Mistakes expats make in Laos

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Priscilla ViP

Member since 30 May 2013

PriscillaViP05 April 2017 09:32:19

42358

Hello everyone,

Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Laos? What were they?

How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them?

With hindsight, what would you do differently?

Are there any tips you could give future expats in Laos to help them avoid these kinds of mistakes?

We look forward to hearing from you!

Priscilla

stumpy Laos Expert

Member since 27 November 2009

stumpyLaos Expert07 April 2017 00:58:14

17983

The first mistake is to go there with a closed mind, thinking you can change things to suit yourself.
The solution is to open up to the Lao way, study how the people interact with each other, and especially towards expats.
Be friendly towards them, go that extra mile to get on with them.
Learn the language, learn their customs. What may not offend you may well offend them.
And remember to smile...

vientianeboy VIP Member

Member since 16 July 2013

vientianeboyVIP Member08 April 2017 05:43:35

I agree with the above post. A few other points - think with your brains and not....; be patient, especially in traffic and with Lao drivers; get used to noise.