What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Jakarta. They wrote...
"You cannot get angry & shout at someone in Indonesia, they will close down totally. To "lose face" is the worst thing for an Indonesian, therefore they won't own up to not knowing something & shouting at them makes it worse. People are afraid to say "no". Rather than say they can't or don't know something, they will say yes & then blunder through what ever they are doing. i.e. my husband is mentoring at work & has to ask 50 questions before he realizes his Indonesian colleague doesn't know what he's talking about. Or, tell a taxi driver the address you want to go to & he doesn't know where it is but drives in the wrong direction, so you have to direct him all the way," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Jakarta, Indonesia.
"Expats in Jakarta often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as many locals do not speak English. Additionally, the traffic in Jakarta can be overwhelming, as the roads are often congested and chaotic. Furthermore, the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from cooler climates. Finally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those in other countries," commented one expat who made the move to Jakarta, Indonesia.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Jakarta?
- What do I need to know before moving to Jakarta?
- How do I find a place to live in Jakarta?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Jakarta?
- What is the average cost of housing in Jakarta?
- How do I meet people in Jakarta?
- What should I pack when moving to Jakarta?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Jakarta?
- Will I be able to find a job in Jakarta?
- What is life like in Jakarta?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Jakarta?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Jakarta?
- What is the social scene like in Jakarta?
- What advice to expats in Jakarta have about housing?
- What are medical services in Jakarta like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Jakarta?
- Is the cost of living in Jakarta high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Jakarta?
- Why do people move to Jakarta?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Jakarta, newcomers to Jakarta would love to hear your answer to this question.
