What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Vietnam. They wrote...
"Expats in Vietnam find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of navigating the local culture, as many locals only speak Vietnamese or limited English. Additionally, the cultural norms in Vietnam can be quite different from those in their home countries, which can cause confusion and frustration among expats. Vietnam's system of etiquette and propriety can also be confusing and hard to understand, with some topics being considered taboo even among close friends. Many expats are also unfamiliar with the local food, and while most can find family-style restaurants to provide familiar international food, trying local dishes can be difficult if one doesn't know what dishes contain," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Vietnam.
"It's very difficult to be a Western woman living in Vietnam. The Vietnamese culture is very male-oriented, so it took several months before I was able to make any friends - & then it was just one friend. I felt lonely most of the time," commented one expat who made the move to Bien Hoa, Vietnam.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Vietnam?
- How do I find a place to live in Vietnam?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Vietnam?
- What is the average cost of housing in Vietnam?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Vietnam?
- What should I pack when moving to Vietnam?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Vietnam?
- Why do people move to Vietnam?
- What are healthcare services like in Vietnam?
- What are medical services in Vietnam like?
- What are typical rents in Vietnam?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Vietnam, newcomers to Vietnam 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.
