What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Netherlands?
We asked people in Netherlands if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"In the Dutch movie theaters you MUST sit where the usher directs you. The first time I went to the movies, I just sat where I wanted and I was reprimanded in front of the whole theater! Also, you have to bag your own groceries at the supermarkets and if you aren't quick enough, the cashier will yell at you to hurry up! Luckily, the Dutch are very forgiving. If they know you are a foreigner they'll excuse your ignorant behavior," commented one expat who made the move to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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"A 10 or 12 yr-old girl came to my door and said "Heeft u een telefoneboek?" I thought she wanted to borrow our phone book and I had no idea where it was. So I said "Nee, sorry!" She looked at me weird and turned to go to the next house. That's when I saw the big bag on her commuter rack--she was delivering phone books. No wonder she thought it was weird that I apologized :-) It wasn't that embarassing, but something definitely got lost in translation," remarked another expat in Hengelo, Netherlands.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in The Netherlands?
- How do I meet people in The Netherlands?
- What is life like in The Netherlands?
- Is there a lot of crime in The Netherlands?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in The Netherlands accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in The Netherlands like?
- Is the cost of living in The Netherlands high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in The Netherlands?
- What are healthcare services like in The Netherlands?
- Is the cost of living in The Netherlands high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in The Netherlands?
- What is the weather like in The Netherlands?
- Are there good restaurants in The Netherlands?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in The Netherlands?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in The Netherlands?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in The Netherlands?
- What do I need to know when buying property in The Netherlands?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in The Netherlands?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Netherlands?
If you live in The Netherlands, newcomers to The Netherlands would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
