What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Laos. They wrote...
"Expatriates in Laos often find the local culture to be quite different from their own, which can be challenging to adjust to. The language barrier can be difficult to overcome, as English is not widely spoken in Laos. Additionally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to understand, as they are often quite different from those of the expat's home country. Furthermore, the pace of life in Laos is much slower than in many other countries, which can be difficult for expats to adjust to," wrote a member who made the move to Laos.
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It's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
CitizenMIt's impossible to confuse citizenM with any other hotel. We don't look or sound like anyone else. Bold, vibrant, and artistic - that's us. Our rooms cater to modern travelers - enormous ultra-comfortable beds, unlimited free Wi-Fi and 24/7 food and drinks always waiting at canteenM. And best of all, our ambassadors are every guest's best friend.
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"Learning Lao, shopping at the market for food, making sure the family is happy, getting my sense of direction (which is terrible)," explained one expat living in Vientiane, Laos.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Laos?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Laos?
- Will I be able to find a job in Laos?
- What is life like in Laos?
- What do expats in Laos appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Laos?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Laos accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Laos like?
- What are healthcare services like in Laos?
- What are medical services in Laos like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Laos?
- What are emergency services like in Laos?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Laos?
- How are local medical facilities in Laos?
- As a foreigner living in Laos, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Laos, newcomers to Laos would love to hear your answer to this question.

