Should you live as a tourist or as a local in a foreign country?

01/24/25 For both the tourist and the expat, the key to integration is respect.  The tourist is trying to integrate as as a welcome guest, the expat is trying to integrate as a member of the community.  For both, respect for local people, culture and customs is important; for the expat, it's essential.

The best way to show respect is to attempt to speak to people in their own language.  Insisting, or seeming to insist, that people speak a foreign language in their own country puts up barriers.  Trying to speak to them in their own language lowers barriers, even if the person trying doesn't speak well.  The effort is usually appreciated.

Cooks know that the way to make a good salad dressing is "to be a spendthrift with the oil, and a miser with the vinegar."  Similarly, to become a welcome tourist or an accepted expat, being a spendthrift with the praise and a miser with the criticisms is a very good start.

@Veedushi

I think that some expatriates don’t want to assimilate into the culture of their new countries.

Mixed.

I still go the tourist route when exploring, but a curious tourist who doesn't visit tourist hotshots. I'd far sooner see real life in my adopted country.

As for local, I'm never going to be Indonesian, but I follow all the unwritten rules that make society here amazing.

@Veedushi
I think that some expatriates don’t want to assimilate into the culture of their new countries. - @alan279

True, and fair enough, but I feel that's only a difficulty when an expat goes against local behavioural norns.

Sadly for expats who live in expat bubbles, I believe they miss out on so much their host country has to offer.

Hi everyone!

Thanks for your responses. I really appreciate it.

Best regards,

Veedushi