Arriving in a new country is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Every culture has its own way of doing things, from how people greet one another to how they dress, eat, and even queue. If you are not careful, you can quickly stand out as a “JJC”, a Nigerian slang term for “Johnny Just Come”, used to describe someone who is clearly new, inexperienced, or unfamiliar with local ways. The good news is that with the right approach, you can blend in faster and avoid looking like a newcomer.
- Learn the basics of the language
You do not need to speak fluently from day one, but picking up simple greetings, polite expressions, and common phrases shows effort and respect. Locals appreciate foreigners who try to communicate in their language, even if imperfectly. It also helps you get around more easily and understand the culture from within. - Observe before acting
One of the quickest ways to adapt is to watch how locals behave in public spaces. Notice how they greet each other, how they interact with strangers, how they eat, and how they dress. By observing, you gain unspoken rules that no guidebook will teach you. - Dress appropriately
Clothing can instantly reveal you as an outsider. While it is not necessary to abandon your personal style, making small adjustments to fit into the local environment can make you look more at home. For example, if people tend to dress conservatively, doing the same will help you blend better. - Pick up social cues
In every society, there are do’s and don’ts that may not be obvious at first. Pay attention to body language, tone of voice, and expressions. Learning when to smile, when to keep quiet, and how to show respect in conversations will make a big difference. - Avoid flaunting wealth or showing off
Carrying too much cash, flashing expensive gadgets, or behaving in a loud manner can quickly mark you as a newcomer and even make you a target. Keep things low key until you understand the environment better. - Make friends with locals
Nothing helps you blend faster than building genuine relationships with people who live there. They can explain unwritten cultural rules, warn you about common mistakes, and even introduce you to places you would not discover on your own. - Be patient with yourself
Finally, remember that blending in takes time. Do not pressure yourself to get everything right at once. Every small effort you make adds up, and soon enough, you will no longer feel like a stranger.