What do expats find most challenging?

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

"Expats in Cotacachi often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture, as Spanish is the primary language spoken and not everyone is fluent in English. They also struggle with the slower pace of life, which is a stark contrast to the fast-paced lifestyle many are accustomed to in their home countries. The local customs and traditions can also be difficult to understand and adapt to, especially for those who are not familiar with Latin American culture. Additionally, the lack of certain amenities and services that they are used to, such as high-speed internet or a wide variety of shopping options, can be a challenge. Lastly, some expats find it difficult to navigate the local bureaucracy, which can be complex and time-consuming," said a member in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

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"Although scrupulously polite, I have not found the Ecuadorian people to be particularly friendly or outgoing. And they are extremely protective of their privacy. Which is why they often live behind eight-foot-high walls with wire or broken bottles on top. Whether the fear is justified or not I can't say, but it seems to infect most everyone. It is very unusual to invite someone into your home, or to be invited. Mostly, in my experience (only one opinion mind you) socializing is done within the family, not by getting together with friends to tell stories and share meals. That is one difference I find really hard to take. And they love noise. They honk, they put a big speaker outside each store and blast music assuming that everyone wants to hear. To me it is a form of polution, pure and simple. Give me quiet any day," remarked another expat who made the move to Cotacachi, Ecuador.