Living in The Netherlands is a Great Pace of Life (2020) | Expats Everywhere

Lauren is from The United States but has been living in Arnhem, The Netherlands for years now as an expat. She talks about the Dutch entrepreneurial spirit and what it's like working there. She also explains safety, the health care system, how to meet people, what she does as an entrepreneur, and more. Lauren owns her own company and aids in the wellness of the mind, body, and soul. Be sure to check out what she has to say about life abroad in The Netherlands and overall wellness through FORM Project.
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[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey Expats! Thanks for watching. Let us know what you thought about the video here. Are there any questions that you wished we asked? Are there some questions that we should ask all of our interviewees? If you disagreed with Lauren, it's okay to let us know, but please do a couple things for us in the comment. Let us know how long you lived in the Netherlands and what city. Also, please keep it clean as we encourage people of all ages to consume our content. Thank you, all.

[@chanellebozora2181]

Expats Everywhere Hi there, I really enjoyed this video! I’m planning on moving to the Netherlands in a few years as a primary school teacher, hopefully with children with disabilities. I’m having a hard time finding videos or blogs about expects working over there with this career path. Would it be possible to do an interview with someone like this?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@chanellebozora2181 Hi Chanelle, thank you for reaching out! It's really beautiful work, what you're doing. To make sure that we understand you, you'd like an interview with an expat that's a teacher living in Holland? We do have connections there and we believe we can do that. It might be difficult to find/hear from a teacher that focuses on children with disabilities. You might be that interview for a us in a few years ;-) but let us know if that's what you're looking for and we'll work on it.

[@chanellebozora2181]

Expats Everywhere Hi!! Yes, that’s exactly what I’m looking for! I know working with students with disabilities is a specific niche, but when the time comes and I have some experience under my belt, I’d love to do an interview for you:)

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@chanellebozora2181 Hi again, we've emailed out to our contacts. It's nighttime there so let's see what they say. If they know someone and that person is willing to do a video with us, we'll get one up and re-post it here. Thank you for your input and we hope to do a video with you in the future.

[@chanellebozora2181]

Expats Everywhere thank you so much, I really appreciate it!!💗

[@ronaldderooij1774]

A few corrections from a Dutchman. Tabasco is readily available in any supermarket. I know it is for sale at Albert Heijn supermarkets for sure. That is the biggest supermarket chain in the Netherlands. Secondly the Dutch Healthcare system functions within the culture. If you have difficulty adjusting to some aspects of the culture (the directness) you cannot blame the system, in my view. On Dutch directness, I would like to defend it a bit. It is not meant to be rude or abrasive. It is honesty. If you beat around the bush here, Dutch people do not feel taken seriously and maybe even think they are mistrusted. A Dutch person can be accused of saying rude things, but he/she means it to say only in a matter of fact way. The last thing I want to mention is making friends is only hard if you don't speak the language. The Dutch nearly all speak perfect English. But we like to reserve speaking English for work, of special occasions. Normally in a relaxed social setting (a.k.a. being with friends) wel like to talk Dutch. We know that language just that little bit better, for example to express nuances and feelings as you do with friends.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi Ronald, thank you for your comment and giving our audience an exact supermarket to go to. To your second point, the interviewee did preface her comment based on her culture and made a distinction between the two. This is important for our audience coming from a privatized system such as the USA. Americans, culturally, have little exposure to socialized/national health care unless they've already lived in a country that has nationalized health care. She was making people aware of the challenges going in to set the right expectations. We absolutely love your third point here. It helps us deeper understand "Dutch Directness" not just from an expat perspective but a local perspective so that's really important. It's easier to adapt to cultural differences when we know where those differences are coming from. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to respond in such wonderful detail. It's very much appreciated! Cheers!

[@BNJ24]

@@ExpatsEverywhere As an American, we do not have control of our care. We can only go to doctors in the network our employers choose and they can change that anytime. Americans often don't go to the doctor because copays, deductibles and time off of work can be costly. And if you do go to the doctor, you absolutely must advocate for yourself. You get 15 rushed minutes to explain your symptoms and often are not given the correct care so you have to keep going until someone takes you seriously. I'm scared for Americans that end up in the hospital here who don't have an advocate.

[@indifairey9131]

@hopeful skeptic, I'm sorry to hear that, we in the Netherlands can choose our own home doctor, that's a doctor to go to when you have minor health issues like the flu or blather infection or that kind of things, when it's worse they can send you to the nearest hospital to see a specialist, when you don't agree with any specialist there you can go to another hospital for a second opinion! The reason we have rules like, that we can't choose any doctor available is because they (home doctors) need to get to your house within 15 minutes when there's an emergency... We have a totally different system here, we don't get antibiotics when asking, only when they think it is a bacterial infection or can be cured with antibiotics. We only pay a monthly amount, we don't have a choice. For that we get the security we always have Healthcare no matter what, it's proximity 130€ a month..... When needing medicine or going to a specialist we first have to pay 385€ own risk at once or monthly, this is for the whole year includes everything, so when for example you need a Mriscan and treatment it's all taking care of! We here complain a lot that it is expensive, but I don't think it's fair that they complain, no medical bills at all besides the own risk and monthly amount.

[@jaccovermeulen2762]

Yes, you really can tabasco in NL. Actually getting the really healt care you really need, being assertive to get the best health care in special situations is recommended.

[@kath6720]

Ronald de Rooij I agree with everything you said except the directness. For having lived there as a Franco-American I also found people way of saying things a little rude lol. Even my boyfriend was rude. I think you van be honest but polite. There’s a massive difference between honesty and rudeness :-)

[@danieljellers]

I've been to the Netherlands a few times & dream of relocating there. During the times I was there I had no problem finding old American brands like Tobasco (Albert Heijn & Jumbo), but I also enjoyed the experience of being introduced to new products & brands (Tony's Chocolonely). Another wonderful thing about the Dutch is their directness. I didn't find it at all rude or abrasive. I like to know where people stand & not try to figure out what they really mean.

[@essentialoilsme]

That level of honesty would be refreshing especially since the US culture is so “politically correct” and even manipulative in some cases with people/relationships

[@DenUitvreter]

What the Dutch call friends are long term close friends. That doesn't mean they can't be friendly or have fun with 'acquaintancies' but for friendship there has to be a longer term perspective. The Dutch are happy to speak English if that's the only way to communicate, but if you don't learn Dutch you expect them to make the extra effort for friendship with you instead of the other way around. That's actually quite rude if you think about it, and on the level of society and the anglophonic expat community it might even be experienced as imperialistic. Another practical implication is that you only want one on one friendships with one on one conversations with Dutch people, because in a group of friends you'll exclude yourself from group conversation, or expect the whole group to switch to a language that is not theirs only for you. I don't know if you speak any foreign language well yourself, but the profeciency of the Dutch in English doesn't mean there is no difference with speaking their native language. You've got to work harder for less expression, and especially with friends you want to express yourself as spontaneous and colourful as possible. By keeping speaking English you are signalling that: - You're not here for the long term and therefore not for long term friendships - You don't want to be part of groups of Dutch friends - You're not interested in a more than superficial understanding of Dutch culture and customs It's not a punishment for not making enough of an effort, it's just how it works mostly subconciously. It's not that they don't want to help you out in English and switch or translate a lot, but progress in at least understanding Dutch so you can take part in a three or more way conversation makes a lot of difference, even if you have to revert to English yourself often. The Dutch ar guilty too, I think it's called the expat trap. They make anglophonic expats feel that English is just fine, which it is, but in the expectation that you're learning Dutch and will end up immersed in Dutch society. Many expats feel fine for two or three years, but then suddenly feel homesick, isolated or excluded because their friendships stop evolving and remain superficial. I know I'm beeing very direct here, but that's because with the time already spend in the Netherlands you have a choice to make very soon. The problem is that the proficiency of the Dutch in English doesn't force you, but that same proficiency also allows you all kinds of mistakes, a heavy accent and lots of help learning if you just ask. There's always a safety net, anyone can help you learning the language and will gladly do so, you can use Dutch subtitles on English movies and series to learn and it's really not that alien to English. Besides that it's quite a fun language to express yourself in and with lots of books, music and even some movies that are worth the effort, and learning a foreign language in general expands your thinking.

[@AnataWaDareDesuKa]

Lynott Parris You say it perfectly! I saw another video from someone complaining about how things were written in Dutch everywhere, and having a hard time making friends among locals... why expect everything and everyone to be English, while you’re in the Netherlands, country with a language of its own, no matter how great our English is :p I lived in Ireland as an au pair, and struggled making friends among other au pairs. Because I was one of the only Dutch ones, 9 out of 10 were Spanish. Meeting as a group, a lot of the time quite a few would speak Spanish amongst each other, putting the effort in for English for me too, but I eventually stopped going to those group meet ups, and only met up 1 on 1, because I could tell I made it ‘hard’ on the group having to ‘force’ them to speak English to be polite to me, while they were obviously struggling, and having a lot more fun in their own language.

[@DenUitvreter]

@@AnataWaDareDesuKa The group dynamic in relation to language is often overlooked by people who don't have personal experience. As I said the Dutch are to blame too, they express little love for their own language while they do feel it and it does make a difference to them. They also might be more understanding to the fact that many anglophones don't speak any foreign language at all, and therefore don't really know what it's like to speak a foreign language and how limited it feels, especially when you get intimate and personal. But also when it comes to humour, a lot of it is language specific and a lot of it is in intonation, which just isn't there if you only speak English once in while.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@AnataWaDareDesuKa How long ago were you in Ireland? Would you be willing to do an interview about your experience.

[@CharlesvanDijk-ir6bl]

Exactly we had a Frisian aunt my mom's sister, she never ever made the effort of talking Dutch when she came over for a few days. Called us rude and impolite, the only time she talked Dutch. Besides she had a horrible accent Tsar Peter Street was the Salpeter Street. Better Uncle Alex he was a Russian ex POW who married a Dutch woman and spoke good but slightly accented Dutch. He was quickly elevated to the status of uncle.

[@AnataWaDareDesuKa]

Expats Everywhere I lived there for three years. No, I’m a really shy person, so I dislike cameras 😅

[@marcovtjev]

Note that the friends issue at the end also goes for natives when moving to a different part of the country. The classic (Dutch?) solution is to join clubs (sports, music, culture, church if that is your thing, being active in the kids school activities), any organization that allows you to meet people

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Marco van de Voort So true!

[@leerdamfire]

The healthcare system is way more flexible then most people think but it is true that you have too specify your wants and needs, and I can understand some people can be a bit uncomfortable with that. But keep in mind the Netherlands is indeed a VERY direct country and nobody will judge you for being it ( in fact most people will appreciate it ) and if you want too see the same doctor or specialist as last time just ask for it and they will schedule an appointment with that specific doctor the are even websites where you can find doctors and their ratings and or fields of expertise just ask your insurance company about them. And yes it's true that you have too advocate a bit for yourself but don't worry that's the culture here and nobody will think anything of it.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Arjan Nieuwboer Thank you for your thoughtful comment here.

[@Pyltje03]

Dove deoderant....also in every supermarket. She was realy trying not to find it.

[@irisachternaam]

She probably ment those stick deodorants. She isn't the first American expat who misses those, but I always wonder why Deoleen, Rexona or Dove aren't good enough or what they mean exactly.

[@rockyslay4310]

You can always fly back to the US if you want an expensive medical procedure. No problem.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

True, especially if you have an international plan that covers the US, but usually that's extra coverage. Thanks for the comment.

[@bravogolfnovember]

Notice that Rocky didn’t say better. He just said expensive 🤠.

[@rockyslay4310]

@@bravogolfnovember Don't worry, Dutch medic stats are very good and even recognised as the best way to organise it. Do the research. Most Dutch people are in good shape and don't need any meds. But all my ex pats need to go to the hospitals constantly. So they pay a couple months $150 and demand treatment for $$$$$$$$. That's not how collective healthcare can work. Monthly fees are just getting higher. I wonder why.

[@neoiam3585]

Never heard someone prays the “US Healthcare system” compare to the Dutch ... before..., this the very first time. (Fox News didn’t included) 😅

[@bloomfieldgriller2957]

Two remarks. 1 As to public/private healthcare: you can make use of 100% private healthcare, but just like in the U.S. you need to have the money to do so, or the private health insurance to cover it. 2 The Dutch healthcare system makes use of a gate keeper. Please note that the Netherlands spends less than 13% of GDP on healthcare (the U.S. 18%) and Dutch people live several years longer than Americans. Think about it.

[@amnonhoppe]

Sorry, but Dutch people living longer than US citizens has exactly NOTHING to do with our mediocre Health Care systems, I’m sorry to say....

[@henkheemskerk4437]

@@amnonhoppe It does has everything to do in the Netherlands nobody has to die because he or she does not has healthcare in the us people die because the dont have it

[@user-mg4xd9wg7p]

LIKE ALS JE IN NEDERLAND WOONT 👇

[@MrAzhrarn]

Really laughed at the "you assume everyone has the best interest for you at heart" for US healthcare. Maybe if you're wealthy enough they do, because they know you can afford it, but otherwise the US is a hellscape of for-profit organisations for everything.

[@theamis3210]

I had the same reaction. Must be nice to be confident in the US healthcare system.

[@abrahamcusters2987]

The average Dutch income is approximately €36000 before taxes and with that income you can lively quite well and save up.

[@rolandvanthoenderdaal1134]

Finally a good answer and not like 40000-60000 is an average income!!!

[@superploeg9084]

It also depends on what you think you need, some people never earn enough ;)

[@emilybakker3742]

I live with less than that

[@mindfullight2123]

I have just moved to Arnhem 3 weeks ago, loving it so far. I’m excited as there isn’t as many expats here as say when we were in Den Haag for a while it means there’s a lot more motivation to learn Dutch, I feel I’ve picked up more Dutch here in 3 weeks than months in The Hague 😝 also there is Tabasco in the plus in Arnhem town centre 😊

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Mindful Light, thank you so much for this input. Let us know if you'd like to interview with us at sometime and we'll set something up. Email us at [e-mail]

[@aywa1578]

Listening to you going up to an American and introducing yourself, I wonder did you make any Dutch friends? How about really learning how to speak Dutch fluently and intergrating more. I am living in the US as a Dutch person and find the medical care in the US, money driven, expensive and not accessible for everyone.

[@hansonel]

As an America (also from Chicago) I found that curious too. Wouldn't it be better make some Dutch friends in The Netherlands? Makes integrating a bit easier anyway. The US healthcare system is one of the most unethical and non accessible healthcare systems of any developed country IMO- especially after COVID.

[@20rvd02]

Oh, I was born in Arnhem, went to school there (Stedelijk Gymnasium) and my family lived for over a century and a half in Oosterbeek. I'm so psyched for you! It's a cool area of the Netherlands. Lots of green!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Robert van Deventer what a beautifully positive comment. Thank you, Robert. We’ll try to share it with Lauren ASAP. Cheers.

[@gemluka6666]

I was born in arnhem go to school in arnhem (het prisma) but live in heteren

[@CardsbyMaaike]

60k is 4x what Imake as a Dutchie...so kudos to you

[@ChrisMcCandless77777]

Lauren welcome in the Netherlands ( Arnhem) 😘

[@bond00397]

dove how abount evry grocery store?

[@Buccaneer1968]

Couldn't find Dove deodorant? It's actually Dutch brand. How on earth did you manage not to find the most available of all the deodorants? Also there is not a supermarket that doesn't sell Tabasco. Pro tip: Actual quintessential American brands are sold at any decent Plus supermarkets. That's where you find the classics like instant Mac&Cheese and Pop Tarts.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Would any of this change since she's in Arnhem compared to a larger city?

[@Buccaneer1968]

​@@ExpatsEverywhere In larger cities this would be more true. The town I live in has about 20.000 residents (way, way smaller than Arnhem) and is well stocked with Tabasco and Dove. :) But seriously, in most average sized towns you should find a supermarket which carries a number of quintessential American stuff. Also check out usfoodz.nl

[@indifairey9131]

Why going to a supermarket to buy deodorant, shampoo or any other products relate to that, why not going to a drug store like Kruidvat or Etos, they are less expensive then when buying it in the supermarket 😉And no this got nothing to do with living in a small town or larger city it's everywhere... Even in the middle of nowhere where I live.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@indifairey9131 Thank you for your comment and input!

[@indifairey9131]

@@ExpatsEverywhere your welcome.

[@eefhubbers8131]

Heel interessant wat Lauren allemaal te vertellen heeft, ik hoor graag de denkmanier van personen uit andere landen, maar met mijn 86 voel ik me echter te oud om me nog ergens op te abonneren. Hier op Internet is zonder een grens te overschrijden heel de wereld bereikbaar en als hobby hoor ik graag leuke verhalen en luister heel vaak naar mooie muziek.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Beautiful comment, Eef. Thank you for watching and we hope to see you commenting on other videos of ours from other countries to see what life is like elsewhere. What's your favorite type of music?

[@amnonhoppe]

All of what you said was very much on point... looks like you really found your way here. (Coming from a Dutch guy) Later, you will appreciate the Dutch directness, the honesty. When you are back home, you might even miss it it Your US friends find you more direct :-)

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you for the awesome comment and encouragement!

[@sailorearthvwcthewhitepear6188]

Note that her numbers are based on living in a city like Arnhem. If you decide to live in smaller towns, especially NOT in the middle of the country (let’s say the Northern provinces), those numbers drop significantly and you’ll be able to live comfortably on a lower salary

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for your input/comment.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

People here in the comments are way to harsh. There is some solid criticism about our health system which is something the government keeps working at it. Most people aren't going through the private part of our medical industry which is to be fair, fairly uncommon. It makes absolute sense that it's odd coming from a place where a lot is done through private healthcare and is at the forefront of constant health breakthroughs. Regarding products, I can't even find the items I want and I am born here. Kind of logical that people don't know the entire stock of multiple supermarket chains. As for Dove, it's true that sprays are more popular than rollers but most larger chains do have both. Especially at stores like Etos en Kruidvat. But they don't stock a lot of them so usually if you can't find them you have to ask for it.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Great, detailed comment here. Thank you. We haven't heard back from Lauren, but we believe her issue is finding the solid (stick) deodorant that she's used to in the US.

[@Ramesoe]

The foremost rule to get an easy way to get in our society and actually get a job is to learn Dutch. Yes a lot of people speak English and will speak English to you for a while, but they automatically stop if you don't want to try to learn to speak Dutch. If you do try to fit in people will help you with anything you want to know about Dutch society. People will help you with anything, but you must be willing to fit in.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the advice.

[@ConnieIsMijnNaam]

It is a little strange that the B-roll showed stock photos from Amsterdam and The Hague. Only the personal photo's were taken in Arnhem.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Good eye! The reality is, the B-roll is what we had and what she gave us. We had to work with what we had since this was a Skype interview instead of an in person interview.

[@D0G_CN]

bezig bijtje, vergeet niet hier en daar te stoppen en aan de bloemetjes te ruiken. busy bee, don't forget to stop and smell the flowers. succes and good luck, jij komt er wel...

[@tygret]

The comments about healthcare weren't really fair because we have a best of both worlds system. Indeed it's nationalized so through taxes you get access to healthcare, and because of that there's certain regulations, such as indeed, you have to go to a practitioner in your own zip code. However, the freedom you have in America is still available here. You just have to pay for it just like in America. If you don't like your practitioner or want better healthcare than what the government offers you pay extra. It's only fair. In fact America does the exact same thing, only they don't offer the standardized free health care for those who can't afford it. The "extra choice" you have in America is merely an illusion because you're paying anyway.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the input. Remember this is an outsider's perspective so it might contrast with those that grew up a certain way or know the intricacies of their own "stuff". We appreciate the comment though.

[@therealdutchidiot]

@@ExpatsEverywhere She's as expat, so it shouldn't be an outsider's perspective. Same as with speaking English all the time even though you're able to speak Dutch it's just you not even trying. It's the "how to make Dutch people hate you 101".

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Re healthcare: in general it starts with your GP, and as a GP makes housecalls, logic has it you choose one in your neighborhood. Now the GP is linked to a central ‘huisartsenpost’, where service is provided in hours outside 9-5. Where I live the huisartsenpost is situated in the regional hospital, which also houses a First Aid / Emergency unit. That is: for the whole northeastern section of Rotterdam. All this services all people, no matter your basic or upgraded insurance, your socio-economic situation. I get your criticism, and our system certainly has flaws, but please consider that what you see as a predetermined regime, is the result of the required (financial) efficiency in the backoffice. Btw if you prefer another hospital, fi, that’s always possible. For an excellent financial comparison between western Europe and the US, I’ld like to refer you to this American in Germany: she compares the treatment of a serious condition, an acoustic neuroma, for Germany and the US. I had exactly the same treatment in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with exactly the same ‘picture’. You find her on KZbin as "Call me Armstrong", and please see her ‘America vs Germany: Medical Costs - My story, let’s compare’.

[@sanagreentea]

My step dad wants to move to the Netherlands and I would love to live there

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hope you all make it! Keep us posted. Thanks for the comment.

[@sanagreentea]

Expats Everywhere, okay :) Its will probably be 2 years before we move. We are going to visit first to see where we would like to live

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Ansley Luvs Apples Fantastic. Have a great time.

[@emilybakker3742]

Tip look for houses in small villages is cheaper a lot cheaper

[@Pyltje03]

Cant find tabasco? IT like in every supermarkt.

[@cocobass]

Great video! I have traveled all throughout the Netherlands growing up and hope to live there. I am American, but my wife is Polish and an EU citizen. I wonder if this will make settling in the Netherlands easier?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! Lauren was great interviewee. We would certainly think it would make it much easier from an administrative POV but possibly socially as well. There are American and Polish expats & immigrants living in the Netherlands, which could help the settling process. We would just recommend that you don't isolate yourself with either foreign group because that could slow the social adaptation a lot.

[@martinsmouter9321]

I don't know everything, but as a citizen of a Schengen country she doesn't need a visa.

[@Skibbidyboobop]

Knowing about your body and the treatment thereof is the most important knowledge you can have. I agree with her that we as Americans just put full faith in our practitioners, and that is a fallacy. You must always be and educated advocate for yourself.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the comment.

[@markschattefor6997]

Dove is a normal brand that is easy available everywhere, I use Dove deodorant and soap myself. The same with tabasco, other things like make up or shampoo could go under a different brand name in the Netherlands/Europe.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the input.

[@indifairey9131]

Herbal essence as well!

[@marcelfacd]

Dove is actually a Unilever brand which is a Dutch/UK company ;-)

[@markschattefor6997]

@@marcelfacd Unilever isn't a company.

[@marcelfacd]

@@markschattefor6997 According to UK law and list of companies it is : "British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company with more than 400 brands including food and beverages, cleaning agents, beauty products, and personal care products. Established in 1929 by the merger of Margarine Unie and Lever Brothers, it has dual headquarters in London, UK and Rotterdam, Netherlands"

[@jeaniejalisa6822]

Hi neighbor im from arnhem to :) ! Nice video

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hello there. We hope that Lauren sees this. We appreciate the feedback on the video though. Just curious, what had you watch a video about your hometown?

[@frankieb4587]

SUBSCRIBED!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Yeah! Frankie B. That deserves a shout out! You're going to be in our next Review/Preview show about Kuala Lumpur. BOLO for the video on Thursday. :-) Thanks for the sub! Tell-a-friend

[@daluzsoares]

The Netherlands is a country with a lot of beautiful women, But this woman is also welcome!

[@mr.doobsie58]

You can find Tabasco in almost every supermarket in Holland.

[@Pyltje03]

You Can pick your own docters and hospitals and so on.....the thing is most people dont do iT because its not needed. Local zip code docters are good All over the country. Its a care driven system and not a money driven system. The need to be friendly because you need the tip from a cliënt to pay the rent....doesnt mean you are friendly. Thats What we Call an act of kindnes. Please whatch the tons of healthcare system compare video’s on youtube between usa and european countries before you make claims like this.

[@Bert-lc5xm]

You can choose your doctor or hospital anywhere even if you want to go to Belgium or Germany. But you have to have the right health insurance type, you have 3 types. 1 you can only go to healthcare facility's that have a contract with your insurance company. 2 you have more choice but not in everything and 3 complete freedom of choice. You would think it would be allot more expansive but that is not so. I have complete freedom and it cost about 5 euro more per month.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Bert Thanks for the comment.

[@dreamteammmathenetherlands8258]

NOTE: The Dutch healthcare system is the probably the best in Europe. Never heard someone talking positive about the US"healthcare" system.

[@gerbentvandeveen]

You need to visite Spakenburg the hidden jamme of the Netherlands on saterday there is a weekly markert whit more then a 100 stands. It's a old fichingtown near Amersfoort and the linebus wil take to Spakenburg. #SPAKENBURG #NETHERLANDS #Zuiderzee #UNESCO #CENTERPRAKS #deeemhof #bruinevloot #GerbenT Greetings for Spakenburg GerbenT and Gabriëlle van de Veen.

[@giannihenk]

Tabasco is everywhere same for dove

[@mw7214]

the weather is too miserable, not too many sunny days

[@spijksreizen]

Maybe Getting to know some locale and learn Dutch, anyone in the supermarket would point you to what you are looking for.

[@macxri428]

If you plan to come to the Netherlands, I have put a link here for you where you can take a lot of information. And of course in Dutch as well as in English, ind.nl/en

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Cheers. What kinds of info? Tourism or for living?

[@atarvos8686]

;) well i am dutch, and live in a neighboring state, overijssel

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for watching.

[@abrahamcusters2987]

atar vos the only neighboring state would be Germany....

[@atarvos8686]

@@abrahamcusters2987 :) nope even when i get your point. Germany has also states (bund) In dutch we call provincie...and now history, those states where once independent countries or cities. Who signed together a document binding them together. And that is the case in germany to. This is also why it is incredibly dangerous to wreck nation states in europe. Because due to that, old nationalities, including their problems are reawakened. Such as prussia, (as example)

[@abrahamcusters2987]

atar vos I can only agree with you on the fact that a Bundesland is a state, so I should replace Germany by Nordrhein Westfalen. But provinces are no states, the Netherlands is neither the United States of The Netherlands nor the Bundesrepublik Niederlande. Provinces might have a history but we are taking about today.

[@atarvos8686]

@@abrahamcusters2987 the problem is, the netherlands is not 1 complete country. It never was. And wether overijssel, friesland, or others. They have a own government, own anthem and own identity. I do not know, how much you know about the dutch history. Or how our kingdom is arranged. After the republic failed. But the monarchy is not more as a tool to bind the whole together.

[@therealdutchidiot]

Oh god damnit, if the visa process was in Dutch, it was requested in Dutch.

[@gemluka6666]

I go to school in arnhem And arnhem is the capital of Gelderland

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Awesome, how do you like it?

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

Don't know about Tabasco but there's dove in every supermarket and we have a lot of those. There's also dove in every drugstore and we have even more of those. Like Kruidvat. There's probably a Kruidvat within a mile of each home in the Netherlands. I would recommend that this poor girl visits an eye doctor before she goes completely blind! Please hurry!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We're hearing this a lot about Dove so we're wondering now if it's a specific kind of Dove product that she is used to buying in the US that isn't in the European market. You know how brands change their product line or recipes for various global markets.

[@HermanDuyker]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Might be that US people are used to stick deodorants, while over here we mostly use rollers (and it's a long time since I saw sticks for any brand, I do remember them from a long while back). And the sticks that are available are different from the US ones (looking at the sites). I'm assuming the sprays are similar/the same though.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@HermanDuyker Yes sir, that's exactly what we just touched on in our weekly episode of our Review/Preview show (airs Feb 27th). The main part of the show is about Dubai, but we do address comments from the comment section in the show and we talk about this. Americans are very used to solids (sticks) while Europeans and Asians tend to use spray or roll on. Very astute of you. Are you Dutch? Have you lived in the US to know there's such a difference? Thanks for the comment!

[@RSHekscher]

She is gorgeous. Very sparkling woman.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Ralph Hekscher That’s a very nice comment. We hope she sees it and we’ll try to let her know. Thank you.

[@martjanse5]

I am in much very agree with you. About healthcare you go wrong. Every junky has the right of healthcare, every immigrant has that right as soon they ask for Asylum in the Netherlands. Many people in America are not insured. Can not pay for the healthcare, if you can pay healthcare, you earn a lot of money. Or it is in your contract from your boss. I love capitalism, I have my own bussines. When are you going to understand that illness is not a product? Something you choose? It happens to you. I know that the way to become a docter in medicine, takes a long way, 6 years of university. And 6 years after in specialty. You where answering this womens questions, like we have a raindancer around your hospital bed. Like you moved to a third world country. We critisize every day about our healthsystem, it used to be better. A rich country who doesn't serve it's deplorables? And having critics on my country? You sound like a spoiled bred. And excuse me if I make mistakes with type errors in your language. I wouldn't make them if your Dutch is better. (Sarcasme)

[@veldkip2353]

Beetje opgelucht? XD

[@bosmans1978]

No Dove deo? No Tabasco? Where are you looking? A zoo?

[@martijnh333]

You don't need an bank account for a phone. You can just buy a prepayd one.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

martijnh333 How about for a non prepaid (contract) phone though?

[@martijnh333]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Not sure. Got mine like 12 years ago. But I think you need a bank account for that.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

martijnh333 Right, we think that’s what she was referring to. Generally with prepaid, you need national IDs or passports.

[@cocobass]

Just use your own phone and buy a prepaid sim card for use in the EU

[@hankmiller990]

She lives in Arnhem and you only post a pictures of Amsterdam? What is that Americans think that the Netherlands is Amsterdam. It's like New York being the USA. When I live in Detroit should I post pictures in my video from New York??

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Couldn't agree with you more. We worked a lot with the photos that she gave us and a lot of them were of where she lives and places she's visited in the Netherlands. Only of Amsterdam is hyperbole, right? We're on the same page with you about Americans think of the Netherlands as Amsterdam, but also you rightly pointed out that a lot people think of USA looking all like New York City.

[@Misterdandamanify]

And please take note of our wastemanagement rules too

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Tell us about your waste management rules. There are some pretty interesting situations from country to country.

[@Misterdandamanify]

@@ExpatsEverywhere I think Spaarnelanden can tell you a lot.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@Misterdandamanify www.spaarnelanden.nl/ ? Is this what you're referring to?

[@nielsokkema3134]

@@ExpatsEverywhere The problem with telling you how it is here is that it is different across the country. Basically, everywhere in the country people have their own waste containers, divided by recycling materials and not. Most regions have at least a green container called GFT (Vegetable, Fruit and Garden), a grey one for general waste that cannot be recycled and a grey one with a blue lid for paper. Some regions also have an orange container for plastics. Besides that stuff, every region has landfills that can usually be accessed a limited number of times a year per address. These are for your remodeling etc. waste. Above that, wherever you are able to buy batteries you are able to dispose of them. That is law. They need to be whole for you to throw them in the proper container (obviously, broken batteries are dangerous things). In basically all hardware stores you are able to dispose of any small electric machines, because they can be recycled. Landfills also have space for this, although there is no size limit there. This is all I can explain currently, if you've any questions you should ask!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@nielsokkema3134 Fantastic post! You did a great job explaining as much detail as possible without going region by region. In an interview like this, it would be hard to capture the vastness of how Dutch waste management works. But the comment section is a good spot for it and we hope people are able to see it here. Thank you so much for adding so much value to what we're doing here. Very much appreciated!

[@wasimh2104]

You could not pay for an apartment with 40k euros salary and save money in Holland. Youd have to live in a small town, but living in Utrecht, Amsterdam, you would struggle. Then you'd forgot transport costs. Also, you don't get hit on because dutch people are one of the most reserved cultures globally. WH- Currently living in Amsterdam.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for your comment, Wasim. Would you like to come on and talk to us about Amsterdam sometime?

[@wasimh2104]

@@ExpatsEverywhere That would be great)

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Wasim Hashemi Fantastic, email us at [e-mail] and we’ll chat about setting something up.

[@indifairey9131]

@wasim Hashemi, when renting an apartment with 40k you can live a pretty decent life! I don't know what you do with your money but the amount mentioned is above middle-class here in the Netherlands including big cities like Amsterdam! www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/visualisaties/inkomensverdeling

[@leerdamfire]

Not in one of the bigger cities in the "randstad" area, but in a smaller town or village or even in a suburb of a bigger city you should be able too live comfortably with 40k. Most people tend too look at cities like Amsterdam and think that's the norm while in fact they are the exception. Especially if you are living in the northern provinces housing can be very cheap.

[@bosmans1978]

A bankaccount to have a cellphone??? Not a prepaid

[@inekechroom560]

Hahaha you can find Dove and Tabassco everywhere in the Netherlands, and Dove is a Dutch brand. were did you look.

[@elbabah7424]

You right, dutch don't create fake friendship. First you r aquaintance than friend

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the input!

[@robertvaneersel3741]

And speaking Dutch is a necessity for making Dutch friends. See the other comments on this particular topic.

[@ejb7183]

American google US patients know it better then actual doctors ? Just asking

[@johhny711]

For profit healthcare love their customers to ask for things (usually unnecessary things) because the just charge extra ,they love needy customers.

[@TimvanderWeyden]

I don't recognize anything what she said about the Dutch health system - specially the need to advocate. Also the sentence were she says the US system has the best interest in heart made me laugh. I have heard very different stories from friends from the US.

[@enricio]

Good interview. Lauren is very communicative. As a Dutch person it's easy to relate to her findings. The way she expresses her experience with Dutch healthcare system is, from my perspective, too nicely (to polite). Doctors in The Netherlands see themselves as little God's. Their perception of your health is, in my perspective, rarely spot-on. Of course they're right. You're wrong. 🤐

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

Don't agree at all. If I go and see a medical specialist I prepare myself using real information, not what in my perspective might be the reason I have issues, and I wonder many times why the hell people have no idea about any health issues: it's not their profession, so they just accept what the doctor says. I noticed specialists many times are surprised how well informed I am. That's not because I'm so smart, but because I just do not believe 95% of information you find on the internet. And believe me, I've seen many specialist, from eye doctors to cardiologists, neurologists and psychologists.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you for your comment as a local. We appreciate it.

[@Wall3Wapter]

from 1 local to another, isn't it a case of u always thinking to know better than anyone else, even specialists?? or maybe u have that 1 doctor that doesn't know shit about his/her job but it's so wrong to judge the whole healthcare system over it. think the problem can be found in urself. honestly, ur reaction makes me doubt if ur even Dutch. 1 thing i'm sure of, ur perspective couldn't be further from the truth. i can understand that our form of healthcare is difficult and/or confusing for foreighners but a local?? I know it's 'wrong' to judge you when not knowing u, but in this case it's really the only possible explination.

[@47rintin1]

I hope one day all people from the US learn to pronounce their language the British way, especially the interviewer of this video.

[@abrahamcusters2987]

The absence of honesty and the fake phrases in countries like the USA make that I could never live there. I think this American attitude is blunt since it is only a way of speaking but not genuine at all.

[@douwehuysmans5959]

Heujj 026

[@fransezomer]

Lol, Tabasco? Only in every Dutch Supermarket... same for deodorant or shampoo... available at any Dutch pharmacy... hahaha. Edit, if you want to integrate into the Dutch culture you have to learn to speak Dutch. Or at least try...

[@exeuropean]

Just what we need another American. Je spreekt al Nederlands?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

exeuropean anti-American?

[@exeuropean]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Yes. You come here and not even speak my language. The USA is extremely hostile towards foreigners so why should we let u stay here?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@exeuropean Who is the you that you're referring to? How do you reckon the US is extremely hostile towards foreigners? Also, USA and Netherlands have a very amicable relationship (diplomatically) and they both have for years. The US has 47 million immigrants. Its immigrant population is the largest in the world with a little over 19% of the worldwide population of global immigrants and those 47 million make up 14.4% of the US total population. If you're talking about illegal immigration, then that's a different story, but we don't believe that the Netherlands likes illegal immigration either. We're happy to continue this conversation (we'll remain non-political) and we just ask that the discourse remains civil.

[@exeuropean]

@@ExpatsEverywhere I lived 35 years as a legal immigrant in the US. You must be very ignorant of you do not know how difficult it is to get a green card or work visa in the US especially now with a Orange Clown as president. Educate yourself about the hurdles foreigners have to overcome if they want to live legally in the US.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@exeuropean It's what we do so we know it's difficult to get a green card or work visa. Difficult and extremely hostile towards foreigners are two totally different things. Thanks for the comment though.

[@abrahamcusters2987]

In the Netherlands the healthcare system is one of the best in the world. The American system is extremely expensive and not available to everybody. This advocating you are talking about is your opinion, I don't want to insult you but I have the impression you are entitled in relation to healthcare.

[@cocobass]

Healthcare in the USA is the #1 cause of bankruptcy. At one time, I had a policy that required $17,000 out of pocket before insurance kicked in. Ridiculous.

[@erikje7352]

how much do you need to pay for your healthcare in that socialist country ? and what would you need to pay back home to get the same coverage ? what are the differences in taxes ?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you for the input. I think we'll be able to add some of these to our future interviews. The differences in taxes might be tough for a few reasons, but we'll try to ask that one when it applies. We love how you're thinking though. We appreciate this comment a lot.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@ekim andersom Thank you.

[@indifairey9131]

@L M well I have news for you, we are a socialistic / capitalistic country ... Socialistic is nothing more then equality, social justice and solidarity! Although it may not seem like we are, we for sure are!

[@indifairey9131]

Good morning L M, my bf does, he's republican too! But he asked the perfect questions, for example how can you live with so many rules? My answer: something you don't know, you can't recognize, that for one, second is, we have a system that protects people, we have freedom of speech, we pay lots road tax but it shows, we're is your money going i asked, uhmmmm😁! We have a steady system in general because of so many rules, and for us it works. I said to him I never saw a gun my intire life, he was in disbelieve, couldn't imagine, asked me how I protect myself when something happens, well I use my mouth or try to kick his butt, not saying I agree with the 5th amendment because the gun law comes from the civil war and therefore its centuries old, but with some laws (in the Netherlands) I don't agree either (read as too many rules/patronize) like we will get arrested when a burglar comes in our house and we beat the heck out of him , we aren't allowed to protect ourselves, only to call 112, we even aren't allowed to give our own kids spanking (billenkoek) we have to be afraid that they pick up the phone and call the police tell them they got abused and be afraid they are taking away from us! That's one of the reason kids these days don't have any respect for their parents anymore, they get fed but not raised, you see it happen with all stabbings at young ages this past year, my list is endless can't go on for ages, what I want to explain is that you have to try to think out of the box, not everything is Black & White, there's also a Grey spot! I can't blame him for thinking the way he does, it's vice versa something you don't know you can't recognize right? Till living in another country, and adjust to their life style, culture, habits then our perspective changes, Isn't that life each day, it's about choices and learning! Have a wonderful day!

[@harrydehnhardt5092]

@@indifairey9131 Not for people from the US. Many of them can't or won't distinguish between "having social programs" or being a "social democracy" or being "a socialist country" which for most of them is the same as "communism" which has never worked in the past as you can see in Venezuela, always the same dumb arguments.

[@orangeguppie6897]

Dove deodorant???? Tabasco?? In every shop for many, many many years

[@ralphm8088]

Man wat valt Feyenoord hard omlaag zeg, qua niveau en draagkracht. Om alles bij het legioen neer te leggen zegt een hoop over de daadwerkelijke bestuurslijn. Hoe maak je een club kapot? Man man man.

[@RoscoNS]

Not realy have the need for these know it all expats.

[@megalomaniacko1]

Americans don’t like to talk about the specifics of money, they would never say how much they earn, how much they spend, and how much they have saved. They also won’t say how much you need and much to be earned when it comes to migration. No valuable inputs in all her disclosing.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Not these Americans. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJiqdXmoqM6SkNk

[@helenooft9664]

So here we got the answer, you where living in the Neterlands because the complete access to Europe, you didn't have any intrest of the country, culture, and people. For me i don't need that kind of expats at all in my country. I think the states has beautiful Nature, for a holiday it is oke, but i will never live there, i dont like the system.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Helen ooft Is that what you got out of the interview?

[@paulkaz2127]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Helen ooft's comment and several other's comments worry me very deeply. I have been learning Dutch slowly but very seriously the past few months, in preparation of a dream, to possible relocate there from the USA in 3 to 10 years. Job or finances accumulated dependent. Perhaps, Lauren once dreamed and prepared as I am doing or not. Either way it does not make her a bad person. She seemed to understand the level of closeness that she could and maybe could not attain, presently. I really like the few Dutch people I know very much. I understand their directness and admire their intelligence and opened minds. I think that what I see in my area of the USA ....or maybe it's just my internet acquaintances IDK(worldwide) are things that I can do without. I dislike the negativity without trying to explain, understand, learn, offer and gain possible insights. There appears to be a defensive dogmatic sidedness. It seems like a self importance without ever offering any substance to expand, anything, anyone or even themselves. Probably half of the comments here are similarly shallow and lazy ..and repetitive, as what I hope to leave behind. I'm hoping and thinking it may be just the internet/majority mentality in general. I do intend to learn other languages also and certainly will. I'm not giving up on The Nederlands yet. There have been some great opened minded comments also present here throughout. Dank U Wel, my future friends. Also, let's not forget that @ Expats Everywhere has been a saintly moderator, seeking truth, understanding for all also. Thank you, for that. I will watch more of your videos. I hope to share my experiences as well in the more distant future. Peace all.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@paulkaz2127 what a fantastic comment 🤩 It’s really thoughtful and compassionate. We appreciate it and would love to have you as an active member of our community here. We create content for people exactly like YOU!

[@joebloggs2473]

Sorry love. You cant compare health systems. You are talking bollocks. 60% of Americans have no health care.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We don't normally get drawn into this stuff, but 60% ? Where'd you get that number? Here's the number we see from census.gov 8.5% www.census.gov/library/publications/2019/demo/p60-267.html#:~:text=In%202018%2C%208.5%20percent%20of,7.9%20percent%20or%2025.6%20million).

[@threshkinta]

Yeah right! Only if you like cold people, cold weather and one of the worst health cares in the world!! You can enjoy depressing, featureless, natureless over touristic, expensive, cocaine fulled Netherlands.

[@helenooft9664]

so what are you doeing here.

[@cvb6089]

🤔 Hmmm??? Hahahahahahaha

[@BrigataUPG]

I really don't get why people try their chances of moving to the Netherlands. Language is barer for good jobs and career. Dutch are racists at the end and live only for money. I was never interested in relocating there. I've been living in Ireland instead and I will really suggest everyone move here as people are great and you feel full accommodate. Dublin is becoming the new London in Europe so forget about the Netherlands even cause the land may disappear in the coming years because of climate change

[@wimahlers]

Well, no. The Netherlands will not disapper this century. But it may get in trouble 2 centuries from now. Provided we choose the most stupid, most wastefull, use of fossil fuel supplies. But by that time many other countries will be in a far worse shape. Such as most of southern Europe, all the Americas, Africa, the far east ... to name a few locations. Anyway, that is all besides the point. The point is that you have a certain negative perception about the Dutch, perhaps based on some personal experience. As such I like you to elaborate on, and provide some verifiable details, regarding your claim, and I quote you: "Dutch are racists at the end and live only for money" Much obliged.

[@BrigataUPG]

@@wimahlers The climate change will affect many countries of course but Netherland is (unfortunately) one of the top in the list as it is below the sea level so obviously it will be hit first. With regards to the phrase you quote, this is a common perception of those dealing with dutch people including myself. Also, money and business come always first for them (off course is important but I won't put money first at all costs). Moreover, the main language there is Dutch; english is a just a second language so you are forced to learn dutch to get by around the country. This means dutch are well clever to attract multinationals companies there but at the same time the best jobs are a prerogative of them as dutch comes first.

[@wimahlers]

@@BrigataUPG To show the error of your logic, consider the following: How about France? .... those dealing with French people including myself. Also, money and business come always first for them ... ... but at the same time the best jobs are a prerogative of them as French comes first. How about Germany? .... those dealing with German people including myself. Also, money and business come always first for them ... ... but at the same time the best jobs are a prerogative of them as German comes first. How about Italy? .... those dealing with Italian people including myself. Also, money and business come always first for them ... ... but at the same time the best jobs are a prerogative of them as Italian comes first. Do I need to go on?

[@BrigataUPG]

@@wimahlers Very hard to find negative comments/feedbacks over this topic for French, German and Italians but dutch :) your logic seems quite altered buddy :)

[@wimahlers]

​@@BrigataUPG Very easy to find negative comments/feedbacks over this topic for French, German and Italians but dutch :) your logic seems quite altered buddy :) France: www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/jun/02/french-willing-fit-racist-cliche Germany: www.internations.org/go/moving-to-germany/living/sexism-xenophobia-racism-in-germany Italy: www.thelocal.it/20190919/readers-views-is-italy-really-one-of-the-worst-countries-to-move-to Do I need to go on?

[@aka5921]

Oh nooo...please ppl, do not come to the Netherlands!! We are full and we have half a million houses short, it's a dissaster. Please dont make marketingvideo's like this :-(