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Lunch at the Ragunan Zoo in Jakarta, Indonesia

What do expats find most challenging?

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

"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," said a member in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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"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," remarked another expat who made the move to Jakarta, Indonesia.

Other Questions:

What do expats find most challenging?

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


Lunch at the Ragunan Zoo in Jakarta, Indonesia

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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