Living in San Francisco vs. Amsterdam (California vs. the Netherlands)

San Francisco and Amsterdam are the #1 and #2 best cities in the world (according to Time Out magazine). Which is the better city for you?
I grew up in San Francisco and have been living in Amsterdam for over 2 years now. In this video, I compare the differences between San Francisco and Amsterdam in the following categories:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Cost of living
02:12 Jobs
03:42 Work-life balance
05:48 Education
08:27 Healthcare
11:42 Things to do
13:30 Travel
14:34 Weather
16:28 Food
18:39 Transportation
20:09 Safety
21:24 Diversity
23:26 Conclusion
Corrections:
09:43 Healthcare is around €100/month in the Netherlands (not 100€/year)
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Who am I? 😀
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I grew up in San Francisco, studied and worked in LA, took a sabbatical around the world, and then packed my bags for Europe. I make videos about lifestyle design, hiking, and living/working/studying in Europe.

[@AndreUtrecht]

Health insurance isn't around 100 per year but per month. And you do get treated for 'minor' injuries: just at your GP's practice close to where you live, and in the weekends or at nights you can go to a central GP-post, often connected to a hospital. Hospitals themselves are for the real emergencies and for the real illnesses. Unless it is not life threatening, or you are at the early stages of something severe and you don't know it yet: the first step is going to your GP. He or she will then see soon enough if you just need basic treatment at the GP's practice or that you need a specialist in hospital. - Close to Amsterdam there's also a beach, so in summer time you're at the beach within 30 minutes. The difference in scale of Amsterdam vs San Francisco is big. Amsterdam is part of the Randstad. The Randstad is the biggest megalopolis of Europe. It contains several cities: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Den Haag (The Hague). But also lots of green areas, the beach close to Den Haag (Scheveningen) and Amsterdam (Zandvoort) of course. Amsterdam has in the metro region almost half the inhabitants compared to SF: 2,480,394 in Amsterdam vs 4,749,008 in San Francisco. And the Randstad has like 8,116,000 inhabitants. The Randstad is very well connected. Mostly you are within the hour in one of the other cities. By car but also you can depend on public transport to move you around: it is all very well connected by trains, trams and busses. I live like in Utrecht, in the northern part the city. And I go by bike to Utrecht Central Station, there I take a train to, for example, Amsterdam. Mostly I am from door (my own home) to door (the address I want to be in Amsterdam): within the hour. A train trip from Utrecht to Amsterdam, depending on which station in Amsterdam you want to exit takes between 20 to 30 minutes. 40 minutes by train to Rotterdam and somewhere similar to Den Haag (The Hague). Taking the intercity from Amsterdam to Den Haag will take you 50 minutes and from Amsterdam to Rotterdam around 1 hour and with intercity direct 40 minutes. From Amsterdam to Utrecht is also just 20 to 30 minutes. The Netherlands is not just car oriented. Public transport is reliable and it'll bring you quick and safe to almost anywhere in the country, also to villages. Even cities like Paris, Antwerp, London, are like a few hours away by train. Temperature wise it is a bit higher than the max of 18 degrees Celsius (64.4 Fahrenheit) David mentions: Amsterdam and the whole of the Randstad and everywhere else in the country can get very hot and humid in summer time, due to the relative proximity to the North Sea, or in the north of The Netherlands to the Wadden Sea. It can get to 34 degrees celcius (93 degree Fahrenheit), the humidity then makes it feel much hotter, and at some days it can go a bit above those temperatures. Can be very uncomfortable. But it is always very hot for just a few days or not more like 10 days, most of the summer days are like moderate. Hence why most households still don't prefer to get airconditioners in their homes. It is not long enough uncomfortable. And there're a lots of beaches to enjoy alongside the the west coast, but also like lakes within cities and in the country as a whole. And of course the nearby Wadden Islands in the north of the country. Food wise: well yes, what the Dutch cook at home (meaning the Dutch traditional cuisine) is for many foreigners underwhelming. But going out for dinner in the Netherlands, so also in the Randstad area, you can choose out of many cuisines from many countries. You will not easily find restaurants serving traditional Dutch cuisine, because the people themselves cook this at home and also the Dutch themselves see their food as quite basic (though still tasty, otherwise they wouldn't be eating it). So not sure where David went out for dinner but especially in the Randstad and other cities in the country you can find quite enough variation. French cuisine is still at the heart of most traditional restaurants but you can find lots of other international cuisines. All over the country really. You can find great sea food restaurants everywhere in The Netherlands but especially in the Randstad area and of course along the West Coast (which is nearby when you are in the Randstad area)..You just need to know where they are. But yes, at universities and businesses, lunches (during meetings, lectures or workshops) are often very basic: the simple sandwich with just cheese or with just some meat in between. That being sad, many big companies these days offer quite some variation in their company lunch areas: soups, fish, Mexican, Indonesian but also fried croquettes, fries or pizza. And you will see what's on offer, will rotate on a weekly base. All depending on the scale of the company of course. But yes, the Dutch themselves, if they bring like lunch from home (still happens a lot, also when people have like higher paid jobs in big companies) they bring like a simple sandwich with like that slice of cheese in between or a slice of meat. Plus some salad, or fruit or like a simple tomato or banana they bring from home :-D .

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Andre - thanks so much for taking the time to share your perspective. I will pin this because it's so informative. Yeah it's 100/month for health insurance (too bad I cannot change it in the video). And I do love how you can get anywhere in the country with the trains/public transportation-it's easy. And regards to restaurants/food options, there is quite a lot of variety in Amsterdam (though I do think the food culture in San Francisco is better). Either way, you'd be very lucky (I am grateful) to live in either San Francisco or Amsterdam =)

[@PH61a]

The Randstad for sure is NOT the biggest megalopolis in Europe: the Rhine-Ruhr megalopolis has more than 10 million inhabitants.

[@AndreUtrecht]

@@PH61a Ah alright... 2nd then

[@AndreUtrecht]

@@PH61a Ah no... I now know why I remembered the Randstad was the biggest... looking at km2 not at inhabitants.... so yes the Ruhrgebiet has more inhabitants but the Randstad has over 8 thousand km2 and the Ruhrgebiet has over 7 thousand km2.

[@Herobox-ju4zd]

@@hidavidwen More like 160 a month minimum.

[@JulesStoop]

With regards to food. In my experience dutch supermarkets and street markets offer on average more affordable, higher quality fresh products compared to those in the bay area. As an added bonus, shopping can be done in 10 minutes in any Amsterdam neighborhood, without a car.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Jules - hope all's well and thanks for your comment. Yeah I agree in terms of supermarkets (I did mention I really appreciate the supermarkets in the Netherlands and that NL is #2 agricultural exporter). It's a lot easier and more efficient too...with self-checkouts. And yeah...my local Albert Heijn/Jumbo is only 5-minute walk away...I really appreciate that (especially in the winters) But eating out and food in general, I prefer San Francisco =)

[@JulesStoop]

@@hidavidwenI understand and I certainly can’t say you’re wrong. When referring to the variety of cuisines and the prevalence of excellent restaurants (or even more simple bistros/diners), there’s simply more depth and more width on offer over there. My perspective was more about the overall food ‘system’ for lack of a better word.

[@nightowl5475]

David, you said the Dutch parents drop their kids off in the middle of the forest to make them think on their own to get back home. Well, my parents in the states did that to me when I was 12 years old. It took me 2 and a half years to find them. I went to the local police for help. The police were very sympathetic. They told me, “Kid, be realistic, there are so many places they can hide!”

[@hidavidwen]

Oh wow longest game of hide and seek ever! I remember reading a story about Richard Branson whose mother did the same…it really can build resilience (OR scarred for life?? Haha)

[@lidianamink6321]

Never never

[@uniworkhorse]

Thanks a lot for this video David - as a native SF kid, and wanting to move to NL, it's great to see your perspective where you account for things a san franciscan might worry about.

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome. I do miss SF lots. Curious to hear why you’re thinking about moving to NL and what’s holding you back (if there is anything)?

[@TheExplorder]

People who move from the States to live in Amsterdam and then complain about the costs of living really, really grind my gears. First of all, there are cities in the Netherlands that are just as pretty as Amsterdam, without all the tourism in the city center, or the extremely inflated housing market. After they landed, the first thing they mention, always, the cost of living is high. Eh, yeah, of course it is, it's Amsterdam. If I would move to New York, and complain about the rental prices down town, you would also roll your eyes. I'm glad to see your video, wherein you mention that the costs of living are actually manageable. I guess I've just seen too much vloggers who want to live abroad for a year, and pick Amsterdam, just for it's fame, while not being interested in the Dutch way of life.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Rob - yeah in my 3 years in NL, I've learned there is so much more than Amsterdam. I lived in Maastricht for a year....and that was a very unique experience. I think if I move next...I'd to try out Utrecht or Den Haag (mainly because I have friends there).

[@TheExplorder]

@@hidavidwen Maastricht is stunningly beautiful, so is Utrecht!

[@lbergen001]

@@hidavidwen Have you ever visited 'rural' east or north NL? Same level of living quality as the Randstad, but without the stress. Sssst, don't tell anybody🤫. Very good video, btw!👍

[@xBrunohenriquex88]

Hi Rob can you name good cities (cost-benefit) in the NL… I am Italian and I’m thinking to do my master degree in NL but I don’t want to stay in a student city or a city hard to find a job… I am looking for something more family friendly since I have a newborn son. P.S. at the moment I don’t speak Dutch Thank you very much

[@TheExplorder]

@@xBrunohenriquex88 What subject is your master about?

[@ceramicusplus3494]

Love your video, thanks for the view of our city!

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks! Yeah the views are nice =)

[@rodriguez1munteanu]

Great video! Wonderful narration!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks a lot for the kind words!

[@helena19741]

Great one, David! Nice to see you are" back"! And I hope that you're okay and still loving your life at the canal. You're definitely one of us now. If you can talk about the Dutch weather like you just did in this great video? You're integrated into Dutch society whether you like it or not. It's a gift to complain about the Dutch weather in a Dutch-style and you've mastered it!😉😂 🍾🥂 Cheers!

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Heleen - aw thanks and nice to hear from you! Yeah I just got back a bit over a week ago and had major jet lag. But the storm we had was pretty crazy! Complaining is a great way to connect with people here 😁 Cheers!

[@badalrooprai711]

Very well articulated!!!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Badal =)

[@raoulgelmers3341]

Like your way of explaining, calm and with facts.

[@hidavidwen]

Glad you enjoyed it, take care Raoul!

[@mickeydejong8950]

There are beaches an hour from Amsterdam and there even is a winery in a village close to Amsterdam. You can take a river tour, your can bike in the countryside. You can visit beautiful ancient cities the same distance as Napa Valley is from San Francisco.

[@calyanmarsh8285]

The beach at Bloemendaal is not comparable to a Californian beach Same for the wineries or national parks

[@robertboender5816]

Great video. Well done David.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Robert!

[@mogambopakalolo5977]

tq david 100% great work

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks mogambo! Appreciate it

[@ferahl]

Very well summarised, agree with it all

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and thank you!

[@kaydesign]

Impressive research!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks! That means a lot coming from an infographics channel!

[@kaydesign]

@@hidavidwen Thanks! I don’t run a channel but create graphics for magazines etc. Nice to see that you use statistics and graphics to support your story! Keep it up!

[@danc991]

Great video! Keep up the good work :)

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Dan!

[@garrett3338]

Great video David!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Garrett!

[@a3veis371]

If you get bitten by a dog you go to your GP, he/she gives you a tetanusshot and so on. The first line of healthcare is always your GP, you can get a referal from your GP if you need to see a specialist. If you just show up at the hospital they will send you to see your GP.

[@richardjohnson165]

Great!Video

[@ambla23]

I enjoy your videos. I fell in love with Amsterdam a long time ago and hopefully will get back there in the next few years. Stop by the Van Gogh Museum for me.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks a lot! Oh it's a beautiful place. When did you last visit? That's a good reminder to renew my museum card!

[@moldar81]

I've been looking at your videos. Very informative. I'm attending Wageningen University & Research online. Live in Seattle, and it's getting crazy here. Still love living in WA state.Though been thinking of living in the Netherlands. Thanks for the videos.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Muayyad - thanks for following. If there is a place I’d consider moving to back in the US, it may be Seattle. I have an idea…what’s getting crazy over there? Netherlands is great, the weather is quite similar but everything else else quite different :)

[@moldar81]

Thanks David. What idea do you have? Well Seattle is also expensive, and homeless population is increasing. Not as big as SF but pretty bad. I've lived in Seattle for 15 yrs. Things are very different & Amazon tech taking over. Alot of marginalized communities like SF. Old Seattle is gone, and more high rise buildings for apartments. We have the highest number of cranes in the U.S. Yeah I heard that the weather is similiar to Seattle. You're welcome. I like your videos.

[@hidavidwen]

@@moldar81 Haha idea...I forgot what I was going to say. But I can understand-it seems like the homeless situation is getting worse and worse everywhere. Seattle seems what has and is happening to SF too. What other questions do you have or things you are interested in learning more about? Could be helpful for future video ideas too. Thanks!

[@moldar81]

Thanks 👍🏿I would say more about Wageningen area would be nice, can't think of more topics let you know 😊. Yeah homeless population is getting worse all over the U.S.

[@fransezomer]

Great video! On Healthcare in the Netherlands though... Someone should have explained to you that ALL medical treatments in NL start and end with your GP. Your GP is the only person who has a full overview of your medical status. If you require hospital treatment or if you need to see a specialist, you first need to get a refferal through your GP. Those specialists always report back to your GP as soon as a treatment has finished as well as intermittently when required. This also goes for mental treatments like with a psychiatrist or psychologist, or chiropractors and physiotherapists. So again, your GP will have the complete overview of your treatments at all times. This is called 'chain medicine' in the NL. The only reason you'd ever go to a hospital directly is when there is a life-threatening emergency or a severe medical injury. ie. a heart attack or a broken leg, a severe allergic reaction, or breathing issues, etc. If you can, still always call your GP or the 'Huisartenspost' first, so that they can prepare your arrival at the hospital if needed. A minor dog bite is considered to be NOT a life-threatening emergency in NL. You went straight to the hospital ER for a tetanus shot and they deferred you back to your GP. It does not mean that you were refused medical treatment, you were just at the wrong counter. You should have called or gone to your GP for this tetanus shot (and band-aid). The reason for this arrangement is that a GP medical treatment in the NL is almost 10 times cheaper than a (ER-)hospital treatment by a specialist. In order to keep the cost for Healthcare in NL down, a strict divide between urgent and non-urgent treatments was made. So, next time if you need any medical assistance always call your GP first ( or Huisartsenpost i.c.o. out office hours). ALL GPs have an emergency button on the IVR-menu and most IVRs are bilingual (NL-EN). Explain to them what the emergency is and I guarantee you that you will see a doctor within the hour. Suffice to say that all visits to your GP are free and unlimited. Happy days! Pro-tip: Put your GP phone number as well as your huisartsenpost phone number in your mobile, just in case. Do that now. If you do not know what your huisartsenpost number is then get it through your GP administration.

[@hidavidwen]

Oh wow thanks so much for the thorough explanation! Yeah I now realize everything goes through GP here…makes sense. at the beginning, I was clueless. I guess that’s the interesting part about moving/living abroad! Happy days!

[@SonnyWeg]

Great explanation. I agree with everything except for one thing: you don't need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist. You still needed it some years ago, but not anymore. If something happens and you require help from a physiotherapist you can make an appointment right away.

[@DutchLabrat]

Also compared to the US and many other countries Dutch doctors tend to prescribe or treat way less because .... there is no monetary incentive to do so and often it is not needed. Minor issues, even minor infections DO NOT NEED medicines or therapy. Basic advice on lifestyle and diet is way better. For example US doctors that prescribe antibiotics for minor or even viral throat infections should be disbarred in my opinion! If you think a healthcare system is better because doctors give out more pills, do more surgery, sent people more often to specialists, it might be someone, somewhere, is fleecing you and you seem to like it.

[@hidavidwen]

@@SonnyWeg thanks for the clarification!

[@SonnyWeg]

@@hidavidwen You're welcome :)

[@OsmosisHD]

Ah yes the nighttime droppings in the forest. I really loved those growing up as a kid it was very exciting & adventurous

[@hidavidwen]

Oh wow so it is a thing! I find it so fascinating. Did you ever get lost?

[@OsmosisHD]

@@hidavidwen Back in my days we didn't have GPS. Just a compass and a map. Often it was on one of the islands all you need is a point of reference find a open field try to spot lighthouses in the distance. It was a real challenge finding the camp but not impossible. We got lost a few times but eventually made it back to camp

[@hidavidwen]

@@OsmosisHD What a great training for life (and sounds really fun too...I would've loved to do this as a kid!)

[@OsmosisHD]

@@hidavidwen I think so too, Think it helps develop self-convince and self-reliance of a child. It's a good and fun way to learn that. Also the 'wadden islands' are perfect for that, even if the kids get lost they are never too far away from civilization. Our school used the lighthouse as rendezvous point in case any of the groups got really lost. It's a darn achievement if you somehow manage to get lost for days

[@MartijnPennings]

Just to be clear, are we talking "parents ditching their kids in a forest" or "an organized camp (like boy scouts) with lots of children and some adults and/or older kids in charge"? Because I do believe the first is an anomaly, while the second is more common.

[@kruikje]

Fo minor medical stuff we go to our GP. If needed you will get a referral to the hospital. It's not like you have to wait until things get so bad that you will need hospital treatment. We also have free checkups for cervical cancer, breast and bowl cancer... You often need a seperate insurance for the dentist. Dental care is free up to the age of 18

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Simone for the explanation. Yeah now I know about going to the GP first. I haven't had many experiences going to the hospital here (fortunately), but I hear that once you get treated (if you get treated), then it's great.

[@bcvanrijswijk]

What does the quality of the weather and food matter if you have to work overtime every day and don't have vacations?

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Ben. Yeah no fun in that case =/

[@jornspirit]

...I liked watching this... I've had at a time a partner living close to SF and almost moved there, and at another time a Dutch partner who lived in Amsterdam, so I got to know both places, but neither eventually did work out... I lived in Berlin for 15 years which was amazing, but once that was over, I moved away from big cities altogether... plenty of nature (right at my doorstep), social contacts/friendships and getting along with fairly basic life style needs (being a minimalist) is my favourite and most satisfying combination... but I'm also in my 60s now... when I was younger, big cities had a much stronger attraction (and of course universities, carrier options and lots of distractions)... I am now very fond of a simple life style... :)

[@hidavidwen]

Oh yeah I don’t know how much longer I’ll be in cities. Would be a dream to live in the Italian countryside..maybe one day 😄 I have a love hate relationship with cities…but I do love the energy and atmosphere of city life (there’s always something to do..for better or for worse)

[@mikes.2471]

Just 30-45 miles outside of SF, one could easily find rural living in peaceful and beautiful neighborhoods that you can hear the pin drop from 10pm-5am, and occasionally see deer wandering by, or capture mountain lions on security cameras late at night. I never feel unsafe during the day or night walking my dog around my neck of the woods.

[@joshperry2710]

Great video! I'm currently considering and planning a relocation from SF to NL. I'm a tech engineer and it's quite a large decrease in pay but I'm okay with that. I wanted to ask about hiking as I noticed your other videos. I'm an avid (hiking) backpacker and obviously the options for that are limited. I found the overnight ferry to Norway and that seemed like a good option. I've also gone backpacking in the German Alps already, but that's quite a long ways by train. I would love to hear any experiences you've had as a hiker living in NL. Cheers!

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Josh - thanks so much! Yeah I do miss being able to just hop in my car and head towards Mt. Tam or even doing day/weekend trip to Yosemite...but there's a bunch of great hiking in Europe. You won't find the "hiking" you're looking for in the Netherlands BUT the nice thing about Europe is that everything is within a few hours of flying or you could even drive there. The Swiss/French/Italian/German Alps. I regularly go to Munich to visit family/friends, and I do hiking there. I'm eyeing the Italian Dolomites next year. And I did the Tour du Mont Blanc a few summers ago. The Camino de Santiago has many different routes that lead to Santiago, Spain. Kungsleden in Sweden. There's a bunch, trust me =) You got me excited about 2023 now...I definitely want to travel and do more hiking/outdoors stuff!

[@joshperry2710]

@@hidavidwen Thanks for your reply! That really confirms my suspicion about being a hiker in NL. Actually I just got a job offer near Rotterdam!

[@ceebee3867]

Did you accept the offer? 😁

[@nomoresunforever3695]

Don't come. Nobody wants you here. Expats are allready ruining this city. We like immigrants but not expats.

[@joshperry2710]

@@nomoresunforever3695 I already did, not sorry

[@Rikardiho]

Hey man great video, I am considering getting a job in NL, I'm from Cali also and I just want to move there for the travel aspect alone. Any tips you could provide? I work in tech also

[@hidavidwen]

Hey thanks so much! Oh yeah if you want to travel, Amsterdam is the place to be. You can get to central Paris/London within 4 hours by train. Anywhere within a few hours by flight. What do you do in tech? There are a lot of international companies that hire foreigners in tech. For example, we sponsor and relocate many people from different countries (tech talent). LinkedIn is probably your best bet or if you know someone that can refer you.

[@kellyvandijk3269]

In America they learn almost nothing about other country’s in schools

[@hidavidwen]

It depends on where you go to school...but there's not a big emphasis on other country's histories. I took an intensive European history class in high school...but my high school was also fortunate enough to offer the class. I think another big reason is how history is taught...I remember having to remember "dates" of when something happened...we learn how to pass exams and not necessarily the material (which I think is something to say about the education system in general-whether it's in the US or elsewhere)

[@lizgabrielaa7163]

I had the same experience of the sandwich!! 😂😂 I laughed too much at that part of the video

[@hidavidwen]

Haha glad I’m not the only one! Cheese sandwich? I’ve had it on my international KLM flights…you’d expect a bit more than a cheese sandwich for the amount you pay..but hey very Dutch :)

[@BrazenNL]

9:43 €100/m, not €100/y. Also, the percentage of people that are insured should be 100% as it is required by law. Nice video.

[@hidavidwen]

Ah thanks for that, you're right! I just added that in the description. I checked like 5x before publishing...I knew there would be some mistakes with all these data points!

[@carolientjejosefientje1684]

Well, that's not completely true. Some people don't get insurance because of their beliefs. Instead they pay an amount/fee to the Belastingdienst. The money will stay reserved and in case you need medical help it's paid out of that account.

[@hidavidwen]

@@carolientjejosefientje1684 thanks for the insight. I didn’t know about this but makes sense

[@nilstwestergaup3165]

@@hidavidwen Info, delivery and editing were all solid. Good stuff.

[@hidavidwen]

@@nilstwestergaup3165 thanks!

[@MartijnHover]

How any American city can be considered the "best in the world" is beyond me. They all have lots of homeless people. If that is the best you can do, you don't do well at all.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for your reply. Yeah I am personally not happy with the homeless problem in San Francisco (as a SF native)…it’s sad. No city is perfect. But outside of that, there’s a lot of positives to like about SF

[@MartijnHover]

@@hidavidwen I know. I visited the city once. It would be a very nice place if it weren't in the USA, which is a crazy country and getting crazier every day...

[@nightowl5475]

Yes, but we pride ourself on the homeless experience. For example, we have a local raffle in the states, we all take bets on how long it will take before we get fired, loose our healthcare and go homeless. Going homeless is the new American experience. We always pride ourselves on being number 1 and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be number 1 in homelessness. After all, there are many new and exciting things you can learn from being homeless. For example, do you know, if you stand out back where the local stores keep their dumpsters, you can grab at least 4 good side big boxes and you can make a decent-sized cardboard house in about 45 minutes. However, I always have to bring up Harry Shultz. He was the best at putting together cardboard homes. He once beat his own record at 6.5 minutes. But, enough about good old Harry. Another essential thing you gotta learn when you become homeless is, the desperate sad look when you approach a person to put the bite on him. You know, asking for some spare change. I always practice in the bathroom mirror of the local Walmart. You really gotta work on that “desperate look.” Anyway, the next time you visit the states, if you ever wind up in South Florida, look me up, I’ll be riding the trains and wave when I go by! God Sped Martijn!

[@MartijnHover]

@@nightowl5475 All the best from the civilized world.

[@mickeydejong8950]

Actually, in the latest poll Amsterdam was much higher on the list than San Francisco

[@hjge1012]

Something peculiar I noticed, is that, among other things, you mention that a trip to Lake Tahoe is something to do in San Francisco. That's however a 3 hour+ drive. In 3 hours you can be in Paris if you take the train in Amsterdam.

[@hidavidwen]

True, that’s what’s special about Amsterdam and Europe in general. Lake Tahoe…well it’s just convenient with a car. You can do summer activities/hike in the summer and ski/snowboard in the winter within a few hours from San Francisco.

[@time4change56]

I graduated from Galileo High School in SF 1962. Lived in SF for 9 years. Now live in Bay Area

[@hidavidwen]

Gal! Wow, I used to take the bus past Gal every day. I miss San Francisco a lot

[@Iflie]

I think dutch people could change their food culture, they like a lot of exotic foods too but they are really happy with their breakfast and lunch options and don't want to eat as it seems to us "two dinners" like the americans do with a hot lunch. They like bread with butter and a slice of cheese or meat or the many sweet options. I always wondered what americans actually ate on bread because there seemed so few options compared to all our sprinkles and spreads. We like basic whole wheat bread twice a day almost al days of the year our whole lives aside from special breads for a leisurely lunch in the weekend. Putting some tomato or cucumber on the cheese with mayo. I'd say it's probably saved many people from having weight issues. As it turns out whole wheat with butter and cheese is actually a filling meal that only slowly releases energy so you are less inclined to overeat or snack too much. And dutch kids grow tall on it too and quite healthy. So it's a good thing so many people like it.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha thanks for the comment, it gave me a laugh. When I think of sandwich in the Netherlands, I think of bread and a slice of cheese. When I think of a sandwich in the US...I think of bread, cheese, ham, roast beef, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, jalapeños, mustard & mayo, and avocado. I'm getting hungry already but this is bad if you can't control your appetite...probably why so many Americans are overweight =)

[@Iflie]

@@hidavidwen Yeah the bread has more sugar in it too and with the reputation for having bad cheese maybe they do need so many slices on it to make it taste good. If you are used to what they call hyper palatable food the simple meals we enjoy may taste like nothing. Even with all that on it they seem far less enthusiastic about bread than we are. Like for instance I suggested to an american woman long ago that she give her kids bread to bring to school and she reacted like I told her to put her kids on bread and water like in old dungeons, haha Her kids needed pizza because they did sports. Ehm yes dutch kids also play sports and are a lot healthier, even with all the sprinkles in al flavors they get to put on said bread. My entire highschool my lunch was three slices of bread with chocolate paste after being squashed under my nooks in my bag. Americans would think I was starving. haha

[@hidavidwen]

@@Iflie Haha yeah the food culture is so different. I remember my college was known nationwide for its buffet-style lunch...and we would eat excessive amounts of food as cheap, hungry 18-year olds from unlimited pasta to BBQ chicken pizzas to sushi (this was excessive and we also overpaid a lot of $$$ for this of course). And then I come study here for my Masters and get a slice of bread and cheese for lunch! But not complaining, just interesting to observe the differences. One thing I appreciate is that I've started appreciating things more when you do get a nice meal or when the sun comes out.

[@Iflie]

@@hidavidwen Yeah that was very funny, total culture shock. It would have taken your tastebuds a good while to adjust I'm sure. Like when you don't eat sugar for three weeks and carrots are really sweet now. From all the money those american colleges make they should be able to afford really good food but from what I have seen a lot of the living conditions are anything but hotel style. For instance dorm rooms where you are sleeping with a stranger there, you are adults? That is such an invasion of privacy and as if you can never truly relax. I love winter and the dutch especially love the sun, I don't like the heat but to most of the dutch summertime is terras vacation and party time and you can't get that exact feeling unless you have been in the grey for most of the year. Though I'd say the dutch are very cheerful in general, even when they are complaining about everything, they enjoy it. haha

[@eefaaf]

Weekend trips to Yosemite and Lake Tahoe from SF? That's quite some distance. Within that radius from Amsterdam you can reach the north of France, or cities like Brussels and Köln with ease. Also, you'd better have a car, at least, google maps couldn't find any public transport option. Unless you count flying to Lake Tahoe, but in that case you can include visiting London, or the Alps and so on from Amsterdam

[@hidavidwen]

Haha yes! Distances are huge in the US. I do like how easily accessible everything is in Europe. From country to country. It just feels so unique to be visit so many countries around you. You need a car in the US. But in California...you do have everything one could ever ask for from city life (vibrant job market) to a very diverse mix of cultures (and food) to everything outdoors beaches/oceans/lakes/mountains/snow/national parks/hiking/wine tasting

[@eefaaf]

@@hidavidwen Well, having been in SF and up north from there, Napa Valley, among some huge trees, along the coast, dined in Eureka, and through the mountains to the NE of there. Even to Paradise before it burned down, and the Oroville spillway before it was destroyed (and rebuilt). In general not a bad place to be, but it can get a little too hot for my taste, even as the time I visited it was quite mild (according to the locals)

[@AntoniusLudovicus]

nice

[@sorehmilchtein3360]

I’ve been to San Francisco once and I never want to go back. I don’t need to see people shooting themselves up with drugs.

[@hidavidwen]

That's the reality of San Francisco unfortunately =/ SF is (in my opinion) one of the nicest places to live in the world (if you are in middle-upper class) BUT it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Where are you coming from by the way? (Just curious to get a frame of reference)

[@sorehmilchtein3360]

@@hidavidwen I'm from Wisconsin, now living in the Netherlands.

[@PeterRoos]

Food - Indonesian is terrific, and it's all over the place in Amsterdam. Sadly miss the Indonesian restaurants that went out of business in the SF Bay Area.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Peter - thanks for sharing. I love Indonesian food and yeah there aren’t too many in the Bay Area. But there’s a big Indonesian population here in the Netherlands

[@PeterRoos]

@@hidavidwen Yeah, I know. It has a historical background (as you probably know), Indonesia was a colony of the Netherlands until the 1960s. Many Indonesians immigrated to the Netherlands after Indonesia's independence. I like to say that that would be a terrific business opportunity - open an Indonesian restaurant or ingredients wholesale. It's difficult right now though in SF, too many restaurants were forced to close after Covid caused people to stay home.

[@eefaaf]

Well, I've been told that with the mist rolling in from the ocean, SF can be quite cold, even in summer.

[@hidavidwen]

Oh yes! There's a name for the mist. Karl the Fog. You always need a jacket in San Francisco. One side could be cold (near the ocean) and once you get downtown towards the Bay...it's sunny!

[@Snowshowslow]

Interesting :) I always wanted to go to San Francisco when I was younger, because it seemed like a city with great atmosphere. But I have to say the way everyone who isn't extremely wealthy gets priced out leaves a bad taste in my mouth... However, the weather and the surrounding nature sound amazing as well :) I can see why the tech bros decided to set up shop there 😉 I have heard from more foreigners that the Dutch health care system takes some getting used to, especially from places where patients are treated as values customers who get to order anything off the menu, haha. The system is not bad, but it's not very inviting. But then again, no one goes bankrupt for getting sick, so that is a point in our column 😉 I hope Amsterdam can remain a city for all, not just the wealthy, but we're not doing well on that front...

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there - thanks for stopping by and your comment. Yeah I think anywhere you move...it'll take some time to get used to things! I do value how everyone has access to affordable healthcare. here...and you don't have to worry about that (unlike the US). You should still visit San Francisco if you get the chance =) It's a great place to visit and there's plenty of outdoor things to do around if you're into that.

[@vincentvermeulen6703]

Safety has a lot to do about how a city distributes housing. But anyway, I was in San Francisco once on a holiday trip. We put our motorhome at a camping site and decided to walk to downtown. Too dangerous is what everyone said, but the bad thing is that everyone has their opinion about dangerous and most people accept it without experiencing it. I have ignored those warnings in many places and still survive. You have to be cautious in many places.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Vincent - yeah everyone will have their opinion. In any big city, there are areas that are safe and not safe. It’s just being smart and cautious like you said. I’d say there’s more beauty than danger in most cities around the world…it’s just our human minds that tend to fixate more on the negatives :)

[@CatWAVE-qq1gs]

Is there a wait line to get an apartment rented in Amsterdam?? I worried about that.. I want a 2-bedroom in centre.. or Noord (whatever I can find).. Is it possible to find it in 1 month?? I'm moving with my fiance and 2 cats so I can't be in AirBNB forever (and it's not cheap).. Rent prices are exact the same as here in Rio de Janeiro .. Not cheap but I can deal with that.. IT area.. just worried about finding it in 1 or 2 months at maximum :') PS: Just subbed..great channel 🤌

[@ashleyftcash]

The housing market in the whole Netherlands is shitty right now. Try to get an apartment through your boss (if you are not a freelancer) or through a estate agent. To get a fair agent try read Google reviews (bad reviews = no fake reviews, Dutch people like to complain... so don't be alarmed because of some bad reviews). You should be able to get an apartment within a month through those chanels. For Dutch people, it can be actually harder to get an apartment than from someone from abroad. Good luck and in advance, I am sorry about the weather :)

[@CatWAVE-qq1gs]

@@ashleyftcash Wow!! The weather will be a perfect trade-off for me.. don't worry :) If renting a house and weather are the only problems you have, you got my heart already :) Thanks a lot! Have a wonderful day >

[@zzzowie]

Most Dutch people I know hardly eat Dutch food. There is so much food from all over the world to buy in Amsterdam supermarkets and restaurants. Even company restaurants usually have a lot of choice for lunch. So if you prefer French, Italian, Greek, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, or something from any other of >100 countries, it is not that hard to find.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Rem - yeah you're right. There are many options to eat out in Amsterdam-you can't go wrong. And to be honest, you cannot go wrong with either Amsterdam or San Francisco when it comes to food. I just personally think there is more of a 'food culture' in San Francisco (I'm sure there are others who have other opinions!). Thanks for your comment and hope you're well =)

[@zzzowie]

@@hidavidwen Sure, and I love your videos. When you talked about the bread+cheese lunch, I think that is very stingy and not a typical Dutch lunch anymore. Also like to mention that you can go wrong in picking restaurants. There are significant differences in quality between restaurants. For example some restaurants are more authentic in their cuisine and others are more adjusted to local taste (not my taste). When you live in a city for a while and have friends who can give good advise, you will find the best options.

[@DenUitvreter]

I still cook old fashioned Dutch food like spaghetti, nasi goreng and chili.

[@hidavidwen]

@@zzzowie Haha yes great advice! Sometimes I find Google reviews to not be the best advice...especially if there are a lot of "tourist reviews" (isn't everything amazing when you travel?!)

[@TheSeNaBi]

Yes you can get everything but most do eat Dutch food

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Don't confuse bread and warm food...you eat either bread, or cooked food... yeah bread has cheese and butter on it, or a 100 other things..., like chocolate sprinkles, etc.. or 20 kinds of cheese for example.. and you can choose yourself...

[@ronnie9187]

What a beautiful portret paintings you have behind you. I think personally tech cities are a bit more boring (living near Zürich which is a bit comparible with the ETH top university and the technical entrepeneur spirit that brings that to the city) but cities like Amsterdam, New York or Berlin tend to have much more layers of history, art and culture. The divercity of people is bigger. Techies mostly don't start a theatre or are interesting in high art generally speaking, they are more into coding and gagdets. ( I work in the IT branche myself and I worked for large IT companies as Microsoft and EDS, I know the culture of the tech industry very well) . Amsterdam has over 200 art galeries, some of the best art museums in the world, the Concertgebouw orchestra, etc etc etc. Not to forget a city centre that can hardly be matched in terms of architecture and beauty. I don't think San Francisco is on eye level here with Amsterdam, although it overshine almost any other city on the planet when it comes to the software industry. But these kind of infrastructure attract other kind people that give a city a different shining and feeling and for me makes the city just more interesting to live in.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Ronnie - very good observation, I would agree. San Francisco has changed a lot...and I remember coming back after many years and going to cafes...people on their laptops coding and every conversation seemed to be about a new startup idea haha! Yeah I do agree San Francisco is not very diverse in that sense. I'm waiting to experience more of Amsterdam now that it is opening up again (and hopefully will stay open).

[@MrShidimaOne]

I think the big difference is that all Dutch health care goes through our GP, unless it is life threathening, or you call an ambulance. I as a Dutch person would never go to the hospital for a dog bite.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing

[@robeleco1]

There are a few things I do not agree with, regarding things to do in Amsterdam, you can do much more than what was listed by you. Certainly when you include the bigger Amsterdam region or the rest of the Netherlands, which you should as the country is so small. You can rent boats outside Amsterdam, e.g on the Vecht river. You can make great cycling tours into the country side. You could go Skydiving. I could probably list countless more things to do and we certainly have beaches I would say. Not to mention the enormous number of museums in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Regarding restaurants, there are so many really good restaurants in Amsterdam, including plenty of Michelin-star restaurants. Maybe not as many as San Fransisco (how many does one actually need?), simply because Amsterdam is indeed a more egalitarian city than SF. There simply is less demand for high-end Michelin star restaurants, although it is certainly increasing in the last 15 years probably also due to the increasing number of expats. There are numerous nice restaurants without a Michelin-star as well. And no, rough nature, like the natural reserves you showed around SF, we do not have, as this country is mainly man made and densely populated. But that nature is easily found a few hours drive away, e.g. in the Ardennes in Belgium. And is there a winner, for me absolutely.....it has to be Amsterdam. Always. : )

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Rob - thanks for your response! Appreciate reading through it. Oh yeah you can do a lot more things that I did not mention...thanks for suggesting boating on the Vecht river! Of course there is no right answer, and it's nice to hear you clearly prefer Amsterdam. But I think most will agree that if you get the chance to live in either of these two cities (without drowning in debt)...then you'll probably have a really good time =)

[@TheRockkickass]

Amsterdam is not even in the same league as SF. Please don’t bs us. Everything you listed can be found in SF plus a beach and one of the best coasts in the world and weather.

[@mickeydejong8950]

The Netherlands has more Michelin Starred restaurants(111) than the whole of California (90) which is 10 times bigger.

[@TheRockkickass]

@@mickeydejong8950 your comparing a country to a state….

[@wackery_zeimer]

Tips on moving though?? So hard to get a visa :(

[@hidavidwen]

Visa for US or Netherlands? What nationality are you? If you're trying to get a visa in the Netherlands... - If you're an American and trying to get visa in Netherlands, there's the DAFT visa = expatlaw.nl/dutch-american-friendship-treaty - If you're freelancer in Netherlands, there's ZZP = expatlaw.nl/dutch-american-friendship-treaty - There's also a partner visa... What I did was I first studied a Masters in the Netherlands (student visa). And then I found a job that sponsored me (easier to do once you're already here). Students can also apply for a Search Year Visa after graduation (one-year visa to search for a job)

[@richardbrinkerhoff]

Correction, the cost of health care in the Netherlands is NOT €100/year, it's more like €100/month. Still much cheaper than in the States.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Richard - you're right! Someone else pointed that out, and I put the correction in the description. Unfortunately I cannot go in the video and change it now. I wish it was €100/year though =) Thank you

[@richardbrinkerhoff]

@@hidavidwen It's easy to make a mistake and not always easy to correct. Though born and educated in the US, I lived in the Netherlands all my adult life. Your observations are quite astute.

[@hidavidwen]

@@richardbrinkerhoff Thanks. Oh wow Richard-I'm so curious to hear your story... What brought you to the Netherlands? And what made you stay? (These are questions that have been running through my head for the past few years!)

[@richardbrinkerhoff]

@@hidavidwen Having visited the Netherlands during my junior year abroad in France, I always wanted to come back. I met someone who when he heard my dream was to live and work in Europe for a couple of years, said I could stay at his home until I got settled. I gladly accepted his offer and gave up my rented apartment and job once I returned to the States. I arrived in the Netherlands in January of 1974. Things were very different back then, I got a residency permit immediately, found a job my first week here and obtaining a work permit was no problem either. In no time, I had new friends and just a year later my own apartment and car. Never once thought about returning to the States and given how the States have changed in the intervenng years, definitely don't want to live there anymore.

[@hidavidwen]

@@richardbrinkerhoff Wow almost 50 years here. Congrats. It's about 3.5 years for me here so it's very comforting to hear a bit about your story

[@check1two]

Is it harder or easier to find a rental in Amsterdam in winter?

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Craig - usually the hardest time is around Aug/Sep or the beginning of the new school year because you have students all moving into the city as well. As for winter vs. summer...I don't know. It seems equally hard now at any time of the year...assuming everything stays open

[@MartijnPennings]

It's really hard finding housing in Amsterdam nowadays - unless you have money to spend of course. For any available 100 spaces in Amsterdam there are 150 people looking for one; so a third of people who would like to live in Amsterdam can't or have to find another solution. Some Dutch universities are even telling foreign students not to come to the Netherlands unless they already have a place to stay because every year thousands of (foreign) students flock to the big cities. Also beware of scammers who offer a space online and ask for 3 months' rent in advance etc.

[@hidavidwen]

@@MartijnPennings Oh yeah I had to find a new place to live a few months ago in Amsterdam-it was a nightmare. The landlord said it's the craziest he's seen it. I can't imagine being a student looking for a place in Amsterdam. I've heard of students and people bouncing from short-term rentals to another short-term rental every few months. Thanks Martijn

[@osmonddsilva1577]

Any Healthy or Veggie food in Amsterdam???

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Osmond - yes there’s a bunch of healthy and vegetarian options in the city whether restaurant or supermarket.

[@ConnieIsMijnNaam]

I agree that there is a culture in NL about not going to the doctor with minor problems. (F.I. You won’t get prescribed antibiotics for a common cold) But you make it sound like “you won’t get treated for an injury”. That’s not true. You made the wrong decision to go to a hospital when you should go to a GP (“huisarts”) In NL you should always go to the GP first unless you have a life threatening injury or illness. You can’t just go to a specialist. You need a referral from a GP. That’s all.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Connie - thanks for the comment. Yeah I probably made the wrong decision going to the hospital, but I thought it was an "emergency" for me given that it was a dog bite, and I should get a shot within 48 hours (and it was almost impossible to get an appointment with GP within 48 hours, so I had to call around which was stressful). I probably am exaggerating but when I arrived, all of my expat friends told me about similar experiences and told me if I wanted to get treated, I needed to act like I was really sick. But yeah nothing wrong...just the interesting stuff you learn about living in different countries!

[@mariadebake5483]

@@hidavidwen In that case you should have contacted the huisartsenpost. They would have given you the shot you needed for the dog bite.

[@hidavidwen]

@@mariadebake5483 Now I know, thanks! These are all good learning experiences that I can laugh about now

[@OprechtLetterlijkBizar]

Great video! Having lived in both places (though San Francisco only for a year in 2003, and Amsterdam for over 10 years) I would say that the chances to find good quality food in San Francisco are bigger than in Amsterdam. In my opinion that might be because in general SF restaurants just put more effort and care into their meals, whereas in Amsterdam you find much more “tourist trap” kind of restaurants. Maybe San Franciscans are a bit more critical and demanding towards what they are being served in restaurants than the Dutch are? However, slowly the quality and variety/diversity of the Amsterdam restaurants is improving and if you do a little preparation upfront, you WILL be able to find some gems. Sometimes I feel you need to be part of some inner crowd “foodie network” to know where the good spots are though…

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks! Oh wow San Francisco in 2003...I feel like it's changed so much since then! But yeah I've also heard the food scene in Amsterdam has been getting better. over the years...more and more variety. I really like finding those hidden gems...so still searching for those if you have any favorite recommendations in Amsterdam =)

[@TheSeNaBi]

Don't agree

[@hidavidwen]

@@TheSeNaBi Sounds like you prefer the food in Amsterdam? Great. What do you like?

[@TheSeNaBi]

@@hidavidwen Netherlands. Here are described the most popular dishes of the country. Stamppots: mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables. † Snacks: bitterballen at number 1. ... Pea soup: popular winter dish. † Hairdressing salon: the new tradition. † Herring: bite or cut into pieces. So many potatoes dishes, so many differend fish dishes, poffertjes, pancakes, oliebollen

[@hidavidwen]

@@TheSeNaBi Thanks for sharing! I've had most of those...I do like pea soup in winter and bitterballen at all times!

[@mariadebake5483]

People working in restaurants etc or at McDonald's in the US, don't earn much. In fact they earn almost nothing and are obliged to work more than 1 job and as a waiter they have to rely on tips. In the Netherlands however they earn a decent salary just like everyone else. A Dutch waiter doesn't have to rely on tips, he doesn't need them. And an employee of a Dutch McDonald's earns a salary that's way higher than he would have in an American one. So you can't really compare "being able to afford a house being a waiter" in San Francisco to the same in Amsterdam. Their incomes are much too different for that.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Maria - I can definitely see that here in the Netherlands! People work several of these blue collar jobs just to survive...I don't think that happens in the Netherlands? Well let's both agree that buying a house-whether you are a waiter in San Francisco or Amsterdam-is just impossible now! Heck...even if you have a higher paying job...it's still near impossible nowadays...

[@mariadebake5483]

@@hidavidwen I agree! And no we don't work more than one job, it's not necessary.

[@matiasss550]

if u want to get money does not matter where are you at. Is about you, what u do. Not the place.

[@chilesheloved]

When you are going through difficult times in your life, don’t isolate yourself. There are people who have been through what you might be facing right now and they overcame it. Don’t push people away, surround yourself with people who are spiritually mature and get the help that you need. Isolation when you are in pain and don’t know if there’s a way out is dangerous and that’s why we have suicide cases. Listen, there’s nothing that you can be facing that God is not able to solve for with God nothing is impossible. Hold on. Jesus loves you.

[@PH61a]

I don't agree about the food variety in Amsterdam and San Francisco: I've been in SF a few times and I still think Amsterdam has more variation in food (foreign restaurants). But hey: I can be wrong...

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Peter. What are your favorite restaurants in Amsterdam?

[@mickeydejong8950]

Your experiences with "Dutch Food" are unfortunate, but there are really good restaurants and cafes in the Netherlands with imaginative food made from local produce. The Netherlands has 111 Michelin starred rrestaurants, 137 Bib Gourmand restaurants, over 100 Gault & Millault restaurants and countless really good ones that are trying to get a distinction. Amsterdam is not really the best place, because of all the tourists, that created a sort of tourism industry in the whole centre of this city. But if you are interested in a high end restaurant in Amsterdam with Dutch cuisine, you should try "De Vijf Vliegen". Otherwise try the multiple amazing restaurants outside the capital city (for example in Utrecht, Breda, The Hague and Maastricht)

[@mickeydejong8950]

And also, to compare the amount of Michelin starred restaurants in California (the Netherlands fits in california approx 10 times and has roughly twice the population): The whole of California has 90 Michelin starred restaurants. Also, you have restaurants in the Netherlands with dishes from every corner of the world, be it African, Asian, Australian or North and South American. So, as a foody, I do not agree with your view.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Mickey for sharing all that information. Yes I've heard about those Michelin restaurants...though I usually don't do a lot of fine dining unless for special occasions. But great recommendations, thank you. And hah yes there are different types of foodies. Sounds like you are a high-end restaurant type (I can't relate to that). I am more like a day-to-day restaurant or hole-in-the-wall type of foodie.

[@Mikenif]

Fun Fact: If your bike gets stolen in amsterdam 9 out of 10 times you can buy it back from a junky at one of their hangout spots

[@hidavidwen]

Aw yes my bike got stolen last year…I did search the junkyard online but I was too lazy to go in person and look for it

[@DidierWierdsma6335]

The lack of any affordable healthcare systems is the main reason why i would never want to live in America also America is becoming way to toxic. I personaly love Dutch weather yeah California has beautiful weather but once again way to toxic and crazy expensive i feel sorry for the people still living in California. Here in the Netherlands we also have a very diverse cuisine lots of great foods from other country's. Other than that a great video keep it up👍

[@hidavidwen]

Hey didier - thanks for your comment and perspective! Great that you enjoy the weather…while I prefer the sun because I’m an outdoors person, I do appreciate the seasons in the Netherlands…and for an introvert, I do like staying indoors quite often!

[@womenfrom0202]

Independence of Dutch kids, they can can anywhere they like to go, on their bikes. No parent hovering over you, wherever you go to.

[@hidavidwen]

That’s a really nice thing! I’m not a parent but if I was one…I would also feel comfortable doing that…it feels very safe to let them wander here

[@arturobianco848]

Just call and make an appoinment with your GP in the netherlands sometimes i have to wait a day but normally i can come in the same day. Just don't go to the hospitale if you justy need a tetanus shot. If you need stiches they will fast track you within an hour at least thats how it is where i live wich is not amsterdam. About winter and food i agree.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Arturo - yeah I've learned my lesson! These are the things you learn through experience (and they make for a good story later on!). Thanks =)

[@alexvanwestwijk]

Your video is slightly biased towards Amsterdam and the Netherlands for that matter. As I’ve been living in the Amsterdam area for nearly 14 years and recently experiencing US I want to add a few less favorable info about the NL. Firstly, taxes. Sales tax is 21%. Income tax, unless you earn pennies will end up being between 40-55%. If you own a house you pay water and house tax. You own a car? Great, next to the insurance you will pay the road tax. Tally up all taxes and from every 1000 earned you’ll be getting around 300-400 euro for yourself. Second, low salaries. The 120k yearly salary on the video is on a high end for software engineers in Amsterdam. 5-6.5k monthly is a more likely option. The dutch are well known for being notoriously stingy. No wonder with low salaries and high taxes you meed to be really careful about the money you spend. You won’t get broke due to the costs of the health procedure in the Netherlands. True. You simply never feel you have money and that’s regardless of your health condition. Third, “the average is more then enough” says the common dutch saying. If you happen to be ambitious, beware. Your boss, your colleagues, will be happy to thwart all your efforts. Forget also any extra profits as a result of your above average efforts. Forth, the quality of the services. Services suck in the Netherlands. In a restaurant you may wait 10-30 minutes to be helped. Fixing up internet in a new house may take weeks. Your bank may have unavailable system for days long and nobody cares.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Aleksander. It's always good to hear different perspectives. Yeah the taxes here are really high. And you do make significantly less here than in San Francisco. I'm aware of that...I realized staying in Amsterdam (vs. going back to San Francisco) may not be the best financial move...but more of a life move. Yeah if you are overly ambitious about your career, San Francisco is the better choice in my opinion.

[@alexvanwestwijk]

@@hidavidwen thanks David for your reply. Wish you all good in all what you’re doing!

[@naturelover6588]

When u said "When I was 30 years old and studied at the University" I was like wait so you're older than 30??? 🤣🤣🤣

[@hidavidwen]

Hahaha how old do you think I look? 🤔

[@naturelover6588]

@@hidavidwen I thought u were 30 max lmao

[@hidavidwen]

@@naturelover6588 😁 For East Asians...a general rule of thumb for age = [What age you think] + 5 years...haha

[@Joey-ct8bm]

460000 euro's! More like a million in the city for a one floor apartment.

[@hidavidwen]

Hahah it feels like that right? Or 460000 euros for a really tiny place....

[@Frahamen]

I'm surprised SF is not that much warmer than Amsterdam, I was under the impression that california is hot as hell. But I never actually been there so mmy assumptions seems to be wrong.

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah SF is in Northern California where the temperature is milder. Southern California LA is hot. But SF weather is generally quite nice entire year compared to Amsterdam

[@ffqm]

Amsterdam also gets a lot warmer in spring and summer than 18 degrees Celsius. 😊

[@polinarunteva4408]

Dutch really dont have private health insurances? I live in Germany and here you choose between the government insurance and private. :?

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Polina - there is private health insurance. It's like 100-150€/month

[@CobisTaba]

About healthcare: you seemed to imply you are not helped quickly for 'small' things, because they have too little time, or cannot spare the time. If that is what you meant: you are wrong. The difference is more that healthcare workers in NL have no incentive to give you meds, etc. You get hat you really need, but not more. That is cheaper for everyone and it's better too (especially with antibiotics)

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Lex - thanks for the comment. Yeah understand your point of view. There is no right or wrong...just shocks when don't grow up in this type of system and you have adapt to it, which is all part of the experience =)

[@gedeuchnixan3830]

I would say, Amsterdamm still is the better city, because in the end what is being able to afford San Fransisco good for, if you don´t have the time to do squad? Spending most of the big paycheck just for living while having no time to spent the rest? Sounds like extremly crapy conditions.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for your perspective. Yeah San Francisco is too expensive for the average person (so is Amsterdam haha but more doable). I still had quite a lot of time doing hobbies in San Francisco…I think it depends on the person. People do work more and a big reason is because San Francisco attracts that certain personality (you move there for your career). But yeah…I love both for different reasons :) You can do anything within hours drive of San Francisco-national parks, hiking, mountains, lakes, snowboarding/skiing, surfing. And I love being in the center of Europe in Amsterdam and within a few hours flight, I can be in Spain or Italy!

[@VenturesOfTimTim]

I’m going to have to disagree with you on the food- everything I’ve had since I’ve been in Amsterdam has been amazing!

[@hidavidwen]

Good to hear!!

[@masjienistje]

So sad to hear that people working in lower wage jobs are surviving not living...

[@hidavidwen]

Sad indeed Bart :(

[@rm783]

❤SF

[@Hensepens64]

Related to healthcare.. please don't treat if GP's are not doctor's. I think you don't do them justice. Your complaint is that you can't go to specialist right away. That is a difference. And fcourse in an emergency you do can go to hospitals. But again. Don't treat GP"s an not beging a Doctor. Even if the situation is serieus you will be forwarded to a specialist right away. Don't forget...this is one of the reasons to keep our system affordable. And by the way... Visit to the GP is without extra costs... Compare this when you see your "doctor" in the USA. About food.. that is not food you mention.. those are snacks..

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@Joey-ct8bm]

American working life sounds like slavery to me. Well payed slavery, but still slavery. You can do a lot more things in San Francisco with the free time you don't have. You could see all of Europe in a hour flight away if you live in Amsterdam. Go skiing in the Swiss alps, sip wine in southern France, see the Berlin wall, go to party in ibiza, sit on the beach on mykonos, Make a picture with the tower of Pisa, see the eiffel tower, sit on lake Como with George Clooney, kiss a beautiful girl in stockholm or eat waffles with chocolate and cream in Bruges. You're in Europe in the city where the airport has the most connecting and cheap flights! Use those free weekends and days. There are also fast trains to berlin, paris and zurich from amsterdam for 40 euro's. Flight sometimes can be even cheaper. I flew to budapest hungary for 15 euro's last september. Not uncommon for flight to big cities in europe.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Joey - yeah true that's what I love about Europe, everything is so close and accessible (kissing a beautiful girl in Stockholm...still waiting for that one haha). I think America is great depending on what you want-for example if you are career-oriented and depending on what you do. Europe is great for what you described.

[@Joey-ct8bm]

@@hidavidwen Should be on top of the list. I met a American Girl in Africa btw.just before covid19. The relationship didn't work of course. Try to meet up with here and New York, but everytime there was another lockdown. She wanted to work in Europe or San Francisco. She currently works in New York as a graphic designer at Verizon. She actually wanted to go to France and Spain which are both terrible choices. She was half Mexican so she could speak perfect Spanish. I told her to go here because the language barriers and jobs aren't really for grabs in Spain or France. Very high unemployement rates in both countries. You really need to speak French in France too. I told her about worklife balance, low debt rates, safety, the vacation time and the vacation pay you get every year. Vacation pay should be in your video btw. I noticed a lot of people forget to notice this in videos of the Netherlands. They do that nowhere else. to get back on point... She got a promotion at Verizon and now she wants to stay. It's still her dream to come here, but she likes the pay too much. Fun fact! gdp per capita america is $69,231 gdp per capita netherlands is $58,292 debt to gdp america is 133.6 % debt to gdp netherlands is 56.25% If we borrowed as much as the US our gdp per capita would be twice as much as the US. Kinda shocking right? To end this, have a great time at Kingsday today.

[@shdschoolvoorhedendaagseda6912]

I think its really sad so many people see flying from one city to another as normal. And even promote it😕😳 I do not see Europe as some sort of cultural playground in which you just fly from one spot to the other. This is our actual world, and everyone wants to be safe in that

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for your perspective. What other mode of transportation would you promote that is safer? Train? Car? Bike?

[@lostzwolf7269]

hmm, ight you want to tell me that you have been eating sandwitches and butsch emals all this time. i mean we got mexican french turkish flemmish greek marocan great meats and well any and all food you could imagine. the point is if you wanna call us out on the woods that are native here dont start with that san fransisco has mexican chinease and expensife resourants. remember the dutch are the biggest when it comes to food import and exports all around the world we got evreything here. but when it coems to taste.. yes a lot of well dutch dutch people like to eat basic, (hollandse pot) or (wat de pot schaft) btw we can buy big here like in costco we got the sligro here, just casually buy coca cola, leaves with 200 cans. hmm yes. we got too many empty cans , lucklily we get 15 cens per can back now, just implemented. sadly you cant close cans unlike bottles so we cant keep em in a storage space to collect up first.

[@Frahamen]

Drinking game. Take a sip if he says "a place like"

[@hidavidwen]

I’m drunk already! Haha thanks for the feedback, you don’t realize how often you say things like that and “ums” until you record yourself, will try to improve next time :)

[@PieterBreda]

Amsterdam has become too expensive for large groups.

[@hidavidwen]

It’s getting really expensive..especially with inflation.

[@hugom.nijhof9191]

If you don't take all your holidays in the Netherlands, your company has to pay extra taxes on it. So they will be not happy...

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Hugo - that's good to know...I think it's a good thing that really pushes people to take time off. Thanks!

[@-_YouMayFind_-]

I would lose it if I would live in the USA lol

[@hidavidwen]

Haha why do you say that?

[@bartobruintjes7056]

You didn't mention one of the best Dutch 3 Michelin stars restaurants on the planet. It's called; De librije in Zwolle. By the way; The food in San Francisco is bad.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

We Dutch can be all "colours", Indonesians and Surinamese living here ARE Dutch, do not be so racist please...

[@TheSeNaBi]

Don't agree on the food

[@hidavidwen]

Appreciate the comment! Tell me more about why you don't agree (there is no right answer of course but I'm curious!)

[@TheSeNaBi]

@@hidavidwen You say Dutch food is not much but there are restaurants with food from all over the world, then you say San Francisco is better because they have Mexican food? I think both countries are not known for their food but this I found a bit strange

[@hidavidwen]

@@TheSeNaBi in my opinion, San Francisco has better food options such as authentic Mexican/Asian food. I am only comparing the cities...and I do think San Francisco has a better foodie culture

[@TheSeNaBi]

@@hidavidwen So your saying Amsterdam has no Mexican/Asian food? What is authentically American/San Francisco food?

[@hidavidwen]

@@TheSeNaBi I did not say that =) I am saying I personally prefer food in San Francisco. And I understand you prefer food in Amsterdam, which is great (I respect that).

[@bobcharlotte8724]

Time Out looked to the sky and ignored all the human poo everywhere in SF?

[@hidavidwen]

💩💩💩

[@suzy5166]

i am giving up! your experience was irrelevant to many! i am some will find useful!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Suzy

[@lakex24]

Considering leaving the Bay Area to Europe... Any racism you've felt in EU?

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Jing - not towards me (personally). I mean you have ignorant people everywhere that will say 'nihao' and stuff but that is definitely the minority...at the beginning of COVID, I felt a bit uneasy but that is gone now. Don't get me wrong, there definitely is racism in the EU...but it's not like the US.

[@lakex24]

@@hidavidwen Sounds good. Thank you!

[@ashleyftcash]

If you come across a dumb ass Dutch person who expresses racism, call them out. Don't be shy, we are a direct culture. Alot of them get embarrassed when being called out in public and alot of them do not know that sayin 'nihao' is also considdered rasist (me thinking about my sister in her teenage years saying ni hao to a Japanse person... when we are a quarter Chinese ourselfs... Ugh). If you see a group of drunk dudes in the evening, thats the moment to ignore instead of calling them out. But most of the time those stupids are sober in broad day light. O and you should know that Dutch rasist aren't very creatieve. It's always verbal, stupid jokes, there are like 3 senteces which get repeated. There is also a chance that a random person will call out the rasism, before you get the chance to process it :)

[@hidavidwen]

Which city do you prefer...San Francisco or Amsterdam?

[@jamal93yall]

San Francisco - but only if I could afford it! 😩🏳️‍🌈

[@hidavidwen]

@@jamal93yall Haha yes me too...SF has gotten ridiculously expensive

[@TheExplorder]

Option C, a medium large Dutch city like Breda, Zwolle or Nijmegen.

[@bertkassing8541]

Mokum! I've been to San Francisco a few times and it's by far the best city in the US I've been to, but it really doesn't compare to Mokum (read: Amsterdam). No, Mokum, is really much nicer and life here is much more interesting :-)

[@hidavidwen]

@@TheExplorder Oh thanks for the recommendations...yeah I think I'd love to move to a smaller city in a few years!

[@mariadamen7886]

California vs the Netherlands? You only show Amsterdam. Millions of people live in the 11 other provinces. Don't you think that's rather a rathet limited view on the country?

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. True. That’s why I put Amsterdam vs. San Francisco in the title and video

[@thesillypig785]

Amsterdam is such a poor example for living in the Netherlands. Massivley overpriced. Dutch towns is the place to be.

[@hidavidwen]

It is expensive indeed! I lived in Maastricht (enjoyed it), does that count as a Dutch town? Which Dutch town do you like?

[@thesillypig785]

@@hidavidwen Maastircht is a city, but one of the lesser crowded oned (according to Dutch standards). Personally, I lived in thje quieter towns jus below Eindhoven and Tilburg. Life is so relaxed here.

[@MirckRene]

I don't think it's possible for Europeans to live in the states. For students, you can get a visa for a short amount of time. But that is not enough to build up a proper future. There are exemptions for those that are the best of their fields.

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah you have a point, it seems like the US attracts those best in their fields (like if I was a software engineer focused on my career, San Francisco Bay Area would be great) but for others (non-knowledge workers)…it’s quite difficult

[@MirckRene]

@@hidavidwen Difficult is an understatement. You litterally need to win the lottery to get in. It's a shame. I feel the West is connected. Americans can live here but we can't really live in the States.

[@cq1765]

@@MirckRene so you think Europeans should have it easier than people from for example Asia or South America? lol

[@MirckRene]

@@cq1765 Yes, most definitely.

[@cq1765]

@@MirckRene Then I'm sorry that it's not the case

[@jacqueline23788]

us competition if you got money otherwise bye bye

[@hidavidwen]

😂

[@regntonne]

Fog

[@hidavidwen]

There is a nickname for the fog in SF-Karl the Fog

[@FrankHeuvelman]

Dude, in America you don't have a choice than to give in to your employer. He's got all the leverage where you have nothing. Don't comply? You'll get sacked and loose the most important thing in anyone's life, your healthcare insurance. You will never see something so amoral and unethical here in Holland.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Frank - thanks for your comment. I work in HR, and it is more difficult to just fire someone in the Netherlands compared to the US. Pros and cons of working in both cities.

[@Pheagey]

`nobody moves to Amsterdam for the weather`; truer words have never been spoken. The weather here SUCKS. Everything else is pretty awesome though.

[@chilesheloved]

To the person reading this, you are who God says you are. You are made in the image of God, The Creator of heaven and earth. Because of His love for you and I, He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for you so that you can have everlasting life and not go to hell. Jesus Christ arose from the dead, He is alive and is the only Messiah, the King of kings, the Beginning and the End. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the whole world. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, invite Him into your heart/life today. Wherever you are, He can hear you for He is everywhere. Remember Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to God the Father. Jesus loves you sooooo much so that He gave His life for you. You are valuable...You are loved.

[@mickeydejong8950]

What has this got to do with anything in this blog?!?!?

[@mickeydejong8950]

I am not religious….

[@FerrySwart]

Food is more diverse in SF? how the H**L did you get thát idea? I've been to the USA 20 times and saw 25 states and i've spend time in SF a lot also. I love SF but for food you don;t go the the USA at all. And don't think that the things you mentioned are the only foods that are seen as dutch. The whole indonesian foods, Surinam food, Turkisch foods and stuff from the middle east is SO common here that that is also almost dutch food. Plus the deversety of restaurants in amsterdam is much bigger. You really cannot name even just 1 country in the whole world we don;t have a restaurant of. and everything you can also make yourself because all ingredients are for sale in the supermarket, toko's or the outdoor markets. Compaire that to the USA? no way!

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Ferry - I appreciate your opinion! Yeah Amsterdam is quite diverse in terms of food..but I do not think the food scene in Amsterdam is better than SF. From Asian to Mexican to crab/seafood to Michelin-starred restaurants to nearby wine country (Napa)...the food/drink scene in San Francisco tops Amsterdam in my opinion.

[@FerrySwart]

@@hidavidwen we have all that in amsterdam as well. I've been in SF and it's a great city and i really loved it there. But you obviously didn;t look too good in amsterdam and didn;t see all it has. You'll be amazed that they're at least evenly matched.

[@hidavidwen]

@@FerrySwart well I’m looking to do more exploring in Amsterdam now that things are open :)

[@quirilei7568]

I feel like the food in the SF is more outspoken and they have more different “restaurants” (place sells cookies, milkshakes) compared to Amsterdam? Although i have to say thats its changing. But supermarket Amsterdam > SF for sure

[@dixieinthecupcup]

no way san francisco is the best city too expensive too many crook congress and too many homeless people and its dirty so i disagree 100 percent

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your opinion

[@JeanAlb]

But if you live in Amsterdam in 3 hours your in the mountains from Belgium France or Germany where you can take a hike. Same when you live in SF. In 1.5 hour flight your on the beach of Barcelona :) see Amsterdam as a city in Europe and Europe as its country :) And what is good weather? Its very personal. There are many people who like all the seasons and also cold weather. Every day sunny or warm weather i dont wanna think about it. I like it but living with the seasons is so much better for my soul and mind. I love it my mindset had the same seasonal stadia. I think its a really healthy way of life to live all the seasons.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Arjan. True. Difference is I could get in my car and get to true nature within an hour in San Francisco. But also not so difficult in Europe (I don’t have a car so maybe that’s why!) I also love seasons to be honest, especially Fall/Autumn :l🍁🍁