Top 10 Tips for Living Abroad

We're putting together a series of articles entitled, 10 Tips for Living in..., and we advice for expats in every country for the series. Please visit your country's forum and find the topic entitled "10 Tips for Living in" and post your advice for other expats and newcomers to your area. We posted this note last week and have had a tremendous response from expats in certain countries. Feel free to comment and expand upon other people's advice as well. Here's are a few excerpts from the incredible advice posted over the last few days... be sure to add as many tips as possible for your country:

Kuwait Forum: Be aware of crazy drivers, jay walking is legal in Kuwait, bargain Taxi fare prior to riding, do not stare at people... -- americaninkuwait

Denmark Forum: Have someone explain the social etiquette in Denmark and listen very carefully. Once you know the social codes, and accept them, life is a lot easier to navigate. -- Fae

Uganda Forum: Learn the language Luganda... eat the local food... for every price you are quoted divide by 4 and do not go any higher... -- georgew

Thailand Forum: Do respect Buddhism - although Thais are very tolerant of all religions, they are by and large Buddhist. Phrases such as "Buddhism is not a recognised religion where I come from" may be factually true, but they will not endear you to your hosts. Do register with your local embassy when you arrive in Thailand - although not a legal requirement, it is a good means of staying up-to-date with the latest developments in both your home country and Thailand and can also serve as a means of meeting people. Don't touch any Thai on the head - the head is the highest part of the body and as such is revered. Don't put your feet on anything (especially the table or a pillow). The feet are the lowest part of the body and, as such, are seen as "dirty". This “don't” should also be a caveat not to pass anything with the foot: something as innocent as closing a door with the foot may be seen as an affront. As shoes are generally not worn inside the house, a place to take off and keep shoes at the front door is a good idea. -- TonyThailand

UAE Forum: The UAE is a relatively tolerant country, but this does vary from emirate to emirate. Remember that this is not your home country. Just because you see another expat wearing hot pants and a spaghetti top doesn't mean that this is acceptable attire for shopping malls and other public places. Try and embrace all the different cuisines available in the UAE. You will not find all your favourite foods, but you will find fantastic new dishes and spices. -- mishmumkin

Philippine Forum: have an umbrella handy on your person or in your ride, cuz you never know when you'll get caught in a downpour... become an adventurous foodie, because the Philippines is all about food and eating... get used to Filipino time... travel the Islands - get out of the city and see the mountains, beaches, and countryside. -- locopmd
Pakistan Forum: most expats can easily afford to be completely cut off from the local environment, own cook, own cleaning lady, own driver, all very affordable. For reasonable costs, you can be living in your own place, meet friends in clubs and basically not be on the streets. Or, on the other side, you can get dressed locally, learn basics of language and blend in - person of any color or composure can be possibly from Pakistan. The second option is of course less safe, but safety is a very relative term, you can get mugged, which is rather common. You will get foodpoisoned. Fullstop. I have not met a single person from as many as 20 countries (except of India) who didn't have stomach problems after arriving to Pakistan. Ingredients and ways of making are so different that the only way to prevent is to not eat any local food at all and live only from McDonalds and european restaurants, but even in this case it's possible You catch a germ. The easiest is to get ready for it, get sick in the first two weeks, go to doctor and get some antibiotics prescribed and within a week You are ok. -- KLepo

Morocco Forum: Transport is a problem in Morocco, so if you don't drive which is my case, be prepared. Buses are few and far between and very crowded. Taxis are difficult to find, too, sometimes the taxi driver takes 2 or 3 passengers that are going in the same direction so don't freak out if this happens. You can also stop a taxi even if it has a passenger in it. They will stop for you and take you if you are going the same way. -- Riana

Italy Forum: My tip is to learn PATIENCE. Italy is very bureaucratic and you should keep in mind that, whenever you go to do something, you probably won't succeed the first time. In addition, every little thing seems unnecessarily complicated. For example, depending on the type of store, it will be closed from 12:30 to 2:30, 1:00 to 3:00 or 1:30 to 3:30 except that some stores don't reopen until 4:30 or 5:00, are closed Monday mornings or Thursday afternoons. I've been living here five years and I still find stores closed when I go to buy something. -- dprombaum

Vietnam Forum: To absorb Vietnamese culture fully, take early morning walks around a real neighborhood. Vietnamese people are out and about early in the day, shopping, eating, playing badminton, and taking their kids to school. Get out at least one or two mornings a week, and you will become much better acquainted with the culture. And grab a Vietnamese breakfast of warm "xoi" while you're at it! -- SpillZone

Again, please visit your country's forum and find the recent post entitled "10 Tips for Living in" and post your advice for other expats and newcomers to your area. If there are more than ten tips, keep adding more!