GIVE YOURSELF AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
GIVE YOURSELF AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
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From Tourist to Local: Tips for Integrating into New Cultures as a Digital Nomad
Handy tips for digital nomads who are planning on moving to a different country and want to integrate into the culture smoothly.
Lucy Couser
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
A deterrent for people moving around the world—or even permanently to an entirely different country with a whole new culture, language, and day-to-day life—is that it’s all brand new, making you feel like a fish out of water. That notion can be scary and intimidating. Not only that, but you don’t want to move and feel lonely, so respecting a new culture and learning brand new habits is something that puts people off—especially since some individuals are just creatures of habit.
But you’ve got to remember that countless people have successfully made this transition, so how could it be so difficult? There are ways to comfortably settle into a whole new space, and hopefully, these steps will give you the confidence you need to become a true digital nomad.
(Photo by Cliff Booth on Pexels)
Do Your Research
Before you pack up your things (don’t forget your laptop!), start familiarizing yourself with the new world you are about to explore. This can help you get ahead of the game so you aren’t accidentally offending any of your new neighbors, and it can also help you find your feet faster.
I recommend dedicating a few hours to researching your new home—whether it’s watching insightful videos or films—to educate yourself on traditions, manners, tones, accents, and so forth. This will give you a solid understanding of the culture, allowing you to live happily alongside it.
Respect Any Customs and Traditions
This might go without saying, but making sure to respect all customs and traditions will not only smooth your transition but also help make your new place feel like home. You’ll want to start off your journey on the right foot, and in order to make some new friends, you should follow their societal rules and regulations to fit in and show them that you are a respectful individual.
For example, in Singapore, chewing gum is not condoned, and if you are caught with it, you will be fined. It’s also a big deterrent for individuals to talk to you if you show such disrespect.
Traditions could mean anything from not going on a beach past a certain time to observing religious beliefs. For example, in Spain, they hold multiple religious ceremonies, so it’s important to be aware of and abide by the rules they have on such sacred days.
Learn The Basics
It would be ideal for you to learn some basic phrases before you head off to your new destination. It is only polite to learn words that everyone understands, and it will make life much easier for you. Consider paying for an app or getting a weekly tutor; these little things will pay off in the first few days, and before you know it, you’ll be chatting away.
Knowing the basics will also allow you to build better relationships with your neighbors and meet new people. In Eat, Pray, Love, the author knew minimal words, but she found someone who was not only in a similar position but also introduced her to someone who taught her French. Finding someone for a mutual exchange would be ideal, but that’s not always the case, so learning the basics and being open to learning everything and more is crucial.
(Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels)
Explore
Get comfortable with what your day-to-day life would look like by taking advantage of the opportunities you have to walk around and explore. The more familiar you are with where everything is and what your ideal day would look like, the more you will begin to feel at home—or at least in a lovely temporary home, because who knows?
Join Social Events
With the rise of social media, you can use these resources to seek out individuals in the same boat as you, or alternatively, you can go out and find the fun you want to be a part of—whether you’ve moved to a city or a small village.
Building relationships will not only help you settle into your new home but also teach you more about the culture you are trying to integrate into. I suggest having a look around or asking about local events—be it a running club, parties, festivals, or even a book club. People love to socialize, so whether you’re settling in a small place or a large city, there will always be ways to connect with the locals.
Always Say Yes (Or almost always)
Once you’ve met a few people, you are likely to be invited to events or homes. One thing I value about many cultures around the world is their warmth and hospitality, especially toward newcomers. So, when opportunities arise and you’re invited to new experiences, you should always say yes.
You’ve already taken the plunge to travel here, and you have the support of your income.
Get Involved
There are always opportunities to support the locals, whether through donations or charity work. In any community—big city or small village—there will always be ways to show your commitment and prove to the locals that you’re part of the family. For example, in Portugal, neighbors might be roughly an hour away, yet it’s common to share resources. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is customary in those areas, so sharing whatever produce you have is not only friendly but also a way to contribute to your local community.
(Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels)
Final Thoughts
Integrating yourself into a new community can certainly involve trial and error, especially since small towns often have unique ways of doing things that you can’t find in videos or through research. Taking the necessary steps to make your move smoother will also give locals the opportunity to respect and welcome you with open arms. Navigating through this big change will take time, but if it’s something you’re passionate about, it will feel like home in no time. Just be sure to pack your gym leggings and sunblock!
Written by Lucy Couser
I am Lucy, 24, and I am from Manchester. I graduated a couple of years ago with a degree in creative writing. When I'm not reading romance novels, I am usually watching true crime documentaries, thrifting or traveling with my boyfriend in his campervan around the UK.
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