What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Baku. They wrote...
"Of not the culture but the place: the wind is overpowering and dries the skin terrbily; the food, especially for a vegetarian, offers little choice/variety. Bureacracy is cumbersome and mysterious--you need to know someone to get the proper paperwork to get things done," remarked another expat who made the move to Baku, Azerbaijan.
"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," explained one expat living in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Get Quote
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Baku?
- What do I need to know before moving to Baku?
- How do I find a place to live in Baku?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Baku?
- What is the average cost of housing in Baku?
- How do I meet people in Baku?
- What should I pack when moving to Baku?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Baku?
- Will I be able to find a job in Baku?
- What is life like in Baku?
- What do people like (and dislike) about Baku?
- What type of social life can someone expect in Baku?
- What is the social scene like in Baku?
- What advice to expats in Baku have about housing?
- What are medical services in Baku like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Baku?
- Is the cost of living in Baku high?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Baku?
- Why do people move to Baku?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Baku, newcomers to Baku 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.