Top International Dating Sites for Long-Distance Relationships
One in five marriages in the US includes a non-US-born partner. That’s solid evidence in favor of international relationships. Although you can find a foreign partner on US soil, you’ll have more luck and more options on one of the reputable international dating services on my list.
Most popular dating sites
- SofiaDate — most thorough dating profiles
- SakuraDate — best bios and photos
- LatiDate — most flexible search filters
- La Date — best Latina dating experience
- TheLuckyDate — best for mobile
- NaomiDate — best chance of an Asian match
- BravoDate — best for daters who are 35+
- EasternHoneys — best Asian dating pool
- UkrainianCharm — best for Slavic flirting
- JollyRomance — best for Slavic-american dating
SofiaDate — Most Thorough Dating Profiles
SofiaDate launched in 2014, and since then it has accumulated a fan base of over 750K American and Slavic daters who use the dating site monthly. There are three times as many guys as ladies, even if men have to purchase credits to initiate contact. Prices start as low as $12.99 for 35 credits.
Core features:
- Video and audio messages (not chats, users attach files to messages)
- Gift delivery
- Advanced search filters
“Aside from basic details, each SofiaDate profile comes with a thorough self-description and relationship aspirations. And there are at least five to ten photos in each. Coupled with flexible filters, this makes finding compatible matches extra fast.”
SakuraDate — Best Bios and Photos
Specializing in Asian-American dating, SakuraDate has been around for five years and sees over 600K visitors monthly. Around 65% are men who can use the basic dating website functionality for free but need credits (starting at $0.20 per credit) to contact potential matches.
Core features:
- Media attachments
- Flexible matching
- 10+ search filters
- Activity log
“Extra thorough profiles and advanced search and matching tools are perfect for men who know exactly what they want in a partner. Besides, photo, video, and audio email attachments work great for long-distance dating with a 12-hour time difference.”
LatiDate — Most Flexible Search Filters
LatiDate is a recent addition to the Latina dating site lineup. It attracts around 200K international singles monthly, with two guys per girl. Besides, it’s extra alluring for younger women (under 25) seeking stable long-term relationships. After free signup, ladies can use LatiDate for free, while guys must invest in credits (starting at $12.99 for 35 credits).
Core features:
- 10+ advanced filters
- Flexible matching
- Media messages
“On LatiDate, you can find the match you envision. Search and matching tools let you specify age, body type, hair and eye color, education, smoking and drinking habits, and more. And detailed profiles add plenty more details.”
La Date — Best Latina Dating Experience
La Date is the most diverse of Latina online dating services. Ladies account for over 35% of the million monthly visitors. They come from all over Latin America and range from 18-year-olds to 60+ ladies. While it’s not a free dating site, affordable rates start at $9.99 for 20 credits.
Core features:
- Free newsfeed
- Flower and gift delivery
- Winks and likes
“The impressive dating pool is made better by extensive personal feeds and the Newsfeed that beat Instagram any day of the week. Even without credits, you can like posts, wink at girls, and add them to favorites to garner attention.”
TheLuckyDate — Best for Mobile
With 250K monthly visits and a 2:1 male-to-female ratio, TheLuckyDate is a convenient international dating app for singles who wish to explore dating without borders. Girls can use the platform for free, and guys’ prices start at $19 for 4,500 credits.
Core features:
- Disappearing messages
- Dark mode
- Seasonal virtual gifts
“Clean interface, easy navigation, streamlined search filters, and the dark mode make TheLuckyDate mobile experience extra smooth. Besides, disappearing photo and video messages remind me of Snapchat, which appeals to younger daters.”
NaomiDate — Best Chance of an Asian Match
A year in, NaomiDate attracts under 50K singles every month, making it a good option for online dating rookies who get overwhelmed by other international dating sites. Signup and basic toolset are free, but private chats and other premium features come at a price (starting at $0.20 per credit).
Core features:
- Fast and correct matching
- Advanced search
- Photo, video, audio messages
“Specializing in long-term relationships and marriage, NaomiDate leverages profile details and photo galleries to help you find compatible matches quickly. Media messages liven up chats and emails and help bridge the distance across the Pacific.”
BravoDate — Best for Mature Daters
After 20 years of connecting men from all over the globe with Slavic ladies, BavoDate remains popular, with a million monthly visits. Its dating pool is pretty evenly matched and skews towards mature couples, as most women are over 35. Free for ladies, BravoDate offers credit packages for men, starting at $9.99 for 20 credits.
Core features:
- Photo feed
- Virtual and real gifts
- Likes, winks, favorites
“BravoDate has the best mix of free and premium dating tools. Scrolling the feed is as addictive as Instagram, and winks and likes are a good way to gauge mutual interest. And gift delivery service is there for when things get serious.”
EasternHoneys — Best Asian Dating Pool
After five years in the dating market, EasternHoneys is as popular as ever, with around a million monthly visits from American, European, and Asian singles. The 3:1 male-to-female ratio drives competition, even if guys have to pay $0.20 per credit to unlock private chats and emails.
Core features:
- Photo feeds
- Virtual presents
- Gift delivery service
- Like-or-skip matching
“EasternHoneys has everything you need for successful Asian-American matches, including profiles chock full of recent photos, chat, and emails for staying in touch, and even international gift delivery for special occasions.”
UkrainianCharm — Best for Slavic Flirting
An oldie but goodie, UkrainianCharm has been around for two decades and remains popular with Americans and Europeans seeking Slavic singles. It sees around 100K monthly visits, even though the niche dating site is only free for ladies, while men need to purchase credits (starting at $0.20 per credit).
Core features:
- Photos and videos
- Personal feeds
- Flower and gift delivery
“Despite its name, UkrainianCharm welcomes single ladies from across Eastern Europe, and they go out of their way to flesh out their profiles with loads of photos and personal anecdotes within their feeds.”
JollyRomance — Best for Slavic-American Dating
JollyRomance is a go-to dating site for meeting single Slavic women. Although there are at least two men per lady, the dating pool of over 200K is dynamic enough to ensure solid matches. Signup and basic toolset are free for all, but men need credits to initiate chats, and rates start at $9.99 for 20 credits.
Core features:
- Newsfeed and personal feeds
- Virtual and real presents
- Free winks and likes
“JollyRomance profiles may be light on details, but active feeds more than make up for it. Regular posts help stay in touch and keep track of each other’s lives even without chats and emails.”
What Are International Dating Sites?
International dating sites are platforms for singles seeking long-distance relationships with people abroad. Typically, they attract Western men from the US, the UK, Canada, or the EU and women from Asian, Eastern European, and Latin American countries. Although some international platforms offer nothing but flirting and chatting capabilities, others are geared towards serious relationships and marriage.
How to Choose the Best International Dating Site
There are dozens of international dating websites and apps, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. To make sense of this variety, start by narrowing down your dating destination to a specific region. From there, consider these four factors:
- Dating pool quality. It’s not just about the number of profiles; it’s also about the male-to-female ratio that translates into the competition and profile quality. Ladies who freely share lots of photos, videos, and personal details are more likely to seek serious relationships than those who don’t.
- Communication toolset. Chat and mail are standard across the board, but video calls and messages are less common. Decide which communication features are critical to you and seek out sites that meet your needs.
- Value for money. Free international dating sites rarely meet high security standards, but there are lots of subscription- and credit-based platforms with reasonable prices. You can usually sign up for a free profile and test paid features before deciding if you’re ready to upgrade to a premium membership.
- Safety features. Member verification can dramatically reduce the risk of running into scammers. Moreover, users should always have the option to block and report suspicious activity if they feel threatened.
Of course, checking an international dating site’s online reputation is also a good idea. You can find member reviews on feedback aggregator platforms, like SiteJabber, check out Reddit and Quora threads, and skim expert reviews to get more details about the dating service’s operations.
Niche International Dating Apps vs. Mainstream Dating Apps
Why not call Tinder or Bumble the best international dating app and leave it at that? Mainstream platforms may be way more popular than niche sites, but there is a good reason for the myriad complaints about fickle flings and skewed matches. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of both.
Niche international dating apps
Pros
- Most members are looking for a long-term commitment
- Niche platforms specialize in specific dating destinations
- The male-to-female ratio is rarely above 3:1
Cons
- Relatively small dating pools
- Private chats and letters are paid
- No dedicated mobile apps for iOS or Android
Mainstream dating apps
Pros
- Popular apps have millions of regular users
- Most apps offer free signup and basic features
- There are usually convenient mobile apps for iOS and Android
Cons
- Most members look for hookups, not relationships
- Men significantly outnumber women
- International dating tools require a premium subscription
Free and Paid International Dating Sites
Overpriced services are the most common complaint among dating service users. But there are good reasons for their fees, as is obvious once we compare free and premium platforms side-by-side.
Free dating sites
Pros:
- No signup or other fees
- Large dating pools
- No annoying upgrade or subscription reminders
Cons:
- Advertising and other monetization means
- No member verification — high risk of scam
- Dated design, poor navigation
Paid dating sites
Pros:
- Free signup and welcome bonuses
- Regular feature set and design updates
- Lower risk of scam thanks to user verification
Cons:
- Monthly subscription or credit-based payments
- Overpriced services (gift delivery, video messages)
- Limited number of users
How to Find Foreign Women Online
Niche platforms take most of the second-guessing out of the dating process, but it still takes persistence and know-how to secure compatible matches.
- Pick the right dating site. Consider your desired dating destination, relationship objectives, price range, dating pool size, and other factors when choosing an app or site. Instead of relying on reviews, use the free trial or basic membership to test the sites and make up your mind.
- Make your profile stand out. Online daters have to resort to “judging the book by its cover” because there are few other ways to gauge compatibility. To draw maximum attention, use high-resolution shots, preferably professional portraits, without too many Photoshop adjustments.
- Get familiar with the dating pool. Trustworthy dating sites unlock full access to member profiles. Feel free to explore potential partners through random swiping suggestions or extensive search filter adjustments. Remember to save potential matches to the list of favorites.
- Test the waters with potential partners. Pay-as-you-go sites can drain your dating budget fast, so start your exploration with all the free tools available. Add ladies to favorites, like their photos, and send winks or free stock messages. Only switch to private chats once your attention is reciprocated.
- Focus on supporting a long-distance relationship. Specialized sites put all the necessary tools at your disposal, from video and audio messages to flower and gift delivery. Capitalize on them to strengthen your connection until you can finally meet in person.
You don’t have to settle for one dating site or complete each step before moving on to the next one. Mix and match these tips, explore different sites, and you’ll undoubtedly find your true match.
What Is International Dating Like?
Over 381 million people worldwide use dating sites and apps. The US, the UK, and Belgium are leading the charge, with around 17% of the countries’ population meeting dates through online means. Although dating services were popular before 2020, their popularity peaked during the pandemic and changed the face of dating forever.
Here are some exciting facts pointing out that online is the way to go if you’re after a foreign bride:
- In 2023, 19,825 foreigners received K-1 fiance visas to enter the US, and 3,178 K-2 visas were issued to their children.
- Over 50% of K-1 visa recipients meet their partners online, although not all of them use dating platforms. Some international couples meet through social media (mainly Facebook), while others find each other through online gaming.
- The divorce rate in international couples is lower (between 35.8% and 41.3%) than the US average (48%), suggesting stronger ties or willingness to compromise and keep the relationship going.
- The competition is much more manageable on international dating platforms than on mainstream apps. The male-to-female account ratio is typically between 1:1 and 1:3, while it may exceed 1:10 on apps like Tinder (93% male in India). As a result, some guys don’t get matches for days.
For me, all of the above proves that international dating is alive and kicking, but it’s very different from getting local matches and can take a bit more effort and persistence to be successful.
Does International Online Dating Work?
After reading a couple of horror stories about romance scams, it’s easy to believe online dating is a huge sham. But that couldn’t be further from the truth, and I have evidence to back up my claims:
- Online dating is the most popular way of getting dates in the US. Around 45% of Americans meet new people through apps and sites while meeting through friends and cultural events round out the top 3 ways of meeting dates.
- Talking to strangers is a lost art. Exacerbated by pandemic-era lockdowns, social anxiety makes most people (71%) uncomfortable engaging in small talk with strangers. And when the stakes are as high as getting a number or a date, starting a conversation is almost impossible. Besides, many women are wary of talking to strange men.
- Dating sites foster romantic relationships IRL. 70% of online daters report starting an exclusive romantic relationship with people they met through dating sites and apps. Even if the number is understandably lower for international daters, it’s evidence online dating works.
- Dating apps make international dating affordable. Dating site subscriptions and fees are much lower than the average cost of an international trip. Besides, building a relationship takes several months, and few people can afford to leave the country for such an extended stay.
- International online dating leads to marriage. Although there’s no telling how many of the 19,825 K-1 fiance visa receivers met their American husbands online, we can assume a fair share met their spouses on dating sites and apps.
Sure, there’s no guarantee you’ll meet your match on the first try, but the best international dating apps are worth your time if you’re serious about marrying a foreigner.
Top Tips for Safe Online Dating
Don’t send money
Ignore sob stories and never offer financial support to strangers from dating sites unless you’ve met in person.
Preserve private data
Don’t share sensitive details online, including your full name, address, phone number, SSN, or credit card (cash app) details.
Beware red flags
Skip offers to learn cryptocurrency investment, don’t share intimate photos, and don’t click on suspicious links.
Reverse image search
Google profile photos to find their real owners on social media and uncover potential scam attempts.
Block and report
Blacklist suspicious dating site users and report them to website administration to get them removed from the dating pool.
Get Rid of Stereotypes: Dispelling Myths About International Dating
There are as many horror stories about international dating as there are success cases. Today, we address the most common fears and misconceptions about long-distance relationships with foreign ladies.
Myth: All foreign women are modest, conservative, and follow men’s lead.
Reality: Most mail-order brides do come from patriarchal societies with strict social norms, but don’t expect them to be silently subservient.
Myth: Every mail-order bride is a gold digger only looking for a green card.
Reality: It is true that many foreign brides come from developing countries and strive to improve their socio-economic standing, but the divorce rate in international couples is too low for all the foreign ladies to be out for money.
Myth: There are no real mail-order brides, and everyone is a scammer.
Reality: Romance scams are pretty widespread, but it’s not exclusive to international dating. Moreover, reputable sites verify member identities and implement other anti-scam policies to mitigate the risks.
How to Avoid Scam on International Dating Sites
Online romance scams cost Americans over $1.14 billion in 2023. While we can’t be sure how much money US citizens lost to foreign fraudsters, we can go over the basic precautions every online dater should take:
- Ensure you’re dealing with a real person. Even if you’re only chatting with verified members, it doesn’t hurt to run an image search for their photos to ensure you’re dealing with the pictures’ real owners. If possible, set up a video call or request a specific video message, though ideally, you should meet in person to be 100% sure you’re not being fooled by fake profiles.
- Keep your bank account safe. Do not send money to people you meet online, even if their sob stories sound convincing. You should also keep your financial and personal details private to avoid cash app, gift card, and PayPal fraud.
- Avoid elaborate traps. The less common schemes range from cryptocurrency investment offers to phishing links and attempts to get your nude pictures or videos to blackmail you.
International dating sites can produce successful matches that end in happy marriages and loving families. Still, choosing the right dating service is paramount, and so is learning to avoid scammers.