7 Sites to Discover Your Next Pen Pal

Connecting with locals and fellow travelers is one of the highlights of any journey. Whether it’s sharing tales over dinner or getting insights into someone else's life, forging connections is vital to the travel experience. 

The best part? You don’t need to hop on a plane to forge a bond with someone from another part of the globe. Even if travel isn't feasible right now, the opportunity to mingle and make friends is still alive and well. All you need is a new pen pal. 

While it may remind you of your school days, the world of pen pals is very much alive. Numerous pen pal-matching platforms exist to cultivate meaningful international friendships, emphasizing safety and mutual respect. Some platforms provide texting or video chat options, while others promote the charm of handwritten letters. No matter your communication preference, having a pen pal opens up the delightful experience of making a new friend. 

Here are seven platforms to help you maintain cross-cultural friendships from afar.

Compatipal

Compatipal connects individuals with similar interests for digital discussions on topics ranging from sports to cuisine. This platform emphasizes quick and direct communication (no handwritten letters) and features instant messaging through the site. Users can search for matches based on interests and location, and also create groups to form online communities focused on shared passions — whether it’s business, art, travel, or language learning. The service is free and welcomes members from all around the globe.

Conversation Exchange

Engaging with a native speaker to practice a new language is one of the most effective ways to forge cross-cultural friendships — and Conversation Exchange makes it possible. This global language-learning platform offers users access to over 100 languages, including English, Mandarin, Arabic, as well as constructed languages like Esperanto, and even Ancient Greek and Latin. It pairs speakers with learners seeking to enhance their fluency through voice, video, or written methods, and also provides a variety of language resources. Basic membership is free, with an option to upgrade to an ad-free experience for a small fee.

International Geek Girl Pen Pals Club

Launched in 2013, Geek Girl Pen Pals connects self-identified nerds through both written and digital communication. This 17,000-member community welcomes individuals of all gender identities, ages, cultures, and backgrounds, despite the name. Pen pals are paired based on age and interests; you can even specify countries for international matches. Most participants exchange handwritten letters and small packages. In addition to writing, volunteers organize digital meetups, such as virtual summer camps — complete with blanket forts and friendship bracelets. The platform is free to join, while Patreon supporters enjoy exclusive experiences.

PenPal World

Since its inception in 1998, PenPal World has connected millions of users around the world through its secure and efficient matching portal. To ensure safety, members begin their conversations directly through the site before moving to email or handwritten letters. A free membership allows users to contact up to three members each day, while VIP memberships (at just 10 cents per day) permit outreach to 50 members every 24 hours. The founders of PenPal World meticulously review each profile application and quickly address any flagged issues or suspicious content.

Postcrossing

Just because you’re not traveling soon doesn’t mean you can’t send postcards. Postcrossing is a project that connects individuals through the delightful practice of writing physical postcards. The concept is straightforward: send a postcard to the address provided, and in return, receive one from another random "postcrosser." If you wish to continue the conversation, use the ID number on the postcard to locate and message the sender via the Postcrossing website. Membership is free and includes access to online forums and in-person gatherings.

Wanderful

Created by women travelers for women travelers, Wanderful unites thousands of members through meetups, group trips, and global events. This inclusive community embraces trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer travelers, offering digital experiences focused on building connections. Members can participate in one-on-one language-learning chats or join virtual yoga sessions, happy hours, and travel souvenir show-and-tells with fellow adventurers. An annual membership starts at $300.

Worldwide Snail Mail Pen Pals

With a vibrant community of over 43,000 members, Worldwide Snail Mail Pen Pals is a lively Facebook group that cultivates friendships around the world. The group operates smoothly: members share requests for pen pals, and those interested reply in the comments. Moderators actively oversee the discussions to maintain a safe and friendly environment. As of now, new posts are appearing almost every hour as members seek connection during social distancing. To join, simply create a Facebook account; new members complete a brief qualifying survey, and upon acceptance, can post their own requests or respond to others without any fee.