AMERICA VS. THE NETHERLANDS - MY TRUE THOUGHTS

Hey guys!
I'm back again today with a video on my true thoughts about the differences (thus far) of living in America vs. living in the Netherlands.
If you have any specific questions I'd love to do a follow up video, but these are just some things I notice on a daily basis that I thought would be fun to share!
Please like this video if you enjoyed it and subscribe for more!
Instagram: electric_girl

[@thatdutchguy2882]

Rules are stricker vs the US aswell by law. We mostly don't allow what is normally found in food in the US.

[@mariussielcken]

you have to specifically ask tap water for it to be free.

[@donmiata8731]

not in the philippines where i live

[@kayleighvolkering2731]

@@donmiata8731 This isn't about the Phillipines though xD

[@donmiata8731]

to illustrate the difference per country, here its law

[@bosmans1978]

Depends on where you are...

[@CharlesvanDijk-ir6bl]

@@donmiata8731 In the Philippines you will run to the loo for a day if you're silly enough to drink tap water. In SM good quality drink water is available for Php 70 /8 Liters A 24/7 charge you a lot more.

[@RAWDernison1]

A US waitress is depending on tips, a Dutch waitress is secured of a decent wage.

[@Michel12210]

You don't have to pay in all restaurants for water in The Netherlands

[@martijnh333]

You never have to pay for tap water. Its the law.

[@karim271]

Ja maar als je dat glaasje water krijgt is het meestal met een frons 🤔. Plus jr krijgt een vies glaasje lauw water in plaats van kraan laten lopen zodat je lekker koud water krijgt . You will get the glass of water bit not cold it would be z little warm and also you get strange looks 🤔 for asking 😂😂😂. Dutch people are just plane simple KENKER GIERIG !!!!!

[@lnkvt]

@@martijnh333 No, there is no law in the NL for this.

[@Roel_Scoot]

Dutch are like Ferenghi: you have to make a profit, even from tap water.

[@Aviwave]

Hi Staci, nice vlog! I get your point with the water and I totally understand that if you’re used to that it’s a bummer, but keep in mind at the other side in the Netherlands you don’t have to tip 15-20%. You don’t have to tip at all and there will be no hard feelings. It’s up to you. Btw, there will be places where it’s free but indeed it isn’t common service. It’s part of our direct/practical culture, what you see is what you get with no surprises for anybody and in fact in the water isn’t free either in the States, you only pay for it in a different way. You’re point with the tofu, you’re totally right and I don’t think that’s the average service you should expect in the Netherlands and I would be very disappointed too. I hope that you’ll get used to the Dutch mentality and have a wonderful time in the Netherlands! Greetings from a Dutch citizen!

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Aviwave what a lovely comment! Thank you! Really appreciate your words and support. I definitely enjoy the fact that a tip really is a tip here and not an expectation. 👌🏼 and I agree with you! The standard service person is pretty good where I live, so I’m glad about that! I’m finding my way and really loving the experience of living here!😊💫

[@wildcardmark]

It’s simple if you want free water always ask for tap water they might charge you a little fee for cleaning and service but most places give free tap

[@vannelle6447]

Hi Staci, I visited the US several times the last couple of years, and planning to go there in a few months, So I love that country! But I met some different habits over there that I sure noticed, being Dutch. It's so funny to hear you talking about some of the same differences in culture from your perspective. Like the service in a restaurant. For us it sometimes feels creepy and uncomfortable how polite and "happy" the staff in the US is. All smiles and nothing you (as a customer) could do, would be wrong. The customer is always right and service is afraid to make mistakes. When I ordered drinks for my wife and me (coke for my wife, a beer for me), the waitress accidently put the straw at my side of the table. I made a happily remark over it, no big deal. But she was very embarrassed and excused herself for that "grievous mistake". And... brought another straw for my wife. Happily smiling all the way. For us the over-politeness felt unnatural. All that being polite, smiling, etc. when it´s not really meant (just not to fail and be sure to get a tip) is a turn off. For us it feels like paying for a performance. The Dutch don't like that. Indeed, we prefer to be straight and to the point. If the quality is good, then you get a compliment and a tip, if it's not: we say it straightforward or at least show some disapproval and you won't see us again. We don't want to pay for a performance, which both parties know that it's an act. There is no real value in that, so skip that part. (not to the level of being rude, but just a normal and natural level of politeness will do). Same thing greeting someone. "How are you doing?" in a voice that suggests "real" interest. One is supposed to answer "Fine, how are You doing?" in some matching interested manner. The other party then has to respond with "I'm fine" or something like that. Oh man, it´s sometimes so hard to go through this cycle. For it goes against our way of directness. If I ask someone how he or she is doing like I really mean it, I really mean it! Hard to explain, but it's in the tone. There is a real cultural mismatch here, because I have to press out the response "Fine, how are you doing?" that somehow mirrors that "upright interested tone". But actually I don't really care about how the cashier is feeling, I just want to buy something or so. So I feel pressed to put up a performance also. Totally not the dutch way of going about! I rather say `hello`, "good day", or if needs be "how are you doing" in a way/tone that expresses just plain politeness. But not in that upbeat American way, that actually is not sincere. For us it just feels very awkward to do so. Concerning ordering water in a restaurant: you should ask for "tap water". This is usually for free, and in the Netherlands it's exactly (!) the same quality as bottled water. If they charge you for it (or say, more than 50 cents), protest against it, give no tip just because of that, don't visit them again, etc. But by just ordering "water", you usually get bottled water, and that is expensive. When you're an unknowing tourist or a yuppy that don't care about the bill, they will happily provide you with that drink though. (for some reason drinking a glass of water with a meal isn't so usual over here. In the Us we were surprised we often got a glass of water without even asking for it!). Under performance of a restaurant, like the tofu soup, without tofu: If you're confident about a complaint like this and they will not propose a satisfactory solution or agreement: Say you won't pay that part of the meal at all. (or threaten to leave without paying anything). The Dutch way dealing with this is direct and straightforward. Especially when money is concerned, the Dutch can get bold and outspoken. So: not asking them what they will do about it, but rather confront them with your definition of the consequences of the disappointing meal (and see how they respond to that). If you're timid: leave under protest, never eat there again and write a negative review on the internet. But that´s not the typical Dutch way of handling these kind of situations. Of course, no Dutch are typical and everyone is different, but generally we protest and take the initiative when we perceive our rights are compromised. Things should go according to certain rules. If another party strays from that path and they are obviously in the wrong. Dutch can be very assertive and the opposition will have a hard time knocking us over... I think a lot has to do with the Calvinistic history that has played a mayor part forming our Dutch culture.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

UHG the horrid and engrained: "How are you?" "Fine, How are you?" it's the most useless bit of conversation ever! I totally agree. Still working on something better to replace it with honestly. I really appreciate genuine attitudes more than ever in my life so I love that about Dutch people. On the flip side of that sometimes people are a bit more pessimistic here as well rather than slapping on a positive attitude... I really love your suggestions and appreciate it a lot! Thanks for watching and giving such a thought out response. :)

[@larrydaniels6532]

I'm afraid you mistake the overall cordial nature of "Americans" (those in the USA). We are a nation of 330 million that collectively are decidedly optimistic and those in the service industry may be the purest form of that optimism. Any greeting you may hear is not an invitation to you to reveal the deepest details of your life at that moment, it is simply a way to engage you on a friendly basis in order to start a business transaction ( in the case of service workers) or a simple conversation for all others. And if you think that this good nature is only to "win" a big tip, please go to restaurants where there is no tipping and I assure you the same courtesy will be shown to you. I'm originally from the midwest and we have a reputation of being overly conversational with all strangers, I do not view this trait as a negative, I embrace and claim it. One can have a dour attitude and want almost no interaction with the other human beings that one naturally comes into contact in the course of a day, thus preserving their emotions for the ones that truly matter. We all chose to be a force for light or in your case a force for dark, good luck on your path.

[@NeoOnyx]

Hi Staci, I really like the video. Technically I like the fact that you don't take the attention away from what you are talking about with music. In a lot of video's KZbinrs really mess up the upload by putting music in that is either too loud or just annoying because it makes it hard to sometimes even hear what they are saying :-) Ending the video with a little vlog like that is also very nice and gives the viewer a little bit of context to your (living) situation. And you are so right about the (lack of) quality of service in the Netherlands. In my experience in about 50% of the shops or restaurants there's always something that makes you not wanna go back there. In the Netherlands waiters get paid and rely less on tips than maybe in the US? But ppl on their phones... I see that A LOT, everywhere I go, and it bothers me the most when I'm driving in my car and I have to look out not to hit (usually a girl) on a bike who's biking and texting at the same time. A topic for your next video could be "language". Now that you live in the Netherlands, you probably find yourself in situations where you wish you spoke Dutch (even though most Dutch ppl can speak English). How do you cope with that? Would you like to learn Dutch?

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Neo, Thanks for your comment! I actually was trying to add music to the vlog portion of the video but it wasn't working for me... then I remembered I actually much prefer other people's videos that aren't cluttered with music in the background! You are SO RIGHT when it comes to service in the Netherlands... and I find myself to be a fairly picky person about quality, so it can make it a bit hard to find some spots you know you can always go back to and enjoy. So many places I have loved have drastically changed the menu after I ate there the first time and I was so disappointed to not get to enjoy the same dish again. It seems there's a pretty high turnover rate of businesses here, (especially in Utrecht) so I imagine that aids in the constant fluctuation. I do think that because waiters/waitresses don't rely on tips it changes the service drastically, but I wonder if it's more the business models/common practices and what's expected that is so very different that effect the quality of service even more? And yes that is SO true about phones here as well... have you been to America? It's quite laughable how often people text and drive and text in inappropriate situations... xD My husband is constantly shocked by it when we are out and about and when driving. Also calling while driving isn't illegal if you're above 18 in my state which often shocks people here. I think language is a great idea for my next video. I constantly get asked "how's your dutch coming along?" and it's probably my least favorite question to be totally honest... I am learning, I actively listen to dutch conversations and I have Rosetta Stone that I practice with, but I don't love the pressure of having to learn for other people beyond myself and own desires. I think it's tough to have the pressure put on by certain people who decide to keep speaking dutch around me "so I'll learn".. It can be very isolating. It's rare people act that way, but it does happen. Everything is a learning experience though and I'm grateful that people are kind enough to speak English often around and for me. I can't imagine being in the same situation in a country that spoke little to no English. Even still when I run across people who don't feel comfortable speaking English or just simply don't, all of a sudden I feel a bit of culture shock and feel guilty I can't at least get by in Dutch. But my motivation to learn Dutch is very much driven by just simply wanting to understand and be a part of conversations happening around me. Even the conversations you aren't actively a part of, you can really miss just hearing and understanding. I could go on, but maybe I should just put it in the video! ;D

[@NeoOnyx]

Hi Staci, I get what you’re saying about having to learn Dutch. It can be very daunting, moving to another part of the world and feeling a bit isolated because you don’t have the ability yet to understand what a lot of people are saying (or even reading signs, menu’s, your mail and what have you). There must be some moments of loneliness because of it, I imagine. Don’t feel pressured by others to learn Dutch. Look at it as a means to extend your overall happiness, because everything will go much smoother and more importantly, you’ll get to feel more grounded and at home. Most Dutch people would be happy to help you learn the language. If you have Dutch friends, they could really help you make a start. And since your husband is Dutch, have him sit down with you a couple hours a week to teach you the basics. Even if you don’t want to take actual Dutch classes, there are many ways to learn the language: English spoken TV-shows and movies on Dutch television are subtitled, so you hear English but read the Dutch translation (which is the main reason Dutch people learn to speak English from a very young age). If you have Netflix, you can watch Dutch movies and set the subtitles to English. Or listen to Dutch music like Marco Borsato, Blöf or Paul de Leeuw. Now those won’t be my personal favs in music but their songs are in Dutch and you can easily find the English translations online. But most importantly, don’t be afraid to (try to) speak in Dutch to people, even if it’s just “goedemiddag” or “Ik heet Traci, hoe gaat het met jou?” There’s a British guy by the name of Tom Crewther who had 3 weeks of vacation to spare and he decided to travel to the Netherlands and learn Dutch in only 20 days. He has uploaded a video of each day and he shows you what he did and what his progress was. I’m not saying you should do the same, but his video’s might give you some inspiration. It starts with this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aV6QmZKCeJmooJo

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Neo, It is very daunting sometimes and I think that I may just be a bit of a close-minded American right now, as we have SO LITTLE influence of other languages in our daily lives.. It's to the point where a couple years ago my husband wanted to watch this movie that he said was really wonderful, and he turned it on and it was in French with english subtitles... and I was like "WOAH WOAH WOAH, I don't want to 'read' a movie!!!" and we shut it off. xD So if that tells you anything about what I'm used to... :p (I've opened up a lot since then though...) I really want to learn Dutch more and more since being here and I think you are SO right with it helping my quality of life and happiness. That's such a great perspective and I think that honestly helps me a lot with motivation! I really LOVED his series so thank you for sharing! (only half way through it as of yet) but dang he's very entertaining and SO confident to speak so quickly to people. Very refreshing to see someone so open-minded and determined. I would love for people to see me that way. :)

[@NeoOnyx]

Hi Staci, it’s very different for an American than it is for a European. Europe is a whole bunch of countries (and languages) close to one another while America is huge and only has (American) English, so I get that the need for speaking another language isn’t high up on the list, whereas in Europe you are likely to get into contact with other nationalities, for example, when you visit another country in Europe when on vacation. Or when you want to do business in surrounding countries. Americans usually vacation in America or maybe visit Europe once in their life. And even most expats in the Netherlands don’t bother with learning Dutch because every Dutch person is keen on speaking English, but you may have noticed that you’ll miss out on the nuances when in a predominantly Dutch group of people. They will start off in English so you can participate in the conversation, but when they talk amongst eachother (or when the alcohol starts kicking in) they’ll probably automatically revert back to Dutch, which leaves you out. That kinda sucks, wouldn’t it be nicer if you could connect on a personal level, without the language barrier? Sure, having to “read” a movie isn’t fun, and for us Dutchies it’s as normal as breathing, but the alternative (like in Germany), is that American movies (or in any other language) are dubbed with German narration, so Germans have never heard the actual voice of an American actor on TV. Not only that, but they also don’t learn to speak English like the Dutch do, because they simply never hear it being spoken. Yes, Tom Crewther isn’t very shy when it comes to talking to people in another language, but that’s just something that you can do too. Just start off by making small talk with people in stores or at the bus stop. You’ll find that most people are very helpful and friendly if they see you’re making an effort to learn our language. I’m always interested in how people from other countries perceive the Netherlands and during my ‘travels’ on KZbin I came across some video’s that might be of some interest to you: - An American living in Sweden for 6 years and his view on the USA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIS3iXaqfKt1nrc - Dana, an American living in germany for 7 years, talks about reverse culture shock when visiting the USA: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6uwiqCGlLN3mMU kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nUapyKnp6eebM - Greg Shapiro, an American comedian living in Amsterdam for years about his reverse culture shock: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXPNpoRujK1oo80 - Joey, a New Yorker, who lives in the Netherlands with his Dutch boyfriend, talks about the differences between the police, grocery stores and bathroom culture in the USA and the Netherlands: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHfKaph4rp12hbc kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5SzXqemj5yjhqM kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipzLYYRtgMl2rck - To get you started on learning Dutch ;-) A video where Dutch people on the street are asked to speak basic Dutch phrases (with Dutch and English subtitles): kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjMdY2sjr-sg7M - And because you’re expecting a baby, you might be interested in how it is for a child to grow up in the Netherlands: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fobdqa2cZ7p3nKc

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Neo, You are so insightful! Ahh yes, I wish it was something I was a bit more accustomed to just for ease of transitioning, but that's okay, I can appreciate the challenge as well! And you are SO right when it comes to speaking English here. I really start to miss and crave understanding of the conversations around me, but I've found it's so essential for my learning to actively listen to things that I don't understand still (though this can be quite taxing and exhausting for my pregnancy brain. xD But the more I do this, the more I learn and pick up, and also the more I'm able to surprise myself with what I know and understand, which is an incredibly good feeling. I find myself nodding along and even responding in English to Dutch conversations nearby because I fully understand what's being discussed, and boy oh boy is that a great surprise to myself! I find it so interesting that other countries "dub" American movies, and I've heard a lot of people really hate dubbed movies here, as they can be really annoying and make the movie far less enjoyable. Plus it's such a normal experience for Dutch people to hear English on movies and that is really the "norm", which I also find quite fascinating. I think I'm getting more comfortable with simple things with people like saying "Dank je wel!" or "Doi doi"... the easy stuff that probably shouldn't be intimidating, but still can be at times when out in public or responding to family and friends... gotta start somewhere I guess! and thank you for the video suggestions! So far your suggestions have been great, so I'm excited to check these out! :)

[@Dutch1961]

If you ordered a ramen tofu dish and there's no tofu in it you can send it back. Basically if you order what's on offer from a menu and they accept your order without telling you there's no tofu then you've closed an oral agreement. So if they don't bring you what you ordered they are in breach of the agreement and you can send the meal back without having to pay for it. That's the law.

[@LadyMissNeptune]

I agree the service is bad in the Netherlands. I had a server roll her eyes at me simply because I didn’t understand her description of the food. In the US, servers work for tips and are easily replaced if anyone complains about their attitude. In the Netherlands, severs automatically earn a living wage (they don’t need your tip) and it’s just not that easy to get fired. You can see why there’s a big difference in service.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Lady Neptune Ahh, that’s the worst! Do you also notice that menu’s description of food is sometimes impossible to imagine what you’re getting? Like it only lists a few ingredients often rather than a description of what the dish is like. But I agree with you completely.

[@SjaakSchulteis]

It is funny to see the reactions as to why the waiters in the States are more friendly then those in the Netherlands. I don't agree that it is due to the fact that they receive a tip from you. There is an expected tip to be received, if I remember correctly around 15%? I think it is just the way people are in the States: friendly and service orientated. In the Netherlands and Germany, a lot of people who work as a waiter or (in my case) flight attendant, struggle with themselves I think in being friendly. They are affraid to be too friendly. Friendliness in a job is part of your job and if you smile, it doesn't need to be fake. You don't need to like someone to be nice to, but certainly not be rude. That's not part of the job. In the Netherlands and Germany, people tend to forget that. In my job smiling was part of it. But I never had the feeling that it was fake. You do what is expected and it turns out to be fun too.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Sjaak Schulteis I agree completely!!!🙌🏼 sometimes just putting on a smile and being kind genuinely brings on happiness to yourself as well! thank you for your comment!😊

[@AstroForumSpace]

Yes, the service is worse in the Netherlands, you're right. Waiting a long time, non-negotiable prices. But no tipping culture either, so feel free to NOT tip them when the service is lousy :-).

[@stacivanthoff4874]

AstroForum yes this is an interesting difference too! Tipping is so important in America. But not as much here!😅 I do find in our small city of Culemborg that the service is much much better and people are so genuinely kind than the bigger cities. I really like that people are never artificially nice here too... sometimes servers in America can feel really fake. 😝

[@AstroForumSpace]

@@stacivanthoff4874 I agree with you. I live in Utrecht where the service isn't very good, it's better in smaller towns. And we are usually very straightforward, sometimes too blunt. I went to the States a couple of times where you are treated as a king. It felt a bit over the top for me being Dutch, but in the end I prefer the US treatment. I don't like the fact that waiters in the US rely on tips though. They should get a decent salary. But maybe that's me being too blunt...:-). Like your videos! It's always nice to hear how people from outside the Netherlands perceive our county and culture. Thanks for sharing!

[@stacivanthoff4874]

@@AstroForumSpace Yes, I think understanding the differences between cultures is really important when traveling/living in a new place. and I'm glad to hear you liked the American experience. One thing about their reliance on tips though, it's actually amazing how well good servers can do in some restaurants. I have many friends that have waited tables and come out with 100's in tips for a night. So I think it really can even out if you put the effort in to do it well. :) and I really appreciate the support! Thanks for watching! :)

[@vanderdole02]

service is just fine OUTSIDE of Amsterdam, and we do tip... the people in the restaurants of course do get paid...but they love tips..

[@Lowlanders]

The reason why they go out of their way in the States is because they rely on tips in order to have a decent salary, here they already have a steady salary and tips often are split between eachother.

[@dutchuncle3310]

In the states restaurants are probably afraid to get sued.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

hahaha you're probably right! xD

[@MrMezmerized]

In the US, a waiter's life literally depends on offering good service. Job safety is pretty non-existent and shitty wages so they need the tips.

[@tomodomo1000]

In NL it's all about money. People leaving in very old houses raised to save every penny. Small cars, because of tax, leaving in cold because of heating prices, nothing is wasted, every drop of yogurt. At first, you think it's great: you earn a lot of money, but then you realize, how many things you need to resign. It's common phrase here: "you don't need that". And most times it means: "you can not have it". "To go Dutch" it's well known, but living here you understand people need to live like this because they are forced and raised in that concept of life. They don't need to have a meeting with a gynecologist, 2 hot meals a day, wide roads, or warmth at home.

[@mar3053]

Exactly. People are stingy because living here is so expensive.

[@Anna133199]

Your point about Dutch people being more easily amused is a very interesting one. I've never heard that one before. Could it maybe have something to do with the fact that in the US, people work more hours and have less free time? In the Netherlands, we're champion of part-time employment. Many women especially work parttime, even before they have kids. In the US, more people have multiple jobs, they often have fewer vacation days, many people work full-time, and from what I've heard the commute is also often longer. So when they do get to spend time with friends, maybe they feel like they have to make every minute count and by doing special activities while spending time with friends, maybe they feel like it's a better use of their precious, limited time?

[@stacivanthoff4874]

I definitely agree with you! I really love that about the experience of living here. I know so many people with such little free-time back home that they really seem like they're constantly on edge about work even in social gatherings. It's a higher stress lifestyle sometimes and I think that has to do with the demand to put work above everything else, (even enjoying life). I think materialism plays a roll as well which is very prominent in America... such a constant need for more more more. (I can attest to this personally) :/ Thanks for watching Anna!

[@sonicmiku3009]

As an American Alot of us can wish we could work part time and get food on the table easily, but its a fact you HAVE to work at full time job to get by and pay bills. Sometimes you have to work more than one job depending on your living condition.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Sonic Miku very good point as well!

[@AwoudeX]

@@stacivanthoff4874 In the US, on average per year per person, hundreds of hours are spent on work more than in the Netherlands. Fun fact to add to this: we're the nr2 agricultural export nation in the world, only second to the USA, we do relatively more with less people and we've got more fun time to add ontop of that. Welcome to utopia

[@HaKi1950]

You are very wrong about the Dutch buying their food groceries per day. We have always done that per week, so have my parents and all the people we know.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Hans Kindt that’s nice😊

[@RHICfct]

i dont, i go every day!

[@vger5857]

I go every day...

[@bergenswald]

Jup every day as well, and all of the people I know as well. Like, I don't know what I want to eat tomorrow??

[@erwinmulder1338]

Depends on where you live: My parents lived in the 'country side' so they got groceries per week as they have to travel quite a way. People in the city tend to buy daily as all the stores are closer.

[@larrydaniels6532]

I swear I knew you were an Iowa girl as soon as you spoke. I'm from M'town and miss all of the great looking and smart girls from my hometown.You represent our home state in a very positive manner.

[@robvanfucht5380]

Just curious what you think of the language aspect. Most people in the cities speak English, but in the countryside less so.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Rob van Fucht language in what way?😊 that is true though. Becomes less necessary I’m sure to speak English in the country.👌🏼

[@robinb2105]

great video again. would be nice if you can make a video together with your husband discussing his views on the usa and your views here in holland

[@TheMichaelJu]

Why would any Americans or Australians ever reverse immigrate back to Europe? Have you calculated how much VAT and gas tax you have paid living in Europe for a year?

[@vijaypaavalan6297]

Thx for your sharing-I learn from you a lot.

[@liesbethdevries4986]

Ask for a big glass of tap water. You can even ask for some lemon in it, and ice cubes. The waiter will serve you. It's free. US waiters get paid less than 3 dollars/hr. They depend on tip money to make a living. That is why they will do anything to sell themselves. In the Netherlands and in Germany too, waiters get paid more than the minimum wage. Tip money is a reward for good service, not a must have to earn a living wage.

[@Lanae8199]

This is a great video. Spent two weeks in The Netherlands last year. I loved it, but yes the restaurant service was not very good, and pretty much all of the homes do not have air conditioning. Service workers in Europe do not receive tips usually. So, there is not much of an incentive to go above and beyond. Most of the homes in The Netherlands are old and were built be air conditioning became standard. Also, it usually doesn’t get warm enough to need it. Last year was the exception. It was warmer than average. I would love to live their for a couple of years, but I am considering Poland because it is cheaper. I do know some Dutch, however. By the way, you are very beautiful.

[@vanderdole02]

Service in restaurants is just fine, OUTSIDE of Amsterdam, and we do tip... the people in the restaurants of course do get paid by the restaurant..., but they still love tips.. give them a 3 € tip, or a 5, not more...they do not need the tips, it's just a way to tell them you liked their place. Try Indian and Indonesian / asian restaurants :)

[@robinb2105]

i think most of these things are some sort of unwritten rules. for example checking your phone while being with someone in a restaurant.. we think thats rude as you be there together. the clothes part is also a bit the same: sweatpants you wear in the gym or at home... even going to the supermarket in sporty clothes is kinda not done for most people unless you just came from the gym or any other purpose that justifies it. when i think of it its a bit strange, but its like a habbit that most dutch people have...hard to explain.

[@vanderdole02]

Drinking water from the tap is free, if you order "water" though, they will sell you expansive mineral water, as in Belgiun bottled water..., you have to say you want tap water. Tap water is usually of better quality that bottle water by the way.. So: Just ask for Kraanwater.. they might let you pay for it... but not much..

[@kayleighvolkering2731]

Thanks for making this vid it's fun to have this kinda insight from an expat! I would love to give some more insight in the following things though and it might help you get around a bit more? ^^ - You can get a glass of water you will just have to say tap water not like spa etc. Because they do have to buy that Spa water. In America it's much more normal to only drink like bottled water and not tap water. Our water is a lot less harsh you can just drink from the tap all day and it won't matter. - Idk where you went to eat for them to do that but that's bad service. I literally went to a restaurant the other day, I got a lobster with not a lot of meat in it. They ended up giving me another one. And my friend had a kind of meat that wasn't medium like she asked and they took it back and gave her a completely new one. I've had restaurants take things off of the tap many times haha. My parents actually used to own a restaurant so I've seen it first hand. - Salsa. This seems quite obvious why it's not the same x'D America is highly influenced by mexican food cause you're literally above it. But you are in a completely different country where most people can't handle THAT much spice x'DD. It's like an Italian comming to china to look for a true italian pizza hahahah. Ofc it's hard to find. - I kinda love how an American spoke about our grocerystores not being as healthy as Murrica's xD So here's a thing. Most our products are already healthier. Then we also have a lot of healthy items all over the place buuuuut the big thing is that we MAKE our healthy food. That's just a thing xD Buy fresh ingredients and make the healthy foodies.

[@Wall3Wapter]

in America a large part of a waiters paycheck is the tips he/she gets for good service. think having a fixed decent paycheck does negatively influence the service u get in restaurants etc. over here. but, to be honest, i would hate it when a waiter pretends to give a damn about my dining experience, because he needs the tips to make a decent paycheck. but, guess they are forced by a flawed system.

[@mikedehollander6848]

that is way you pay tips, because the waiter has to live from it and that is way they are so nice to you....

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Martin gaakeer this is true a lot of the time.👌🏼 But in my work experience in restaurants I wasn’t paid extra to be nice but I was very very friendly towards others because it made me happy and I loved giving really good service.

[@ay7115]

They do anything to make you happy in a restaurant in the US, because the need for a good tip to make up the salary. I personally find friendships very superficial in the US. Hard to build up meaningful and genuine friendships. I have been living in the US for quite a long time and have only one really great friend. I find it also strange that you do not get invited into someone’s home. Meetings always take place outside the home for lunch or dinner. Friends that do invite you are usually naturalized Americans. So they have different ways of socializing..

[@stacivanthoff4874]

I agree with you in that it's strange it's always an "outing" for socializing. Though I will say, anytime I invited people over for coffee in the US, it was most often accepted happily! Especially by friends trying to save money. xD I also have noticed many friendships to be very superficial in my life back home, but I think it's the mentality that we're all taught as children to be kind to everyone, and befriend people who you wouldn't normally, etc etc. I don't think it's ever prioritized to children to seek out people they connect well with or who are likeminded. It's all about being kind and inclusive to everyone, which I think in turn can create less genuine friendships and more fake attitudes...? Just a thought.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

There is a huge difference between cities and small towns when it's about public transport. In a city? Yes, you can go everywhere with public transportation. Over here, in a small town, 95% either goes on a bike or has a driver's license and a car. Public transportation is very limited here if you're not traveling to or from a big city.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Gert-Jan van der Lee great point! Even in our small city walking to the train station takes 25 minutes... so it’s much more ideal by bike or car.🤗👌🏼

[@erwinmulder1338]

Unlike in the US, waiters get a decent, regular wage. Waiters in the US are only more 'customer focused' because they need the tips or they won't get paid. We also have a thing called worker's rights, so again, unlike the US, they cannot get fired on a whim because 'one customer complained about something.' Sure, the service suffers, but at least the laws allow people get to keep their job and get paid. It's a compromise I am willing to make.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Erwin Mulder I definitely agree with most of what you’re saying. Not that every place is like that in America. For instance a cafe/restaurant I worked at a couple years ago I got paid $9 per hour plus tips. So up to $13 an hour often times. Choosing the right restaurant is important to make sure you’re treated well as an employee. There’s also many restaurants my friends have worked at that they come out on an evening with $300 in tips. Not a bad way of living to reach that kind of potential if you put the effort in.

[@jimmymiata]

water for free in a restaurant or even in fastfood joints, was someting that was/is law in tropical or subtropical countries, it could be a matter of life or death having water to drink or not. I'm a Dutchman i live in the Philippines a tropical climat and yes here you get water for free, in Nederland water is never a matter of life or death , not only because of the climate but also the short distances your never far from home, and dont forget that you can safely drink water from every tap; the quality of dutch tapwater is beyond anny doubt one of the best in the world, the country is so tiny, (in most cases the tap water is relatively better than 90% of all botteled waters, thats why it would be quite overdone to serve free water.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

This totally makes sense to me so thank you for the comment! I've even noticed that water here is more hydrating than water I've had in America (anywhere in America I've been)

[@KootFloris]

Really, five minutes about not getting water. Ask for it. The Dutch are direct. If they don't give it, they're lousy. And the culture is changing towards even giving water bottles at the table. Tapwater. Which in the Netherlands may be better quality than bottled water.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

what can I say, I'm passionate about water... Should I change the title to "complaining about not receiving water for 5 minutes"? ;) But yes I have been told many times now just to ask for "tap" water and it's no problem at most places. (these are the things that I learn slowly as I live here)

[@luk5464]

I would've just sent it back and ordered something else. That would've been the most common sense thing to do. Also then maybe next time they'll consider talking to a customer before serving up a half-assed dish, which is a crappy thing to do even by Dutch standards.

[@donmiata8731]

i think your eaten your tofu ramen anyway or at least a part of it, , if it ever happens again make sure evrything is on the plate as described in the menu, and dont eat before you have that checked, if something wrong or missing than do not acccept that dish, give it back to the waiter and just walk out of the place. they must have thought your just another tourist and took advantage, its a disgrace you shoulnt have paid, if you dont, theres nothing they can do , and if they call police (which i strongly doubt) you explain and you get away with it for sure

[@douwehuysmans5959]

Ffs, accept, not except

[@emwharton]

100% agree with you about the big glass of tap water.

[@beautybread6855]

CUTIE. This is my little sister guiz. She rocks face and is damn awesome just sayin.

[@donmiata8731]

have you been in Rosies Canteen? mexican restaurant in amsterdam maybe they have branches?

[@edwinbiere9305]

A snackbar doesn't count as a restaurant in my opinion. Even tap water isn't free everywhere.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Edwin Biere it was called Snackbar, but it was a full blown restaurant. Not your typical Dutch snack bar.

[@nogoodreasontonotjustfixit]

There is a mexican restarant on the corner on the Haarlemmerplein called The Burritomaker in Amsterdam that has every amazing salsa you can think up. Go there.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

awesome! love the suggestion! thank you

[@Pyltje03]

Fresh home Made meals in netherlands are way cheaper then ordering iT or microwave meals. I traveled alot...also to the usa...and Thats basicly the only country Where bad food is soooo much cheaper then good food. I worked in schools there and I was shockend to see What kids eat. If I wanted to see green in the kantine I watchers the wall...cause there wasnt any with the food.

[@jodocus8573]

You will find good salsa at the potatochips. the dorrito kind....

[@elseline98]

Americans have to live off of tips, so they go out of their way to get more. Here in the netherlands we have a system that pays all the employees what they minimally need to live. Tips(called "fooi'') are purely extra.

[@katiestoddard7164]

Not all Americans have to live off tips. Usually just restaurant workers (except for those who work in major fast food chains, they are not allowed to accept tips at all). Other than the "service" industry, everyone works for a wage or salary.

[@elisabethsphilosophy6459]

I know exactly what you mean with the water! Thats so much better in the US!

[@Pyltje03]

Quality service is service that isnt defending on the waitres salary. Since waitresses in the usa needs the tip to make somekind of normal money....They have to be Nice. Thats not quality service.....

[@donmiata8731]

you get inspired by the way people are dressed, did you know that even famous designers go incognito to the capital cities in europe to get inspired?

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Don Miata that’s interesting! Totally makes sense!

[@weebzbeats4758]

Next time only pay for the drinks if they don't give you the food you have asked for. This was a situation of being to polite in my opinion as a Dutchie

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Weebz Beats I agree! Thanks for your comment🤗

[@RSHekscher]

You are so pretty, Staci :-)

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Ralph Hekscher thank you! You are so kind✨

[@OP-1000]

In the US you have to tip way more, so that pays for the bottle of water 😀

[@Zoza15]

But aren't you tipping the service in America too?. If you want a healthy store then visit EkoPlaza.

[@donmiata8731]

because we have plenty of very good fresh water in every house the necessity is not very high cos of our climate, except for an extreme thirsty person like you. When they charge 4 to 5 euro for a 500 ml (half liter) bottle of water , you're obviyously in the wrong place, that sounds like scam, its only a few dimes in Albertheijn so if they double that they have a healthy profit of 100%. even the most expensive imported waters from France are not half as healthy as our tapwater, and cheaper too, why not buy a drinking bottle and fill it at home, if you like your water to be cold take care that you always have e few liters of tapwater in your fridge and use an insulated waterbottle, i do that too, not becouse of eating out but water in the Philippines is not that great, so i purify my tapwater i have a gallon of purified water in my ref always. The habbit of serving drinking water has a long history in many climates you could,nt survive without water, here in the Philippines you get water also for free, its a tropicalclimate and its summer here right now temps of 36C near 100 F, and higher is normal in summer here but still 32 the rest of the year

[@lauravanlankvelt6878]

If you ask for a glass of water fron the tap you will get it for free

[@OP-1000]

Do you have a cold?

[@ervie60]

Tip van Flip: less "like" Use alernatives such as: such as, for instance trust me it will make you sound a lot smarter......

[@stacivanthoff4874]

ervie60 I noticed this about myself and think I’ve improved in my more recent videos😊

[@ervie60]

@@stacivanthoff4874 Goed bezig Staci. En die cultuurverschillen, zie het als een verrijking in je leven. Perfekt is het overigens nergens de US en NL hebben hun plus en min punten.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

@@ervie60 That is very true of course. I definitely feel that's been my outlook.

[@Pyltje03]

Tap water is free always. Just ask for iT. Your husband should know this.

[@opoxious1592]

Hello Staci, Just wondered, do you have Dutch ancestry? I'm pretty sure you do, when i look at your last name.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

That would be my husband's last name that I took when I got married which of course is Dutch. My maiden name was Czech.

[@opoxious1592]

@@stacivanthoff4874 Thanks

[@vanderdole02]

Phone zombies?? NO NO NO. Teenagekids do this, and get hit by cars, because they play with their phones on the bike, while driving... very irritating, and dangerous.

[@mariussielcken]

yes, we love ketchup, because we love vinegar.

[@thatdutchguy2882]

We love mayonnaise here m8. Ketchup is a meat condiment. And Dutch mayonnaise is made with over 95% eggs by law, not the American stuff were Mayonnaise is allowed to be 15% eggs and oil for the rest.

[@mariussielcken]

@@thatdutchguy2882 yes we love mayo more than ketchup, and we don't eat it with frites, but they are both vinegar-based

[@CharlesvanDijk-ir6bl]

The worse service ever in the US. If you eat out don't bother to go to a proper restaurant just stick to the fast foods. It was in California I invited all of the family and I didn't even get the meal I ordered the waitress just forgot it. Well I forgot to tip her as well as I don't like to eat by myself. I had the best coffee ever in Mariposa small place but nice flapjacks among other goodies. Just again don't bother about places which try to promote themselves as a restaurant.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Charles van Dijk there are 660,755 restaurants in the US as of 2018. Maybe worth checking out a few more before making your final judgement.😉 but yes, poor service is such a shame, and hard to forget. Sorry you had such a bad experience. Hope someday you’ll try another place that you’ll enjoy.😊

[@thefanuccicrimefamily]

You are adorable !!

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Wilco Jansen I have been called that since I was a little kid..😌

[@thefanuccicrimefamily]

@@stacivanthoff4874 you have a Dutch surname too, makes it even better haha your parents were right !

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Wilco Jansen my surname is taken from my Dutch husband. In the states it’s common to take your husband’s last name and leave behind your own family name. 😊

[@thefanuccicrimefamily]

@@stacivanthoff4874 he’s a lucky guy, I hope he got a nice surname aswell :D

[@kuldeepsirolapahdisirola747]

Hello

[@corneliusantonius3108]

I am just glad whe don't have hormone cows and chlorined chicken 👀 Oh and I would have gotten my money back making a big big fuss !!! Bad vegan restaurant is bad, just look for a better restaurant next time or rain havoc on their arse👀🐱‍👤👍\

[@stacivanthoff4874]

haha yes! Thank goodness! That's exactly why I went vegan in 2012. Though it's still not a totally good industry here either, and I'm very happy to not partake in any of the cruel animal farming industries anymore.

[@SannedeGroot2]

Loved watching this video! When I moved over too New York last Summer, I was amazed of the free glass of water. I was like huh is it free?! Such a small thing and funny cultural difference😊💖

[@donmiata8731]

the idea of serving water for free dates back when transportation was only by 1 horsepower from one vilage to another could take a day or more large parts of the US, are tropical and subtropical, it was in most cases demanded by law but not only in the us. also in south east Asia probably in places in Afrika too

[@liadijkstra9614]

Went to the States last year Florida, Tenessee , Carolina's, MIssissipi, etc. We had to eat at restaurants every day for a month and got really nervos about the service..Meaning every time after our main course they put the bill on the table most of the time and we had to tell them that we were not finished yet and wanted to have another beer or desert ... Also in the Netherlands we are used to take time to eat at a restaurants 🍴 and that seemed not to be normal in the States ... Further everyone in my group of friends and family is used to give tips here in restaurants in the Netherlands...

[@Harry_PP030]

In the USA the waiters depend on the tips for their living, the more people they serve the more money they get. In the Netherlands they are being paid anyway (so no use for rushing guests), so that's why we tip extra for good service. In the USA you are supposed to tip even when the food is bad (which happens a lot of times) and when the service is bad....

[@vanderdole02]

If you dress modestly, but nice, don't over do make up, etc, everybody will like you here in the Netherlands. People like style here , so you should do just fine by the looks on the video :)

[@lafinusent7368]

If u compare a hundred random things in the Netherlands to the US u will 1000 pct find out that our great Netherlands will beat the mf shit out of ur pothetic states. Just admit it and stop searching for positive things in the US to come up with. U know already since many many months that the Netherlands is one of the let's say 5 best country's in the world to live in.

[@petertraudes106]

Weet je wat een ander verschil is? De Nederlandse taal.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Peter Traudes ja, dat is waar.😊

[@nataslived7029]

You’re cute!

[@JVGmidi]

Come to holland and I give you a kiss.

[@donmiata8731]

ze woont in nederland als je dat niet begrepen had

[@kuldeepsirolapahdisirola747]

Hi

[@stacivanthoff4874]

singr kuldeep sirola Sirola hi

[@ericburbach632]

that was a bad restaurant !

[@CommDante]

Lol, instagram ... next!

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Hmm?

[@mar3053]

You're married to a Dutch. That's they only reason you feel people are engaging. Otherwise, you'd feel lost !

[@stacivanthoff4874]

mar When I go places on my own, people are plenty engaging.😊 they hear my accent and they have a million questions for me quite often. So I’m not sure if that’s true for my experience. And by lost do you mean an outsider? Cause I will always be that. 😆 but it’s no problem for me now. Things become normal after a while luckily.😁👍🏼

[@mar3053]

@@stacivanthoff4874 so I assume you live in a small town.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

mar I do now. But before I lived in a bigger city, and often still visit big cities.

[@soyouknow8207]

You sure have a Dutch look and last name tho

[@stacivanthoff4874]

SoYou Know I married a Dutch guy and took his last name. My roots are Czech

[@StevenvanderGraaf]

You want a lot for free or refunds, are you sure ur not dutch?

[@stacivanthoff4874]

SiXftSiXTaLL haha damn I’m getting closer aren’t I?😉

[@StevenvanderGraaf]

Yes indeed, only a few euro’s saving between you and wearing a pair of 2nd hand wooden shoes!

[@JVGmidi]

That's not Dutch. They are from Africa or the Middle East.

[@lizzyscorner]

JVGmidi the wooden shoes you mean?

[@JVGmidi]

Lizzy nope, the welfare attitude. For free.

[@henkoosterink8744]

Never make a video with the window in your back.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Henk Oosterink I’ll try not to🌼

[@merastagirl]

Why is she out of breath all the time...🤔 this vegan thing is unhealty people, your body can only keep it going for so long !! Its all about balance! Please eat some more eggs, drink some milk! You will feel better..

[@stacivanthoff4874]

moestuin meisje try sitting in front of a camera talking to an audience, and see how you feel. it’s easy to get out of breath. Many youtubers experience this. I am very healthy, healthier than I ever was eating meat dairy and eggs. Vegan now for close to 8 years! But thanks for your misplaced concern. 😊

[@stacivanthoff4874]

moestuin meisje milk is meant for baby cows. It’s 2020, how do you not know this by now?😳

[@stacivanthoff4874]

moestuin meisje also, I’m allergic to BOTH eggs and dairy. Got any other misguided suggestions for me?

[@Vention1MGTOW]

Why do you care about whether you pay for water or not? You've never paid for a meal in your life.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

hmm, that's quite a strong judgment for you to make of me considering I started working for my pocket money at a very young age, and paying for myself through adulthood. what happened to you today that you decided to take it out on me?

[@alexdevid135]

@@stacivanthoff4874 this is the dutch directness ;) get used to it if you are going to live in the netherlands

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Alex Bratu that is not Dutch directness. I love Dutch directness. That is a coverup for plain rudeness. 😊

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Alex Bratu also that guy isn’t even Dutch!😉

[@mariadebake5483]

@@stacivanthoff4874 I agree with you Staci. It's rude to say such a thing

[@erikje7352]

''iowa to be specific'' hahahaha !! that's as big as most of europa , could you narrow it down a bit ? to the size of ,,,,, lets say the size of the provincie gelderland were you live now

[@stacivanthoff4874]

erik je linn county 😊

[@erikje7352]

@@stacivanthoff4874 thx

[@stacivanthoff4874]

erik je when speaking about America as a whole, Iowa is pretty specific 😉

[@ilseijtsma2305]

You are such a American stereo type 😂

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Ilse IJtsma I’ll take that as a compliment, so thank you!💓 glad to see you’re being a good example of wherever you’re from as well.🤗

[@ilseijtsma2305]

@@stacivanthoff4874 I am Dutch I live in Venlo.

[@stacivanthoff4874]

Ilse IJtsma nice of you to change the eye roll to a laughing face. 😊

[@Harry_PP030]

You gotta love american sterotypes. Wherever we go in the USA people are very friendly and interested. Sometimes we recognize the ones we shouldn't discuss politcs with, but still they are friendly. Try to wait for a bus ( even in a dark street in Queens NY), you see that people wait in line. Unlike in the Netherlands, you even might have to push forward to get in the bus because everyone wants to get in first.

[@Marianneduetje]

Well what else would you have her be, Asian? That would be realy weird.

[@elfuertedeleon2114]

You looks good,,,I can do things with you,you can't imagine. And I living in nederland too,.

[@moow950]

Hi Staci, You are a very beautiful woman 😀 Your husband is a lucky guy 😉

[@mariusb5150]

Tjezus zeg, is dit een parodie? Ja toch?

[@stacivanthoff4874]

ja, ik ben een parodie. :) blij om je aan het lachen te maken.

[@Snakesborough]

Vegan restaurant? That's hell on earth. Luckily we don't have that kind of nonsense in the fly over eastern part of the Netherlands. God bless the USA and their great president Donald Trump,

[@stacivanthoff4874]

You are a strange character. But thanks for the comment anyway. :)

[@karim271]

@@stacivanthoff4874 😂😂😂😂👍👍👍

[@snakeboroughsnakeborough7992]

Kraanwater is gratis in Nederlandse restaurants. Dus daar moet je om vragen, anders krijg je bronwater, en ja, dan moet je betalen. En wat ik fijn vind aan Nederlandse restaurants is dat het personeel niet de hele tijd loopt te zaniken over fooien. Ik erger me daar kapot aan in de VS. Als ik in de VS ben, ga ik nooit meer naar restaurants, je wordt er gewoon zenuwziek van het gezanik om fooien. Just go back home and relieve us from your horrible American English, saying 'like' at least twice in any sentence. You should either learn to speak received English or Dutch. Thank you for going home to the Midwest! We won't miss you.

[@Marianneduetje]

Wees 's lief. Je kan je mening ook op een normale manier ventileren. Het is niet nodig om iemand te beledigen!

[@love-vy1ry]

Je gaat zelf naar de VS, zit nou niet zo te zeuren, snakey.