Top Culture Shocks for Brits Abroad: From Thailand’s Torrential Rains to Australia’s Kangaroo Cuisine

For many in the UK, the idea of escaping the daily grind to bask in constant sunshine is a tantalizing dream. They envision leaving behind the pressures of a nine-to-five job for a more relaxed lifestyle abroad.

Currently, estimates suggest that between 5.5 to 6 million British citizens have made this dream a reality by relocating permanently to foreign lands. Popular destinations include Australia, the United States, Canada, Spain, and New Zealand.

The motivation for such moves often stems from the pursuit of a better quality of life. High living costs in the UK, stagnant wages, the quest for a healthier work-life balance, and a yearning for warmer climates are significant factors driving this trend.

In fact, about eight percent of British retirees choose to spend their golden years overseas, seeking places where their pensions can afford them a more comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.

However, the decision to live abroad isn’t without its sacrifices. Many face the challenge of missing loved ones, navigating language barriers, and the absence of familiar comforts like their beloved Yorkshire Tea.

It comes as international health insurance provider William Russell has revealed the biggest culture shocks British expats experience while living abroad and how they vary by country.

From unusual foods to weather, read on to find out which cultural differences top the list.

Australia 

Australia has tens of millions of kangaroos, often more than the human population

Kangaroo meat has been a food source for Aboriginal Australians for more than 40,000 years

Australia is the most popular destination for Brits looking to move to a different country. 

However, one of the most significant cultural shocks people find there is related to the food.

While Tim Tams, Anzac biscuits and fairy bread are firm favourites, game meats like kangaroo and emu can be a challenge to come to terms with for Brits.

Kangaroo meat can be used in place of beef in many recipes, like tacos, burgers, sausages or as a steak. 

The animal, of which there are tens of millions in the country, has been a food source for Aboriginal Australians for more than 40,000 years. 

Another shock is the wildlife. Australia has massive biodiversity and many more creatures that can be harmful to humans, including black widow spiders, great white sharks and saltwater crocodiles.

Spain   

In Spain, the ‘siesta’ (afternoon break) is a cherished tradition for rest, especially in hotter areas or on weekends

Spain is closer to home than Australia and an attractive option for expats due to the climate, infrastructure and chilled lifestyle. 

However, the Spanish lifestyle still comes as a cultural shock to people, especially their tendency to eat late in the day and close businesses in the afternoon.

In Spain, it is common to eat lunch at around 2-3pm and sit down for dinner at around 9-10pm. 

Rather than the ‘grab and go’ culture of lunch in the UK, food is a central social experience, often with multi-course meals and tapas.

The ‘siesta’ (afternoon break) is a cherished tradition for rest, especially in hotter areas or on weekends, though less common in cities.

Social interactions can also shock more reserved Brits, especially greeting people with a kiss and being loud in public.

Canada

The record low temperature in Canada is -63C, meaning lots of layers are needed!

There are many reasons to move to Canada, such as the jaw-dropping scenery, the friendly nature of the people and the modern metropolitan cities.

But one thing that often puts people off is the high cost of living there, specifically tax not being included in prices.

Another cultural shock is just how extreme the climate can be. The record low temperature is -63C, and the highest recorded is 49.6C.

However, in Canada, it rains on average seven days a month, year-round, which is less than the 13 days on average in the UK.

USA

Spoilt for choice! There is a wide variety of food on offer in supermarkets in the US

One of the biggest shocks for those moving to America is food-related, with the wide variety of products on offer in supermarkets and restaurants coming as a surprise for expats.

The much larger portion sizes can be a cultural shock, especially to those with a smaller appetite.

Other cultural shocks include advertising, which is far more frequent and less restricted in American media than in the UK.

Elsewhere 

In Switzerland, crossing the road without a green light is illegal and punishable with a fine. 

Over in Thailand, the monsoon season is between July and October, a period of tropical storms and extreme downpours. 

However, the misconception that it rains constantly for months is not true. 

Instead, this period is characterised by short but intense rainfall that comes on suddenly and inconsistently.