It was a real culture shock.

Meaning

The experience was significantly different from what was expected, often in a surprising way.

Examples

• John: 'Adjusting to life in a completely different culture was challenging.'<br>
• Alice: 'I imagine it was. <b>It was a real culture shock</b> for me too.'
• John: '<b>It was a real culture shock</b>, then?'
• Alice: 'The customs in that region were vastly different from what I'm used to.'<br>