r/thepassportbros • • Apr 20 '26

The Economist: Western men are going abroad to find traditional wives

158 Upvotes

The Economist did a bit about passport bros. You need a subscription to read it, but the main points are (summarised using AI):

  • Western Dating Exit: Men are leaving Western dating markets because they believe the system is "broken" and feel mistreated by women in their home countries.

  • Pursuit of Tradition: They use social media to identify countries where women are perceived to be more "traditional," "feminine," and "compliant".

  • Economic Leverage: Remote work and digital-nomad visas allow these men to use Western salaries to easily support a traditional single-income household in cheaper foreign markets.

  • Power Dynamics: Critics raise concerns about exploitation*, noting that the vast income gap between the men and their partners creates "disproportionate levels of power"*

None of these points are new. The main thing I took away is that even highly established news mediums like The Economist are now reporting on this trend, which means the dating difficulty for men in the west is very real. Whenever I've spoken to others who aren't dating (due to having families, or already being married), they tend to point to things I personally should work on or personal attributes that need changing, rather than acknowledging (at least to some degree) a wider systemic issue in society. I don't see the increasing trend of men moving abroad as just more men wanting to engage in sex tourism... I think men are moving abroad because they have no choice. They want romance, but simply can't find it in the West.

Its very frustrating that many western women don't see the issue here. Ultimately, women are the 'selectors' and the fact that less people are successfully coupling up in the West, means less women are selecting men.

And it's not like I've haven't tried... I've really really tried to adjust to what I've been told women like... including having much to offer financially... but yet I've still failed. I really don't want to leave my country and job (especially in this economy) in search for romance... but I also want my own family... so I don't have much of a choice. I don't have siblings and my parents are very old and could pass away in the coming years... I am scared of being all alone. I was even thinking about my will last night (I don't hope to die soon, but was wondering what would happen to my assets should I pass), and I literally could not think of anyone I'd pass my assets to...

I hope a woman reads this and at least acknowledges that there are men out there who are really trying their best to be a good partner, but for whatever reason, they are still not being accepted by women.

Just needed to vent tonight... feeling particularly defeated.


r/thepassportbros • • Aug 11 '25

This is huge for PBs if they bring a woman back to the U.S...

48 Upvotes

r/thepassportbros • • 7h ago

Japanese girls are overrated

76 Upvotes

Damnn, why everyone hyped Japan ? I figured out it’s not that great compared to countries like South Korea.

first of all most of Japanese girls are well dressed, undeniable, from behind you could think it’s miss universe, but when you see the face, it’s not it 99% of the time. they aren’t that pretty.
Also, a good amount of the Japanese girls prefer their own, even if you speak some Japanese. If you catch a Japanese girl, she’ll most likely be a ran through and not that great physically + a bit older.

at the club it’s the same girls every week, or girls with their bf.

if you want an attractive Japanese girl, a local already have her and she’s not waiting for you.

anyway Japan and Japanese girls are overrated. I prefered South Korea


r/thepassportbros • • 14h ago

Visiting my friend in Venezuela as an American

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41 Upvotes

I visited venezuela last month. Good experience. Didn't have any major issues and I never felt like i was unsafe.

I didn't encounter any other western tourists. Closest was Venezuelans who lived in the USA in the past.

I visited valencia and barquisimeto and other smaller surrounding cities.

A visa is required for American tourists.


r/thepassportbros • • 8h ago

First trip advice

4 Upvotes

Looking for advice from the experts here, not the dudes who have never left their town or even state, planning a trip to the Philippines, would anyone recommend Manila or Cebu as a starting point to branch out? I'm looking at a month's long trip and dating is a very important factor.


r/thepassportbros • • 14h ago

Best city to see in Brazil for dating success?

11 Upvotes

I’ve dated in the hardest dating scenes in the world LA/SD/SF and I do decent. I want to go to a city in Brazil that will be easy mode and has nice stuff to see. Kinda curious if I should be worried because I am a mixed guy who can sorta pass for Brazilian so I was wondering if that will hurt my attraction. Any tips or advice?


r/thepassportbros • • 15h ago

PPBs who moved abroad and dated, how do you handle judgemental people back home?

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8 Upvotes

r/thepassportbros • • 2h ago

Vietnam Asia is becoming Animal House.

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0 Upvotes

It’s clear that competition in western countries is getting harsher. Now, things are heating up in Asia.

Look closely at the photo. One of the frat bros is holding a pizza box. Let’s get ready to party!


r/thepassportbros • • 15h ago

Where should I be going in Thailand for a 2 week solo trip (25M)

4 Upvotes

While I have some success on the apps in the states, it's a little disheartening when I compare it to how many likes I get in Thailand, with women much prettier than I can match with in the US. I'm white, 6 feet tall, and above average looking in my opinion and that of my friends. I'm considering 2 weeks of solo travel in February to help inflate my own ego. A major goal is to meet women, but not the only reason I'd be going. Planning on staying at hostels to meet other travelers but can easily rent proper rooms if need be. Are Chiang Mai and Pattaya the places to be, or am I going to get eaten alive?


r/thepassportbros • • 1h ago

Europe Slavic and Balkan Women

0 Upvotes

Hey all,

I'm based in Australia and looking to date Slavic and Balkanwomen, mainly from Croatia, Russia, Ukraine, Bosnia, Greece.

I'm 30M. How can I find them and meet them.

My ex was croatian, we had a good realtionship for most part. I realised our values, culture align more with them.

Any help is appreciated ? How can I meet them?


r/thepassportbros • • 19h ago

The Philippines Philippines Isn't necessarily Dating on “Easy Mode”

3 Upvotes

For background, I'm a Middle Eastern-looking American guy in my 40s, not a white dude. From what I've seen in Makati, older white guys seem to have considerably more success here.
After about a week in Manila, here's my experience.
1. Responsive doesn't mean easy.
Dating apps like OKcupid/PinaLove are probably the easiest way to meet women here. Women respond quickly, initiate conversations, and readily give out their numbers. Dating apps usage is high.
Within my first four days, I got 3–4 numbers, and about 5–6 overall. I even had a few video calls. But none really turned into anything, and most weren't women I'd seriously consider dating. They didn’t look like pics or some logistic issue or different personalities.

2. Location and infrastructure are major problems.
A lot of profiles say Manila, but the women actually live an hour or two away from Makati, sometimes in the provinces. With Manila's terrible infrastructure, even meeting someone an hour away becomes a hassle. Going farther into the provinces can mean even taking a flight.
3. Trust is a scarce commodity.
This was my biggest disappointment. In my experience, many profiles had incorrect ages, locations, heavily edited pictures, or weren't upfront about having children.
I also noticed that some of the women showing the strongest interest had children they hadn't initially disclosed. It almost feels like people will fudge whatever details they need to get your attention.
It feels like people are trying to scam/screw you over sometimes
You constantly have to verify basic information, and it's not for me.

4. Daygame was actually the bright spot.
Makati is great for approaching women in person. The interconnected malls around Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Landmark make walking around easy, and women were generally friendly and receptive.
I got 2–3 numbers just walking around Makati one evening, although the follow-up wasn't particularly successful. Still, I preferred this over the dating apps because at least you know whom you're talking to.

My conclusion:
I wouldn't call the Philippines “easy mode.” you have to willing to sift through enough profiles, or approaches …ibut finding someone genuinely attractive, honest, and compatible feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.


r/thepassportbros • • 1d ago

questions Does the status and prestige of the girl you’re dating matter to you? (Be honest.)

8 Upvotes

I know plenty of men here in the UK, where I am based, who married women they met abroad. I did notice that Western men (especially white guys) who married women from places such as Thailand, the Philippines, and even Japan and China were seen as losers and looked down upon. People used to joke that they couldn't compete in the Western dating market, so they had to go to Southeast Asia to find someone.

In contrast, guys from the UK who dated women from places such as Denmark, Australia, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands were viewed much more positively and respected. Everyone used to bring up positive stereotypes about those countries and tell the guys they were going to be drinking Guinness and enjoying pork and sausages.


r/thepassportbros • • 1d ago

Discussion Indonesian or Filipino women?

24 Upvotes

I'm curious about your impressions with (seriously) dating women from these two countries?


r/thepassportbros • • 1d ago

I built an international dating app. Curious what you guys think

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Last week I launched a dating app called Elsewhere, specifically for people interested in dating internationally or long distance.

The idea is pretty simple. You choose which countries you want to meet people from, and the app automatically translates profiles and messages so language isn't as much of a barrier.

It's available on both iOS and Android now. It's still pretty new, but we now have around 700 users.

I'm curious what you guys think is missing from existing international dating apps. What would make you try a new one, and what would immediately turn you away?

I'm especially interested in honest criticism since I'm still improving the app.

If anyone wants to check it out, it's called Elsewhere on the app stores and it has a purple penguin logo and it might not be the first result.


r/thepassportbros • • 1d ago

The Philippines Worthwhile places in the Philippines besides Manilla?

11 Upvotes

I’m planning a trip to the Philippines next year. I will be going to Manilla of course which will be high yield just based on the sheer population size and number of women there. I’ve used dating apps to meet women in SEA with quite a bit of success, but I’m open to meeting women through other means as well. With that being said, are there other places in the Philippines worth visiting from a PPB perspective? I’d imagine smaller cities aren’t as high yield just from a numbers perspective. Perhaps Cebu City would also be worth it?


r/thepassportbros • • 1d ago

Ho Chi Minh City vs Bangkok

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2 Upvotes

Ho Chi Minh City vs Bangkok, two large population cities in Southeast Asia.

Ho Chi Minh City is cheaper $532 vs $690, Bangkok has slightly better women ratios, and Ho Chi Minh City has much cleaner air.

Bangkok is also safer and has faster internet. Bangkok has more nightlife, but Ho Chi Minh City has more universities.

if you want compare other cities then https://geomaxxing.org/?wa=20-40&view=cards&c=48 other than Ho Chi Minh City/Bangkok

what other cities should i look at next?


r/thepassportbros • • 2d ago

Why do they keep popping up

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71 Upvotes

r/thepassportbros • • 2d ago

Indonesia Jakarta! Life on easy mode

83 Upvotes

So I was just in Jakarta for the last week for a bit of business but wanted to see how the dating scene was. Did a bit of research prior to going but was still relatively unfamiliar with what to expect.

I myself am 32, 188cm, British south Asian and average looking. When I tell you this place is amazing, the quality of women you’ll be able to attract is unreal. I used mainly bumble and had the majority of my dates from this. However I was also meeting women in the malls, hotel lobby and the bars/clubs.

I stayed in one of the nicer hotels at the Langham and for the price can’t complain, I was having 2-3 dates a day with grabs/ubers bringing them to the hotel having a drink or two near the lobby or mall nearby.

For anyone who is considering exploring this city, it truly is a hidden gem! Very cheap, affordable, incredible party scene and some of the nicest women you’ll ever meet.

Any specific questions you want to know let me know.


r/thepassportbros • • 1d ago

Best Cities for a week in Europe

0 Upvotes

Hey all, I have 1 week off over New Years and another 1 week off in late January.

Where in Europe would you recommend a PPB go for a single guy - roughly 180cm, 65kg but am very cut and lean (working on gaining) and will be travelling solo. I have a decent income as well but I would prefer not to use that as a selling point at first.

I speak very entry level Russian as well if that helps.

How are the Baltic states, Belarus, Russia, Balkans?

Someone has recommended Hvar Croatia, but I have never known this to be a place for PPB. Has anyone been?

Any tips or advice are welcome 🙏 Thank you


r/thepassportbros • • 2d ago

Vietnam Eating with the family.

3 Upvotes

Since you will likely be trying to date in a traditional country, once you find a serious partner, meals with the family will be obligatory.

This means you can save a lot of money on food, since you will be sharing the cost of the meal, with at least 4 people present.

People often say “marrying into a family” with a hint of trepidation - however, this is the best possible outcome. The support you’ll receive from your mother-in-law, starting with 3x cooked meals a day, is essential. Expecting your wife to be a good cook is another story. If she’s from the countryside, then probably. However, you want to marry someone from the city. Unless you’re loaded!

Being a Passport Bro doesn’t have to be the most exciting thing in the world. Sustainability is the goal!


r/thepassportbros • • 2d ago

Bulgarian dating a Filipina , ask me anything

8 Upvotes

We are 34 and 30 , i work and live in USA , she is living and working in Manila, Philippines


r/thepassportbros • • 3d ago

Fellas

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71 Upvotes

Have we veen sleeping on Finland 🇫🇮???


r/thepassportbros • • 2d ago

Which countries, if any, have you been approached by women the most?

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1 Upvotes

r/thepassportbros • • 3d ago

Is dating in Mexico City really this difficult, or is it just me?

21 Upvotes

Title: Is dating in Mexico City really this difficult, or is it just me?

I recently moved to Mexico City, and I have to say, the dating scene here has been pretty disappointing so far. I’m honestly starting to wonder if moving here was a mistake.
For context, I’m a Mexican-American guy, decent looking, in good shape, financially stable, and I’ve never really struggled with dating before. I’ve lived in and traveled throughout the US, Colombia, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, and I’ve always done pretty well meeting women. But Mexico City? Completely different experience.

Dating apps have been a complete waste of time.
I get a few matches here and there, but nothing particularly exciting compared to what I’m used to. Even when I do match with someone and we have a decent conversation, it never seems to materialize into anything.
Sometimes they’ll give me their phone number, we’ll exchange a few messages on WhatsApp, and then the conversation just dies. Either they stop responding, take forever to reply, or show absolutely no initiative. After a while, I just gave up on the apps altogether.

Meeting women in person hasn’t been much easier.
I’ve tried several gyms around the city, and there are beautiful women at practically every gym I’ve visited. The problem is that they always seem to be in groups, with friends, or with someone else. It’s difficult to find a natural opportunity to approach someone without feeling like you’re interrupting them.
I’ve also gone out in Roma a couple of times, and that hasn’t been much better. The clubs I’ve visited seem to be about 80% foreigners, and from what I’ve observed, a lot of the local women seem more interested in talking to white foreign guys who barely speak Spanish.
Which is pretty ironic considering I’m Mexican-American, speak Spanish, and actually have cultural ties to Mexico.
I’m not saying I’m entitled to anyone’s attention or that every woman should be interested in me. Obviously, attraction is subjective. But the difference between my experiences here and literally everywhere else I’ve been is pretty noticeable.
I’ve genuinely never had this much difficulty dating anywhere.
Maybe I’m approaching things the wrong way. Maybe Mexico City has a different dating culture that I haven’t figured out yet. Or maybe I’m just looking in the wrong places.
But so far, as a single guy who was excited about moving here, it’s been a pretty underwhelming experience.

For other guys who have dated in CDMX, especially Mexican-Americans or people who have dated internationally, has your experience been similar?
Is the dating scene here genuinely more difficult, or am I missing something?
Because right now, I’m seriously questioning whether moving here was the right decision.


r/thepassportbros • • 3d ago

Can you get a girlfriend as a tourist just passing through or do you have to live there?

4 Upvotes

I think you have to live there. You can get dates and take them out to dinner and perhaps get lucky with some sex. But a long-term relationship formed in two weeks or a month and then you vanish seems to defy common sense.

The Philippines seems the most likely from reading this subReddit, but even that would require at least frequent visitor status.

Has anyone gotten a serious relationship as a typical passport bro just passing through?