Honest Ukrainians

[Muzh]

In Colombia, there is a word "ambioso" to look for advantage ... maybe similar to a mixture of "status climber / opportunist in English"  Whenever a stranger enters a less priviledged world, there are many false friends. But, at the same time, you do have to give people a chance.

You mean ambisioso and it does NOT mean status climber/opportunist.
 
Ambisioso simply means the person is ambitious.
 
Also, you can find hipocritas (false friends) in the priviledged world. As a matter of fact, I'd bet the ratio of hipocritas is 10 - 1 in favor of the priviledged.
 
Again, foreigners spending a month or two and they become experts of a different culture.

[ML]

Which means that if you belong to the inner circle you can trust them with your life. If not, they will use whatever opportunity they get.

This sums it up fairly concisely.

[IAmZon]

Don't confuse kindness with honesty

Point well taken.  I have posted a couple comments upthread that are blunt and course.  When traveling I always trust people as far as I can throw them.  I always assume I am going to be robbed or in a confrontation of some sort.   I left my rose colored glasses back there A LONG TIME AGO.

BUT, actually, I have met many many good people in the countries in which I have traveled.  You have to simultaneously give them a chance and expect a jab to the nose. I can take a jab; I just don't want to get hit with a big right hook.

[lakeShoreMark]

Again, foreigners spending a month or two and they become experts of a different culture.

good observation