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...
"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," wrote a member who made the move to Bahamas.
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"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 Not caring about standards - the stores happily sell food that is out of date and even rotten.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," explained one expat living in Treasure Cay, Abaco, Bahamas.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Bahamas?
- How do I meet people in Bahamas?
- What is life like in Bahamas?
- Is there a lot of crime in Bahamas?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Bahamas accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Bahamas like?
- Is the cost of living in Bahamas high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Bahamas?
- What are healthcare services like in Bahamas?
- Is the cost of living in Bahamas high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Bahamas?
- What is the weather like in Bahamas?
- Are there good restaurants in Bahamas?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Bahamas?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Bahamas?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bahamas?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Bahamas?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property 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 one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.