Bahamas
What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Bahamas. They wrote...
"A resistance to change. Lack of interest in opportunities that both land and sea offer. Lack of use of both. Poor attitudes in any type of officialdom, basically service with a shrug or blank stare. Not caring about standards - the stores happily sell food that is out of date and even rotten. Communication is appalling, phones not answered, messages and emails not replied to, desks not manned. Corruption. Male chauvinism. There is a definite male/female divide here. Of course none of this applies to everyone or every place, there are some lovely people and some places with great service, but it is generally inherant," remarked another expat who made the move to Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas.
"Many expats in the Bahamas find it challenging to get used to the more relaxed attitude towards punctuality and timeliness, as well as the frequently more laid-back approach to life that is seen in the local culture. Expats also need to be aware of the different customs and cultures that exist between Bahamians and expats, so as to avoid potential misunderstandings. Expats can also find it difficult to adjust to the more informal manner of communication which is common amongst locals. Finally, the Bahamas has its own particular type of etiquette and it can sometimes be tricky to learn the ins and outs of its most important cultural norms," explained one expat living in Bahamas.
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William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Bahamas?
- How do I find a place to live in Bahamas?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Bahamas?
- What is the average cost of housing in Bahamas?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Bahamas?
- What should I pack when moving to Bahamas?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Bahamas?
- Why do people move to Bahamas?
- What are healthcare services like in Bahamas?
- What are medical services in Bahamas like?
- What are typical rents in Bahamas?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Bahamas, newcomers to Bahamas 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.
