What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Indonesia. They wrote...
"Due to the economic status of most nationals, they seem satisfied with "getting by". For example, if our a/c isn't working, the repairman will come and repair the problem using a "bandage" approach rather than repairing the problem. Of course, they make more money if they must come back more than once :) Also, due to the poverty, lack of transportation, and room to store items, my household help doesn't understand the concept of buying in bulk so you don't need to go shopping on a daily basis. Other than that, I think my biggest challenge is the abundant "wildlife" that seems to creep into the house, climb on the roof or cross my patio from time to time," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Duri/Simpang Padong, Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia.
"For me, I found corruption a challenge. Police in Indonesia actually buy their jobs, and because the jobs pay very little, the only way they can earn enough money to live is thru bribery," commented one expat who made the move to Indonesia.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Indonesia?
- How do I meet people in Indonesia?
- What is life like in Indonesia?
- Is there a lot of crime in Indonesia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Indonesia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Indonesia like?
- Is the cost of living in Indonesia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Indonesia?
- What are healthcare services like in Indonesia?
- Is the cost of living in Indonesia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Indonesia?
- What is the weather like in Indonesia?
- Are there good restaurants in Indonesia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Indonesia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Indonesia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Indonesia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Indonesia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Indonesia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Indonesia, newcomers to Indonesia 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.