Things I Was Surprised By in Expat Life (And How I Learned to Love Them)

Ah, the joys of being an expat! Moving abroad is an exciting adventure filled with new cultures, languages, food, and experiences.

But let’s be real for a second: sometimes the surprises that come with expat life are a little unexpected. Some things you just don’t anticipate, and others may leave you scratching your head wondering, “Is this normal?” But hey, that’s all part of the adventure, right?

So, let me share with you a few of the things I was genuinely surprised by in my expat journey and how I learned to embrace (or at least laugh about) them.

1. The Sound of Silence (Or Lack Thereof)

When I first moved abroad, I thought I'd be greeted with the usual hustle and bustle of a city or town. What I didn’t expect was the sheer quietness of the streets in the early mornings. In some countries, everyone seems to move in slow motion before the coffee kicks in. And the sound of the streets? A soft hum rather than the usual noise I was used to back home. I found myself tiptoeing around and whispering inside, unsure if it was time to talk at a normal volume.

Silence can be surprisingly loud, or perhaps just unfamiliar. It took some getting used to, but now I’m so used to the calm, I can’t imagine it any other way.

2. The Local Obsession With Paperwork

When you become an expat, you quickly learn that paperwork is basically its own language. And yes, it’s a whole thing. What I didn’t realize was how much documentation was required for everything. Want to open a bank account? Fill out a 10-page form (and bring proof of your pet’s last haircut). Need to rent an apartment? Better get ready to submit copies of your passport, a recent utility bill, and a notarized document from your grandmother's neighbour, just kidding, but it sure felt that way sometimes!

The paperwork seems endless, but once you get the hang of it (and stockpile all your important documents), it becomes just another part of the daily grind. It’s like a little bureaucratic treasure hunt.

3. Food Is a Whole New Adventure

As an expat, you’ll undoubtedly experience a whole new world of flavours, some of which will make you go, "What in the world is that?" I was shocked by how many new foods were in my life, both delightful and, uh, a little strange. From fermented fish dishes to spongy, gelatinous textures I didn’t even know existed, there was always something new to try. And the spice level, whoa! Apparently, my taste buds were not prepared for that intense burst of heat.

You’ll either fall in love with the food (I now crave some of the strangest dishes) or develop a deep, lasting respect for your home country's comfort foods. Either way, it’s a culinary rollercoaster.

4. Language Missteps Are Hilariously Common

Before becoming an expat, I thought I had mastered the local language (or at least the basics). But in reality? The language barrier was real. I mean, who knew that saying “I’ll have a table for one” could end up sounding like “I’m ordering a one-person circus”? Sometimes my attempts at speaking the local language came out so wrong that I’d leave a conversation in pure embarrassment. And don't even get me started on the body language misunderstandings.

You’ll mispronounce words, make awkward gestures, and probably embarrass yourself a few times, but that’s part of the charm. The locals are generally patient, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it (with a lot of laughs along the way).

5. How Different "Customer Service" Can Be

Coming from a place where customer service often feels like a competition to out-nice each other, I was completely floored by how things were done abroad. In some countries, the customer isn’t always the "king" (more like a polite guest). The idea of waiting forever for help with a smile on your face might not be the same, and people aren't always eager to jump into action when you need something.

The customer service expectations vary so widely, it’s like stepping into a whole new universe. Once you adjust to the differences, you learn to find the charm in it (and maybe a little more patience, too).

6. The Changing Seasons Can Be a Shock

In my home country, I was used to fairly predictable seasons, spring, summer, fall, winter - each with their clear start and end dates. But in some countries, the seasons can blend together or be completely unpredictable. I’ve lived in places where one minute it’s sunny and the next minute it’s snowing (no exaggeration). And then there’s the matter of humidity, which will make you rethink what it means to “be hot.”

Be prepared for any weather at any time, and don’t be surprised if your wardrobe ends up being a seasonal game of Tetris. You’ll definitely get more use out of your umbrella than you ever expected.

7. The Love-Hate Relationship With Time

Time itself is treated differently in various countries, and this was one of my biggest culture shocks. In some places, punctuality is taken as a suggestion, not a rule. I found myself constantly rushing to meetings on time, only to arrive and realize that the event was still not ready to start. On the flip side, I’ve also experienced the opposite, where everything was so perfectly scheduled that you could set your watch by it.

The idea of "time" will become a flexible concept, and you’ll either need to adapt your level of patience or adjust your expectations. Or both. 😉

8. How Much You’ll Miss the Small Things

Finally, I was surprised by how much I missed the little things from home. The sound of birds in the morning, the way your favourite store smells, and even the odd nuances of the local TV shows you grew up with. No matter how much you embrace your new life, these small comforts become more precious than you realize.

You’ll get nostalgic for things you never thought twice about. But it’s also what makes going back home, even for a short visit, so sweet.

Expat life is full of surprises, both big and small. You’ll encounter things that make you shake your head in wonder, laugh at yourself, or just wonder if this was the best idea after all. But every experience, even the most unexpected ones, makes this chapter of your life richer, funnier, and more memorable. So, embrace the surprises with an open heart, and maybe a well-packed suitcase for all those new food adventures!