What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Sri Lanka. They wrote...
"Everything is so slow. People are very proud and stubborn at times. They smile a lot, but the smile doesn't always feel sincere. There is a lack of problem solving orientation. Prices are quite high for some items and especially for foreigners. Old cars are being driven and they are very polluting," explained one expat living in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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"Expats in Sri Lanka often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. Many find the language barrier to be a challenge, as English is not widely spoken outside of the major cities. Additionally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to navigate, as Sri Lanka has a very distinct culture and set of social norms. Expats may also find the climate to be difficult to adjust to, as Sri Lanka is a tropical country with high temperatures and humidity. Finally, the cost of living in Sri Lanka can be higher than what expats are used to, making it difficult to budget and plan for their stay," said another expat in Sri Lanka.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Sri Lanka?
- How do I meet people in Sri Lanka?
- What is life like in Sri Lanka?
- Is there a lot of crime in Sri Lanka?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Sri Lanka accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Sri Lanka like?
- Is the cost of living in Sri Lanka high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Sri Lanka?
- What are healthcare services like in Sri Lanka?
- Is the cost of living in Sri Lanka high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Sri Lanka?
- What is the weather like in Sri Lanka?
- Are there good restaurants in Sri Lanka?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Sri Lanka?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Sri Lanka?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Sri Lanka?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Sri Lanka?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Sri Lanka?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Sri Lanka, newcomers to Sri Lanka 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.
