Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Manta, Ecuador, Ecuador

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

Manta, Ecuador

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

One of the most challenging aspects of living in Manta that expats often face is navigating the different norms and customs of the local culture. While the people of Manta are friendly and welcoming to new visitors, they may expect different behaviors than what a person is accustomed to, so an expat often needs to adapt and learn the local customs. Additionally, the language barrier can be difficult to overcome, as Spanish is the official language of Manta; this can complicate interactions with locals and the ability to access certain services. Finally, the local infrastructure and public transportation can seem very different to those used to living in more developed countries, which may require some getting used to in order to get around town and complete daily tasks.