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International pen pals
The short answer: an international pen pal is someone in another country you write to, to learn about their life, practise a language, or simply have a friend somewhere else. Pen pal apps make it easy to find one worldwide, by the languages you share.
Why write to someone abroad
- See the world from home. A pen pal tells you what their morning looks like, what they eat, what their city sounds like.
- Practise a language by writing. Writing gives you time to think, look things up and say what you mean, which is why many people use pen pals for language exchange and to practise English writing.
- A friend in a city you’ve never seen. Global pen pals often become the friends you visit one day.
How to find a foreign pen pal
- Choose a service that matches by language, so you always have one in common.
- Say in your first letter which language you’d like to practise, and offer yours in return.
- Be patient with time zones and slow replies. That’s part of it.
How long does an international letter take?
By post, an international letter usually takes from several days to a few weeks, depending on the countries. On Hasty, letters travel a time based on the real distance between your two cities, but never more than two days:
| Route | Usually takes |
|---|---|
| Paris → Berlin | A few hours |
| Lisbon → New York | Under half a day |
| Berlin → Tokyo | More than half a day |
| Madrid → Wellington | A day and a few hours |
International pen pals on Hasty
Hasty matches you with pen pals worldwide who share one of your languages. Your letter crosses the map at the speed of distance, and you collect stamps and postcards from the places you write to. It’s for adults, and it isn’t available in the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil or Indonesia yet.
Letters that take the long way
Hasty is a slow, calm pen pal app for adults, coming soon to Android. Be the first to write.
Updated 2026-10-08
Questions people ask
How do I find an international pen friend?
An international pen friend (or international penfriend) is easiest to find through a pen pal app that matches by language. Worldwide penpal services let you choose countries or languages you’d like to write in.
Can I find a Korean pen pal?
Yes. A Korean pen pal is a popular choice for people learning Korean or interested in Korea. Choose a service that matches you by shared language, and say in your first letter what you’d like to practise.
Is a pen pal a good way to practice English writing?
Yes. Writing letters lets you practice English writing (or any language) at your own pace. A language exchange app or language exchange website pairs you with a tandem partner for practice; a pen pal adds friendship and time to think.