🇳🇱 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to The Netherlands - Jovie's Home

[@YuRaLL]

we don't tip in the Netherlands because we actually pay those jobs a decent wage.

[@anneliesv581]

Except if they did an excellent job, like if they go beyond service and you really appreciate it.

[@edith3715]

Sorry?? Ik geef wel tips. Aan kappers. Taxi. Restaurants. Sorry. Ppl give tips to hairdressers and in restaurants and taxi.

[@robinkuit]

I tip a standard 10% for every service (taxis, restaurants) and a little more for food delivery (pay their tips in cash, otherwise they won't get it) and I'm Dutch.

[@lichtbewolkt]

@@edith3715 I don't, I PIN the exact amounts

[@estudent222]

Robin Kuit same here: I'm Dutch and depending on the quality of the service I tip 5-10 percent, 10-20 for food delivery. As for the lack of help being offered... I had expat colleagues mention the same thing. The thing is, independence is highly valued, and sometimes you want people to ignore you or the whole situation (e.g. if your groceries fell on the ground), because you can deal with it, but you may be in a bad mood and not want to deal with other people for a few minutes. I always check if people want me to help or not instead of immediately helping, it can at times be considered rude, condescending or unpleasant to butt in and try to fix someone's problems for them.

[@Kaaskopman]

#4: My opinion: ALWAYS learn the language, no matter in which country you're moving in.

[@barvdw]

Indeed. Now, I won't bother learning the language just for visiting, more than some basic vocabulary (thank you, please, hello, yes, no, beer...), but when you live somewhere permanently, you should always make an effort, no matter how good they can communicate in your language, or English.

[@Sargent.Pierce]

@@barvdw I've lived now in five countries. Do I need to learn the language of every one of those places, especially if most people speak English? I lived in France and studied French in school so I knew a bit anyway. I lived in Russia and learned Russian. I lived on Cyprus but they speak English. I lived in London and I grew up speaking English, but now I'm living in Germany, but I don't speak German, but most people here speak English. Do I need to speak German?

[@baskruitnl]

@@Sargent.Pierce Sure, al least learn to understand it.

[@jeroen669]

@@Sargent.Pierce Yes, you do.

[@Sargent.Pierce]

@@jeroen669 Forget traveling then. Just stay home and don't live your life according to your standards. Live according to others.

[@ellis1034]

I feel like a lot people from the us find people in European “rude” is because in the us people are over the top friendly, and to me, as a belgian, that comes across a little fake. In countries like the Netherlands or Belgium people are just polite and that’s it, no fake niceties.

[@dominiccounts4023]

How about this. The two cultures are just different. No need to be critical of either one.

[@terranostra9976]

we are arrogant, we dutch, that's all, we are the great pretenders, we know what is fake, what is real, what is nice, what is just, look at our history, we went everywhere with our ships putting people to work for us while we were getting all the profits.......we forgot that most of us were a poor people till the sixties when things got better for the common people

[@Rob-rg7ix]

Terra Nostra I think you are just unhappy.😘

[@snow73cone1]

Hey! American here! I worked in the customer service industry here for about 10 years. It’s not necessarily fake. Yes, if someone is being rude, employers expect you keep a positive and helpful tone. But honestly, it’s hard living here and if you’re in the lower income brackets, there’s a sense of kinship between people that are struggling. I’ve been reading a lot of comments from people in the Netherlands (looking for places to travel), and there are so many generalizations about Americans, more than I expected. It’s so interesting...it hurts a bit, but it’s great to know what people would think of me if I visited, keeps me aware of how America is viewed.

[@JaredTVW]

Some parts of the US are more homely and polite, and some parts are more direct and blunt and some are nice to your face but gossip when your back is turned. All shades of personality. But I think you are right about our perception. Often people in the US see European countries as rude, but it’s just a difference in culture. We are all people and we must treat all people with respect regardless of their or our cultural influence.

[@ageoflove1980]

Number 11 : Know what biking lanes are and dont walk there please :-)

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

Learn the traffic rules applies to every country you visit. It's not just a Dutch thing. I'm getting in trouble if I walk on the middle of the road elsewhere too, or if I drive my car on the sidewalk.

[@abrahamcusters2987]

Gert-Jan van der Lee But bicycles are allowed to ride on the sidewalk????

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

@@abrahamcusters2987 No, sidewalk is for pedestrians. Bicycle lanes are for bicycles.

[@abrahamcusters2987]

Gert-Jan van der Lee So how come that there are so many bicycles on the sidewalk?

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

@@abrahamcusters2987 You should ask those people. How come so many people drive too fast? Why do people drive through red lights? I don't know. But because many people do something, that doesn't mean it's allowed.

[@ohhi5237]

TIP: take the train from airport to amsterdam, not a taxi

[@martijnspruit]

Excellent tip!

[@JoviesHome]

Agreed; unless you are moving and have more than 2 pieces of luggage (one per hand). In that case, splurge for a taxi.

[@martijnspruit]

@@JoviesHome I would never take a taxi from the airport to Den Haag (and pay €100,-). But perhaps I'm far more used to good public transport. I understand that in the USA people look upon taxis as public transport too...

[@benjik3161]

and save 90 euros lmao

[@wendeline4234]

@@JoviesHome I'm Dutch, yet I fully agree with you :)

[@rubikfan1]

4:30 best way to tip in the netherlands. just round up to a nice number. say you ticket is 116,39. round it up to 120. if is 39,50 make it 40. it safes everybody time. no need for change. we dutch love time!

[@pheniks0]

even if you tip 10 cents, we would still be surprised ;-) we dont "expect" tips

[@JadeyFadeyMCR]

I sometimes do that, but mostly I don't. Any tipping is included in the prices you pay. Have you SEEN the price they ask for a simple coke or Heineken?! It's stupid (and not even that good).

[@diedertspijkerboer]

About learning Dutch: if you go to parties, Dutch people will automatically start speaking Dutch with each other and you will feel left out, unless you continually initiate conversations.

[@JoviesHome]

Diedert Spijkerboer indeed, this!! I can’t wait to be able to participate in Dutch with my neighbors and friends ❤️

[@debbienuchelmans]

Ohh! My friends from the UK say they’re having a hard time learning Dutch, because everyone here speake English and picks up on it when you’re non native Dutch. So they all continue in English, which makes it hard for them to learn how to properly speak Dutch. Might depend on the location as well! I live in Amsterdam, where everyone speaks English. Anyway, fun video! 🤗

[@danielhofig8429]

Of course durch people are handy. They built their Land from scratch.😁

[@Tangocita444]

Best comment of the week on KZbin! Love Dutch ingenuity!

[@MakingitinHolland]

Daniel Höfig this is some true facts :)

[@danielhofig8429]

@@obelic71 cool.👍

[@dantesinporno]

They built their land out of ocean actually. Because that's a thing you can do apparently.

[@obelic71]

@@dantesinporno Last week in 4 days an entire underpassage for a new railway station was put in place under a major highway and railroad. The railroad was only closed for 3 days the highway needed 1 day more. Just watch the timelaps footage. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h52ToZSDarqpj68

[@oa194]

Dutch people don’t like debts, they like savings. One of the reasons why credit cards are not that common in NL

[@nulian]

Think biggest part creditcards are not accepted in shops is because master/visa are all v-pay and have far higher cost per transaction. While our debit cards are maestro and have very low per transaction cost.

[@TcGroenestege]

Thing is also that you can pay anywhere with debit cards, so there isn't really a need for a credit card.

[@Brinta3]

I think if you look up the numbers, Dutch people have many other kinds of debts. But like Tom says: A normal bankcard is all you really need. Perhaps a difference in America is that it’s much easier to get a creditcard. They want you to borrow money from them and get in debt, whereas in the Netherlands a personal creditcard is more like an extra service from your bank, next to your normal card.

[@ElenaBonbon]

We only use creditcards mostly when visiting the US

[@xXTheoLinuxXx]

Creditcards aren't that common in the Netherlands compared to other countries. If people are using one, it is most of the times for holiday/travel reasons. I guess you know why, you have to pay bills for that card, and most of us hate bills or paying in general :P

[@intothelabyrinth01]

True. and very annoying for us when we go abroad, where every shop, company or accomodation expects us to have one. To get a creditcard here you have to earn above 1150 eur a month. Most people live with less. (this might be shocking in one of the richest countries of the world, and that's because the money goes to the wrong places and projects as ever, since the EU was formed.

[@xXTheoLinuxXx]

@@intothelabyrinth01 I earn a lot more, but I don't want a creditcard. People can easily get in trouble with creditcards, so I'd rather pay with the money I have. But I agree 100% with you that we are doing a bad job when it comes to the EU. We are the biggest payers (when it comes to citizens) to the EU. A long answer short would be something like this. you give someone 15 dollar and you're happy that that one gives you 5 dollar back.

[@Uwe_Ludolf]

We only spend money if we have it. No need for a credit card ;)

[@Aunti_Pillow]

@@Uwe_Ludolf I only had a creditcard to buy oversees. But now the banking is more international, and easier. I subscribed some magazines from the UK and years a go paying with a card was the easiest way. Otherwise we pay with pin and a card (or phone) or pay cash. Pin is by far the most used item to pay in the Netherlands. If you don't have ut, you couldn't spend it! But some try and their acount with the bank is minus... we call this staying red! (Rood staan)

[@NoorNoor-ul5zh]

Theo Buunermond I use my Creditcard for everything 🤣🤣 its more Safe!

[@martijnvv8031]

About D.I.Y , my daughter is living in a large student apartment and last week the flushing system of her toilet broke. So the owner of the building hired a plumber. That guy showed up without tools..... and asked my daughter if she had some pliers.... Well , when she moved out of my house I bought a big toolbox for her, filled with top quality tools. And so she showed him who's the boss ! She said the look on his face was priceless hahaha. But, he couldn't fix the toilet...he had to order a new sealing rubber and it will take two days. Again she showed him who's the boss, because her grandfather was a plumber for 45 years, and so she said to the guy, my grandfather would have a simple standard thing like that in his car. She went to the Hornbach and fixed the toilet herself. (yes I'm a proud daddy, and her grandfather would be very proud too)

[@Esmeagolly]

For point 7 we like to be self reliant, we are raised to be so for the most part. And we don’t like to impose on people, baby them, of Give them the feeling like they arn’t capable of doing things on their own( I guess it’s also a pride thing) but when someone asks for help we are more then willing. But our mindset is “I’m going to try this myself first and if I can’t then I’ll ask for help, but at least I tried”

[@okkietrooy7941]

It is also a privacy thing. You do not want to impose or suggest that they are not capable. But it depends on the situation. For example most people in a wheelchair are perfectly able to get around. They do not like it if frequently someone asks if they need help. They enjoy their indepence. But if I see someone in a wheelchair struggling with a ramp, I will ask if they want help. Same with blind people. Most of them are perfectly able to manage routes they know. Pedestrian crossovers have an audible sign to help them. But if I see someone struggle, I will ask if they need help or they ask me to help them. But there is also the courteagous help. I am getting older now but still very able to carry bags, handle suitcases etc. However, it happens more and more that when entering a train, someone asks me if I would like it if he put my suitcase in the train. And why not? I could still do it myself but these guys are stronger than I am. I am also not hesitant to ask if I need help with my luggage. But depending on the situation spontaneous help is offered.

[@ooSicknesSoo]

A nice example for number 7 are restaurants. A waiter will wait for you're sign to order and will not impose on you. They normally just come by you're table only once or twice asking if you got everything you need. If you make clear you need something they'll help you and you will get everything you need. It's seen a bit as rude over here, when a waitress will not let you enjoy your meal and comes asking regularly if there's anything you need. Most people are like: "If I need anything, I'll ask for it, now let me eat." lol

[@candice2875]

I absolutely love Dutch culture. This is how it should be! 😍

[@suzannerekseom8909]

Soda in the Netherlands is more seen as something nice, for the taste. If you're thirsty you drink water, coffee, tea or maybe water with a bit of lemonade syrup.

[@luke8104]

suzanne rekseom dat doet letterlijk niemand in mijn omgeving

[@suzannerekseom8909]

@@luke8104 o, drinken jullie wel de hele dag frisdrank?

[@i.k9130]

Inderdaad:)

[@sadkingbilly]

Luke en hier doet letterlijk iedereen dat, vooral water of siroop. Koffie is. Oor bij de lunch en koffietijd, na 20:00 hooguit een limonade. Dus?

[@Ariantine]

Mee eens! En veel gezonder.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

One other big tip, which may be obvious, is: buy a bicycle and start cycling. Learn the basic traffic rules and legislation for bicycles and buy a "regenpak" (rain suit): a combination of water resistant pants and water resistant coat. City center parking is expensive and sometimes very scarce for cars while outside bicycle parking is almost always free and abundantly available. You can buy a very basic second hand one for about 100 Euros or pay more for more comfort and luxury. Electric bicycles are also widely available, but a lot more expensive. Dutch towns and cities are designed around bicycle use and as a result, you will soon start to feel safe and comfortable when riding your bike. For example: on busy roads with fast traffic, there are lanes for bicycles which are seperated from the main road. Also, at busy crossroads, there are separate traffic lights for cyclists which make collisions virtually impossible. That cycling is safe here is also evidenced by the absence of protective helmets and the many children who are allowed to cycle to school by themselves. Apart from all this, 10 to 30 minutes of cycling to and from work is very refreshing when your job requires you to sit down all the time. I have also heard a persistent rumor that cycling is good for your health. This health benefit is supposed to be enhanced when you also start exploring the countryside on your bike on your weekends off.

[@toaojjc]

About #7: in the Netherlands it's considered pushy if you offer help unsolisitated. It ties in with #9. We assume you know what to do and ask if you need help.

[@Mdsz28]

Unsolicited advice on the other hand....

[@toaojjc]

@@Mdsz28 well yes... If we see you make a mistake a lot of is will point that out.... We don't let you make too much mistakes on your own. For me it is the time to inform if help is needed. Example I was on a Dutch campside and out neighbour for the week arrived. He started to build his tent. After 30 minutes he was clearly not going to get it set up on his own. So me and my husband went over to ask if he needed some help sorting out what went where and if he wanted us to help with the setup.

[@Mdsz28]

toaojjc help and advice are not the same 😊

[@Brinta3]

As a Dutch person I am sometimes a bit surprised with the things she says (when I don’t recognise it entirely) but that DIY mentality is so true. Moving is done with the help of friends and family, including painting, putting up wallpaper, laying floors, carpeting, etc.

[@draaikont8637]

there's a huge mental difference between living in the city vs living up the country in the netherlands. in the east of the netherlans they are more down to earth and willing to help.

[@dobberdop]

As a Dutch i can say... You did a great job..and i hope it helps others... Goed gedaan!

[@kyravanmeijl731]

When I visited America for the first time, I got really overwhelmed with their friendliness. I was so not used to that! And the tipping culture is pretty weird to me. I mean, if you work in a restaurant, you are not responsible for the financial risk. The owner is. Thats with all businesses, right?

[@stroopwafel885]

the tip goes directly to the waiter/waitress and not to the owner

[@Suzuniyukai]

Unfortunately in America, tips would probably be at least 95% of someone's wage. Some restaurants do pay their employees decently but its a rare find because using the cheapest labor is seen as the best. Sometimes tips don't even get to go to who they are handed to. They might lose 5% of the tip or more to the business, or not even be allowed to keep a tip. Its not something that those people who are in the employment position can really fight unless its a major state or country wide strike.

[@ElenaBonbon]

Yes, I experienced the fake Americans' friendlyness too. But it was nice because I knew it wasn't real but an act of being 'American' I think

[@Proposal12]

No , because in the US waiters live off tips more so then the hourly wage they get which is low, that´s why it´s common to tip in the US , it´s a service as any other, if you call your internet provider for example and the person on the other end isn´t friendly , would you stay with that provider, same with customer service at airlines...Europe lacks customer service and it´s not "fake", you tip based on the service not the fact they served you...

[@LaLa-ck9zp]

@@Proposal12 tip is EXPECTED, regardless of the service. Also, most servers make WELL over minimum wage - it’s generally excluded from the conversation, but employers are required to make up the difference between base pay and minimum wage if (after tips) there is a disparity. Servers will tell you, there is never a disparity.

[@yunuusakbas]

Im a Dutch guy living in Germany, if you think Dutch people are cold, do not go to Germany bc you might think you're in Sibira...

[@efjeK]

The do it yourself thing: In my (Dutch) family when someone moves they often invite a lot of family over to have a kind of 'moving party' and everyone helps painting walls, laying floors, wallpaper, shelving, furniture. With moving it is very common not to use any professional help at all and invite family over to get it all done as quickly as possible.

[@JoviesHome]

Eva that sounds so fun! I’d love that 💕

[@esmee6308]

For me that was a culture shock moving to the UK, my boyfriend always talked about how close he was with his family so I expected we'd get it done in a weekend, all working together. Oh boy was I wrong, we were all on our own, when my mother heard she, my sister and her husband came over and we got it all done in a weekend.

[@GorinRedspear]

In my (Belgian) family, that's not an option. They'd be thrilled to help, but I don't trust them to hammer in a nail without amputating their foot. All highly educated, no diy skills...

[@aranielleb7718]

That's really nice.. Love that

[@dalelowry9172]

You are SO FUN to watch! I had a dutch boyfriend twenty years ago and spent a year in "The Netherlands" so you are hitting on so many things that I remember as being true. Absolutely the best place on the planet to live. Dutch people RULE! I was always made to feel at home in that country and you are so lucky to be there. Their culture is so much more advanced than ours, they really have it figured out! I love the Dutch anywhere I meet them. I know they think i'm crazy cause whenever I meet someone from The Netherlands I just want to hug them!

[@chesleecallum6392]

She explanes well and the funny thing is as a dutch citizen, i got an idea of the American life now...she mentioned useful stuff. And its niet one better over the other, its Just the differences.

[@HaKi1950]

About tipping in the U.S.: my parents used to have a neighbour (retired widower) living alone. He was not a poor man so he could afford traveling a lot and also went on vacation to the U.S. There somehow he met a widow who had several jobs as a waitress. She had immense trouble to make ends meet. Well, my parents' neighbour fell in love with her and they got married. He took her to his small house in The Hague where she came from hell into heaven so to speak, having a husband with good income, DUTCH health insurance to which she now had access and a small but very nice house in that indeed great city of The Hague. They even could afford to fly to the U.S. once a year to visit her children and grandchildren. When she met my parents and found out that my father (died 1988) was a very talented and gifted hobby painter (making copies of old Dutch masters, still lives etc.) that lady took lessons with him, proving she too had much talent (she was thrilled). They used to live at Kamperfoeliestraat, opposite of the cementry.

[@fleurbloem5462]

You're so calming to watch!

[@JoviesHome]

Thank you Fleur!

[@jhonny44444]

Got a certain ASMR vibe, indeed!

[@fleurbloem5462]

@@jhonny44444 yes!

[@jackflash3000]

She got the looks and the charmes, Fleur!

[@Tardis216]

Jovie, this is an excellent list. So honest, so helpful, every expat (not only Americans) should see this video when they move to The Netherlands. Of course every expat or immigrant will encounter some other peculiarities not mentioned on this video, but it is indeed a good start. edit: My late brother in law was an American, born and raised in Los Angeles. My sister and he wanted to spend the second half of their life in The Netherlands. Sadly, he had a huge cultureshock as a direct result of his attitude that, being an American, The Netherlands should adapt to him, not vice versa. He didn't do a proper attempt to learn the language and as a result of all this, he couldn't find a job. After a few years he felt totally useless, became ill and died. In addition to your video I urge every expat or immigrant to learn at least the basics of the language of the country you're moving to. You should adapt to that country, don't expect that country to adapt to you.

[@indifairey9131]

Indeed a perfect list! Sorry to hear Jan Maarten!

[@mischake]

KZbin tip: turn up the volume

[@JoviesHome]

mischa wolf thanks! Our mic issues have been sorted out and new videos have drastically improved sound quality ❤️

[@albanaacunha846]

mischa wolf I think she is whispering

[@MrEmilio6969]

Agree(whispering, not nice)

[@MrPieeatter]

If you don't have a support group of expat moms don't come here. The Expat Explorer Survey rates the Netherlands as the world's most expat-unfriendly country. The Expat Explorer Survey (4.127 expats, 100 countries) investigated the "ability to be friends with locals," "success in learning the local language," "capacity for integrating themselves into the community" and "ease in which they fit into the new culture." Canada (ranking first for the second time in a row), Bermuda and South Africa were top rated as they offer high integration with locals. Note that more than 80 percent of the expats in these countries were native English speakers. Among the worst in welcoming expats were the Netherlands and India. The Expat Explorer Survey is the largest independent global expat survey commissioned by the HSBC Bank International. The survey, now in its third year, took place from April to June (2010). Countries with less than 30 respondents were excluded and thus, results represent 25 countries in total. World’s friendliest countries › Canada › Bermuda › South Africa › USA › Australia › Spain › France › United Kingdom › Malaysia › Germany

[@lennarthoek458]

Jovie say @ 16:35 "no Maestro" but that's not true. The dutch pinpas these day is a Maestro or V-Pay card. So if you have a Maestro or V-Pay logo on your card you can pay almost everywhere. If you have a Mastercard debit card it could also work but the terminal should be configured well. The reason why a lot of shops doesn't support credit cards is the transaction fees. Maestro/V-Pay cost 5,5 ct per transaction, Mastercard/Visa cost 1,7% of the total amount (fees from Rabobank).

[@SanderEvers]

Six: remember, the Netherlands is a tiny country with more than 17 million people living here. Big living space is simply not possible for most of them.

[@Stoney_Eagle]

You pronounce Utrecht very good, now work on Amsterdam 😂😂 Why not end your videos with a full Dutch sentence like a quote or saying? 😉

[@JoviesHome]

UMMMM This is a fantastic idea!! Maybe from Jan 1 I start doing this!! Thank you!

[@nicjansen230]

@@JoviesHome Why not start now? :P

[@Aunti_Pillow]

Yes, I hoped you should explained some things in Dutch. By example; you tell an issue and tell how we Dutch people call this... say this.. may be funny names or sayings, you thought at the first impression, what? How do you call this? And why? What excactly did you say? What does it mean? You say: "it's raining cats and dogs". We say "het regent pijpenstelen". No one knows what are "pijpenstelen"? I Googled it came from smoking a pipe. The long and thin handle of a pipe. Long an thin handle of a pipe... So it rains pipehandles, its rains long and hard...

[@bernicel1168]

Yes for example:" bedankt voor het kijken en tot de volgende keer :-) doei"

[@BoSengers-hp6nh]

We say: hou het wisselgeld maar. That means that if it costs 45€ and we give 50€ we say keep the change, and we also pay allot so that people can have jobs much people donate.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

If you can tip 5 Euro, I really would like to know you :-)

[@CharlesvanDijk-ir6bl]

The most honest people I ever encountered was in Korea. Restaurants the waiter comes back with the menu when you want to pay the bill. Checks every item and returns with the correct change. I never border about coins abroad. In the US you're made aware before you arrive about the tipping culture. In the Philippines in some restaurants the waiters are independent contractors. They must pay money to work in restaurants. Is obvious they also survive on tips alone. In Indonesia if you don't speak the language you end up paying the tourist fee which is ten times that of what the locals pay. Teman Safari in Bali and Java are two examples. To the Dutch you're entitled how you deal with foreigners and I have seen far worse.

[@masspence1]

It's respectful to acknowledge and honor the cultural of a new country when you move to one. Including their laws and differences in legal systems.

[@JoviesHome]

I agree with you, however, it can truly take some time to get settled and learn about all of the differences. At least for me, it took quite a while to "find my way" given that I came here to work in an international organization with my Spanish husband and we didn't have any Dutch friends, colleagues or family members to ask for help/reference. But certainly if you move to another country and can rely on support from locals to help you integrating faster/easier, then it's much smoother. Thanks for watching!

[@masspence1]

@Ad Lockhorst yes.

[@tecolumpiodelos]

I had to turn the volume ridiculously up to hear you and then the add came up... Surprisingly I'm not dead

[@XCVIII]

I have a friend from the US who wants to move here so these videos are really helpful

[@JoviesHome]

Thank you so much! I'm really happy to hear that 💛💛

[@cajundragon]

@@JoviesHome I'm doing research now. Considering moving Feb 1st to Den Haag. Would you do it again if time was reversed? I have a list of 13 things about the US I really dislike that aren't issues in the NL.

[@JoviesHome]

I would do it a million times over. I cannot see myself living in the States ever again.

[@cajundragon]

@@JoviesHome Guess I'm going to need to learn how to ride a bike!

[@MrPieeatter]

@@JoviesHome Lived here 20yrs and agree with the following. Take off the rose-tinted spectacles. the Expat Explorer Survey rates the Netherlands as the world's most expat-unfriendly country. The Expat Explorer Survey (4.127 expats, 100 countries) investigated the "ability to be friends with locals," "success in learning the local language," "capacity for integrating themselves into the community" and "ease in which they fit into the new culture." Canada (ranking first for the second time in a row), Bermuda and South Africa were top rated as they offer high integration with locals. Note that more than 80 percent of the expats in these countries were native English speakers. Among the worst in welcoming expats were the Netherlands and India. The Expat Explorer Survey is the largest independent global expat survey commissioned by the HSBC Bank International. The survey, now in its third year, took place from April to June (2010). Countries with less than 30 respondents were excluded and thus, results represent 25 countries in total. World’s friendliest countries › Canada › Bermuda › South Africa › USA › Australia › Spain › France › United Kingdom › Malaysia › Germany

[@melisvb]

you're voice and way of speaking is very calming, just came across a video of yours and now i'm bingewatching them all :) you definitely got a new subscriber now!

[@Angela-lo5bw]

20% tipping culture, made me laugh out loud. 😂😂😂😂 Nope, nope, nope. You want more, you charge more.

[@zorrowv8045]

Yep, tips in the Netherlands are more to show appreciation. The real costs are (or should be) already incorporated in the prices. That's also the reason that you need to pay more if you want more, but sometimes restaurants offer a "all you can eat" concept - the catch: you still have to pay for every drink. In England tips are seperately added to the bill and therefore mandatory.

[@playmotogaming]

Hey Jovie, goed gedaan. Creditcard’s kosten hier veel geld aan servicekosten, en je wordt ook geregistreerd bij het BKR. Dat kan gevolgen hebben voor leningen en hypotheek aanvragen. Alle reguliere banken geven een normale betaalkaart, ofwel de pinpas. Die kan je in heel Europa gebruiken om te pinnen en betalen. Nederlanders werken steeds meer met pinnen en weinig met cash. Het hoort bij je bankrekening. Tip: je kan online betaalrekening bij meeste banken aanvragen, en alles wordt dan naar jouw adres (bijv nieuwe NL adres) gestuurd per post 😉 heb je meteen bankrekening en pas als je aankomt 👍

[@Daph909]

The Dutch banking system is designed to keep people out of debt (for the most part). Transaction fees on debit cards are much lower than transaction fees on creditcards. This makes getting (and paying with) a creditcard a lot less attractive, which keeps people from building up loads of debt :) I was so shocked when I opened a bank account in Canada and I was told it wasn't just mandatory to get a creditcard, but I was strongly advised to pay everything with that card instead of the debit card. The banker saw my surprise and asked me how things where done where I'm from, so I explained and the banker replied "Yeah, a lot of Canadians are in debt.." No surprise there..

[@ejb7183]

Dutch people are normally willing to help and you don't need to ask for it. It depends who your friends are

[@Moosie006]

Really nice to see how others see us, so interesting to see it through someone elses eyes😇

[@BettieBoeBoeppidoe]

I don't know if it was mentioned. Maestro is accepted in most stores. It is how i pay with my Belgian debet card.

[@Rob-rg7ix]

Point 7, it’s also about privacy. People here respect you’re privacy and don’t want to disturb you with “fake” kindness. This is what I experience when I am in the states.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

Because of high wages and taxes, costs of having jobs done around the house are expensive. That's one of the main reasons why we do a lot of DIY.

[@darryltoombs1076]

Even though I've lived here for nearly 8 years I'm still picking up tips from you that have come in handy so job well done.

[@JoviesHome]

Wow, thank you Darryl, what a lovely compliment! I find it to be the case too, I'm still learning after 11 years here. Thank you so much for watching 💛

[@neroquin]

About the DIY thing, it's very true. My family and some friends built our bathroom themselves, currently working on our backyard. We also have some friends who made their entire house themselves.

[@miahorvath1681]

I am moving to The Netherlands for graduate school starting in January! I have been watching your channel for months now! So helpful because I plan to find a job and relocate there for good! I am moving to The Hague area to attend Leiden Den Haag campus

[@rookygaming6968]

The best of luck in our country. I hope you will like it.

[@JoviesHome]

Hi Mia, good luck with your move! That sounds exciting :) What are you going to study?

[@miahorvath1681]

@@JoviesHome I am getting my MSc in Public Administration, I am from the US!

[@cloneboy28]

@@miahorvath1681 I actually live half an hour away from the campus (I don't go there) If you need any help with anything be sure to ask!

[@Peter-zd5ku]

About the DIY-mentality: You forgot to mention that the help from the neighbour (which is a fact) may never be used only to save money or other forms of alternative source of cheap labour. The help of the neighbour is most of the time aimed at improving your own skills. (unless you have a handicap or you are an old helpless grandma or so)…………..The help of the neighbour has a greater goal and that is...….that you,...yourselve are becomming skilled enough to…….DIY!!! :) (ps...…..like your video's, they are fun)

[@charlesvanderhoog7056]

For English speakers learning Dutch is really difficult because everyone immediately starts to speak English to you when they hear you are not Dutch and speak with an English language accent. I have a friend from England who took over 20 years because she was lazy in learning Dutch. Then she regretted it and started to learn it after all.

[@henkmeerhof8647]

It also works the other way around. Dutch people who move abroad, are 'helpful' answered in English, but that might not be the language they are trying to learn. I moved from NL to Denmark and at first we got a lot of people that changed language to English or German to 'help' me. An offer very much appreciated ... but at work, with neighbors and in other reoccurring social events I asked people to speak their own language to me and to correct me in my way of speaking (Danish), so I could learn. That was 20 years ago! The biggest compliment I have to make to my new country, all those Danes that helped me to learn their language. Because today they have a hard time hearing from where I come, they can hear I'm not Danish, but unless they work with other Dutch they can't hear I'm Dutch. What was true for me moving to Denmark, will be true for the many that move to the Netherlands.

[@MelissaPressler]

You’re so cute 🥰😂 I loved your reaction to not having your wedding ring on. Could you do a video on Dutch women’s style? How has your style changed when you moved there?

[@Aunti_Pillow]

No the special dresses with wooden shoes, we don't wear! It's more in some cities for tourist, and very old people. Woman clothes are just like other countries, it depends of where you live. Ladies could wear everything you like. There are girls who want to be perfect, hairdressed, nails done, brand clothes, make-up on when they go out. You can also wear jeans, a nice dress or wathever. Depends from woman to woman. Tattoos, piercings we have seen it all. I think in America I often see older people with very old fashioned clothes and old fashion hair with permanent waves or curlers in their hair.. like the tv episodes of the Golden Girls. Overhere most people also older people look great. But when I look at Hollywood it's plastic fantastic, and yes there are many woman who do this also overhere. Some woman should look like high fashion, other wear ugly clothes. It's also the issue what clothes you think is beautiful and what's not... taste of fashion is very personal.

[@JoviesHome]

Love this idea! Thank you!!

[@MelissaPressler]

Thanks Petra! Yes I’ve been to NL several times and didn’t think people were wearing wooden shoes 😂 As French women have their own style, Italians, Brits, etc. Americans also have certain elements of their style they love. For example my Dutch partner says men in NL carry leather work bags, but in SF where we live, people all use backpacks. Would just love to know what stylistic differences the Dutch have and how that influences a transition from American to Dutch style 😁

[@JoviesHome]

Melissa, I loved your idea and actually spent the whole day thinking about it! I’ve been writing notes and definitely will make a video on this topic after the new year. So thank you for the inspiration ❤️❤️❤️

[@MelissaPressler]

Jovie's Home Yayyy! That makes me so happy 😁🙏🤓 Looking forward to it! ❤️🥰

[@ottokos5487]

Helping out others, sure. When asked, true. Living pretty close to each other also means trying not to impose on your neighbours. Making contact with the next door neighbours, show them who you are and they will be ready to help, but we do not intend to impose on other peoples'time or privacy.

[@stroopwafel6141]

Dear Jovie, I really appreciate your detailed, sharp observations. Being Dutch, they make me smile regularly. You're doing a great job with this channel. Yes, we can be a bit blunt and straightforward, compared to the disciplined Germans and chaotic Belgians who are in general a bit more courteous than we are. I think these are some of the characteristics this country of traders and sailors is build on. Tough, fighting against the water, well you know our history I assume. The good thing is: once we know and like you, we will stand by you (nearly) forever. Talking about real loyalty and genuine friendship. And yes, we are handy, we are. )))))

[@Dutchbelg3]

Hi Cuty -Pie :-) It 's me again :-) About the transport compensation by your employer: It is really up to your employer to do that. Usually there is a kind of compensation but it can differ from company to company. 90 ct/km is wowwww so high! Usually 20 - 25 ct/km is more usual. Or a kind of free public transport. About getting help from your neighboors: Most people expect you to make the first move towards them. If you move into a new place ring the bell of your neighboors to introduce yourself and bring a small gift (Something from your mothercountry or something baked is great! ) That breaks the ice and will get you all the support you need... if you ask for it!

[@Anonymous-sb9rr]

It's almost always 19 ct/km, because it's tax deductible up to 19 ct.

[@JoviesHome]

Hi Hans! I was paid 0.19ct/km, not 0.90 (although WOW would that be nice lol)! I've had three Dutch employers and they all covered my travel costs which was so great when compared to every other job in every other country I've ever had! I love your tip on meeting your neighbors!! We were lucky that Daan's grandparents came over to introduce themselves to us (and then they "adopted" us into their family). And in my new neighborhood, we are all new (nieuwbouw house) so we had a block party to meet the neighbors! But indeed, great tip on how to establish a meaningful and kind connection with those you live closest to. Big hug, Hans! 💛

[@JasperJanssen]

I think the “asking for help instead of expecting it to be offered” is mostly because we don’t know what other people might want, and we wouldn’t want to impose. Even having to say “no I’m fine” is pretty annoying in my opinion, and so I don’t make others do that. PS: I believe 19 cents per kilometer is the tax rule - more than that and it becomes part of your wages and thus taxed higher, and so that is exactly the standard compensation. With my employer (KPN) I can pay for my bicycle out of my gross wages. Also all work related public transit travel (I have an OV chip card that is directly billed to them alongside my private one for personal travel), and I think they will also pay for car costs but they prefer the other two - they have almost all their offices directly next to a train station. It’s basically the same reason that in the US, healthcare is often part of your compensation package - the taxman says you can pay for it out of your pre-tax wage, and then it becomes super worth it to offer it as a benefit. Companies love paying benefits, at least as long as it means they don’t have to pay as much wages. Benefits keep workers happy and not moving on to the next employer, which is in general great for the employer.

[@carolinavanderlande4904]

A few months ago I watched your video in which you talked about Americans not appreciating co-workers who use their vacation days, on the first day of my 4 week vacation, after every collegue had genuinely wished me a good time. Today I watched this one after 2 days of a do it yourselve renovation (and a few to come). Needless to say, your videos give me a different perspective of the things I used to consider to be completely normal. Thanks Jovie!

[@JoviesHome]

Thank you Carolina! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and a successful renovation! 💛

[@diedertspijkerboer]

Dutch people are typically more reseved than Americans, but when they start asking you about your life, they are genuinely interested (unless it's something like the typical "how are you? " conversation starter).

[@intothelabyrinth01]

I'd say most are very direct. No nonsense, no small talk; this is very beneficial and honest. :-) it's one thing i totally love about our culture.

[@esmee6308]

Even the how are you, I'd not ask someone how they are unless I'm prepared for a longer answer / a conversation. Might depend on area though, I've mostly lived in villages.

[@GorinRedspear]

As a Belgian I can vouch that you Dutch are scarily assertive!

[@diedertspijkerboer]

@@GorinRedspear LOL. A good antidote is to respond with the same amount of assertiveness 😉

[@Peter-zd5ku]

ofcourse we are straight forward, maybe blunt ...………….but most of the time honoust and friendly (aren't we??) :)

[@justasomeone461]

You can use a credit card at a cash machine to get cash in a bind. But yes, credit cards are rare here... you have to live within your means.

[@bouli3576]

By the way : Maestro is a debit card, not a credit card.

[@margotpino8730]

Living in Breda south of the Netherlands people are more open ,but you really have a point, Love your side of looking to the Dutch way of living . Almost all my family of my fathers side lives in the states After world war 2. They have Dutch roots but became real Americans, Their way of living is so different ,really can imagine you had to adjust. Glad you made it 🇱🇺🥰

[@JoviesHome]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting, Margot! I appreciate you r support :) 💛

[@billyriedel6449]

I second learning Dutch because I am learning Dutch currently and find so much content in Dutch, that I just wouldn't understand without knowing the language. I also second learning it because I have picked up a lot of slang words and such that are specific to the Netherlands that you might not if you just chose to live your life in English while in the Netherlands. I plan to save up for a trip there some day.

[@JoviesHome]

Hi Billy, are you learning Dutch even though you don't live here (rather plan to visit)? That's incredible!! Those are some language-learning GOALS!! :) Thank you so much for watching!

[@billyriedel6449]

@@JoviesHome Yes, I love learning languages in my free time and being able to communicate with people in different languages. I actually am a sign language interpreter by profession. Yes, I feel while traveling I could probably get around in English just fine, but feel I would have an even more unique experience by being able to speak the language.

[@billyriedel6449]

Oh, I love the Dutch language

[@elbabah7424]

Cheerful Jovi.. indeed that 'doe het zelf' attitude is super cool of them. I am dating a girl she is redoing her house now almost 60% of the work she is doing herself and don't help if you re not good at something. They don't like average work! 😊ohja cuz they will let you know if you re bad @ something.

[@JoviesHome]

😂that's so funny about letting you know if you're bad at something! I'm impressed with the girl you're dating!! Good on her! Thanks for watching :)

[@MsSilentH]

Interesting about the "colder" feeling at first, though of course you said it changed, but where I moved here, in a small village on the other side of the country from Amsterdam, there have been a LOT of people who've gone out of their way to help me along in various ways, from my boyfriend's parents being so gracious in having us over for dinner a lot, or helping me go shopping or even now, doing a TON of work on our house, and to my boss being very accommodating and really easy to talk to, and other people who have made sure I feel welcome or can find a group to be in, or this woman (who's not even a teacher) went out and offered to help teach me the language (i've been seeing her every monday for 2 years in January!) That being said I do get what you mean, there are people who do seem to be maybe not cold, but just more reserved (after 2 years I still get great anxiety about walking past people and not knowing if i should say hi or not). I've heard a lot of people saying its a big American thing and not done often in Europe but some people here are super friendly and say hi even before I do, or will strike up a convo, but then others act like you're not there, or give you a strange look, so its a mixed bag like any place, but with a tendency to not respond, at least where I live haha. But I'll get used to it.

[@anntempleton1]

MsSilentH Where do you live ? I’m in Hengelo in Overijsel aka Twente.

[@MsSilentH]

@@anntempleton1 its a small village in the Gelderland province

[@piroen7224]

Just as a reaction to point 10: Most places won't accept credit-cards, bars, clothing stores or supermarket anything that isn't by design intended for international clientele (like hotels or bars in touristy areas) most likely won't. However all shops will accept Maestro and V-pay the debit card variations of MasterCard and VISA respectively, regardless of country origin. It depends on your own bank whether they allow transactions in the Netherlands and if there are additional fees. If you are moving here or staying for an extended time it is definitely a good idea to get a dutch bank account though, because of paycheck issues and the aforementioned fees and conversion rates. If places of business do accept credit-cards, and are again not something like a hotel, most likely they will ONLY accept VISA and/or MasterCard. Finding a store that will accept American Express, Discover or other credit-cards is going to be nearly impossible. Some other tips are: most card readers can interact with your phone/watch so ApplePay works. Online more places are going to take credit-cards but if they don't PayPal is sometimes an option. If you plan on going to an ATM with your credit-card check if it takes yours, your safest bet is going to be to go to a bank however. Bank location are mostly only open during business hours so plan accordingly.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

About tipping in NL: people here assume that every person makes enough money with their normal wage to live on (which is true and otherwise there are excellent social benefits). Hence, tipping is for that little bit extra money, or for really good service. Whether tipping is common or not also depends on where you are. 10% is seen as more than enough in basically all cases, but tips under 50 cents would be seen as strange. So, unless you buy just a coffee for 2,50 and get amazing service, you don't tip over 10%.

[@ElenaBonbon]

I saw a show where in the US you can have 10 creditcards! How is that possible? That is weird to us here. In the Netherlands you have like maximum 1 creditcard☺and 1 or 2 debitcards depending on the accounts you have at a bank.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

About number 9 I'm just going to say 1 thing: "Help! Mijn man is klusser!" About the Dutch being colder and that you need to ask when you would like their help: I think it's because we really like our privacy and that's the way we like to be treated ourselves, so we treat others the same way. And about being compensated for the distance between home and work: Most employers I have had so far would only do that if you lived at least 20 kilometers from where you worked. That might have something to do with tax regulations. Just as the 19 cents. Get paid more than 19 cents and you will probably just pay more taxes.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

@Ad Lockhorst What is Hmick? Well, not everyone is good at fixing things. And if you're not it isn't a great idea to try it anyway if you still want to live in the house.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

@Ad Lockhorst Ik ben erg slecht in het ontcijferen van afkortingen dus ja, bij voorkeur gewoon voluit. Zeker bij dit soort zelf bedachte afkortingen. De overbekende als aub, tht, etc, enz herken ik wel.

[@Centurion101B3C]

Nope. The 19 cents/km is exactly set to that level to create the tax-level boundary. Up-to and including 19 cts/km is tax-free. Anything above that will be counted as income and thus be taxed accordingly.

[@tomarbraun]

A good general rule for tipping in the Netherlands is just rounding up to the next 5 euros. 23.50 will be 25, 27 will be 30, if its 26 maybe tip a euro or 2. And we generally only tip in restaurants or cafés. Its not really frowned upon if you dont tip, but most people tip a couple euros if the service was good. Also a cash 1 euro tip for food delivery is generally the way to do it, but if you don't thats fine.

[@JaredTVW]

Haha! Every point you made just makes this country all the more appealing. I have Dutch ancestry, I’m not cold but very practical, I’m a hard worker and self reliant and I don’t even own a credit cardI do need to learn the language, but that is something I really am interested in now and yeah, this country sounds like I would fit in better than standout, which it sounds like the Dutch are all about fitting in.

[@CathyS_Bx]

As a lifelong New Yorker, I think I'd fit right in to living in close quarters and adopting a certain reserve.

[@sachadee.6104]

Yes indeed. I was wondering about her remark since in the USA there are pretty tight spaces in the cities too.

[@merijnvanschaik4989]

About creditcards : I believe (at least Jumbo) takes creditcards now. It makes sence however for stores not to take creditcard because they need to pay the fees to the cc company.

[@thematriarchy2075]

Yes.

[@jpdj2715]

Neighbors and cold people. Even though this is a small country, there are cultural differences between North, South, East and West. Prejudice is that North of the Rhine river people are colder than below. There is a difference between the countryside and cities as well. Living in a city in the West of the country, it can happen new people move in to the house next to you, and after a couple years you still do not know them. I would say, when you have moved in and sorted your interior out, etc., invite neighbors to get to know them. The Dutch have a saying "beter een goede buur dan een verre vriend" (better a good neighbor than a friend at distance).

[@antjuh25]

And another good video. My father was builder, he worked for many companies and build many house. And we as his 3 daughter learned stuff from him. So i indeed have some handt skills. I'm glad I learned stuff. For me it's sometimes hard to ask for help. Because I want to be able to do it myself. Hope you are having a better day today❤️💛❤️

[@JoviesHome]

Hi Antje, thank you! It's so great that you learned from your dad. I think I'd be much more handy if my dad hadn't died when I was 8. He had been teaching me so much and I was proud to do it on my own too. But unfortunately his lessons (and life) were cut too short. And then my 2nd Dad was busy with his medical career and didn't have much interest in do-it-yourself so I didn't learn any more. Sometimes I'm stubborn and try to do it myself but then...it just falls apart 😅and I need to call someone to fix it anyway. Today is better, although our kids haven't been sleeping too well the past few nights so it immediately affects us. How are you feeling today?

[@antjuh25]

I'm better, slept better also. Trying to do my stuff but keep as much energie as I can. Wil be a busy 5 days doing volunteer work. And not my reagular hours. So sunday I will be beat. But so looking foreward to that. Hope the kids wil sleep better soon. Have a good day.

[@user-wi8mn3id8z]

We're about to move to nl with my family so this video was very helpful! Dank je :)

[@dbk1625]

Most of the things you mention here are very true.. however when you said that you can have bad neighbors that play loud music all night long it does not mean you have to be ok with it. In general during weekdays 22:00 means quiet time and if your neighbors play loud music after that time, you can definitely go tell them to turn it down or just call the police.. during the weekends it extends to 00:00.

[@josdenhartog7385]

In General I feel that in NL the adagium is: What you see/pay for is what you get. Straight, Clear and No Fuz

[@nige-g]

Hi Jovie, Free refills, one of the things I liked a lot when on holiday in the USA. I really piled on the pounds, large portions and as much coke as you could drink, so maybe paying extra here in Europe helps to keep me lean. Well you know, my trousers aren't so tight. 😁 keep making these videos, looking forward to Thursday's. ♥️

[@rodneyr5970]

I can relate to number 1. We are a busy and fast-paced country and time off = time off. No matter the money. The weekend is for my family and money can't buy time, so its valuable.

[@thejaramogi1]

A train ride from the Airport to The Hague 1st class cost around €16, second class €11 then a taxi ride from the station to your address will be less than €20. People take the train and save money! and it's much faster!

[@Jessicaokolie]

As an international student in the netherlands, I agree totally with you. I also made a video about this on my channel

[@jacosmenter]

We are moving over there in a months time. Which area would you say is best? Specially looking at a lose standing house with a garden?

[@diedertspijkerboer]

About asking for help: if you ask any of us Dutch people in the comment section for more information, we will definitely try to answer your questions.

[@zorrowv8045]

Yes, but don't be scared if you get different (and sometimes contradictory) answers.

[@Aunti_Pillow]

Yes just diy! But I often see on the tv, in America also a lot of diy series. Don't you also know "The Block"? House Rules? May be the one from Australia? Improving your houses building and diy. The Property Brothers come in to build Nate & Jeremia also, then the Magnolia farm family from Waco Texas Chip and Johanna also build... and there are buying, building, improving, selling series on tv. May be the rich don't do this theirselves, but I you are poor ore could spend less you must! In the Netherlands we even have homeless people and a lot poor people, but also very rich people. We think if people cann't do anything, not even put a nail in a wall, they are spoiled by their parents. Your house is so big! The room you are in, I mean.. I think rest of the house also must be very big. Isn't there also a very different way of building houses? In America, If you don't have any skilks of diy we say, he or she have two left hands. Another saying is: he cann't even slam a butch in a pack of butter. Meant funny. Most houses here are two stories or three an attic with extra stairs. In America most houses are one storie high. Our houses are build in concrete with bricks, level is the same with the street. In America houses are build of wood and have very thin walls between the rooms.. there is a stairway in front of the house with a porch (I like those houses, but my wheelchair don't) hahaha . You can crawl under the house from the outside. We have closed space under the house. Different also is how the window are put in the house. America is a modern country but what I don't understand the electronic cabels are high in the streets on poles like we had here for a 100 years a go. The fuse box are in the house here, and not on the outside of the houses!! Our cabels are all in the ground! Is this most commen in the USA? Cabels on poles for electric and the fuse box outside the house. This is what I see on tv shows for home improvements. May be it's different in the big cities...?

[@Aunti_Pillow]

Your grocery, you couldn't pay with Visa, while having the pincode for it? In USA you only show the card I think? Without the pincode? (4 numbers) I thought with the pincode you cann not pay with it like It's a bankcard? Did you have a code and tried? This is what I thought for years...

[@Marjolein339]

I don't know why KZbin suggested to watch your video, but I did and I enjoyed it. I'm from The Netherlands. I think your video (probably more then just this one!) is very helpful for people who want to move to my country. By the way: we do tip, but that's mostly in restaurants and only when you think the restaurant did a good job. We tip about 5-10%.

[@janwind4265]

I loved your presentation about the Dutch habits. And you’re true about the items. But we are not all the same. Although I did learn something about our specifications, which made me cry for some moments, there are alot of differences. For example, I am not a handyman. For most of the jobs we hire people to do this. Gardening and cleaning is the most important. But also small broken things, we have them repaired by a local professional. And I live in the North of the Netherlands, where most of the people DIY.

[@elkiwild2266]

Thank you I'm from Mexico living in London from long years now but my work and spirit recently took me to Netherlands doing Temazcal ceremonies or sweat huts, and indeed some of your points were right on my face!!!! First of all is that they are very direct, so all ego and bullshit must be left at home as is not in the culture, so I often found looking for help, once I asked for it tins came within minutes. I'm not sure if I could move to Netherlands but for sure I'll keep on doing ceremonies there and enjoying their sense of togetherness and community. Top tips!!!! Ahooo

[@Dutch1961]

I think us Dutchies really appreciate our privacy because we're used to living in a densely populated environment. A waiter constantly asking if we're fine feels like an invasion of our privacy and so does anyone offering help if we're not not verbally or non-verbally looking for help. A Dutchie could even feel being patronized if someone offers him help with something he's perfectly capable of doing himself. Because we also respect an other person's privacy we usually aren't very fast with offering help either. Probably that's the main reason why Dutch people are perceived as 'cold'. I've offered help to tourists who clearly were showing they didn't know where they were or where they had to go. They were French tourists by the way. But I'm multilingual so... Reminds me of a Dutch saying I learned from a very early age: "je moet je eigen boontjes doppen", which litterally means "you have to uncap your own beans". Basica it means you have to sort it out yourself.

[@janwillem2656]

I don't know if it's already commented, so forgive me if I comment dubble. But the Dutch debit card system is linked with maestro. So they accept those in supermarkets. But it's true that you cannot pay with a credit card there. Maybe in a few places like Amsterdam or the Hague. But only because the sheer amount of tourists and expats there. I think most restaurants on the other hand do accept credit card. But I'm not an expert in this. A lot of people don't even have a credit card because the maestro is accepted in most part of Europe.

[@roy_hks]

Important thing to note is that a lot of Dutch stores (at least in the North) only accept debit cards nowadays and rarely accept cash. Most supermarkets in the city have self checkouts and only a single manned register that accepts cash. AND, we do accept INTERNATIONAL cards. Not credit cards, but international debit cards from Visa Mastercard and V-pay which are very common in Europe.

[@HaKi1950]

I had to smile about your comment nr. 9 - the Dutch being their own handyman (usually, but not always). In our church, for example, everybody helps everybody. But anyway, in the 80's of (now) last century we lived in Nicosia, Cyprus. My director was Egyptian and traveling a lot but his wife (also Egyptian) also worked at our office. They were people used to living at high standard. One day at noon she had to get her little girl out of preschool (where my wife was also working), so she offered me a lift. We went downstairs to the underground parking garage and sure enough: the car had a flat rear tyre (I still remember - on the right side of the car). The lady paniced immediately. All I said was: "Please give me your car keys!" and to my surprise she gave them. I walked to the boot, took out the crick and the spare tyre and set to work. "Whot are you doingngk?" the lady asked in her strong Egyptian accent. "Change your tyre!" I said. Her mouth dropped: "CAN YOU DO THAT??????!!!!" Well, I took off the flat tyre and fitted the spare tyre (the Greek Cypriot gate keeper of the office building came to help me a little) and in 5 minutes the job was done. All in all we arrived at the preschool only 15 minutes later and nobody had noticed. After that this wife of my director told everybody everywhere about my performance. However, there is one person who once taught me how to do it: my dear sweet wife Greet! :-)

[@JoviesHome]

Aw this is a lovely story! Thanks for sharing. And the twist at the end 💛

[@HaKi1950]

@@JoviesHome I think Daan is one example of a Dutch person having such skills also.

[@mrsiz218]

Good morning pretty lady! Just got home from work and there’s a new video! Yay! I love your soothing voice! Not gonna lie, been plenty of times ive fallen asleep to your voice, after a long night at work. Very soothing and calming. Then I wake up and have to watch what I missed. Lol. Love your channel! Much love! ❤️❤️

[@JoviesHome]

Hi Angelia, thank you so much for your sweet compliment! I totally get it about the soothing voice - I struggle to watch an entire Tati (glamlifeguru) video at night because she just puts me into a relaxed state. Then I have to re-watch at breakfast time 😂I appreciate your support so much! Hope you had a good day at work and now can enjoy some rest 💛

[@fransbuijs808]

@@JoviesHome Ever thought about doing ASMR?

[@jpdj2715]

Dutch employers compensate your commute, financially. True, but generally the compensation is maxed on the distance from work you lived when they first hired you. So when your commute is 20 kilometers upon starting the labor contract, staring to work at the employer's, and you move house to 50 kilometers distance later on, you may find that the compensation is not raised.

[@BellaLouisaatje]

this is not true. I used to work at a place at a ten minute walk from my house, but transferred to another building further away. My compensation was changed to accomodate my cost for traveling.

[@jpdj2715]

@@BellaLouisaatje- I did not write this - read carefully - as an absolute truth but it used to be like that. An employer can still decide to deviate from such a principle. In the past, many did not. There may be a new law or jurisprudence that I am not aware of, but if that is not the case, then you have been lucky with your employer, your case, or both. The short version of my write-up was : watch out.

[@ssebakijjemuhammed2607]

Hey miss jovie, thanks for the educative video, you make my day whenever l listen to joves home and lts good to learn what we don't know because each country has different cultures and traditions...have agood night.

[@mirjambrinksma9769]

You are obviously very intelligent and you already speak several languages, so I think learning Dutch would be no problem for you once you find the time and oppurtunity. My sister is a NT2 teacher in Eindhoven and among her clients are many expats. She teaches some of them in their own homes because that's more convenient for them. Maybe you could find a teacher like that in The Hague, though private lessons do not come cheap of course. Maybe you could team up with other expats who also struggle to find a suitable Dutch course because of being young parents. (NT2 means Dutch as a second language)

[@erikmulder2574]

As far as I know, the USA also has a minimum wage set to avoid people being underpaid for the work they do. However for some reason, that does not apply to employees in e.g. restaurants, where waiters earn a few $ an hour. That is why there is a tipping culture in the USA. Staf is underpaid, most likely to ensure good service is given to earn a tip which is part of the wage. It is not bad, just different. In the Netherlands it is illegal to underpay (below minimum wage) your employees, so we tip less. There is also a difference in how we perceive good service. E.g. when I am in the States in a restaurant, I get annoyed when I am constantly asked if everything is okay, once I ordered, I am fine until I call you. I prefer that to being interrupted in my conversations I have at the table, or even while eating. Another thing I consider even to be rude is cleaning up my dishes after finishing my meal when the other persons at my table are still eating, As you would serve a course to the table in such a way that everybody can start the meal at the same time, that is how I as Dutchman expect to end the meal as well. Not in the USA, there I learned it is rather normal to take away the dishes per individual who is done eating. The reason I don’t like that is that you will have much more movement at the table by waiters which gives me the feeling to be rushed. I think this also might have to do with the reason for eating out. Dutch normally eat out occasionally, and then enjoy an evening out, where in the USA eating out more often is seen as a daily dinner. Summarized, I feel from a Dutch perspective that the service and friendliness received in a restaurant in the USA is often over the top an annoying. Love to hear your comments, both from Dutch and from foreign perspective.

[@marcohooghoed715]

Erik Mulder yes you are right! However there is a different standard for earnings in the restaurant because of tips being part of their income. They have to pay taxes on that as well but since it's mostly cash business it's hard to trace. They like to 'turn tables' asap because that means more income thus giving you that rushed feeling. Visiting my native Holland from Canada I had quite the opposite experience in a Chinese rest. We were with our whole extended (Dutch) family and they made us feel very welcome and we had a grand time! Even stayed till after closing time! My wife and I went back there a few days later and they surely recognised us! That's what I call good service. Needless to say we tipped them well!

[@jackkelley890]

Love to see a video of a supermarket and shopping. wonderful videos!

[@KilyanAustin]

Americans are being nice to look nice. Dutch people actually do nice things cause they genuinly want to help

[@Himmelgrau68]

One thing that I wish I knew when I moved to Europe (Germany) from the US, was to never forget to bring your keys with you when leaving the house.

[@mannydcbianco]

I just want to say that almost everything you've talked about in this video is true for Americans visiting/moving to Sweden as well, save for the credit card thing in the end. In Sweden American credit cards tend to work just fine. The Dutch and the Swedes have a lot in common. Great video as always!

[@TheSimArchitect]

Nice video as always! I hope you are doing well and that whatever problems you have because of the language you can overcome well. Just to add, stores here don't do price match or give you rain checks, both for groceries and other items like electronics. Mac Donald's will even charge you for ketchup and you have to ask for the napkin if I am not mistaken, no free self service anything. Coffee at IKEA was OK to refill (I think, I paid for it, it was self service, I helped myself). Some supermarkets like Jumbo and AH have free coffee, the ING Bank and Coolblue too. ☺

[@JoviesHome]

Oh, those are great tips!! I forgot about rain checks/price matching! And yes, the shock of paying for ketchup at McD's was funny! And as someone who goes to Ikea at least twice per month (kids love to browse furniture 😂) I assure you, you can refill your coffee for free 😘

[@femsff7090]

Actually, Ikea has free coffee/tea if you have a family card (that's free to get in their store or request online and get it sent to your house) and refills for any drinks from the machine (sodas, coffee, tea) are free. You also get insurance from the store to your home with your family card, in case something breaks on the way home. And they have special discounts for family card holders. I don't know what price match or rain checks are in stores, but lots of supermarkets have some kind of discount service and some also have a special stamps to save up for a discount on certain items. Stores have weekly sales/discounts. Albert Heijn: 35% off items with a limited best by date (usually a day or two) Bonus card: discount on things on weekly sale and if you register your bonus card online, you'll also get personal discounts on items you've bought in the past or are similar (because they can track your purchases through the bonus card) --> these discounts do require you to scan your bonus card at the register/self-checkout Lidl: 30% off items with limited best by date Weekly discounts Orange stickers with extra discounts on leftover items (or plants/flowers) from previous discount weeks Jumbo supermarket has a couple of rules too, "de 7 zekerheden": If a product is cheaper in a different supermarket, you'll get it for free (NB: product has to be exactly the same and not for sale in that supermarket) If a product has today's best before date, you'll get it for free (mention it at the register; only exception are those sushi and fresh pizzas they make themselves) If you see a product with a past best by date, alert an employee and you'll get the product (one with a good best by date) for free If they're out of a product (empty shelves and nothing in the back) you are entitled to a similar product for free. Naturally, random employees rarely mention this so it's often best to talk to one of the higher ranked employees who usually wear a different uniform (or civvies). If the price on the shelf (or hand scanner) doesn't match the price at the register, you get the item for free. Regardless of whether the price at the register is in your favor or not. It's best to point this out at the register because not all employees know/mention this. They also have seasonal and weekly discounts for certain items And I'm sure there are similar deals in other supermarkets but those are the ones I frequent most.

[@TheSimArchitect]

@@femsff7090 OMG! Awesome advice and tips!!! Thank you so much! I do have the family card, but I did not know I could have free coffee! Cool!!!

[@luk5464]

You also get 19ct per km if you walk or go by bicycle or by taxi or by private helicopter. Basically it's a payment for use of private transportation and you can decide for yourself if you go by bicycle (and save money) or by car and maybe do breakeven cost wise. It's up to you. 19ct is the max tax free amount btw. More is possible but it's not very common and everything over 19ct/km will be taxed as regular income.