What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Ireland. They wrote...
"Nobody is in a hurry to do anything and they run on "Irish time" meaning it's normal and acceptable to be late. It has taken us a long time to get used to this. Repairs take forever as does processing paperwork. Don't even get me started on the challenges of getting a full Irish driving license!!," said a member in South County Dublin, Ireland.
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"Be careful not to talk too much about yourself and reveal too much about yourself too early. It will takes weeks and months of getting together with an Irish friend to learn personal details about them. Only reveal one or two personal details per visit or it will overwhelm them. They will respect the friendship more if it is earned and learned over time. Forget getting anything fixed, it will take weeks and more than one visit. Always offer a service person (plumber, gardener, etc.) tea and make sure it is one of the two Irish brands, offering a biscuit doesn't hurt too. Won't improve the service but they will appreciate that you are polite. Always apologize if you create any sort of inconvenience for another person, it will be much appreciated," remarked another expat who made the move to Dublin, Ireland.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Ireland?
- How do I meet people in Ireland?
- What is life like in Ireland?
- Is there a lot of crime in Ireland?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Ireland accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Ireland like?
- Is the cost of living in Ireland high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Ireland?
- What are healthcare services like in Ireland?
- Is the cost of living in Ireland high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Ireland?
- What is the weather like in Ireland?
- Are there good restaurants in Ireland?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Ireland?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Ireland?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Ireland?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Ireland?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Ireland?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Ireland, newcomers to Ireland 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.




