What do expats find most challenging?

We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Baku. They wrote...

"The language is difficult and not many people outside of the tourist places on the Bulvar speak much English. Finding American food and specialty items is difficult. They also don't run clothes in large sizes, so I have to shop online," said another expat in Baku, Azerbaijan.

"Racism, superiority complex coupled with ignorance, a very disturbed religious zealotry that defies belief, constant yelling and arguments everywhere, corruption, unprofessional work environment. My first landlord broke into our apartment at 11PM because she felt she had the right to walk in whenever she wanted. Our next landlord wanted a full inspection every month. My current landlord calls my being here "letting me live at his house". There are no binding contracts even through an agent, and no concept of personal space or private property. Other than the main areas of the city which are kept immaculate, the "real" city is the world's largest trash can with no clean-up crew. I have never seen people tear up their own apartment building and neighborhoods like this, not even in the poorest countries of Africa or South America," wrote a member who made the move to Baku, Azerbaijan.

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Expat Health Insurance in Azerbaijan

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What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in Baku, newcomers to Baku would love to hear your answer to this question.