What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Thailand. They wrote...
"Struggle with language!!! Reading a menu that I can't read. I live in a 99.9% Thai area and have to rely on pointing and the basic language skills I am developing. If the taxi goes off the normal route on a dark, rainy night, I have no idea where I am, or where I am going. (I can share my ride during curfew, if anyone is interested, it's funny in the end)," said another expat in Bangkok, Thailand.
"One challenge expats in Thailand may experience is adjusting to the local customs and etiquette. Many Thais place a great emphasis on respect, hierarchy and politeness, which can be quite different to other cultures. Another challenge is navigating the language. Although English is generally prevalent in the main cities and tourist spots, learning some basic Thai phrases can prove to be incredibly useful. Additionally, expats in Thailand may need to adjust to the local climate and intense humidity, particularly during the summer months. Finally, many expats may find the pace of life in Thailand to be quite different and may need to slow down in order to adapt," wrote a member who made the move to Thailand.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Thailand?
- How do I meet people in Thailand?
- What is life like in Thailand?
- Is there a lot of crime in Thailand?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Thailand accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Thailand like?
- Is the cost of living in Thailand high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Thailand?
- What are healthcare services like in Thailand?
- Is the cost of living in Thailand high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Thailand?
- What is the weather like in Thailand?
- Are there good restaurants in Thailand?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Thailand?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Thailand?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Thailand?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Thailand?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Thailand?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Thailand, newcomers to Thailand would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
