What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Hungary. They wrote...
"There is a defeatist feeling in many Hungarians that things are bad and getting worse. But, on the opposite scale there is this overwhelming desire to get back the territories lost following WWI. I also find it a bit disconcerting that most Hungarians do not understand they have constantly been on the wrong side of every war they have fought in. It is weird to have a national day of mourning for Stalingrad for the loss of 200,000 Hungarian soldiers there but not recognizing that they were complicit in the Nazi attempts of Hitler to conquer Europe. The same is true for the attempted and failed revolution against Soviet occupation in 1956 only 11 years after the war ended in a country still being kept under control following the defeat of Germany and the Axis nations. So, they have supported Germany twice and lost heavily but still have this amazing desire for increased nationality even now that they are members of the EU and much of this is angering their neighbors which acquired the territories lost following the wars. I find this nationalism and increased right-wing behavior somewhat disconcerting," commented one expat who made the move to Balatonfured, Hungary.
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"Expats in Hungary often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the Hungarian bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate, as the paperwork and processes can be complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, the Hungarian culture is quite different from many other countries, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the local customs and traditions. Finally, the cost of living in Hungary can be high, making it difficult for expats to find affordable housing and other necessities," remarked another expat in Hungary.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Hungary?
- How do I meet people in Hungary?
- What is life like in Hungary?
- Is there a lot of crime in Hungary?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Hungary accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Hungary like?
- Is the cost of living in Hungary high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Hungary?
- What are healthcare services like in Hungary?
- Is the cost of living in Hungary high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Hungary?
- What is the weather like in Hungary?
- Are there good restaurants in Hungary?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Hungary?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Hungary?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Hungary?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Hungary?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Hungary?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Hungary, newcomers to Hungary would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of InternationalTravel.ai 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 InternationalTravel.ai, 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. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

