Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Puerto Penasco, Mexico

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Puerto Penasco

Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?

No - cross-cultural training was not needed. Puerto Penasco AKA Rocky Point is only 40 miles South of the US border town of Lukeville, AZ. But this Rocky Point is on the beaches of the Sea of Cortez and is known for the large shrimp and cold beer. The tide really goes out for great walks.

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If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?

Living in Arizona for many years allowed me to know a few words in Spanish. Again because Rocky Point is so close to the US most people there speak English.

Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?

No - not at all

How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

I was surprised on how difficult it was to open a Mexican Bank account so I just use the ATM.

Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?

Because Rocky Point is mostly visited on the weekend by people living in Tucson or Phoenix I was surprise of the large ups and downs of the (number of) people there.