What do expats find most challenging?

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

"Expats often find adjusting to different cultures and customs to be challenging, especially when there is a language barrier. Building up a new social circle and making connections can also be difficult. Dealing with unfamiliar signage, laws, and regulations can be overwhelming, as can experiencing culture shock. Additionally, most expats enjoy financial security and stability in their home country, and this can be disrupted by moving to a new nation with a different economy, job opportunities, and cost of living," remarked another expat who made the move to Dominican Rep.

"Living with close DR natives can be challenging, mostly because of partying at late hours. They do not understand why noise should be an issue. As I have sleep issues, this can be annoying. Far fewer Dominican people speak English than you might expect. But they will try to help, none the less," explained one expat living in Juan Dolio, Dominican Rep.

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What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in the Dominican Republic, newcomers to the Dominican Republic 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.