5 things people find rude about expats (and how to avoid them)

Moving to a new country is exciting—but it’s easy to accidentally rub locals the wrong way. Whether you’re living in Zurich, Berlin, or Singapore, many expats make the same cultural faux pas without realizing it. And while locals are often forgiving, repeated slip-ups can impact your relationships, reputation, or even career.

Here are five common behaviors locals find rude in expats—and what you can do instead.Moving to a new country is exciting—but it’s easy to accidentally rub locals the wrong way. Whether you’re living in Zurich, Berlin, or Singapore, many expats make the same cultural faux pas without realizing it. And while locals are often forgiving, repeated slip-ups can impact your relationships, reputation, or even career.

1. Not learning the local language

Even in places where English is widely spoken (like Zurich), relying on it exclusively can come across as dismissive or entitled. Locals often see language as a sign of respect—and putting in the effort, even at a basic level, goes a long way.

Why it feels rude:

It signals that you’re not interested in integrating or making an effort.

What to do instead:

Learn key phrases, greet people in their language (e.g., “Grüezi” in Zurich), and take a local language class—even if you mostly work in English.

2. Comparing everything to “back home”

Statements like “In the U.S., we do it better” or “This would never happen in London” may seem harmless, but they can come across as arrogant or condescending.

Why it feels rude:

It suggests the local way is inferior and that you’re not open-minded.

What to do instead:

Ask questions instead of judging. Say, “How does this usually work here?” rather than offering a comparison. Be curious, not critical.

3. Ignoring local social norms

Whether it’s showing up late, speaking loudly in public, or not greeting people in elevators, small social norms matter—especially in cultures like Switzerland where structure and politeness are valued.

Why it feels rude:

It can feel like you’re disregarding the social fabric or disrupting the peace.

What to do instead:

Observe how locals behave and mirror it. In Zurich, for example, punctuality, quietness, and formal greetings go a long way.

4. Sticking only with other expats

It’s natural to gravitate toward fellow foreigners who “get” your experience. But if you never branch out, it can signal that you’re not interested in the local community.

Why it feels rude:

It can create a feeling of exclusion or elitism—and reinforces a cultural bubble.

What to do instead:

Join local clubs, attend community events, or say yes to coffee with coworkers. It’s not about abandoning your expat friends—just adding some local flavor.

5. Assuming the rules don’t apply to you

From recycling regulations to noise ordinances, some expats assume they’ll be excused for not knowing the rules. But in many countries—Switzerland included—there’s little tolerance for bending norms.

Why it feels rude:

It shows a lack of respect for the community and gives the impression that you expect special treatment.

What to do instead:

Ask, research, and follow local rules (yes, even sorting your trash properly). When in doubt, ask a neighbor or colleague what’s expected.

Final Thoughts

Being an expat is about more than just moving countries—it’s about adapting, learning, and building bridges. Most locals appreciate the effort, even if you don’t always get it right. With a bit of self-awareness and humility, you can go from “foreigner” to “valued neighbor” faster than you think.