3 Signs You’re Stuck in a Tourist Mindset as an Expat
Are You Consuming Culture or Experiencing It?
Moving abroad isn’t just about changing locations—it’s about immersing yourself in a new way of life, adapting to a new culture, and connecting with new people. But sometimes, expats get stuck in a tourist mindset, consuming culture like a product instead of truly experiencing it. Here are three signs you might be doing the same—and how to shift toward deeper cultural adaptation.
You Stick to What’s Comfortable
Do you find yourself eating at the same international chains, socializing mostly with other expats, or gravitating toward places designed for foreigners? While it’s natural to seek familiarity at first, staying in this comfort zone can keep you from truly integrating into your new home.
Shift: Try local restaurants, learn basic phrases (at the very least!) in the local language, and engage with community events beyond the expat bubble.
You Prioritize “Instagrammable” Moments Over Genuine Experiences
Are your cultural experiences centered around curated tours, popular attractions, or bucket-list activities? Those things are fine—tourist spots are popular for a reason and it would be a shame to miss out on them while you are living in that country. But if your main focus is checking off sights instead of understanding daily life, you might be consuming culture rather than living it.
Shift: Slow down. Observe how locals spend their time, visit places not in the guidebooks, and engage in everyday activities—like shopping at the local market (not just the import store) or using public transport—to get a more authentic feel for the culture.
You Expect Your New Country to Cater to You
Do you feel frustrated when things don’t work the way you’re used to? Whether it’s different customer service standards, bureaucracy, or social norms, expecting your new home to function like your old one is a sign of a consumer mindset—where culture is something to be consumed rather than adapted to.
Shift: Approach differences with curiosity instead of comparison. Ask why things are done a certain way, and be open to adopting new habits rather than resisting them.
The Takeaway
Culture isn’t something you “buy” or “consume”—it’s something you participate in. The more you embrace local ways of life, the more fulfilling and meaningful your expat experience will be.
REFLECT: Have you ever caught yourself in a tourist mindset while living abroad? What helped you break out of it?