CULTURE SHOCK as an American living in Amsterdam

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💬 We're Sean and Jessica from the USA and are now expats living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands since 2014. We travel all around Europe to discover new places, good food, and memorable experiences. You'll also find a bunch of Amsterdam content because we love our new home city! Follow our European travel adventures for food and fun 😄
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[@aWanderlustForLife]

To answer the questions I always get from people: I know a little Dutch, and I continue to learn each day, but no, I'm not fluent. Yes, I'm an immigrant. I use expat and immigrant interchangeably but on KZbin people search for expat. I do my SEO research.

[@LK-pc4sq]

I met another American woman who husband divorced her. She could not get a job in her former us line of work due to the language barrier. she ended up being a maid to survive.

[@danielanoll4069]

That's a good point, I find expat sounds a bit snobbish, but the search thing makes sense!

[@shandonsahm3343]

I'm also from USA now living in Amsterdam.. it's wonderful.. I've been here many times Soo when I moved I knew exactly what I was moving into...no shock for me what so ever lol 😂😂😂 almost like I was Dutch in a past life 😂

[@aWanderlustForLife]

That's great! Glad it was an easy adjustment :0

[@marylacken4016]

It always makes me smile, if expads, mostly from the US talk about cultural shocks. Europeans are so used to travel to different countries with different habits, that we don't see them as "cultural shock" but just as a new experience.

[@budgetking2591]

It always makes me laugh when people call them expats, why are they not called immigrants? Because that word is for ''brown people'', rich white people made up the word expats, its discusting, just call them immigrants, they immigrated to that country, so they are immigrants.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

@@budgetking2591 Just lets call expats what they are: allochtonen.

[@jkos2537]

@@budgetking2591 Actually it has to do with legal status in the Netherlands. Someone is called an immigrant (Skin collour, or homecountry doesn't matter) if someone who has intentions to live here for the rest of their lives. Reasons for living here are various. An Expat is someone who comes here for work, usually working for the same company in his/her homecountry. Whether they will remain in the Netherlands doesn't really matter, but the innitional reason is 'temporarely'. It is an governmental administrative name, and a base for taxes. It is not only a Name, it is a base for your home as well. Home rental or Expat home rental are in their own leage. (An expat has more options for a temporarely home. An immigrant has access to the same renting pool all the Dutch have access to.) Dutch people refer to either native or immigrant when it comes to its citizens. (it's either your fatherland, or you're from het buitenland.) You may not be aware of this, but someone who leaves the country for good (intentionally) is called an emigrant. His taxes will be frozen for 1 year once that person request the emigrant status. If that person returns to the Netherlands within 1 year, his tax history will continue as if the person never left. What you are refering to are people who are called asylum seekers, they also happen to be immigrants, big deal, because i don't know if you know it, but the netherlands aren't that big, and we are one of the most densed countries in the EU. I happen to work with expats, they ususally come from the USA, India and China. And the two latter countries are rarely 'white' as you call them. An immigrant has a legal obligation to go to blend in, if he does so, he can apply for citizenship after 5 years, an Expat doesn't have those obligations as he is intended to go to his home country again So who should be disgusted? Maybe you for yumping to the wrong conclusions.

[@mimimotor]

@@budgetking2591 Most Brown people usually never leave after they are can use the services of the welfare state. Expats tend to be here just for work, for a limited time, and pay their own way. There are a lot of brown expats in Amsterdam too. No reason for moral panic here.

[@onescreentwomovies254]

When you live in the city in a small apartment, having some guests at your birthday, you will lent some chairs from your neighbours and yes a circle is the most efficient way to place the chairs in your small living room. We think it's practical and gezellig. Language: when you first arrive you don't understand a word, it's very boring and all background noice. Beginner level you understand some words and you fill in the gabs to give meaning and since it's your imagination those overheard conversations are very interesting and exciting. But if you become proficient, you can now understand these conversations go back boring😜

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I remember after a year of living here and then going to a conference in London, I heard Dutch behind me and I got SO EXCITED!! I turned around and told them how I already missed the language and we struck up a nice chat :)

[@AlanRPaine]

I've spent a lot of time in Belgium which has a similar kissing culture which as a British person often seemed strange. The extra payment you give in a US restaurant is not really a tip, you are paying the staffs wages. It's hangs in a strange shadow world between a voluntary contribution and an obligation. When I lived in the US in the 1990s 15% was seen as a pretty good 'tip.' It's been talked up over the years to 20%. Having medical care funded by taxation avoids high medical insurance costs. Registering for a doctor sounds similar to the UK. Public transport in Amsterdam is very good. The Netherlands is a fairly compact country making transport relatively easy.

[@PukosPorch]

Yes! You nailed it! I agree with all the GP thing for sure! The weather has been amazing!

[@MrBasinator]

8:30 hmm, we do have (mandatory) car insurance, pretty expensive if I may add! Nice video by the way :) interesting.

[@rajgoswami9805]

I bumped across to your videos and find them really interesting. I came here in 2014 and live with my family. Can relate to most of the things that you say. Keep posting these videos, really nice and informative 🙂

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thank you! More videos are coming 😊

[@fragwitz8898]

1 kiss , and on birthdays i congratulate the birtday boy/girl and tell everyone one else "everyone congratulations"and sit down :)

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thank you for sharing!

[@borisk2313]

the dutch circle is such a big thing every birthday party with family ive always sat in '"de hollandse cirkel"

[@Baci302]

I've heard that the Dutch are wonderful people, Very happy. I can't wait to visit.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I tend to think they are!

[@lxlvr]

Great video! Thanks for listing what you have experienced/learned. We are moving to Amsterdam next month from the States so I am sure we are going to feel the same kind of way about culture shock as you!

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I hope you love it because there really is so much to love 😊

[@Hristiyan1991]

Great video. I am moving there after two weeks for work and i feel stressed and enthusiastic at the same time. Hope everything go smoothly. Those videos are really useful. Thanks again !

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thank you for your comment! Best of luck with your move. Just have a solid plan, know what you need and hopefully it'll all be fine. If you haven't yet, find my playlist on expat tips. Maybe I have another video that can help, too!

[@Hristiyan1991]

@@aWanderlustForLife Thank you for the wish ! I'm with the same thinking, hope it will work. I will check them for sure 👍😁

[@achatinaslak742]

The 3 kisses are prohably gone forever since Corona came to Holland.

[@user-ul7pd7vf1l]

only corona in politics and media

[@sjoerdvermeijden]

I doubt it

[@TheEvertw]

When I was an expat in Scotland, my biggest problem was not having the shared experiences of my friends. Like not getting jokes that refer to something someone did or said 20 years earlier. That made me realise I would always remain a foreigner, and is what persuaded me to go back. You probably experience that when someone refers to Jiskefet or "van Kooten en de Bie".

[@Peacefrogg]

How inconsiderate to constantly make jokes that one person doesn’t get.

[@jakub.kubicek]

You can learn that over time, I love learning about foreign cultures above everything.

[@anabellabella2266]

Loved the video, it’s very informative. Just a question. An apple laptop bought in the USA can be repaired in the Apple store in Amsterdam NL? Thank you.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thanks! I don't use Apple products so I can't be 100% sure, but I would assume so. I know people who travel go to Apple stores abroad when things break. But I don't know anything about Apple warranty.

[@iotubechannel]

hoping to visit that beautiful place, someday. i've already been there twice but only in the airport schipol.😁🤗❤️🌹🌹🌹 see yah my dear, keep safe and god bless

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thank you! I have lots of Amsterdam videos and others on places around the country, tol if you want to travel through KZbin 😊

[@bartlucassen9145]

The birthday circle is in the south of the netherlands not common.

[@scottman895]

I would definitely find it weird to be told congratulations on my birthday unless it was said every year. It almost makes it feel like you survived a year and the next year begins. I'm glad that things get easier overall after you live in one place for an extended period of time. Great video!

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Yeah, it's takes getting used to, but it's all worth it 😊

[@JohnvKampen]

Give your partner/friend a small gift on YOUR birthday for all she/he means for you and laugh away your age...

[@Woekkie]

If you look at dutch history you realise we actually do congratulate you surviving another year, as a scotsman you know peacefull times like these are fairly rare and often don't last long.

[@Peacefrogg]

What’ s even weirder is that they congratulate everybody in the room. Not just the birthday boy/girl and the parents, but everybody. So you shake a hand, hello, my name is scott, congratulations, and then to the next. I am dutch and i hate this. I just yell hello and congratulate the birthday boy/girl and the parents. And it’s not just for kids, you can celebrate it your whole life.

[@ronnie9187]

As a dutch living in Switzerland. Tipping is surely never mandatory. I give mostly a tip, but a roundup tip. Lets say the meal was 24 euros, I would give 25. If I would have a very special dinner in a very good restaurant on a special ocaasion and everything was perfect, I would give more. But that is very rare. And ofcourse I only tipp when there is service,. You see a lot of newer restaurants in Zürich where you have to go to a desk to order and to pay. I don't give tipp money there. I know this is the same for Germany, France or Italy where we come regulary.

[@christianfiguroa7147]

Wow Thanks God Bless

[@dutchyjhome]

Yeah, well you are at least right about one thing: You'll have to make a decision: Do you want to be entirely on your own, and maybe get to know a few other expats, then by all means stick to English. Do you want to mingle with the Dutch, get a good taste of True Dutch culture, and leave those other expats for what they are for a brief moment? By all means learn Dutch. Even though the vast majority of the Dutch population speaks more or less English, it really is Dutch which is the native language of The Netherlands. Dutch it is and Dutch it will be. To the Dutch it is like this: OK you speak English, so you do not take the trouble to learn Dutch, so you must be temporary here and you must be on your way out soon. We (The Dutch) lost interest in this person. Or: Hey well so nice of this foreigner to learn Dutch, he or she respects this country and its inhabitants and this person obviously wants to mingle with us: let's invite this person into our lives! English for us Dutchies is a way to talk to strangers whom want to stay stranger, or maybe to a person who really want's to learn Dutch but just arrived... Let there be no misconception about this: English is to talk to strangers and Dutch among friends! This is The Netherlands after all and our language is Dutch and absolutely not English, although to strangers we will talk English. By choosing English as a language, you choose to stay a foreigner ! And so doors stay closed for you! Doors that will open for you when you speak Dutch ;-)

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Fair enough! This is why I'm back in Dutch class.

[@dutchyjhome]

@@aWanderlustForLife Prima ! En op de achtergrond kun je horen dat de deuren langzaam maar zeker 1 voor 1 voor jou van het slot gaan...en je met de Nederlandse taal toegang krijgt tot het echte Nederlandse leven, de Nederlandse cultuur en het Nederlandse sociale systeem ! Ga zo door en maak er een succes van !

[@jorisvanr1281]

En zo isset.

[@fayevoo]

The birthday circle is just like eating at a round table. We like to see and connect with everyone.

[@mimimotor]

It almost amazes me that many immigrants from the US never learn the local language. I would be so curious about what people say and what is written in public places. Monolingualism may be the blockage to that.

[@roykliffen9674]

From the "birthdays" I got somewhat distracted by the white van across the canal; "WTF is that guy doing trying to drive against the flow in a one-way street?"

[@qkamoen]

I’m Dutch and not all families congratulations all the people on a birthday party. In my family it is for me normal, but my by my family in law they don’t and come form the north east of the Netherlands

[@mateoooo0o]

I just found out about your channel and its great because I'm planning on going to university there thank you 🥰🥰🥰

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Oh how wonderful! I hope you enjoy your time here.

[@reneharkamp4309]

I LOVE OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT OUR BEAUTIFUL AND OLD CITY AMSTERDAM WILL BE FOREVER IN YOUR BLOOD 💋

[@hgjhgjhgification]

The mosqueitoes as well

[@keizer3452]

Honesty goes a long way

[@charlesvanderhoog7056]

Put a bike in your car or take it with you on the train. Apart from that EVERY station has rent-a-bike that runs on automatic, you only need a card like the one you need to go on the public transport.

[@transient_]

The birthday-circle, it used to be every birtday. It always felt a bit forced to me. I didn't like it. Luckily, it is not as common these days.

[@00wheelie00]

Yeah I'm Dutch and been to many, still don't like them. My friends and I abolished them.

[@AshleyLaflin]

Is an OBGYN considered a specialist? Moving there with some existing/chronic issues and am wondering how well versed a GP would be.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Yes. However, there are women's clinics where you can pay your own way. DM me on Instagram and I can give you more info 😊

[@henrischutte1968]

Even if the GP isn't qualified for your 'condition' and it's 'above his pay grade', you'll still have to see him to get a referral to a specialist, otherwise your insurance won't pay for it. So the GP is not only a doctor, but he is also a sort of a doorman or gatekeeper to the more expensive part of the health system.

[@lindaraterink6451]

GP in the Netherlands is prety well versed in everything. If you need an OBGYN he/she will refer you to one no problem especialy if it is something that he/she can't do. No GP will keep you away from a specialist. You can't just call an OBGYN and say hey I want to go to your ofice. Always consult a GP first eventhough you know he/she can't help you, you still have to go through the GP (I think it is an insurance thing). Explain your problem, or say this is my issue and I'd like to get a referal to a specialist because that is what I was used too at home and feel more comfortable with it. It should be no problem. He can't deny you one.

[@harrybruijs2614]

Outside the big cities in the Randstad we also call it rude not direct. We in other parts of the country also don't like to waist time and give you a honest answer if you ask something, also we give you constructieve critique, but we don't give you uncalled opinions as they do there. I will profess you, that if you return the compliment they don't like it. They are better in giving then to taking the blow. Planning ahead is because we find our own free time very valuable and want to spend it with the family as much as possible. Family is more important then everything else

[@user-sc8jg6ms7p]

Hi question, how did you get a visa to just to live there but get the job later after the move? Cause I’m trying figure out the visa and how to go about that first lol before I make the move in 2 years. Please let me know 😊

[@aWanderlustForLife]

My husband has an Italian passport. That's how I was able to move. You can learn more about my story through this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLrNbogOIGSGjIgs6XZEVlhZNoVpMrFoGZ The one with the thumbnail "Can I Stay?" Might be interesting for you. And this one goes over ways you can move here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWWlqmWfnN6ep6c

[@Paul_C]

Dutch and I hate the birthday circle with all of my heart. Particularly when seated next that uncle everyone hates. It is one of the reasons I do not celebrate my birthday at all. There is nothing special about any birthday. Just a reminder you will get older every year. 😉 Oh, yes, hire cars a a pain, just sign up for one of the many pick up and go cars.

[@eobi-edobi4275]

same here

[@aWanderlustForLife]

With so many people that hate it, do you know why do people still do it? Maybe it's just "has it's always been done?" Just curious!

[@eobi-edobi4275]

@@aWanderlustForLife i think it is because lack of space. , maybe also part of "it's always been done this way " , in the old days, 60'and 70's the host put on wineglasses with cigarettes in it for the guests, can you imagine doing this nowadays ?

[@aWanderlustForLife]

@@eobi-edobi4275 No, I can't! I guess we all have cultural "quirks" we don't love

[@Paul_C]

@@aWanderlustForLife for me it is slightly different, at 63 various aunts and uncles practice that ritual. Guess the more of the old garde die, the more the practice will vanish. I won't be sorry to see it gone, luckily I didn't have to practice the ritual since covid reared its ugly face, guess it is one of the pleasant side effects from covid 😃

[@8alakai8]

parking a car in amsterdam can be hard and costt a lot like parents used tto live very close where you are in the video and had to pay like 250 euros every 3 montths to park there and finding a spot can be hard

[@palantir135]

We are direct because we want to be honest, not rude.

[@uhuburu4515]

Speaking about being direct as a dutch....I really wonder how high the income of an expat is nowadays? For many dutch people living and studying inAmsterdam is just not affordable. You must be either rich or have a great scholarship to be able to live there. Nice vlog anyhow ;-)

[@aWanderlustForLife]

We have both been hired as local hires, not as expats. My husband is in a specialized field, though. But he was still paid less than in the US for a long time. I was also likely paid less than in the US for the same job. We are not rich, but we do prioritize.

[@uhuburu4515]

@@aWanderlustForLife I wasn't really expecting an answer on my "question", but it was more to give an impression on the fact that living in Amsterdam is quite expensive ;-) Thx for reacting.

[@keizer3452]

No car insurance ? I don’t know how you can think that ! That explains what you have been doing here in Holland. Smoking weeeeed.

[@myafelicia]

One tip about tipping: if your bill is, lets say, 56,95 euro, you an tell the waiter to round the amount of to 60 euro, so the change is the tipping. We see tipping indeed as a compliment towards the waiter, bartender, or chef to show appreciation for their hard work. We work hard but we also absolutely enjoy our free time, so anyone who was part of a great evening or night out, will get a tip because we do realize - or at least most of us - how hard the work is of walking around all day carrying plates and glasses etc. Same for the establishments that have toilet ladies (or men) who make sure that the toilets are clean and have various products like sanitary towels etc available: pay that 50 euro cents and give some extra change!!! Those cheap @sses who leave the toilets without paying will get a few Dutch cuss words heading their direction from other customers.

[@MrMaziar58]

Awesome On the tipping issues I guess because in USA the service workers receives lesser than the already of the minimum wage of usually $2-3 an hour! So that extra tips of 15-20% will help them just survive. Netherland pays over$20 an hour guaranteed if I’m not mistaken and their social benefits are great.

[@LeidolfLady]

Since you live here in The Netherlands for such a long time already, I wonder if you could make a video about the culture shocks a Dutch person would experiencee going to live in the US...? Would be very interesting!

[@aWanderlustForLife]

GREAT idea! I even get culture shock when I go back now since I don't go often.

[@LeidolfLady]

@@aWanderlustForLife Nice! waiting patiently for it ☺.

[@dutchyjhome]

@@aWanderlustForLife In Dutch of course...;-)

[@professionalshittalker]

Dutchs would not experience a shock at all. We are a fully devoloped grown civilization. That know and understand the world. Americans know america as their world and are very behins compared to europ in almost every aspect of life. So the fact americans experience a shock against europ. Doesnt autimaticly mean that we europeans automaticly shock the other way around to lol.

[@robertvaneersel3741]

Other channels also mention some aspects of the financial situation in The Netherlands. People don't need to have a credit card just to get a better FICO score. There is a central BKR which registers your debts if any. For a mortgage you only need an employer's declaration. You don't use checks to pay for your rent, instead you pay directly using your bank app. People of colour don't need to avoid certain playgrounds when taking their children out to play. Children of any colour, background or LGBTQ parents are welcome everywhere.

[@onwardupward9392]

When you are crossing the road for christ sake look in every direction because they come at you at all angles.

[@naughtydesigora]

The bicycles included are hectic too

[@aWanderlustForLife]

All directions on the road or the bike path, right? I don't understand how it's different anywhere else.

[@onwardupward9392]

@@aWanderlustForLife People have been run over and killed crossing the bridge directly outside Central Station,look both ways 3 times.

[@sjadev]

Where in the US did you grow up, I’m in the south so that sparked my curiosity?

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Virginia

[@parmentier7457]

I find birthday circles annoying, especially with lesser-known people. But the circle conversations start every morning in Dutch kindergarten up to the highest class of primary school. Unfortunately, it is part of the Dutch culture, everyone has to be involved.

[@lunes-1]

✅

[@kinderenbantz5589]

can you talk Dutch ?(im dutch)

[@emiliajojo5703]

It makes me smile when Americans think the dutch are direct.♥️😘🇩🇪

[@juice2090]

Are you saying Germans are more direct? In my experience Germans generally are only really direct if you aren’t abiding to rules (in general). Otherwise they are quite formal and indirect.

[@cvb6089]

I did my last birthday party with three youth friends whom also became forty years old at the time. We had 200 plus guests. After that i stopped celebrating my birthday. To much fuzz. Maybe next year when i become sixty. I don't like the birthday circle btw think it's burgerlijk...

[@e.e.3583]

(Was born in NL but lived all over the world since age 2.) Tips in restaurants in most western EU countries are INCLUDED. Should be printed on the invoice/bill beneath the Total amount due. Being direct definitely is a form of endearment! Some seem rude caused to them not finding the right words for what they want to say or express. Of course some are rude, but rather seldom. Maybe you heard of the hidden "I love you" messages in : "Put your seatbelt on" or simply by "sharing their favourite music with you", "cooking your favourite food" etc. Many Americans have their roots in the Netherlands. New York used to be New Amsterdam. Look at all the Surnames in the US and the way they STILL BUILD houses in PA, NJ etc. Many buildings look very Dutch in those States where the first persons settled down. All other Caucasians come from the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal but also Scandinavia, Germany, Austria etc. ONLY 3 to max. 6 generations ago. There weren't even HORSES !!! Every horse in the US is a descendant of those. They shipped them over, and definitely were kinder to them as to slaves. They did business with Native Indians as they had / have great skills and learn fast. The skin of a beaver equaled one metal knife, which was new to the Natives. They carved them out of stone and added a wooden handle. The EU's couldn't understand how well they got along with the horses and animals in general. Many were killed for that reason, either jealousy or maybe distrust. So sad!!! Further they brought each and every single AFRICAN American there as slaves. The first had to row the giant boats. Also the CHINESE slaves were shipped over to build the railroad from the East- to Westcoast. They were very experienced with TNT explosives. Millions died of working hard and to little food. China had a lack of food at that time. Most already died from thirst and starved on the ships as didn't get anything for up to weeks, depending on the weather conditions. That's why there are "China Towns" in the US nowadays. No other country has that. Communities of all kinds of nations can be found in every country but that's absolutely not comparable as very low numbers of persons. The EUROPEAN "African Slave Trade" shipped mainly strong healthy men all over the world. Caribbean Islands, Middle- and South-American countries. Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia etc. by the Spanish. Brazil, Tanzania and others in Africa by Portugal. The Congo / Kinshasa, the 11th largest country, (historic name ZAIRE), and other countries were Belgian / French colonized and independent several times until 2006. Namibia was German until 1990 and gained independence only 30 years ago! (Like DDR = East Germany) The West Indies always battled between The Dutch West India Company (first), Belgium and fought hard battles with the U.K. as the West Indies supplied the EU with very expensive Spices, worth more as gold then.

[@komkwam]

Funny how we call it kisses while there is no real kissing involved. It is more a cheek to cheek contact. I only do it with female relatives/friends and only once. One thing i would love to disappear are the handshake, it is actualy a very unhygienic ritual. You never know what that person did with his/her hand before he/she shakes your hand.

[@hansc8433]

I dislike these birthday parties with a passion. I guess it’s the combination of the uninspired nature of most Dutch birthday parties, the tiny living rooms, the people that I don’t really want to talk to, and the weird custom of people coming in congratulating all the other guests. The latter is -I think- a regional thing. I grew up in the South-West, and I don’t remember it being normal to congratulate other people besides the birthday boy/girl and maybe direct relatives.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thank you for sharing that! I guess it's hard to change it up when everyone is so used to the format. But I hope people find a way to enjoy the parties again 🙃

[@Harry_PP030]

You congratulate everyone with having the birthday boy/girl another year in their life. Some people hate so many things that they also hate small things that they can overcome by just doing it. Be happy for someone else, it can be a joy too.

[@fonsonline]

Indeed great video, but don’t start it with apologizing. Not necessary at all. Your integrity is presumed 🇾🇪

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I appreciate that!

[@GDixon-ch3yl]

Agreed.

[@nyprineandy]

I get culture shock when I go to Manhattan from Queens.

[@phoelixiano]

Interesting how you have to use a different word (expat) to say that you are an immigrant, but an immigrant that is white and comes from a rich country.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I am an immigrant. I mention this in many of my videos. I am both an immigrany and expat - one who leaves their country and one who establishes themselves in another. However expat is a terms that is usually searched and therefore people can find my videos.

[@svr0079]

Any job vacancy in graphics or television broadcast job can u help

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Not really. I would sites like LinkedIn.com for job postings. Good luck!

[@Dutchbelg3]

Hey Jessica, Yes these are known things :-) And I keep stressing that Amsterdam is not The netherlands meaning that Amsterdam is very much a Tourist - Expat driven culture. Tipping was never a part of paying in the Netherlands. What the price tag/menu says is the price you pay! And then usually you leave maybe 2 Euro's for good service or employee kindness. But not everybody does that! If people get to know you are American you are straight and immediately put in the Tourist box and you are expected to tip .. And more and more tourist industries have incorporated the include tip on the bill. Which is total bullshit. Or if you pay with a creditcard they enter a key "how much do you want to tip" or the likes... You really don't need to tip! And esspecially you dont have to calculate a percentage. If you can't live with your "guilty feeling" because you were raised that way you can leave 2 Euro. That's it.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Hey Hans! I'm trying to let people who don't know, learn a bit more, that's all 😊 What's funny is, since Corona I don't have much cash at all so I have to ask to add the tip to the bill because I haven't gotten any that puts it on, or even shows up on the pin machine!

[@aranielleb7718]

I’ve stopped the 3 kisses thing. Very uncomfortable lol

[@mikehes2257]

1 is also fine, one benefit from Covid-19

[@DanielLopez-dy1ul]

I'm going to law school in the fall in Massachusetts but I hope to live in Amsterdam or Den Haag eventually as I want to practice international law.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

That would be amazing! Good luck!

[@wolfgang4047]

I would like to know if say an American with a bachelor's degree could get a decent job int he Netherlands but with an American degree rather than a Dutch degree

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Doesn't matter where the degree comes from but you'll need to apply for job that will sponsor you.

[@harrybruijs2614]

In the price the tip is included plus they earn a living wage. 12% bedieningsgeld. You only tip if the service was special or if you don't want the coins you complete. But expecting a tip no way. In Dutch we say ze kunnen het opblazen. Or Just forget it and if they don't talk Dutch to me they can totally forget it. Amsterdam thinks they are outside the Netherlands, but they are not ,so they have to do like the rest. InDutch we would say ze hebben te veel kapsones daar. They forget where they belong.

[@williamgeardener2509]

Would have been nice if you hadn't used background music. You have a lovely voice but it's hard for me to concentrate on what you're saying with the music playing. Other than that good job, and lots of fun living in the Netherlands.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thanks for the feedback! I know it sounds a bit different on different devices, so I'm sorry it wasn't easy to hear! I do have closed captions on many of my videos now, in case that helps 😊

[@rudiechinchilla6746]

Come down to Costa Rica and forget Urban settings

[@Oxygenefrl]

My tip for expats: adapt to where your living

[@skaskaska9005]

Hopefully see you April 2022!! Coming from California so hope the quarantine period for the vaccinated is removed. USA needs to get it together so that we can travel to Europe again without quarantine!

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Things change quickly, but that's far enough away that I'm hopeful!

[@skaskaska9005]

@@aWanderlustForLife thanks for the reply. I’ve been watching your channel and to be honest I’m a little jealous. We have visited Amsterdam twice, first in 2003-2004 (New Years) and in 2019. Loved it every time. If we do go in April 2022 we will be doing a full on Holland tour. Do you have any suggestions on small towns that are a must? We plan on visiting Haarlem, The Hague and Rotterdam but have extra time to explore.

[@richardbrinkerhoff]

Many talk about us Dutch being very direct. I don't get it and wish they'd give some examples.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Here you go www.quora.com/What-is-an-example-of-Dutch-directness-and-bluntness

[@richardbrinkerhoff]

@@aWanderlustForLife Didn't help much, to my mind we're just being honest and sometimes helpful.

[@hansdevriesvonmengden3639]

I am dutch and i hate the circle

[@spawn666reaper]

What is an example of something direct that dutch people may say or you encountered? Ive heard it a lot from expats but because Im dutch I probably don't notice it at all, like for me its normal probably. I do find it interesting. :) And yes, the circle birthdays are horrible aseptically if you are stuck next to a horrible conversation partner.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Honestly it's been a long time since I had enough encounters to notice, I've been here long enough that I'm not sure I would notice this anymore and I swear that since the pandemic started that everyone in service here has been exceedingly friendly. But, I think they best way for mr to explain is just a negative sentence said full-stop like when I wasn't hungry and Sean ordered a meal and I just wanted fries and I asked "can I just have fries?" The answer was, without a smile or explanation, "no". Or it could be an instruction that sounds harsh. You have me seriously thinking about it and i feel like it's all about tone and no expanding on the negative part to make a person feel better about it. Does that make sense? Sometimes it wouldn't be jarring like if you go in the wrong tram do and someone tells you to go to the other one. You were wrong and corrected, no biggie. But in service and in friendships, feelings are meant to be considered when being direct which can cause more harm than good (mostly in friendships). I say "meant" as in the sterotypical American culture. Is that clear as mud? 🤣

[@Pyltje03]

Tipping.....payment in the netherlands is much better so we tip when earned. Dutch pay,ent is almost 13 dollar per hour Where in many usa states tipping salaray Could be as low as 2,15 dollar per hour. Why dont americans ever mention this when discussies tipping.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

That's an excellent point!

[@harenterberge2632]

You can always leave a cash tip on the table.

[@peterkeijsers489]

Tips in the US are usually 10%, reaching up to 15%. NOT 20%.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I mean, I'm from the US, have friends in the industry and went out occasionally and 20% for good service can be normal. Depends on the person of course but I just did a poll of over 20 Americans and over 50% said a 20% tip is the norm. So 🤷‍♀️

[@symphonyjohnson1570]

Never heard of just 10% tip in the u.s. Usually 15% is minimum.

[@Bloem777]

As a really Dutch girl working on an international school...i can say: yes Dutch people are more than direct! Sometimes rude. I like the attitude from people from USA and Belgium and France (as an example) ; far more polite than we are. And yes, it' s generalizing.... . :-) Ps i don' t kiss three times...i just don' t like it.

[@mariaobrien8228]

Maybe try learning Dutch or is that a weird concept for Americans 😆

[@FrankHeuvelman]

😇 Je hebt een bult op je voorhoofd.

[@Khannea]

I live in de Pijp, I am trans, if you want to interview me about the reality of transitions in the Netherlands, give me a hollar.

[@reneharkamp4309]

😂😂😂 ABOUT OUR FAMILY PARTY 'S HOW ABOUT THE ,,SIN,, TAKING THE LAST CRACKER,PIECE OF CHEESE, OR COCKTAIL ,,WORSTJE,, OF A PLATE ,,IT IS NOT DONE ,,

[@marcelkuijper8240]

I'm a born Dutchman (look up the term Mokummer) who spent his youth (4-10 years) growing up in BC, Canada and I can tell you this: when you're attending the birthday of a person in Holland, you basically congratulate them with their birthday, but you are also kind of expected to congratulate everyone else who is attending. "Gefeliciteerd met Jan". Even when those people aren't related to Jan. It's a silly thing. My sister-in-law will tell family in Canada "Happy Birthday with Josh" to his wife Rosie, but Canadians are like Americans in that respect .. they just say Happy Birthday to the person whose birthday it is and leave it at that. It's one of the few things in Dutch culture I've never fully understood, and probably never will. Also, if you move to say the opposite side of the city, you're expected to change G.P. for the exact purpose you've explained (proximity during housecalls). It's a pain in the neck to find a new G.P. I've done a lot of moving during the last 5 years and have had to change G.P. three times. The tipping situation: most bars have a tip jar on the bar itself, but they don't look down on you if you don't tip. Same thing goes for restaurants. It's not expected. Not even in Amsterdam. But like you said, if you've enjoyed the service you can always add something before they bring you the PIN machine or go inside and pay at the till, which is just as easy. Waiting staff that have the luxury of having their own PIN machine in a holster can add whatever you wish to tip (say € 15,00) to the actual amount and then enter that as a total. I've been to places where tips were kindly refused, or where they would have a sign telling patrons that tipping isn't necessary. Wages are generally pretty good in Holland. Talk about a culture shock. :) Yes, people who are not from Holland will typically view us as rude because we are so direct, but that's part of who we are as Dutch people. We've been around a long time (a little over 1000 years) and have become set in our ways. We may be a little arrogant, thanks to our ancestors winning back so much land from the ocean which started around the 16th century, but we also tell you like it is without sugarcoating it. A Dutch born person seldom lies to you, which is part of the shock. Being rude: stepping on someone's foot and walking away without apologizing. Being Dutch: stepping on someone's foot, apologizing for it, and then telling you to watch where you're going. Being Canadian: apologizing for the Dutchman's outburst. LOL -Marcel

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I loved reading this! Dank je wel! I know the term Mokum well, so you're an Amsterdammer, toch? Thank you for sharing all of this. I truly appreciate the time it took!

[@marcelkuijper8240]

@@aWanderlustForLife You're welcome. As the story goes, when you're born in Amsterdam, then you are an Amsterdammer. But if one, or both, of your parents was born in in the Jordaan section of the city (the Prinsengracht is smack dab in the middle of the Jordaan), then they are called Jordanees and any of their offspring born in any part of Amsterdam are typically known as a Mokummers. The Jordaan was known for being inhabited by the city's largest Jewish population (which made it easy for the Nazis during WWII) but one doesn't have to be Jewish to be a Jordanees or a Mokummer. Confused yet? So not every Amsterdammer can call themselves Mokummer. And Mokum is just the Jiddisch name for Amsterdam. My dad was born in the Jordaan, as was most of his family, but none of us are Jewish. We are mostly Sicilian. Yes, we are a dangerous mix. :)) Here's the fun part ... if you, as an American ... even without having official citizenship status, were to have a child here, and it happened to be born in the Jordaan ... your child would officially be a Jordanees. My nephew was born in Amsterdam, but he's been living in Canada since he was 2 years old. He didn't change his nationality until he was 30, and eventually he used his right to dual citizenship. He was always proud to call himself an Amsterdammer, and he still is. Amsterdam vs Rotterdam = fire vs oil. Amsterdammers typically hate everything about, and everyone in, Rotterdam. And vice versa. It's a birthright. :) It's like Blood vs Crips .. but worse.

[@mikepictor]

You talk about healthcare being covered, but I've also heard that you are obliged to get medical insurance. What am I not understanding about those 2 facts? Is the medical insurance just another word for a tax, which then covers your medical care?

[@aWanderlustForLife]

It's both. We generally pay a high(ish) tax and we have to have health insurance which we pay for. The premium is set by the government so insurance companies can't raise it due pre-existing conditions and such. And the deductible is quite low in my opinion. If you can't afford it, you can request a reduction. All medical costs that I've incurred and that I've heard others had to pay (specialist visits, surgeries, child birth medications) are lower than I could have dreamed as an American.

[@sachadee.6104]

The medical insurance is mandatory, like car insurance; but you can pick the company and the coverage (above the minimum standard coverage, which is for everybody no matter your health's past, age, or pre-existing conditions).

[@hvermout4248]

Amsterdam are just another normal city. No culture shock. It's all the other cities that are crazy!

[@8alakai8]

you sayying the dutch arent rude just direct mostt of them makes you ducht you dont speak duch because you live in amsterdam so even if you try they will speak englisch back have that with friends hey speak dutch with a accen and the person in the store will just speak englisch back thats wy people dont learn dutch its the dutch thatt do it me to

[@gerdpapenburg7050]

Why do people always call it culture shock if they are just getting used to other behaviours in other countries?

[@erics320]

Probably because growing up in america they were always told they lived in the best country of the world. learning it it not true is a shock ;)

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Because it's a general term used.

[@allws9683]

Because it happens in some way or another when you move abroad. And it can happen sooner or later. ( Maybe it even happens in the same country too, but is not called like that.). But yeah, it is a very shallow 'culture shock' when 'not everybody is speaking english' is considered a 'shock'. First because in Amsterdam English is almost common language on the street and in services and probably in her work place as well. Besides that in LA or NYC you will hear as many different languages, spanish being the first.. So it hardly can be that shocking from the US context... It is not like moving to China or Russia ...

[@denisdralec1993]

hahahahahhaaa....Probably because that's the definition of the expression "culture shock". It's an expression, not an actual shock. You might wanna delete this comment, if you catch my drift.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

@@allws9683 Interesting assumptions you made about languages spoken. Using LA or NYC to describe a "US context" is incredibly inaccurate when you come from a small town or city. And I don't live near other expats in Amsterdam, announcements and signage are in Dutch. So, yeah, it is a culture shock. Not a bad one at all, but one you have to get used to, which I am now. But this video is to give people an idea on what to expect and since most of the US population doesn't live in NYC or LA, it's probable that that aren't used to hearing other languages every day.

[@hectormartin1965]

Isn't it because when you say "expats" the interlocutor imagines a Caucasian person while if you say "immigrant" the image that usually comes to mind is much darker skinned?

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I can't speak to what others' think but I've heard that as well.

[@ukrytykrytyk8477]

I disagree it's about skin colour only. In Sataes that might be truth since most immigrants are from Latin countries but I never heard an American person calling Russian emigrant an expat. Same story in UK. Every foreign person in UK is an immigrant but every British living in Spain for example calls himself/herself an expat. It's just English speakers sanitizing themselves with language and inventing new terms so they are not judged in the same way as they judge others.

[@mvogel66]

To me "expats" are mostly from India and other South East Asian countries.

[@jeclipse129]

Expats is nearly always temporary. Immigrants and migrant workers are usually longer.

[@ukrytykrytyk8477]

@@jeclipse129 it doesn't matter what the dictionary says it's about how people are using it. Looking at European and UK situation I have never heard English person living on continent calling themselves immigrants, yet in public debate everyone coming into UK is called that. Regardless of the duration of stay. It's just double standards as always.

[@keizer3452]

You look beautiful, are you still in town ? 😂

[@darrellbeets7758]

So u dont speak dutch jet? If so why dont u practice it at least the basics are rather easy from english to dutch. A youtube I watch charlievest is doing duolingo to learn dutch in about 3 or 4 lessons he learned a solid basis to work with in a fun and interactive way. Give it a try and a good one! U can do it

[@aftermathsample305]

Does everyone speak English? Is it a problem to not speak Dutch? Does is annoy people?

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Most people speak English perfectly. As far as annoying people, it's just like anywhere. It bothers some and doesn't bother others if you live here a long time and don't speak it.

[@aftermathsample305]

@@aWanderlustForLife Wonderful! Thank you for the quick response.

[@rudiechinchilla6746]

Isn t it smelly?

[@aWanderlustForLife]

The canal? No, not at all.

[@Man-in-the-green]

Why?

[@roboct6]

I’m curious. Why haven’t you learned to speak Dutch?

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I can speak a bit of Dutch when I need to, but it's not automatic for my brain to understand it. It's like I have to tell myself to listen to understand rather than randomly listening in on other people's conversations. I'm still learning though. I saw this comment just before opening my language-learning app. 🤣 This simple fact is that when you don't *need* the language, it's harder to force yourself to learn especially when, in many cases, the second people know you're not Dutch then they switch to English. But I've been trying more an more an putting myself in more situations where I need to speak it.

[@gerhard6105]

You tip in cash. Thet put it, if honest, in a pot to share with their collegues.

[@charlesvanderhoog7056]

Like everything, taxes have been politicised in the USA. The Republicans run on "Democrats increase taxes", well, yes, that is because Republicans spend like crazy, even doled out US$1500 billion (in US parlance: 1.5 trillion) to millionaires and billionaires who did not need it, and imposed extra taxes on the already overburdened middleclass. The tax pressure in the USA is 30% of GDP and in The Netherlands 36%. It is just 6% more but Americans react like it is 200% more.

[@senzanome8294]

A different way of life you have get used to. I would not call these Cultural Shocks.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Lol! I didn't realize the meaning of the words would be so controversial 🤣 I just checked Wikipedia and I stand by my use of the words 😉

[@mikeyd5486]

You are such a beautiful person. Love your work. Your a special looking girl too 😊👌

[@camip8461]

Please!! OMG so tired of these folks who want to please Dutch people. So pathetic. I've lived in the NL over 20 years. Many Dutch are extremely rude!!! They just don't know it, and some do. Direct?? We (USA folks/Brits) are more direct than the Dutch. Dutch can't stand confrontation. I can't recall how many times I've been told The, I'm too direct. Yeah right at their so-called direct. The Dutch are also very passive aggressive. I have many Dutch friends and we have these very frank conversations. I could say so much more, write a book really as so many expats and "buitenlanders" say over the Dutch. These Americans like this blogger, drink the "Dutch soup". They are mostly in Amsterdam and not living in the traditional Dutch areas, (Bible belt) as I lived in. I lived amongst the "Echte Nederlands mensen" Wtf, is she talking about? Are you kidding me? The points she's addressing, Aka, insurance, no cars, sorry sweety there is too much you've made reference to that really needs to be explained correctly. You are hitting and missing subjects. Again she's in Amsterdam, if you live in so many other cities, you need a car if you really want to get around. I've tried the no car, public transportation only deal foe years, " Nope", it gets old. Lawd! I'm gonna leave you all to continue eating from the same soup pot she's eating from. With any country you will have a certain culture of people. With all I've said, I except the Dutch for who they are as this is their country. I can't stand it when bloggers as she, paint this unrealistic picture of who the typical Dutch really are. Lol

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Wow! What a passionate comment...but don't be condescending and call me sweetie. Now you're just being rude. We all have different experiences and no I don't live in the Bible belt and yes I'm aware of it. But if you think that area represents the whole of the Netherlands, you are wrong. A huge part of the population lives in the cities. We can have different experiences and agree that they are different but eating the "Dutch soup"? Come on, now.

[@simdal3088]

"I can't recall how many times I've been told The, I'm too direct." You might just have a nasty personality. I rarely experience rudeness as a dutch person. It is obvious you dont understand the culture.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

I don't understand the culture shock about calling an ambulance. An ambulance is expensive! In America too probably. And there isn't an unlimited supply of ambulances. So, duh! Of course you should only call them in real emergencies.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

In the past and still many places now, the ambulance was/is free for the patient. And it was some people's way to see a doctor quickly. Generally speaking, yes you only use the for emergencies (and I've only ever called one in an emergency). But that definition isn't black and white.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

@@aWanderlustForLife Of course the ambulance is free for the patiënt but that doesn't mean that they aren't expensive. You have an expensive vehicle, that needs constant maintenance, equipement that is very expensive, a driver and a paramedici who had years of training and who don't work for free. Just the fact that you don't have to pay for it doesn't mean that it's free. So, only call aan ambulance in life threatening situations and/or if the patiënt can't be moved in a regular car.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Now a days it isn't always free for rhe patient. I had to pay $500 once after a car accident. I am agreeing with you, but circumstances are different in different places. And communities may use them in different ways depending on how the ambulance service is set up. But yeah, generally speaking you only call if an emergency.

[@Pyltje03]

I am Dutch....I hate b-day circles. Shamefull stuff

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Why do people hate them so much?

[@Frahamen]

Expat is when you're white and/or wealthy. Imigrant is when you're brown and poor.

[@Harry_PP030]

I guess it has nothing to do with skin colour, but an expat has a job when he or she lives in a foreign company, possibly planning to change countries when something new occurs. Immigrants go to a new country to become a citizen of that country, learning the language and the culture to be a part of that new culture.

[@evaspook1252]

Dutch:and I don't do birthday circles and also don't do the 3 kisses. Makes me feel weird. Only 1 kiss on the cheek with close friends or family. I think that being direct is more a thing depending in which part of the country you are. Everyone doing videos about the culture shock of moving to the Netherlands. But in most cases its Amsterdam. Amsterdam is not The Netherlands. Was born and raised in Amsterdam and in the last 20 years the town has changed dramatically. The social fabric of whole neighbourhoods changed with expats and yuppies. Not good for the town. Rents are much too high, waiting list for social rent is now I think 15 years. I used to love Amsterdam. Going to different neighbourhoods, enjoying the mixture of people. Restaurants and shops from every corner of the world.. Squats with lots of artists, festivals:underground culture. And now is all chique and expensive and very white.. Sorry.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Of course not everywhere in any country is going to be exactly the same which is why I said at the beginning that it was about my perception in Amsterdam specifically. I say often that Amsterdam is not the Netherlands, maybe I didn't make that clear in this video, but I am well aware. I'm sorry you don't like the city anymore, it's definitely changing, but it is funny how the reasons you said you used to love Amsterdam are the reasons I still do.

[@surnamename293]

The acoustic is really bad. I cant hardly hear you. Please change this, you say Interesting stuff but I cannot follow. A tip. ❤

[@stefftraveler]

you dont look very shocked, so what with the clickbait ?

[@aWanderlustForLife]

It's for people moving here or those curious...it's not like it just happened. I've lived here since 2014.

[@miay1838]

It's really annoying that you're already 7 years in my country and still can't pronounce Prinsengracht. I would highly recommend instead of making YT videos to work on your Dutch for a while. That's showing respect to the country you're in.