5 Everyday Dutch Things that are Confusing to Americans | US vs the Netherlands

While most of my experiences living in the Netherlands have been positive, some everyday Dutch things can be confusing to Americans. In this video, I talk about 5 everyday things that are different in the US and the Netherlands. Moving abroad means embracing those cultural differences!
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I like to share my experiences of an American expat in the Netherlands. I describe both the unique and everyday aspects of Dutch culture, and life in Holland while enjoying every bit of it!
Blog website: www.dutchamericano.com
Instagram: DutchAmericano
Get in touch: [e-mail]
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[@jopjop9400]

its not the tipping we find weird its that the waiter doesnt make enough to live of

[@Niloc_]

@northern_lights What country?

[@hendrikdependrik1891]

@@Niloc_ 🇺🇸

[@Helleuw123]

@@Niloc_ In the USa they life of the tips, like no tips means litterly almsot no money

[@moladiver6817]

Exactly. Waiting staff in The Netherlands earns a living wage. That's not to say they earn a lot by Dutch standards but it's a decent salary. They don't live off the mercy of their customers hence the tipping really is just a bonus for them which they usually don't expect or take for granted. The US is rather odd here. You could flip this around and say that the American tipping culture keeps the low wages in place. It's meant well by customers but it actually maintains this unhealthy situation where a base salary just isn't enough to get through the month. Tipping as a standard and expected gesture allows employers to underpay their staff. I find this somewhat similar to young kids in poor countries selling flowers on the street late at night. Tourists often have pity and just buy a flower but this effectively keeps this nasty industry going.

[@rutgerb]

@@moladiver6817 I loved it when American tourist came by, they tipped(!) and on average 10 euros. But as stated as a waiter in the Netherlands I made a decent salary. Full time wage payed me around:2000 euros per month (exc tax). And about the tipping, it is again as Mola writes 'a bonus and always a suprise' as it does not happen to often. We mostly had Dutch customers, which can be divided in two groups: people from the surrounding region, 1 person out 15 would tip ; and Dutchies from further away would tip about 1 in 5 times. (rounding the number up, so sometimes 0,25 cents sometimes 2,30). (only onces I demanded a tip. Some drunk guy was bragging for two hours (which felt like an eternity) about how much money he won in the casino that night, but then he left without a tip. So when he stood by the door I called him out infront of all the customers "Hey rich guy where I is my tip?!" And I got 100 euros, never saw him again ;)

[@InfiniteCyclus]

Only tip as a compliment. Workers at the cafe aren't dependent on tips for their salary. A couple of euros is fine.

[@gilles111]

Depending on the group your with. With a few people and a bil of €50,- - €100,-, a few euro is fine as a tip. When with a group of 20 people, having diner, drinks etc. and a bill of €1000,- and then giving a €5,- tip (seen it happen), you are really an a*hole.

[@engeltjebaleno]

or to avoid change

[@mrbentoik]

@@gilles111 No you're not. You don't owe them anything for doing their damn job. If you're tipping it's a bonus because the waiter did an especially good job.

[@gilles111]

@@mrbentoik I never meant you have to tip (never said that too). We aren't the USA. Only if you feel you want to give something extra (and the service/food/drinks were above expectation). She did ask what is appropriated for tipping in The Netherlands, so I gave an indication as what I think are good tips. But if you do.. Tipping €2,- to make a round €10,- is very generous, tipping €2,- because the bill was €998,- and that makes the nice €1000,- ... Then you are an a*hole (in my opinion).

[@B-Meister]

@@gilles111 I never said you don't have to tip, but if you don't tip (enough) you're an asshole. Seems legit.

[@jay0kew]

Tipping ? Here, we pay 21% tax on everything and waiters are getting a normal salary. No need to tip. In the US some people need tips to make their salary.

[@lcve84]

I just tip to make a round number, if its 53,30 ill make it a round 60. cba with calculating

[@johanmeijer85]

@@lcve84 I'm just not sure if that tip goes to the waiter, or the restaurant owner 🤔

[@SoopaFlyism]

Yeah! No tipping is the norm here. I never tip.

[@erikb1986]

@@johanmeijer85 I used to work as a "freelance" server over a period of 4 years and got to work at over 50 different venues in that time. At each and everyone of those the tips went to the employees. In general tips were divided in 1 of 3 ways; 1. all the tips were collected and divided over all serving personel afer a while (a week/month/half a year...sometimes team activities were agreed upon to use part of the tips) 2. The tips were collected and divided at the end of a shift and divided over the group running that shift. 3. personal tips; keep what you get. Each of these methods has arguments for and against and which methods is applied seems rather arbitrary although I felt (subjective) in the higher class restaurants/bars the sharing of tips was much more common. For me, often only serving a few shifts at any given venue, it was obviously preferable to have scenario 3. I mean, it makes sense, you are not really part of the team so it feels weird to the "regulars" to share in scenario 1 and 2 xD I did hear from other colleagues that tips are sometimes taken, but in my, quite extensive, experience most tips are actually NOT kept by the owner.

[@jankoevoet4042]

@@erikb1986 1 and 2 are called the "trunk" system, and i know of one guy tho refused to work in those places.

[@boldvankaalen3896]

How to determine if a waiter will come to your table: 1) If you see waiters serving other people, they will also come to your table 2I if it is a small caffee/bar you will probably need to order at the counter. 3) If the place looks more formal: somebody will probably come to you. 4) If the place has a terrace, they will probably have waiters 5) Just ask other guests "bedienen ze hier aan tafel?". Dutch people do this also when they are in doubt.

[@Bianca_Toeps]

Most of the times, the menu will help you out. If there's no menu on your table yet, they will bring it and take your order at the table. If you have to do something special to order, they'll tell you when giving you the menu. If the menu is already there, if it says "order at the counter" on it somewhere, that's that. Otherwise, they'll probably come. Oh and, never when you're still looking at the menu. Fold it closed and put it on the center/edge of the table, that's a hint for them to come.

[@A_Casual_NPC]

I'm a chef, I'd say around 40-50% of the tables actually tip, ranging from a few euro to round up the amount to 10-15 if they're a larger group and really enjoyed their meal. Although this differs from restaurant to restaurant, our tips are collected and fairly distributed between all staff. Whatever we get, is a nice bonus. I use it to support one of my hobbies, but even if Id get no tips at all, it honestly wouldn't do much for me. That's why tipping is nice, but you should never feel like you're tipping too little. An honest living in included in my salary, I don't need tips for that

[@A_Casual_NPC]

Also, the perk of having a countdown towards green light helps with traffic flow. You can "prepare" to start cycling again when it turns green and get moving faster

[@annap7046]

Exactly, and you can slow down before the light if it’s like 5 secs not to make a full stop and continue from it

[@timboy103]

If your amount is 53 round it of to 55 and they are happy not tipping is also fine, the poeple get payed normal montly incomes so they dont need the tips its just an extra for them. So tipping 2 euros is more then enough. They are happy with wat ever tip they get. Also they dont keep the money for them selfs it goes into a big pot and evry worker gets a percentige at the end of the month.

[@thedutchman01]

That putting it into a big pot can differ from place to place. I think most do it now, so cooks are rewarded as well, but it not the case everywhere.

[@lofenoialof5320]

That’s sooo cool !

[@Be-Es---___]

But they might expect more when they know you are American (and get dissapointed) 😉 Specially in Amsterdam or other tourist areas.

[@marismellla6589]

thats not always true.sometimes the tips you get are yours.and its a sign of appreciation

[@timboy103]

@@Be-Es---___ Yes but most workers in Amsterdam are not dutch.

[@peternouwen]

Have you seen the Not Just Bikes-channel? (I find it very informative on how foreigners look at Dutch street-design)

[@sretePtraB]

We Dutch learn to wait in line at the Efteling

[@Bandit-Darville]

Or at Aldi.

[@Be-Es---___]

With signs like "25 min from this sign". 😂

[@carimavandijk1091]

@@Be-Es---___ or 60 minutes when its busy 😭

[@toversnoleu8769]

haha zeker waar!

[@iamTheSnark]

And Europapark, Fantasialand and Alton Towers. But that's for the advanced.

[@WendyLopezGazquez]

If their is no one of the staf at the entrance, you just find your seat yourself where ever you want to be seated. If their is some one at the entrance, you ask for a seat. If their are waiters walking around, and you want to pay, you call the waiter to your table and ask for the check. If their ain't no waiters walking around, you walk up to the register to pay.

[@Bianca_Toeps]

Oh I'm native Dutch and I really hate that "trying to make eye contact with a waiter" awkward game. In Japan they have a service bell (button) on the table in some places, that's amazing. It just makes a screen or light light up behind their counter and they see where they have to go.

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

@@Bianca_Toeps just put up your hand and signal you need something.

[@JohnBlutarski]

@@Bianca_Toeps That would be great over here, too

[@aeiouaeiou100]

There is absolutely no need to feel awkward if you forget to tip. It's fine to not do it. Many people don't. If I just get 1 or 2 drinks I often don't tip.

[@Simonvbaal]

If you’re young, you’re not expected to tip at all in the Netherlands.

[@gilles111]

Not completely true. Tipping in The Netherlands is showing you liked the experience the staff gave you. Young or old, if you liked their performance it is good use to leave a tip. Only for young people (25-) it is more expected they don't have much money (as students) so not tipping is more accepted.

[@GrouchierThanThou]

Dutch Americano Re: not standing in line. Firstly, it's almost never that important that the order in which people are served exactly matches the order in which they arrive. So you can just stop worrying about it. Secondly, even without a neat line we still use everyone's distance to the counter, entrance or whatever as a rough indicator of the order. You can also just note who comes directly before you and/or the one or two people after you. In almost all cases that's enough to know exactly when it is your turn. And when in doubt you just look at the other person. If they aren't moving they apparently think you are before them so you are good to go. Or maybe they are looking at you for the same reason and you just use your body language to resolve the situation. In most cases at least one of you will not really care that much who goes first. Thirdly, on those rare occasion that despite all of the above you still feel that someone is cutting in front of you (and care enough to correct the situation) you can fall back on that famous Dutch directness and just say "Excuse me, I think it's my turn now," at which point the other person will generally apologize politely and let you go before them. Alternatively, if you're not in a hurry, you might just let them cut before you and be all the more sure that it is really your turn after them. And obviously that third point also works in reverse: if you accidentally cut before someone they can just speak up and let you know. If they don't then it apparently didn't bother them. If they do you apologize politely and let them go before you. Either way, no harm done.

[@annap7046]

Exactly, i see no problem with order of people, usually intentionally they won’t cut you in line and if a new register opens in russia all the people from the back would jump right in, whereas here a person would say “eerst volgende” and here you go.

[@johnweidner3428]

I had trouble understanding how hot or cold the weather would be until my neighbor's child taught me: 10 is cold 20's not 30's warm 40's hot

[@AnymMusic]

nah for me 20's warm, 30's hot, 40's death haha

[@WynneL]

I like the rhyme, but 30 is so hot you don't want to move, and at 40 people would be dying from the unprecedented heat wave.

[@jonnecleef5548]

If you want to think the “Dutch” way. Just think what is most practical 😂

[@amosamwig8394]

Ober!! ober, Mag ik wat kofie met een koekje a.u.b??!!

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Yeah, don't make things so complicated haha.

[@FordiusNLD]

This explanation is perfect, dutch are so practical. They prefer the most simple/easy option there is rather than complicated.

[@boulderk1n254]

I've never seen a blinking red pedestrian/bicycle light in Amsterdam (or anywhere in the Netherlands). Pedestrian lights usually only blink green when it's about to turn red.

[@DavidNagy9]

Yeah... That red light is NOT blinking. But it's just sitting on red and the timer below is sort of like blinking while it's changing. Guess this is where she gets confused. Maybe?

[@Bandit-Darville]

Maybe the bulb was going bad ^^

[@blazn0]

She explained it wrong. Its not blinking its just red with a countdown..in america it means walk in the Netherlands it means time till it turns green.

[@jelleroggen]

Why you want to know how much time there is left to cross the road.

[@boulderk1n254]

@@jelleroggen I guess to keep impatient people from jaywalking, because then they can anticipate.

[@DutchLabrat]

I'll never get the confusion about bike lanes. It is quite simple: Stay on your place on the road (Sidewalk for pedestrians, no really.) If you depart from your lane yield to any traffic you cross. Basically if you step into a bike lane you are lane changing to a lane where you are not supposed to be, YIELD! Same in the US... The only main difference is that cyclist in the Netherlands are not considered the pariah outlaws of traffic they are in most other countries like the US. It is not the rules that are different, it is the attitude. Cyclists are the majority on the road here (Everybody has a bike, not everybody drives a car...) and other road users have learned to adapt. We are not impressed by people who suddenly walk into our path and wil defend ourselves because in a collision between a cyclist and a pedestrian it is the cyclist who runs the risk of serious injury.

[@Helleuw123]

in an accident the bike i always right except when they hit the pedestrian,

[@Bandit-Darville]

Using the eyes to their maximum potential is key really.

[@Goku17111993]

A wanted to say this as wel. You cross o bike lane the same way you cross a road. In others words look first or its goning to hurt.

[@CK-bx1im]

Standing in line: I always ask "who came in last before me?" and then I know who to keep an eye on. Works all the time

[@VeryFastRodi]

Found tipping in the US super weird to do when I was on vacation. Why not just pay the people a normal wage. Tipping in the Netherlands (Europe) is far from the norm. Because the staff are paid normal wages. If your bill is 53, u pay 53 when paying by card. If u do it in cash again, 53 equals 53. Or u can say make it 55 or 56 or whatever u want to tip if u feel like it.

[@erikmulder2574]

I agree, in the Netherlands there is no need to tip. I do tip, for a cup of coffee my tip can be 50%, for a meal it can be 5% or less. Just a few Euro’s is more than sufficient, your spent is not the measure. What can influence your tip is the service you get and the time you spent in the restaurant. So, tipping is not required as in the Netherlands service is included already in your bill, however it is appreciated if you leave something extra.

[@phantomaniperv]

You don't have to tip at all, servers get a decent wage. Most people will leave a few coins of change rather than calculating a percentage of the bill.

[@hansc8433]

Tipping: you do _not_ tip in bars, cafes, snackbars/fastfood joint, and you _can_ give a tip in a restaurant. Just round up the amount to the next 5 or 10 euro, depending on how generous you feel. All tips go into a jar and that money is split between all personnel at the end of the week/month. The (metric) pound: Almost all countries used to have their own version of a pound weight, all of these were between 450 and 500 grams. In the 19th century _most_ of these countries changed their pound (or equivalent unit, like the libre in Spain, or the livre in France) to measure exactly 500 grams (half a kilo). Nowadays the “pond” is still used colloquially. Dutch also has/had the “ons” (ounce), which is 100 grams. It is no longer an official unit, but you’ll hear it being used in cheese shops, or markets. Line: No, it’s a queue. And you don’t “stand in a queue”, you just queue. Jump the queue, queue up. It’s from French, and it means tail. Much prettier than “line”. In the end they’re all just words of course, but it does hit a nerve. I think it has to do with the idea that many (North) Americans have, that the American way is the norm and the rest of the world is the exception, when in fact it’s the other way around. 95% of the world is not American.

[@bowillems4699]

I don't think that people 'do not tip in bars/cafes'. Of course you never have to, but in the cafe where I work we do get tips (let's say from 5% of people). Usually people just round it up to the whole euro, or to 5/10 like you said if they stayed for a whole day

[@annap7046]

Does it even make sense to tip to a round number when you pay by card? Also by default they just put an amount from your bill and that’s it. I super rarely pay with cash and before had some cash for tips, but also in many cases waiters interchange, so the tip would go to the person cleaning the table and not the one who served. Anyway, that’s confusing and i’d rather prefer everything included in price/bill and everyone earning fair salary not depending on the mood of the customer for their survival

[@dutchpantyman]

My rule to survive a dutch line: The only thing you know for sure is the person who enters a shop (line) after you. So, make sure that it is your turn before that person.

[@rogerwilco2]

Yes, that is the way to do it.

[@YouHaventSeenMeRight]

@@rogerwilco2 Or ask who was the last one to enter when you come in and keep an eye on that person

[@crystalwolcott4744]

@@YouHaventSeenMeRight What would be the appropriate way to phrase that? In America, the only way I can even think to ask that would be "who is/where is the end of the line." Like even knowing they aren't technically in a line I can't come up with a way that sounds natural to ask, "who came in last?" That just sounds weird and like everyone would just stare at me.

[@YouHaventSeenMeRight]

@@crystalwolcott4744 The Dutch way would be "Wie is er als laatste binnengekomen?" which probably translate to "Who was the last person to enter before me?"

[@AlexanderBurgers]

The person manning the counter could ask "wie is er dan?" (who's next?) and then the mexican standoff of pointing to the person who was there before you and waving them off if your order has already been taken begins. It's amusing.

[@harmzegt8066]

Tip: don’t cut of your video at once at the end. People need to find and restart the video again to comment to your video. If you leave let’s say 5 second empty or with a picture, people have time to push pause and react in the comment section.

[@johanvissers1615]

2 euro tip is a fine tip. I would never give more than 5. I'm from Belgium, we don't really have a tipping culture.

[@bruceadler9709]

When I was moving to The Netherlands back in 1991, I was on the plane (Martinair) and sat next to a Dutch girl. We struck up a conversation and I asked her if she had any tips for me. She told me about the "Met......" thing when answering the phone which came in handy at the time. Of course there were no mobiletjes then so it kinda made sense.

[@aeiouaeiou100]

Can confirm. Running over and screaming at tourists in the cycle lane is a great way of channeling and letting out my aggression.

[@annap7046]

Haha, i’m always shushing away pedestrians from clearly paved bike lanes. It’s harder for bike to stop than pedestrian, in the end if it’s a crash everybody’s hurt, how is that matter who is right, it’s just obvious - not to walk on bike lane ‘cause you are more unpredictable and can do it easily than bikes riding around you via car or sidewalk

[@studentrsg3357]

If you are struggling with figuring out what you are supposed to do at a cafe, here is my advice. When you walk in, walk towards the staff (often behind the bar) and ask if they have a place for you. If they have place they will point you to your seat or let you pick out one yourself. They will now also know that you are here to buy something and probably come up to you when you are seated to ask what you would like to order.

[@BolleZijde]

Eva, you have missed learning 'oversteken' as a child. You stand on the edge of the sidewalk, look left, then look right, look left again and when the road is still free you can cross. I grew up at a very busy road and am glad I didn't have to learn the hard way that traffic doesn't stop for you.

[@Bianca_Toeps]

"Kijk links, kijk rechts en nog een keer, als je oversteken moet. Kijk links, kijk rechts en nog een keer, want dan doe je 't pas goed." kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWeXqH1obZmSmK8

[@RealConstructor]

If you go into a store and it’s busy with customers, and if there isn’t a number dispenser, you just ask out loud, who is the last? That person will identify itself as being the last to come in the store before you. You only have to watch that person. When he is helped, you’re next. And when someone comes in the store behind you, he/she will ask the same and you say: I am. It’s an easy system, no line necessary.

[@hansderoo1]

The use of the word 'pond' in the Netherlands is actually a relic from the past; from our pre metric days. In the Netherlands It used to be about 480 grams, and in the region it had a number of different values Actually the word 'pond' was officially abolished at the beginning of the 19th century, but in a day to day usage it became to mean half a kilo.

[@eddiesimone3568]

Op school leerde ik dat 2 pond, 1 kilogram is. Ik vraag me af wanneer en door wie dat is vastgelegd

[@capt.haddock5750]

@@eddiesimone3568Dat is vastgelegd door de Duitse bezetters in de 2e Wereld oorlog. Vrij recent dus.

[@JoostFace]

Maybe instead of a few blocks away you can say: "om de hoek" or "een paar straten verderop"

[@DutchAmericano]

I like this!

[@thatoneguy4649]

If you say "a few blocks away" in the Netherlands going by an American "block" standards, you've crossed about half the country.

[@Lttlemoi]

I usually just give an estimate in hundreds of meters, which also works in cases you don't know the street layout.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

The reference for Celsius is not ‘water boils at 100 degrees’ - it’s ‘water freezes at 0 degrees’. So you start counting from freezing/not-freezing, and that’s how it makes sense in a weather forecast.

[@dannyvandeloo657]

It’s both offcourse. We measured the boiling and the freezing point and divided the difference by 100.

[@metalvideos1961]

@@dannyvandeloo657 that's the beauty of metric. It goes by 10. Easy as hell. Imperial system sucks

[@renzeatzema5990]

As for the tipping issue, you should just round it up to a nice amount in most cases. Or preferably, pay your bill by card, and tip them some bucks in cash, since the tips in general are divided among the employees

[@jlandheer]

Here in The Netherlands, a 'standard tip' is actually 10%. Receiving ANY tip is always considered a compliment, no matter how small. If the service was terrible, it is perfectly OK to tell them that. They will appreciate negative feedback, so they can learn and make improvements.

[@captainchaos3667]

There is no "standard tip" in the Netherlands.

[@eddiesimone3568]

Hoe kom je bij die 10%? Volgens mij is 5% al heel prima. Maar verder bestaat er in Nederland toch geen vuistregel?

[@nacholibre4516]

Ever heard about the "ons" as a measurement? Its 100 grams or 1/10 of a kilo. Another "unofficial" measure like the "pond".

[@picobello99]

When entering a café/restaurant it's best to walk up to the first staff member you see and say something like "Excuse me, we are with ... people. Where can we sit?". The server will either seat you at a specific table or tells you you can sit where ever you want. When you want to order or pay: try to make eye contact with a server and raise your hand. He/she will come to your table in a minute. Going to the bar is a little rude. You can do that when you don't see any staff around for 10 minutes. About tipping: it's nice to leave a tip, but you don't have to. 5% is good enough. You can always leave a tip in cash when you forgot to mention it to the server or when you feel uncomfortable about it. When the bill is €53 you can just pay and leave €4 in cash. That's what I usually do.

[@CharlesvanDijk-ir6bl]

I was born in the Netherlands and still remember my uncle. "Good night, time for me to sleep." He did that with a house full of visitors. Things are funny in Australia too. One customer had a takeaway pizza delivered in a restaurant. He got fed up with waiting too long for his order.

[@francinegeelen2344]

Dutch people LOVE to stand in line too! At my job (HEMA) we have the ‘zelfscan kassa’s’ where you can pay by yourself. We have 3 of them. When someone is using one, and another person want to pay, they will go wait in line behind that other person WHILE THERE ARE TWO OTHER ‘ZELFSCAN KASSA’S’ AVAILABLE!! And when someone actually pays attention, and sees that there are other ‘zelfscan kassa’s’ available, they will go and cut the line, but people cant be mad about it, because they just need to pay a bit more attention to what they’re doing.

[@piderman871]

That's because us Dutch people find zelfscan a bit awkward, especially at HEMA where we are not used to it. It feels like stealing :p

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

Never use those. They have cashiers for that, why do it yourself. If i wanted to scan groceries i'd go work in a store.

[@computerjantje]

Please never ever compare Amsterdam to the rest of the Netherlands, As a true Dutch I find the Amsterdam people in businesses or on the street among the most unfriendly in the whole world. This is NOT representative for the rest of The Netherlands. I do not know why it is like this but in many ways Amsterdam is NOT the Netherlands.

[@tjeerdfranskok]

Simpel: Amsterdam is een wereldstad, rest van Nederland platteland. Amsterdammers zijn volledig bij de tijd, de andere Nederlanders lopen minstens een halve eeuw achter.

[@computerjantje]

@@tjeerdfranskok En ik noem dit dan weer amsterdamse arrogantie.

[@tjeerdfranskok]

@@computerjantje echt wel! Maar waar is het ook.

[@computerjantje]

@@tjeerdfranskok Dream on :)

[@tjeerdfranskok]

@@computerjantje echt niet!

[@idiewiej]

First off, I am a born and raised Dutchy and love this vids! I think the reason why bikes 'own' the road, is because it's a very practical way of getting where you need to be. If you have to go to work, study or a medical appointment, you don't want to be late. Knowing myself I would never leave the house earlier to wait on pedestriants on the way. When writing this, it almost sounds rude but to us Dutch people it's really not.

[@berryvanhalderen7574]

On queuing... If there are a bunch of people and not in a formal queue: when you enter just ask "who's last". One person will respond and you only need to watch him, and when someone else enters after you, you respond... works great.

[@gertjanuniversalis]

Tipping? there is no need, really. Usually, people round up the amount due to some practical number (usually the nearest 5 euro's). If you pay by card, very few people bother, unless the service was above and beyond. Waiters here make enough money from their job to not rely on tips to live

[@wimschoenmakers5463]

Never realised how complicated living overhere is. Just go with the flow, never stand in line as a bunch of ducks, and raise your voice as you think it's your turn in the shop.

[@erikmulder2574]

I agree,, when it is not your turn yet, people will tell you they were first.

[@theGoogol]

Lol ... 3.5k subs (was 3.48 this morning). Keep going! 1) Doesn't matter in a café ... either you go to some employee and ask to be seated (which will seem very polite to the employee) or you find yourself a free table. You'll get told if that table is not available soon enough, no harm done :) After you've found a seat (and haven't asked for it) you'll have to find service if it takes too long (more than 5 minutes but depending on how busy it is). Restaurants are a different matter though (best to always ask for a table at a restaurant). When waiters tell you they'll come to your table, it's them being polite, not you being impolite or impatient. Just a direct way of letting you know that they'll be with you shortly (you're not the only one, they say this to guests about 20 times per day, at least). 2) In HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) people are at work. Just like every other person, they're working. Just like every other person, they don't expect tips. Tips are a compliment ... a way you let them know you enjoyed more than average service. Tip a lot (20% is a lot, imo) and you're signaling that you REALLY enjoyed the food and service. I myself usually tip 5-10% but if I didn't enjoy the food or the service even slightly then I won't tip. In the Netherlands the wages don't depend on tipping ... it's just wages. 3) Our traffic works because it's really well thought through. Bicycle lanes, intelligent traffic lights, etc. The best way to stay safe is to follow the traffic and the rules. People WILL try to let you know you're not adhering to the rules by passing too close for comfort. Check out the channel NotJustBikes (as I said before ^_^ ) to get a grasp on Dutch traffic. 4) You should know that imperial measurements always were metric (imperial is just a conversion, for more info on that, check this : kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ62e4t5a8Skh5o ). Second ... Think of the meter as the base unit in length (a BIG step ≈ a yard ≈ a meter). Centi(1/100)meter is about the width of your finger. Kilo(1000)meter is about 10 football pitches end to end. Celsius is simple ... water freezes at 0°C and boils at 100°C (at 60° protein starts to denaturalize so that's definitely too hot. 0° is freezing so that's too cold. 20° is comfy, 30° is hot). Measurements are based on science, not on personal experience. We hardly use ponden (markets do but it's fading) 5) No lines is a social thing. Just look around and be mindful of the people around you. In supermarkets a line is expected but anywhere else you just mind others. There's no shame in letting someone go before you (it's like a good deed) but it IS shameful to go before your turn. That balance makes people saying "You go first, no you, no you" quite a regular occurance.

[@Sheka88]

Pond, I often hear at markets, butchers etc. Many food related items sell by the pond. Queueing is a bit strange, but usually there are some people who look attentive (making sure they get their turn) and some who are not. Those who are not may have already given their order and are waiting for it to be ready. It might be easier to see in smaller towns, in de Randstad (such as Utrecht or especially Amsterdam) this process is a lot quicker and barely noticeable. Sometimes I roughly estimate what would be fair, then just make eye contact with the person serving to let them know i'm ready to order and they'll respond to that. If there is a crowd and you seem preoccupied with your phone or haven't made up your mind yet, they'll often give you time and do the efficient thing: let you take care of that without them having to make other customers wait extra.

[@brantregare]

Regarding the US measurement system. It is entirely metric based. It has been since 1959. The definition of and inch is exactly 25.4 mm or 0.0254 m. Similarly the pound is defined as exactly 0.45359237 kg. Temperature is more tricky as the Fahrenheit scale has changed its definition at least once. The conversion factors between Fahrenheit and Celsius are fixed. Most countries use SI units now. The USA and its territories a a stubborn holdout.

[@tonguepiercing]

Just pay electronically, contactless, and just the right amount, without any tips. Easy and straightforward !

[@jpdj2715]

In my youth, my family was on Fahrenheit. It took a couple years to adapt to Celsius. Note that "decimal" and ISO units are a worldwide standard. "Imperial" has very limited use in the world. USA, Myanmar and Liberia. Note that US heavy and car industries are on "metric-decimal" since ages. The Netherlands went "decimal" in 1820. The anachronistic units we still use are "pond" (now 500 gram) and "ons" (100 gram). We also had units like "duim" (=thumb, the width of a man's thumb or about 2.5 cm) and "el" (short for "ellepijp" which is the bone between your elbow and wrist, or about 30 cm, or about 1 ft). Then there were measures like "mud" (70kg or 100 liter of certain goods) and "lood" (originally 1/32nd of a "pond" and about 15 grams but with the "metric-decimal" transition it became 10 grams. As 32*15=480 that must have been the pre-metric weight of a continental pound). I guess these are all new to younger Dutch generations. The advantage of imperial might be that it helps to develop people's arithmetic skills. In general: imperial is short for something that triggered the French Revolution and guillotine: imperialism. Note that "water boils at 100C" is true for very pure H2O. Add salt and that number goes up. The some applies to water's freezing point 0C. Add salt and it goes down. 0F is freezing of seawater, but as seawater does not have a standardized salt concentration, this is a difficult number. Pure water is safe fro a physics and units point of view, for freezing and boiling. Yes, body temperature at 100F is handy. Now just remember, your skin temp0erature is likely 35C, a healthy core temperature for homo sapiens is 36.8C, fever starts at 37.8C and above that the proteins in your body lose stability and pathogens have a very hard time. Hypothermia already starts at 36.4 core temperature, IMO. Or, any weather above 35C is blisteringly hot, as your body cannot transfer its heat to the atmosphere any longer. Each person is like a 75W radiator ... Put 10 in a room and you have a 750W heat source. JLBH - just learn by heart

[@daredaemon8878]

So regarding the Pond. Prior to the introduction of metric, every Dutch city had its own units that were basically the same names as US Customary Units, but the exact definitions varied from city to city. Notably, the Amsterdam Pond was 494.09 grams, which as you can probably tell is real close to half a kilogram. So people just started rounding it to half a kilogram and that became the Metric Dutch Pond. It's not an official unit, but it is as you've noticed a commonly used unit.

[@thejaramogi1]

In dutch stores it usually polite to let someone know you were ahead of them! If it is my turn and I know you came before me I will ask if you are being served?

[@VandermolenB]

You can also ask "Wie is de laatste? " when you enter, so you just have to keep an eye on the person indicated.

[@creativecheersoffashionlau7364]

For tipping we usually’ round of’ the bill with a reasonable amount. When it is 53 euro you can make it 57,50 or something. When it is 100 you can give 110. But in NL we don’t rely on tips. It is just an extra above normal pretty good wages. And must say ut is really strange that as a pedestrian you go first all the time! You are the slowest so can easily stop and wait. And walking through red light? No no no!

[@KarenMogendorff]

You may buy a pond of cheese, vegetables, or fruit at a market stall. You can also use 500 grams or half a kilo instead of pond

[@wastedspam385]

Love the series! On your last topic, about standing in queue or line and people cutting in front, I think the fact that you were on your phone also played a part in that; they might have thought you were busy with something, so instead of waiting on you they went ahead and took your position in line. There's a saying here: "opgestaan is plaats vergaan", which roughly means; "if you got up and left, you lose your spot". By not being mentally present, because you were distracted by your phone, you lost your spot. My personal experience is that when there is confusion about who is next, because the person who is up next doesn't realise it's their turn, people will start discussing who was ahead of them and who came in after. That's why I think they consciously moved on to the next person; either because they didn't want to bother you from what you were doing, or because they even might have thought it was a little rude you weren't paying attention. It's understandable though, that if you aren't from around here, you have to get used to our system. So don't feel bad about it xD

[@wastedspam385]

Oh, and pro-tip: you only have to take note of who was there ahead of you. If those people are gone, its your turn. You can make this list even shorter by simply asking: "wie is de laatste?" (people tend to know if they were the last person before you to enter the room), and then you only have to keep track of that one person!

[@lucbrons]

I never saw a blinking red light in Amsterdam!

[@VincentNLgaming]

I think if there is a menu on the table someone will come to take your order. No menus often means go to the bar where they have the menu on the wall.

[@dutchgamer842]

Or they will bring you the menu

[@dannya8614]

My take on your experiences, coming from a 49 year old Dutchie: * When it comes down choosing between waiting or go the bar, just signal any nearby waiter with a simple gesture. It is a common practice in the Netherlands, and many other European countries. * Catering industry employees earn their salary according a CLA within their profession. You tip whenever you feel to without almost never insulting the person who served you. * Biking in the Netherlands, perhaps you should try this channel: kzbin.info * Metric is NOT Dutch. It is mostly used worldwide, and yes; it will be the unified global system eventually. Fun fact: Most American cars have both MPH and KM on the speedometer in their car. Great content. Keep it coming :)

[@CrownRider]

In the US normally I tip twice the tax. The tax is around 6% in most States. The 18-20% tip should be calculated on the price without the tax and without a service fee. In the Netherlands I tip 10-15% on the price without tax in restaurants or bars but not at fast food restaurants. When I'm entering a store and there is no line I just ask who was the last person entering. Easy.

[@cyclingchantal]

Bill 53 euro and horrible service: no tip, good service 55 euro, when waitress smiles and flirts 60 euro 🤣 Imperial system should be banned. 1 or 2 countries use it, rest of the world uses metric system.

[@frankteunissen6118]

Imperial system to be banned. Yes! Abso-bl**dy-lutely!!!

[@Helleuw123]

there 3 countries with imperial system usa, liberia(africa) and myanmar(asia)

[@nonexistingvoid]

Horrible service: directly complain about it. Good service: thank your waiter. Smiling, flirty waiter: that's inappropriate behaviour, which to me falls under bad service. Unless it's a host club, customers shouldn't be flirted with.

[@jeroenvandillen]

Also, if you pay with a card, the money goes into the bank account of the business owner, the waiter gets nothing. The business owner also has to pay taxes (VAT and income) on these tips. If you really want to tip a waiter, give them cash.

[@AdTrompet]

Beste Jeroen, Dit is niet correct. Een eigenaar betaald alleen BTW over het gefactureerde deel van zijn inkomsten. Fooien zijn BTW vrij. Een fatsoenlijke baas zal altijd de fooien verdelen onder het personeel.

[@keitoro1]

To start, your videos are so funny in a good way. As for the part of bike lanes, it is a little different. as a pedestrian, you are the less protected participant on the road, this means that when some would hit you with a bike, scooter, or car you are in most cases in your right to walk or cross at that point. this is something insurance agencies use all the time to win a claim if needed. Of course, you only know this is you are involved in such a case. it is called (zwakkere verkeersdeelnemer) which translates to, a road user who is less protected this also applies to an accident between a car and cycler. the one who has more speed and force is in the wrong. This just something you learn to know when you live here long enough. keep up the great videos.

[@jolinevdk]

Dutch here. I guess as a rule of thumb, if there is a menu (card) on the table someone will come to the table to get your order. If there's a menu above the bar, you will have to go to the bar to order. I think? Or just watch other people, see what they do. I guess it can be café dependent. As for the waiting in line, or not in line part: When you arrive at say, the pharmacy (although they mostly have a number machine now) or butcher, you know as soon as you step in that everybody who is in there is first, obviously. So you only have to pay attention to new people coming in basically, because everybody else needs to be done first, before it is your turn. In some places people will come in and ask "Wie is de laatste?"/"Who's last?" so you know you're up after that person but for the most part it is my experience that, although I can see how it's something you might need to get used to, isn't too complicated. Less complicated than forming a line, anyway (apparently).

[@annap7046]

For the orders i would just ask what is the best way, usually i’m told it’s okay to wait at the table -> no problem when it’s not obvious. I’m confused at how some people like to memorize some rules which are not even rules sometimes :))

[@Xardom]

Funny to hear tips about tipping: about 70% of the Dutch doesn't tip at all. And to be honest, it's accepted. We don't bother. An tip is really an extra bonus and only given when someone wants to. But even if you're service was above excellent, mostly they'll just pay the price mentioned on the receipt.

[@fonziemachil]

I worked in bars in NL for 15 years and still i almost never tip. Tips are nice when you get them, i used to buy my breakfast with the tips i got the night before but they are an exaption. If you really want to tip, tip.. Don't feel like you should it is something extra.

[@fonziemachil]

@Faigornx yes, Utrecht

[@fonziemachil]

@Faigornx about what?

[@timvanravensberg4268]

cheapskate! :-) I have worked in hospitality for over 20 years, tipping is not an obligation by Dutch norms but if you received service which is more than a product being delivered as ordered it would be decent to tip. It does not have to be a lot but if you have been happily waited on all night and just pay your bill , your waiter is certainly not going to remember you as a appreciating customer and you might just right out leave them feeling undervalued for their service.

[@fonziemachil]

@@timvanravensberg4268 I never felt that way abour people who did not tip me. Like i said it is something extra, a bonus on top on what you allready get paid, and that is mininumwage or more.

[@metalvideos1961]

@@fonziemachil Utrecht is not part of the Randstad.

[@tubularap]

A word we still use in daily life is "pont" meaning "ferry", that crosses a river. That is the only used Dutch word that sounds like that. The measurement "pond" is not used anymore. But we still use the phrase "Een pondje meer" ("One pound more") when e.g. referring to a person having gained some weight. It originally came from shopkeepers, when weighing a good for the customer (meat, vegetables) asking "Mag het een pondje meer zijn?" ("Can it be a pound more?"), because then the piece of meat or piece of cabbage could stay intact. It was not that there was exactly an extra 'pond' on that piece of meat or cabbage, but meant as an indication that it would be 'somewhat' more than requested. Then the customer could agree and wait to see how much more, or stick with the original ordered weight. As you see, in these cases it is used as "pondJE", the diminutive form.

[@gilles111]

A tip for when entering a café, bar or restaurant, there is almost always someone of the staff around the entrance (or will if you wait a few seconds). Ask them if you can take any place you like (if you didn't make a reservation). The staff will tell you what they expect (take a seat, wait for seating etc.). And you can ask that staff member what they expect, order at the bar, wait for the server etc. For café's with a terrace it is common to be served (unless clearly stated it's not). "We Dutch" neither know the rules of each café, this is how we normally solve that problem ;-) And with some experience you learn to "read" a business so you will instantly know what kind of place it is as soon as you enter. The way you pay before leaving is the same as the ordering, served at your table? Staff will come to your table for your cheque, ordered at the bar? Go to the bar.

[@purewhitechocolate]

Its 10% tip for a great service

[@ingmarhendriks8172]

Unlike in the USA, waiters actually get paid a decent wage. If your want to tip then do it, but not tipping is also okay.

[@Winterjas]

Also the reason they don't ask for tips.

[@VRBLNSLT]

Wages a at the lowest point possible.. hence the young folks doing it.. so its not ok to not tip

[@janjochem20]

@@VRBLNSLT they get minimum wage, alot of people are on that so no its fine not to tip

[@svw3734]

@@VRBLNSLT what are you talking about? Having minimum wage is still enough to be able to live a good life here in the Netherlands. You're not making tons of money but if you want that you'll have to look for a drifferent job in stead of HORECA!

[@MM-vr8rj]

@@VRBLNSLT do you work as a waiter/waitress or something haha

[@siencerealist9617]

If there are waiters you sit down and they come to you. If there are no waiters you go to the bar. easy :) Tipping is optional but mostly done when you are happy with the service. 10-15% is a pretty good ballpark in the netherlands. (waiters don't rely on tips so don't worry about it)

[@Mounir_BT]

First of all in the other video you pronounced Schiphol and Gezellig perfectly. Regarding Celsius @0 water begins to freeze @100 water is cooked/boiled! Keep up the good work. That's green light for you lol!

[@Paul_C]

Nah, not confusing at all: coffee only, no tip at all. With something to eat, round up to the nearest round number or not at all. Dinner depending on the bill: as a rule, I round up to the nearest €5. Then depending on the number of people: it is wholly dependent on the quality of service. And I do limit it to 10% at max.

[@VRBLNSLT]

Your really an example of a stingy dutch, people like to receive a tip even if you just have a coffee, if its good and people where nice.. tip.. its not like they make a descent wage so dont be stingy. When it comes to dinner if it was really nice and the service was excelent I go as high as 25% tip if I domt tip that means it was a shitty night and they get an ear full before they dont get a tip 🤷‍♂️

[@LaPingvino]

@@VRBLNSLT there is an actual problem with tips: differences in approaching customer service. in the Netherlands, servers are not slave to the customers, and they help you out of a sincere wish to help you, not because they can't live well otherwise. it's a much more equal relationship. in a similar way people actually feel bad when you pay too much (there is an RSA video about this).

[@VRBLNSLT]

@@LaPingvino there is a reason we dont have career servers in the Netherlands, the wages are to low and to cut costs only teens (who make even less) get hired most of the time. How many times in your life did you get served by a knowledgable 50 year old who wasn't the owner?

[@LaPingvino]

@@VRBLNSLT long time ago I went to a place with servers in the first place. We don't have as much of a restaurant culture as the USA has. I used to live in Belgium though and there tipping is much more common, but I found people were way less passionate about their job, because work culture stipulates hierarchy. I got kicked out of a company without even knowing why. Dutch work culture is much more on an equal level, and I am fully willing to hand in some pay to have that. That said, of course you are right that what you see is a result of that, I'm just not sure if it's in any way problematic.

[@VRBLNSLT]

@@LaPingvino I'll take a grumpy old garcon with descent knowledge that I dont have to explane what saignant is over a phone focussed tween that only knows there is red or white wine anyday of the week. US restaurant culture is on a totally different scale, altho that has to do with the lack of food knowledge aswell, most eating out there just cant cook and if they can its hard to actually find descent produce for reasonable prices without driving for miles, most of the time passing multiple (fastfood) restaurants.

[@ConnieIsMijnNaam]

The "pond" (500 gram) and the "ons" (100 gram) are a little archaic but still very much used in daily life. The names are leftovers from older weighing systems. The metric system is very logical and actually does not call for such folklore terms. When I was at school in the 70's we were specifically told that we were not allowed to use those terms. (which had the opposite effect because we learned what those terms meant and started to use them like all the other people around us) In stead of "ons" we should say "hectogram" (really nobody uses that term ever except when learning about it at school) Instead of "pond" we should say "500 gram" or "half a kilogram" (people do use those terms as well) People say "twee ons kaas" and "een pond koffie" all the time. I taught at a school for children with special needs and I specifically taught them about the "ons" and the "pond" because those are words they will actually encounter. I did not mention "hectogram" at all. What would be the point?

[@TestTest-eb8jr]

Het fijne van een echte juf is dat ze dingen kan uitleggen....🖒🖒🖒

[@dutchgamer842]

We use pond, ons, mijl, inch but not often, since our official measurement system is metric. If you don't learn them, hecto, there is a gap on the metric scale/line.

[@ConnieIsMijnNaam]

Dutch Gamer Then you go to the cheese stand and ask for a hectogram of 🧀 cheese....

[@sachadee.6104]

@@ConnieIsMijnNaam LOL. Ja, they would be surprised.

[@chillout7206]

I'm a Dutchy living in Australia and I have to say... I've been binge watching your videos and now I feel home sick😂💯In a good way though, glad you love the netherlands 🇳🇱👌❤️

[@mikedebruyn]

If you come into a store with "Dutch Queuing" there is a lot of non verbal communication going on. Most of the time the person that looks you straight in the eye the moment you come into the store is the last in line. It is also up to you to make sure the next person coming in knows its place. If you don't get it just shuffle a bit until someone looks at you and do the inverse nod accompanied with the ^^ and mostly they will respond by nodding in the direction of the last in line person. Also the person who is next in line is the person who will totally ignore you :) If the shuffle does not work just ask out loud who is the person in front of you. This will in no way reflect on you but on the person who is in front of you.

[@peterstringa3350]

When you don´t know how to behave when coming into a café or Bar, just ask friendly and politely what you have to do! It really can depend on the rules of the café. You have a very good American mouth, so why should you be silent in The Netherlands?

[@crystalwolcott4744]

Do most waitstaff speak English? Sorry if that is a rude question.

[@peterstringa3350]

@@crystalwolcott4744 It would be very strange if they didn´t. Maybe 1 % waiters and waitresses don´t speak English. But be aware. A lot of staff in villages speak Denglish of English like they speak Dutch. But in cities you can expect normal to excellent English, even with proper English accents.

[@crystalwolcott4744]

@@peterstringa3350 That really awesome and good to know! I am always so impressed by people who can speak more than one language. I can't wait to visit your country when it is safe to do so.

[@peterstringa3350]

@@crystalwolcott4744 We as a small country, we depend on trading internationally, so we have to speak at least English. I myself speak 6 languages. No big deal.

[@crystalwolcott4744]

@@peterstringa3350 Dang six is a lot! That can't be common? I know many bi/trilingual people but 6 is something else!

[@JulesStoop]

I’m dutch, have never lived abroad and would still still round up from 53 to 60. I like giving decent tips-probably because I’ve been a lowly bartender myself for about ten years. Wages in cafes and restaurants are better than in the US, but still pretty bad compared to many other professions.

[@MrHansklamer]

Before the introduction of the metric system [before 1820] in the Netherlands, an ons was usually about 30 grams and was 1/16 of a pond (about 480 grams) or 1/12 of a medicinal pond (about 375 grams). It ourselves was divided into eight drachmen or drachma's. Officially, the 'pond' and 'ons' [1/2 kilo or 500 grams and 100 grams] may no longer be used in commercial transactions since 1937. I was once in Ireland and they asked me how many stone I was?

[@O.Burger]

Beside the "pond", 500g, we also have the "ons" a 100g. I don't use it much any more, but I normaly heard it for weights of meat or cheese. At the market or butchers shop. And waiting in a Dutch "line" the way I do it I remember evry one that came in after me and when only they are left it is my turn

[@dirkgonthier101]

Why worry about tipping? It's not as if you need to tip. Everybody gets a living wage and that's the end of it. No, a pond is not typical Dutch. It's also used in Belgium (0.5 kg).

[@Genesizs]

So yes it is typical Dutch, lol. Belg

[@khulhucthulhu9952]

There's also the "ons", being 100g So not an ounce

[@jannetteberends8730]

I absolute totally agree about pedestrians are the omega’s in Dutch traffic. The pavement is horrible almost everywhere. I walk with a rollator, and I walk often on the bicycle path because the path for pedestrians is so horrible that it’s impossible to walk on it. Cooking with cups is so much easier than with weights. But there are these things where you can measure a lot of other things beside water. I think that we used to cook that way to. I have a cookbook where on the first page is a list how much cups or spoons a the weight of certain ingredient is. And when you forgot to tip, you can just leave money on the table before you leave.

[@svengoessens7283]

Tipping in the Netherlands starts usually starts with 2 euro. But I usually tip around 8%. But if service is bad, (late, cold, rude) no tip at all. Love your little struggles.

[@AmmPed]

The amount of my tipping depends on how the waiter or waitress makes me feel (in a decent way ;-) ). One time a waitress was terrible rude. I had to pay 28 euros and said; make it 25. She freaked out, called the manager who said I was right and 25 was still too much. 20 would be fine. The waitress imploded and left. No career in waiting for her.

[@hennienagtegaal953]

You don,t walk on a bikelane and you don,t walk on a motorway in the Netherlands. If you do, don,t be surprise if they hit you You walk on the footpath and don,t cross over without looking!

[@MalePietje]

Staff here gets an hourly (minimum) wage so they're not dependent on tips. Tips are appreciated, but you don't have to and it's not weird if you don't tip. And the tips usually get devided among staff at the end of the day/week. Tipping in the Netherlands when paying with cash is usually just out of lazyness not wanting to deal with change so you round up to the nearest easy to pay amount which often is the nearest 5 or 10 and say "keep the change". This practice kinda carried over to paying via PIN. Ons (100gram) and pond are still very much in use especially at places like a cheese store, butcher shop, fruit and vegetable store and at farmers markets.

[@woutervanr]

I agree, celsius isn't the best, Kelvin is. The only reason for using Celsius over Kelvin is that 273K when it's freezing isn't really helpful. Ponden worden nog wel gebruikt, een ons ook. Een pond is simpelweg 500g en een ons 100g. Zelf zou ik altijd voor SI units gaan, gram, meter, seconde, etc.

[@daanhaagen]

'Do you remember when you were 12,13 years old and you were figuring out how the world works and becoming an adult' Me, a 21 year old: 'maybe it's time to grow up🤔'

[@jankoevoet4042]

Me, now at 65, I guess I'll never really get it...

[@DutchAmericano]

I guess this video shows that I'm still figuring things out too =D

[@GustavSvard]

08:25 Pedestrians are kings in the US? ah, you're forgetting to include cars in the ranking.

[@svleeuwen1995]

Pond is a slightly archaic unit, mostly used in marketplaces(I often buy a pond of cheese, or a pond of a certain vegetable or fruit), but its mostly used by people over 40(in my experience anyway. I use it and I'm 25)

[@generaldreagonlps6889]

The 'pond' is very much for older people like my parents. According to them I learned it in elementary school but I doubt it (I'm 28, they are about 60). So people like me technically still know what it is but don't use it. Younger people usually don't. And besides the 'pond' we also have the 'ons', which is 100 grams. Same thing applies there.

[@robertkoote5114]

There are no straight rules when you've to get your coffee yourself or that you will be served. First of all do not bother and do not get confused, asking about that is not strange, you're just a helpful client. Perhaps look to the counter and see if the cash-register is facing the shop or not. If facing the shop, then the counter is meant for personel only. AND YOU'RE CERTAINLY NOT AWKWARD!! You moved to another continent and try to manage that, be proud of that!! In the Netherlands it's very important just to be yourself, that's more then enough --> Remember Dutch people are direct and open, we do not like people who are not themselves. But I cannot emphasize enough, people in Amsterdam are mostly fake and not well respected. So Amsterdam is not equal to the Netherlands. Tipping more then 10% is suspicious. Salaries in the Netherlands doesn't need any tipping, it's only a gesture to a person/shop/restaurant who served you well and gives you a pretty experience. If service is standard or perhaps bad, just do not tip. Maybe it's rude but it's also honest, and we appriciate honesty way more. Sometimes I bring paper-money with me so that I can tip a person, instead of the whole shop. Traffic lights for pedestrians and bicyclist are an mere advice, for me then, I trust my eyes and ears a lot more then those stupid lights. I hate pedestrians who doesn't look around before crossing my way, bicycle-lane or car-lane, and surely I will scare them so that they will look before they act. Call that lessons learned in Prince. I could also run you over. So being aware of your surroundings is the key in this. Imperial is sooooooo old-fashioned, ounces, pounds, gallons, vadems, miles all from the middle ages. Only the US and perhaps some other british ex-dominions use that old COLONIAL way of measurement, the modern world use metric, Very easy to use but stop comparing it to imperials. It is the same when we switched from guilders to euros. The first few months you calculated it back to guilders, but then you get used to it. To make it more difficult in the Netherlands we also have an ons (100 gram) a half-pond (250 gram) and anderhalf pond (750 gram), which are also very commonly used at markets, but it is still metric. Queueing in line is what we call "Kadaver-Discipline" and Dutch weather is not suitable to stay in line outdoors. Just remember the person who was last before you, which is normal to ask, and who come in after you, and claim your turn if necessary. Remember the cheeky ones have half the world.

[@GinaLopes2]

I actually never tip. I just pay the amount they want from me and that's it. I don't think it's rude?

[@louiseleite3866]

It depends on the culture/country. In Brazil it's very rude not to tip.

[@TheFreddy11023]

I usually tip 5,- for dinners below 100,- and 10,- when above 100,-. Drinks and similar things you round up 2,- or 3,-. Hope this helps.

[@WolfyLuna]

As for weights, a 'pond' is 500 gram, an 'ons' is 100 gram. At a butcher one could ask 2½ ons of a certain meat meaning 250. But one could also call that same amount ½ a pond. or even a ¼ kilogram. But I notice mostly on specialized shops (like butchers, chicken meat shops "poeliers", vegetable & fruit shops and so on) and markets that these terms are used more often.

[@isaqsalawu1729]

Most of Europe: Don't tip ,Seat yourself

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

And once you get your order you will not see a waiter again until you call them over to order more or pay or whatever.

[@noortjevanoo1837]

ROOD =DOOD 😄

[@lexroet1215]

So I should watch out for gingers?

[@mariozaal]

Hi Eva. Im curious what that fox on youre coutch is. Is it a shawl? I do like that fox thing. Also nice video.👍🐈🐈

[@lactobacillusprime]

As a Dutchman I used to live and work in the US for quite some time in the 90s(St.Louie Missourah . It has changed me. I still tip between 10-20% in restaurants. Not only a couple of euros.

[@hobohobo6518]

you really need to separate Amsterdam experience whit the rest of the country. its a complete difference. when i go to Amsterdam I feel like I'm not Dutch

[@Van.Je.Af.Is.Harder]

As a Dutchman, it is my duty to declare that in the name of his majesty, King Willem-Alexander, this video has hereby officially been colonized by the Kingdom of the Netherlands!

[@stefaancodde6578]

In Belgium : tipping is not expected, but if You tip , no problem . Pedestrians have their own red lights, they must allow these cause if an ARPN camera detects that .... When the orange light is blinking, You may start the engine but not cross , you have to wait till it's green. We use kg and gram's. We do line up also except in train stations but I guess in the USA also.

[@guuskaitjily8581]

Keep in mind that only if you pay cash the tip ends up in the waiters pocket , maybe this changed in the last decade.There used to be a "fooienpot" (the combined tips) the waiters shared at closing-time ,nowadays there is probably a digital equivalent .In shops or waiting rooms just ask who was the last person to enter.I hope this helps you ,fellow citizen.