The Ultimate Guide To Be A Pickup Artist (PUA) Overseas

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Are you a single Western man looking to expand your horizons and find romance while traveling overseas? As an international dating coach, I’ve traveled to over 20 countries and experienced the thrill of meeting women from different cultures with respect, integrity, and character. In this guide, I’ll provide you with the ultimate roadmap to becoming a successful pickup artist (PUA) in foreign countries.

This article will cover everything you need to know about approaching and dating women overseas, from understanding cultural differences and overcoming language barriers to mastering non-verbal cues such as body language and refining your dating strategies. Whether you’re looking for short-term relationships, long-term companions, or even a life partner, the information provided here will set you on the path to success and ultimately enhance your dating experiences abroad. So, let’s dive right in!

How Is PUA Different Overseas?

When it comes to pickup artistry, the approach can vary significantly depending on the country you’re in. Let’s explore some key aspects that make PUA different overseas.

Dating Cultures Vary Across Countries

Most men familiar with pickup artistry come from Western countries, where certain behaviors and norms are standard. However, these norms don’t always translate well in other cultures. What’s considered acceptable behavior in public settings can vary widely, and certain actions may come off as rude or inappropriate in different regions.

Eric James (me) cold-approaching foreign women in the Philippines.
Me (left), with two women I approached and invited for a smoothie at a shopping mall in the Philippines.

Across countries, I’ve noticed significant cultural differences in public displays of affection (PDAs). Things like hand-holding, touching, and kissing in public can vary significantly. For example, kissing in public in Asia is generally frowned upon and will make women very uncomfortable. However, this behavior is often accepted and encouraged in Latin American countries like Colombia and Brazil. Regardless of where you are, the best strategy is always to be respectful, polite, and gentleman-like, as these traits are universally appreciated.

Also see: How To Handle Rejection When Approaching Hot Women Abroad

Language Barriers

Language barriers have been the most difficult challenge I’ve faced when employing PUA tactics overseas. Many PUA tactics rely heavily on witty banter, jokes, and wordplay that may not translate well or might lose context through a translation app. Some women don’t speak English at all, leading to awkward encounters, difficult communication, and rejections.

English proficiency varies significantly across continents. However, I’ve found that some level of English is usually spoken in popular tourist zones. Therefore, those areas are generally your best bet. European countries, the Philippines, and parts of Eastern Africa have typically decent English skills. However, many countries in Latin America (Colombia, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic) and Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia) have lower levels of English proficiency. Adjusting your approach to accommodate these barriers is essential.

Also see: Do Pickup Artist Strategies (PUA) Work Good Overseas?

Pros & Cons of Using PUA Overseas

When considering PUA overseas, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

Pros of Using PUA OverseasCons of Using PUA Overseas
Foreign women often are slimmer and have better diets, which can make them more attractive.Language barriers can make communication difficult.
Women in many countries are receptive to these approaches.Harder to establish long-term relationships if you’re just visiting.
Women in many countries are receptive to approaches.Limited understanding of different dating cultures.
Rejections are often kinder and less polite.Women may be shy about talking to foreigners in public.
Unlike the Western phrase “Nice guys finish last, ” foreign women appreciate nice guys.”Public displays of affection can be more reserved, especially in Asia.

Best Countries for PUA

Based on my experiences, here are my top five countries for practicing pickup artistry:

Western man with a sexy woman he met in Istanbul, Turkey.
Me (left), with a woman I approached in Istanbul, Turkey, using the Indicators of Interest method.
  1. Philippines: Filipino women tend to be very interested in meeting and dating foreign men from Western countries. The country has good English proficiency and a low cost of living, and the women are receptive to conversing with men who approach them. Pickup artists should visit shopping malls.
  2. Spain: Madrid and Barcelona are excellent PUA stomping grounds. They have areas of town with boatloads of stunning Spanish women on the streets. You probably need more advanced PUA skills compared to the Philippines and Thailand.
  3. Thailand: Approaching Thai women with relatively low English proficiency can be challenging. However, there are a plethora of gorgeous women who are highly interested in dating foreigners. Some Thai women can speak English conversationally, but it is hit-or-miss. Pickup artists should visit shopping malls and busy streets for approaching women.
  4. Turkey: Istiklal Street and Taksim Square in Istanbul are some of my favorite places in the world for approaching women. This street is bustling throughout the afternoon and evening with thousands of beautiful Turkish women and tourists alike. Emphasize your dress style, as Turkish women tend to value your public presentation.
  5. Costa Rica – Using PUA tactics in San Jose, Costa Rica, is like visiting a “hidden gem.” As a top worldwide adventure destination, most men associate Costa Rica with ziplining, hiking, and volcanoes but forget to associate it with beautiful women and PUA. However, like Istanbul, San Jose has a long walking street called Avenida Central, perfect for approaching attractive women in public during the daytime. Plus, I got many signals of interest as a foreigner walking down that street.

For a more in-depth and detailed list of the best countries for PUA, including specific locations and strategies, check out 10 Great Countries Every Pick-Up Artist (PUAs) Should Visit.

Approaching Women In Foreign Countries

Approaching foreign women in different countries can be an exhilarating experience. It has positively changed my life, making me a stronger and more confident man. Based on my extensive learning and experience, let’s explore the best strategies for approaching women in public.

Beautiful foreign women sitting at a coffee shop.
A woman that I approached and took for an instant date in the Philippines.
Beautiful Filipina at Seaside Mall in Cebu City, Philippines during Christmas time.
This Filipina woman became my girlfriend. I approached her that a shopping mall.

Cold Approaching vs. Indicators of Interest

Cold approaching, which involves walking up to and engaging any woman you find attractive, can be risky in foreign countries. Because it usually entails approaching numerous women in one area within a short period of time, it can quickly make you a public nuisance. Plus, as a foreigner, especially if you are of a different ethnicity, you will stick out like a sore thumb and could cause lots of unwanted attention, and this could make women feel uncomfortable. That’s why it’s better to be more discrete.

Also see: Does Cold-Approach Work Good When Approaching Overseas?

Instead, I recommend looking for indicators of interest before approaching. Indicators of interest are signals that women give to indicate possible attraction towards a man. Some examples include smiling, making eye contact, multiple glances in your direction, and proximity (standing close when there is space to stand further). By looking for these, you will lower your rejection rates and avoid approaching women who don’t want to be bothered.

Want to hone your approach skills and lower rejection rates? Read my article: Using The Indicators of Interest Method To Meet Foreign Women.

Non-Verbal Skills Are More Important Than Verbal Overseas

When dating internationally, a heavier emphasis should be placed on non-verbal cues like dress style, body language, good posture, eye contact, and smiling. Because of language barriers, these cues are more important in foreign countries than just the words you speak. It’s also important to make sure you dress casually but still stylish. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy, but women tend to be attracted to men who can present themselves well.

Chivalrous behavior is also paramount in many cultures. Things like opening doors, paying for meals, and pulling out chairs are universally appreciated by women.

Taking Women on Instant Dates

Instant dates are a great way to follow up a successful approach to women in foreign countries. They occur when you make a successful approach, and the woman happens to have free time at that moment to hang out longer. They allow you to quickly establish rapport and build attraction without the pressure of having sex on the first date. Instant dates can be as simple as inviting her for coffee or ice cream, but they can also involve more elaborate activities like going for a walk in the park or visiting a local museum.

American tourist with hot Colombian girlfriend on a vacation in San Andres island, Colombia.
Me (right), on a date with a woman I met in Medellin, Colombia.

The key to instant dates is to make them fun and exciting. You want the woman to feel like she’s on an adventure with you, not just another boring date. This will help build attraction and make it easier for you to escalate things later on. Pickup artists should target shopping malls or walking streets with many cafes or restaurants and other interesting things to do.

Do you want to learn how to get instant dates? Check out: How To Effectively Get Instant Dates When Approaching Overseas

Do Pickup Lines Work Overseas?

You may be wondering how well pickup lines work overseas, but in my opinion, they don’t work very well. Pickup lines are generally a bad idea because they rely on wit and language nuances, which often get lost in translation because of the language barrier. Instead, use more straightforward and genuine lines, such as complimenting what she is wearing. Also, my favorite pickup line is “hello” because the primary purpose is to get her attention.

Want to learn about using pickup lines in a foreign language? Check out my article on using pickup lines overseas.

Negging Women Overseas

Negging is a common tactic in the PUA community intended to negatively and subtly undermine a woman’s confidence or “take her off the pedestal,” so to speak. It aims to demonstrate that you are a high-value man because you are willing to challenge a woman, whereas a “nice guy” would not have the courage. An example would be, “That is a lovely dress, but it doesn’t go well with your shoes.

However, be mindful that common PUA tactics such as ‘negging’ are generally not well-received by foreign women. Again, because of language barriers, insults, even subtle or innocent, may be taken offensively if she doesn’t understand the context fully. I’ve often found that women who can speak English overseas do so as their second language. I know from using my intermediate-level Spanish skills in South America that understanding context is often very difficult. Most foreign women respond better to genuine, respectful, and polite interactions. This approach translates universally.

Daygame or Nightgame Overseas?

Daygame, involving approaching women during the day in public places, typically fits better with a travel lifestyle like mine. It offers opportunities for instant dates without the need for alcohol. Daygame is also more likely to lead to a long-term relationship, as it allows you to get to know the woman better before making any commitments.

Foreigner (Eric James) on a first date at a cafe with a beautiful Dominican woman in Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Me (left) on a daytime date with a woman in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Nightgame, on the other hand, involves approaching women at night in bars and clubs. This approach can be fun and exciting and is better for hookups, but it may not be ideal if you’re looking for something serious. Going out at night can be difficult if you’re traveling alone and don’t have any local friends to show you around. Plus, women typically go out at night with large groups, making it harder for you to integrate into their social circles.

Another thing to be aware of is that safety risks are usually higher at night, especially in foreign countries you are unfamiliar with. Certain countries have higher rates of drink spiking, drugging, and theft, and these risks are often much lower during daylight hours.

For more insights, see my article on daygame vs. nightgame.

The Inner Game of Dating Overseas

“Inner game,” a common PUA term, is essentially a self-growth tactic and arguably the most important aspect of dating women. It revolves around positive thoughts about yourself and your self-confidence, which is often the hardest and longest to develop. Therefore, it’s essential to view the overall process of learning to meet women as a journey, not a destination.

Interestingly, men from Western countries are often highly sought after by foreign women. Personally, I’ve experienced remarkable success dating overseas, even more so than I could have ever imagined in the United States. This success has substantially boosted my confidence because approaching women, having positive interactions, and establishing both instant dates and long-term relationships have contributed to improving my inner game.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to have goals. It’s a bit like the “chicken or the egg” scenario: Which comes first—working on yourself to become more attractive to compatible partners or meeting beautiful women, thereby boosting your confidence? I suggest focusing on both. Understand that meeting beautiful women is only a small part of the broader picture of success; it’s equally important to concentrate on your career, finances, and health, which will improve your inner game.


By following these strategies and understanding the cultural nuances of PUA overseas, you’ll greatly improve your chances of finding meaningful romantic connections while traveling. Good luck!

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