What Are The Most Common Culture Shocks Experienced By Expats?

Moving abroad is a big decision. As a result, it is often well planned out far in advance, giving someone time to get everything in place. People pre-plan many important elements, from flights to new accommodation and international health insurance.

However, not every aspect of moving abroad can be foreseen or planned, and local customs can often confound the uninitiated. While logistical preparation is crucial, understanding and adapting to cultural nuances can make or break your experience abroad.

Culture shocks aren’t just inconvenient—they can impact everything from workplace dynamics to daily interactions. Being aware of these potential challenges helps expats build stronger connections and adjust more easily to their new surroundings.

We take a look at the most common cultural shocks experience by expats, and how they vary by country.

In this article

• What are the biggest culture shocks for expats?
• What are the biggest culture shocks in the most desirable countries?
• What are some more unusual cultural differences?
• Culture shock misconceptions

What are the biggest global culture shocks for expats?

Cultural shocks involving social interactions are the most common with expats

1/ Social interactions

157 total culture shocks

The most prominent cultural shocks relate to social interactions, which can vary massively between countries and even within them. Of the 648 cultural shocks we studied, 157 were related to social interactions. Ireland had the highest number of cultural shocks in this category, where social interactions accounted for almost half of all culture shocks. These include being friendly to strangers and being modest.  

2/ Food and drink

92 total culture shocks

Cultural shocks regarding local food and drink were the second biggest category for those looking to move abroad; there were just under 100. Food delicacies, styles and diets often differ worldwide due to the climate and resulting local produce, so, unsurprisingly, they can shock people. Another aspect is the timing of meals, such as in Spain, where people tend to have a light breakfast and eat later than in the UK.  

3/ Lifestyle

77 total culture shocks

Lifestyle-related cultural shocks are the third highest, with 77 total shocks falling into this category. They are prevalent in European countries, with many occurring in Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal. In Portugal, these include people being less punctual than at home and the afternoon closures of businesses and services. 

The top 12 biggest global culture shocks for expats

All expats will experience culture shock at some point

What is culture shock and how does it affect expats?

What are the biggest culture shocks in the most desirable countries to move to?

We looked at the top ten countries in the world searched by Brits looking to move abroad and then at the cultural shocks experienced by individuals moving to these countries. 

Australia

Aussie food-related cultural shocks are the most common for those moving down under

Australia is the most popular destination for Brits looking to move to a different country, and the most significant cultural shocks people find there are related to Australian food. These include eating kangaroos, seen as cute exotic creatures in the UK rather than a pest or a food source.

Another shock is the wildlife. Australia has massive biodiversity and many more creatures that can be harmful to humans, including black widow spiders, great white sharks, and saltwater crocodiles. 

Spain

Later meal times are a lifestyle cultural shock common to expats in the country

Spain is closer to home than Australia and an attractive option for expats due to the climate, infrastructure, and chilled lifestyle. However, the Spanish lifestyle still comes as a cultural shock to people, especially their tendency to eat late in the day and close businesses in the afternoon.

Social interactions also shock people, especially greeting people with a kiss and being loud in public. 

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Canada

Three separate culture shocks all tie for the most commonly encountered by expats in Canada

There are many attractive reasons to move to Canada, such as the jaw-dropping scenery, the friendly nature of the people, and the modern metropolitan cities.

One thing that often puts people off is the high cost of living there, specifically tax not being included in prices, so you can get an expensive at the checkout. Another cultural shock is just how extreme the climate can be. The record low temperature is -63℃, and the highest recorded is 49.6℃.

USA

America’s variety of food and drink choices is the most significant cultural shock for expats crossing the pond

The biggest shock for those moving to America is food-related, with the vast variety of products on offer in supermarkets and restaurants coming as a surprise for expats.

In addition, the much larger portion sizes are a cultural shock, especially to those with a smaller appetite! Other cultural shocks include advertising, which is far more frequent and less restricted in American media than in the UK. 

New Zealand

Cultural shocks regarding the Indigenous Maori culture and language are the most prominent for expats

In recent years, New Zealand has made a committed effort to support the rights and opportunities of its indigenous Maori population. The Maori People first colonised New Zealand in the 13th century, around half a millennium before Captain Cook became the first European to visit the country. The two cultures now coexist after centuries of conflict, and Maori elements often surprise expats.

Around 20% of the local population are Maori, and their heritage is showcased in the sacred Maori Language and culture. Maori culture is something you can experience and learn more about as a newcomer to the country, as there are many Maori historical and cultural tours, as well as exhibits at museums. 

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Unusual culture shocks

Outside of social interactions and the food in different countries, our research also revealed a few cultural differences that are slightly more unusual than the rest:

Mullets in Australia

Although the mullet has returned to popularity worldwide in recent years, people are still shocked by its prevalence in Australia, especially among young men. It is a widespread trim for an Aussie, helped after being popularised by famous sports stars such as NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen and top golfer Cameron Smith. 

Outdoor lifestyle in Norway

Norway is located in Northern Europe and has a very cold climate, especially in winter when temperatures are frequently below freezing and there are few sunlight hours. As a result, it is perhaps surprising that Norwegians love the outdoors; rather than cosying up in front of a fire, Norwegians enjoy open-air swimming year-round—sometimes having to smash the ice before jumping in! 

Rules in Switzerland

A cultural shock people encounter when moving to Switzerland is that there are strict rules against some things that are commonplace in Britain. One is crossing the road as a pedestrian without a green light, which is not only frowned upon but illegal and punishable with a fine. 

The same goes for chores on a Sunday, a chilled-out Sunday is sacred to the Swiss, and there are many laws against noise pollution. You’re legally not allowed to mow the grass, do the recycling, clean the car or hang out your washing on the line. Moreover, working on a Sunday is also taboo, with people expected not to have to work after 11pm on a Saturday.  

Every country has its own unique laws around alcohol

We look at alcohol laws and drinking cultures around the world

Cultural shock misconceptions

When moving to another country, people will often research entry requirements, visa terms, and what to expect when they get there. Amongst this research, they’ll most likely stumble across common myths about living in the country. 

The team at William Russell has investigated some of the most prevalent misconceptions posted in online forums and answered the question: which perceived cultural differences in countries aren’t real?

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Australian weather is always hot and sunny

Many people move to Australia for the heat, the golden sandy beaches kissed by the sun, and a BBQ outside for Christmas. However, this stereotype is not entirely true. Although Australia sees less rain than most countries, there are often large downpours and flash floods in winter. 

Spaniards take a siesta every day

Spain is the home of the siesta, a snooze in the afternoon before making the most of the evening. However, it is not as commonplace as you might believe, and all Spaniards certainly do not take a siesta every day! 

Every inch of New Zealand is a Lord of the Rings set 

The Lord of the Rings movies are over twenty years old, but are still as popular as ever and a cultural phenomenon. It is common knowledge that the trilogy was filmed entirely in New Zealand, with many real-life locations appearing in the films—but you won’t stumble across one everywhere in the country. 

New Zealand is a lot bigger than people think, and although the landscape is stunning all over, only a tiny percentage of this is featured in the movies. If you are a super fan, there are many tours available to take you around the locations, and you can even visit the Hobbiton set in Matamata.  

It rains constantly in Thailand during the rainy season

The monsoon or rainy season in Thailand is between July and October, a period of tropical storms and extreme downpours. However, the misconception that it rains constantly for months is not true. Instead, this period is characterised by short but intense rainfall that comes on suddenly and inconsistently.

Expat populations are growing around the world

Which countries are seeing the biggest change in expats?

Wherever you go, go with total peace of mind

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience of helping expatriates finding best places in the world to move abroad and settle into their new lives overseas by providing world-class international health insurance. Plus, we produce lots of expert material to help you and your family adapt to life abroad.

Making the move to another country can be challenging. But no matter where you go, you can take one thing off your mind. William Russell offers international health insurance that covers you for everything from minor injuries to long hospital stays, and we can even offer medical evacuations to patients who require treatment in other countries where it’s not available locally.

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Methodology

We used Google Keyword Planner to find the annual Google searches in the UK for “move to [example country]” and then chose the top ten most searched-for destinations for further study. These were Australia, Spain, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Switzerland, Portugal, Thailand, Norway and Ireland.

We examined articles on culture shocks when moving to each country on the first two Google search results pages.

We listed each culture shock and grouped similar ones into categories for each country.

We then grouped the disparate shocks into broader categories and counted the total number in each category across the ten countries. Then, we ranked the most frequent cultural shock categories.