What do expats find most challenging?

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

"Learning to write was challenging, because I had to get a tutor to get me started," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Bangkok, Thailand.

"One challenge expats in Thailand may experience is adjusting to the local customs and etiquette. Many Thais place a great emphasis on respect, hierarchy and politeness, which can be quite different to other cultures. Another challenge is navigating the language. Although English is generally prevalent in the main cities and tourist spots, learning some basic Thai phrases can prove to be incredibly useful. Additionally, expats in Thailand may need to adjust to the local climate and intense humidity, particularly during the summer months. Finally, many expats may find the pace of life in Thailand to be quite different and may need to slow down in order to adapt," commented one expat who made the move to Thailand.

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What do expats find most challenging?

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

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.