What do expats find most challenging?

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

"Expats in Balatonfured, may find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture, as Hungarian is a unique and complex language that can be difficult to learn. Additionally, they might struggle with understanding and adapting to local customs and traditions, such as social etiquette, greetings, and gift-giving practices. Navigating the bureaucracy and dealing with paperwork can also be a challenge, especially if they are not fluent in Hungarian. Furthermore, expats may find it difficult to make local friends and integrate into the community, as Hungarians can sometimes be reserved and take time to open up to newcomers. Finally, adjusting to the local cuisine, which can be heavy and spicy, might be a challenge for some expats," said another expat in Balatonfured, Hungary.

"There is a defeatist feeling in many Hungarians that things are bad and getting worse. But, on the opposite scale there is this overwhelming desire to get back the territories lost following WWI. I also find it a bit disconcerting that most Hungarians do not understand they have constantly been on the wrong side of every war they have fought in. It is weird to have a national day of mourning for Stalingrad for the loss of 200,000 Hungarian soldiers there but not recognizing that they were complicit in the Nazi attempts of Hitler to conquer Europe. The same is true for the attempted and failed revolution against Soviet occupation in 1956 only 11 years after the war ended in a country still being kept under control following the defeat of Germany and the Axis nations. So, they have supported Germany twice and lost heavily but still have this amazing desire for increased nationality even now that they are members of the EU and much of this is angering their neighbors which acquired the territories lost following the wars. I find this nationalism and increased right-wing behavior somewhat disconcerting," wrote a member who made the move to Balatonfured, Hungary.

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What do expats find most challenging?

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