70 | When Honest Sounds Rude: Culture Shock for Digital Nomads

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------------------------------ Moving abroad means learning more than visas, language and where to find good Wi-Fi. Every culture comes with invisible rules about how people communicate, build trust, handle conflict and form relationships.

In this episode, Palle Bo and Christoph Huebner speak with cross-cultural coach Tamara Peklić about what happens when those rules collide. Originally from Croatia and now based in the US, Tamara shares what she learned from adapting to American culture without losing her own identity.

They explore why direct communication can sound rude in one culture and refreshingly efficient in another, why "How are you?" does not always mean the same thing everywhere, and how living abroad can change the way you see both your new country and the place you came from.

The conversation also turns directly to nomad life – including the danger of staying entirely inside the expat bubble, how to build relationships with locals, and Tamara's advice to "adapt, don't assimilate."

Key Takeaways

• Every culture has unwritten communication rules that can easily lead to misunderstandings.
• Directness, politeness and even small talk can mean very different things across cultures.
• Living abroad can change your identity and how you view your home culture.
• Adapting to another culture does not have to mean giving up your own.
• Nomads benefit from maintaining connections with other internationals while also building relationships with local people.
• Consistent hobbies and local activities can be a practical way to move beyond the nomad bubble.

Relevant Links

• Tamara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamarapeklic/
• Tamara on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tamarapeklic
• Tamara on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tamarapeklic
• Tamara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarapeklic