Culture shock is unavoidable for many expats in the early stage of relocation. This can be due to many personal reasons that have led to the discomfort in adjusting to a new society. The greater the difference there is in the environment from the home country, the greater the culture shock is likely to occur. Newcomers usually take a while before fully adapting to life in Hong Kong, but time eventually mends the gap of cultural differences. In some severe cases, however, people will feel estranged from general society and experience depression or withdrawal. As culture shock is a psychological state that some people experience, it does not necessarily mean it happens to everyone. Developing new hobbies, engaging in community activities, and meeting new friends are all excellent ways to prevent or relieve culture shock for expats.

Culture shock involves many different aspects of life. One of the most common reasons for culture shock is the difference in food culture, as the western diet and the Asian diet widely differ. Westerners may come across food items that they do not consider as edible in their home countries that may lead to discomfort. Another is etiquette in which they encounter instances where they would be considered to inappropriately behave socially. Lastly, lifestyle habits and language may induce culture shock as the way of life within the social circle of family and friends is inevitably very much different from their native countries.