What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Azerbaijan. They wrote...
"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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"Expats in Azerbaijan often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Language barriers can be a challenge, as Azerbaijani is the official language and English is not widely spoken. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand and navigate. Expats may also find the local cuisine to be quite different from what they are used to, as Azerbaijani cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's location at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Finally, the local climate can be a challenge for expats, as Azerbaijan has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters," explained one expat living in Azerbaijan.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Azerbaijan?
- How do I find a place to live in Azerbaijan?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Azerbaijan?
- What is the average cost of housing in Azerbaijan?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Azerbaijan?
- What should I pack when moving to Azerbaijan?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Azerbaijan?
- Why do people move to Azerbaijan?
- What are healthcare services like in Azerbaijan?
- What are medical services in Azerbaijan like?
- What are typical rents in Azerbaijan?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Azerbaijan, newcomers to Azerbaijan would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.