CULTURE SHOCK IS VERY REAL!

Amelia And JP VLOG 257: Over the past few weeks, we heard from some new arrivals to Ecuador who told us they were having a difficult time adjusting to life here.

Culture shock is very real and it can blindside you when you're least expecting it. That's why it's so important to know about some of the cultural differences that might shock you, and take a few precautions to help you mentally prepare for them.

While our experience is based in Ecuador, these cultural differences aren't exclusive to Ecuador. You'll find many of the same issues we described throughout Latin America, and most of the tips we shared will help you prepare for a move to other countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Colombia, Peru, etc.

If you have a different culture shock experience or tips to prepare for it, please drop a comment below!

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[AprilBrand]

I'm still convinced that Ecuador will be my new Country! ❤️

[eclecticlife]

If you think that Ecuador is the US you will have a hard time adjusting. Ecuador is a developing country and the standard of living is different than the US. Also, it’s a different culture with different values and priorities. Different sometimes can be better but of course sometimes can be worse. If you are not a flexible person who can adjust to changing circumstances, then Ecuador is not for you.

[DonShader]

I couldn't have done any better on this video. I had major culture shock when I first arrived and now, almost four weeks later, I'm adjusting quite well and really starting to love it.

[al.r.]

I'm Ecuadorian. The noise (including the roosters in the morning) and not being able to flush TP in the toilet is much less common in developed urban areas. Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca have pockets of new developments in the form of buildings with all modern facilities including soundproofing, good sanitary systems (so you can flush toilet paper), and the problem of tap water is frequently solved at home with a water filter connected to the water duct below the sink. If you decide to set home at some of the less developed areas such as rural Cuenca, Olon, Rural Manta, and you come from an urban center in the US, then for sure you will have a big cultural shock.

[rubyrosemary]

Best video yet, by far. It was warm, intimate and I felt like you were in my backyard having a good conversation. You guys Rock!

[chrisbuilder]

Great country. Very friendly people. Buildings are traditional old world.

[dlandis]

We just rescheduled our Ecuador trip from May to August - I'm a fluent Spanish speaker (un maestro de espanol jubilado). Looking forward to it - Quito Banos, Cuenca, Salinas or coast area, and Guayaquil (all in 2 weeks)

[Francine]

In my first trip to Ecuador, I was also in Manta and studied at Surpacifico school for spanish. They were great and also cheap. I just love Ecuador and will be going back.

[Akira-nwjl]

I admire you guys alot . it takes alot of bravery to move to another country but the fact that you accept and are willing to adjust to different situations like language, bureaucracy, and culture keeps you mentally and spiritually healthy. laughing relaxes the mind. God bless both of you!

[maryannscott]

I currently live in urban Tampa Florida USA (heavy Cuban influence and history) and ALOT of this applies to my neighborhood 😅

[tinibop]

I just had my first opportunity to watch this on day 3 of our Ecuador trip and it's SO TRUE! Fortunately, we had already come to to the same conclusions as you and view it as one big adventure that keeps getting better and better.

[vanessag]

Nó me pierdo ningún video soy de aqui de Manabi lindo que hayan adoptado mi pais y Manta una bella ciudad para vivir ..Dios los bendiga !

[jsphat]

You guys once again hit it on the nail with all those culture shocks about Ecuador. One thing, though. The noise factor is the same in most Latino neighborhoods in the US. Here in Washington Heights, NYC you hear just as much, if not more noise! Lol.

[notgyfeden]

Lol.. my husband also noticed the broken bottles at the top of the walls and he asked me why and I explained to keep introuders out of your property, not everyone has a gun or gun permit or can afford it, so its a normal thing to wall up your property, If neighbors or strangers see an open area they might think is public property and walk right across your yard so to prevent that, people got fences or walls with broken bottles or electric fences on the top... btw, the broken bottles is an extra touch not all homes have them of course, the best you can do is renting an appartment in a tall building that way you wont have to worry about walls or your yard or broken bottles 😂

[MarcusOS]

Three comments:

1) Treat Ecuador (or any quite different country) as if you're in a science fiction novel. You have some idea of what's going on, but there's a lot you need to figure out as you go along. It makes the process more like a game.

2) Do learn some Spanish (or other language used where you are going). A few words in the native language makes most people much more inclined to be helpful and work with you. This even worked in Paris which is not known for its patient people!

3) A hack which works well if you speak some of a language is to first do the best to understand what the native is saying. Then, repeat using your (more limited) vocabulary to confirm your understanding. Repeat as necessary Since people are almost always very accommodating in Ecuador, you can do very well coming to a good understanding using this method.

[RichardJohnson-deoi]

Love your videos. When my wife and I visited in 2019 we did not expect it to be like the USA. We appreciated the differences. We spent a month in Cuenca living in an old, but renovated building. We did not have a terrible problem with noise and were able to use tarjetas de credito more than we thought. Did have cash as well. We LOVED Ecuador and it's people. My Spanish is just OK but people are kind if you are trying. I hope people can be forewarned but not I intimidated. Great video as always.

[alanjolleyzuniga]

Lamento mucho que al principio su estadía haya sido quizá un poco traumática pero creo yo que superó más la belleza de mi país que ustedes decidieron quedarse. Deseo que sigan disfrutando de mi país y todo video que ustedes suben son muy entretenidos.

[brandonwyatt]

I just moved to Salinas, Ecuador the beginning of June. I have watched many of your recent videos to help me prepare for my experience. I look forward to watching this video being new here!

[Monpris]

This video brought a smile to my face, and remember my shock on my first visit to Ecuador. I have gone back since I have family there and hope to retire there someday:)

[mikehunt]

When I lived in Spain back in the early 90s, all the houses had walls with broken glass cemented on the top to prevent petty theft. I was out and about at all times of the day and night, and never felt threatened at any time. The no flushing the TP thing is a bit disconcerting though, lol, but I experienced that when I was in Crete.

The cool thing about living in Spain was that when places I frequented got to know me, a lot of times when I didn't have enough pesetas they would write down the cost of the bill and say "Mañana.". 'Effing awesome.