a recurring Expat Breakfast Club, social events, cultural tours, and a comprehensive online Expat Resource Guide (ERG).
Chamber or association
San Miguel de Allende
Umbrella Jewish community organization founded by American and Canadian expats, affiliated with USCJ; includes Kehilla Shalom SMA.
Community organisation
Singapore
Over a century old; a members' club with extensive sporting facilities (tennis, pools, squash, gym) that has long served Singapore's Dutch and broader expat community.
Community organisation
Bali — Ubud
Well-known coworking space in Ubud that functions as a de facto community hub for the town's digital-nomad and remote-work population.
Chamber or association
Puerto Vallarta
Long-running community and charitable organization in Puerto Vallarta; well-known fixture of the city's expat social infrastructure.
Community organisation
Querétaro
Social club that has served Querétaro's expat and newcomer community for over 20 years. The Facebook group is free to join; a separate paid annual membership is available for the club itself
Chamber or association
Madrid
English-speaking, non-profit, non-religious, non-political international organization with roughly 200 members representing 40 countries. Runs monthly meetings (Sept-June) and monthly neighborhood coffee mornings.
Chamber or association
Lisbon
Association hosting regular social gatherings, workshops, and cultural outings for international women, especially active in Lisbon and Cascais.
Chamber or association
Kuala Lumpur
Non-profit, non-denominational organization drawing members from a wide range of countries and cultures. Runs cultural activities (exhibitions, movie nights, talks) and social events.
Newcomer meetup
Panama City
Local chapter of the global InterNations expat network; hosts regular in-person meetups and events in Panama City.
Community organisation
Medellín
Physical community hub in the Laureles neighborhood attracting both foreign residents and local Colombians. Hosts co-working sessions, food gatherings, art therapy, workshops, hiking, board games, and volleyball.
Newcomer meetup
Lisbon
Recurring in-person meetup specifically designed for people new to Lisbon, structured to be 'first-timer friendly.' Has welcomed 1,150+ people since its first event in November 2021.
Community organisation
Singapore
Community connecting expats and internationally-minded locals through networking events, social meetups, and cultural experiences; free membership with partner discounts.
Chamber or association
Mexico City
Long-established nonprofit community organization for the American community in Mexico, originally established by the US Ambassador. Runs community, charitable, and networking programming.
Newcomer meetup
Kuala Lumpur
Started as a monthly 'KL Curry Club' charity meetup and has grown into a broad social/activity community with a 1,000+ member WhatsApp community, sports meetups, and retiree lunches. Also runs a Penang Curry Club chapter.
Community organisation
Puerto Vallarta
LGBTQ+ community organization based in Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romántica district.
Chamber or association
San José
English-speaking social and charitable organization of women representing many cultures and nationalities, offering hands-on community service and social opportunities.
Not expat-specific, but frequently used by the international community.
Library
San Miguel de Allende
Nonprofit bilingual public library and cultural center; one of the largest English-language libraries in Mexico. Hosts classes, lectures, film screenings, house-and-garden tours, and a scholarship program for local children funded by expat community donations
Online community
Porto
Large general expat Facebook group (18,000+ members) covering housing, jobs, and social events for Porto's international community. Informal, not a staffed organization.
Online community
Querétaro
Community resource site with a stated vetting process for local service-provider recommendations, requiring references that are independently contacted before a provider is recommended to members.