Moving to the Netherlands? 12 things you should know and need to know about life in the Netherlands!

Moving to the Netherlands? 12 things you should know and need to know about life in the Netherlands! Moving to the Netherlands from the US does not always mean big changes. A lot of changes are small with big impacts. The following list are some of the things we encountered we wish we knew about before we came to live our life in the Netherlands. Life in the Netherlands as a foreigner can be a bit daunting, but the Netherlands has shown us nothing but love with a few small surprises. whether you're moving to the Netherlands for work or moving abroad alone life in the Netherlands the question is always asked...is the Netherlands a good place to live? Yes...with a few drawbacks. Expat life in the Netherlands has shown to be a life we really love!
0:00 Introduction
1:00 Weather
3:22 Language
5:00 Bike & Car Parking
6:20 Dutch People and Patience
8:11 Dutch people Non-Judgmental
10:03 Insulting The King?
10:40 Over The Counter Meds
12:30 Food & Grocery Delivery
15:00 Weekend Parties
17:53 My Bed
19:30 Safety In The Netherlands
22:20 Smoking
24:10 What To Bring

[@ruudvisser712]

Concerning learning Dutch, my wife said that it really helped her watching two Dutch TV programs for children. One is 'Het Klokhuis' which is a daily fun educational program. Every episode centers around a different subject (cultural, scientific, arts, environmental, technology, history et cetera). The second was 'Het Jeugdjournaal' which is a dailt newsprogramme that shows current affairs with some added children subjects. The language is clear and it is more challenging for adults to watch than for instance Sesame Street. And she learned a lot about the Netherlands. Daily on TV 3 arond 18.30 - 19.. hrs...

[@emmatimmerman4276]

Consider visiting the East and the North of The Netherlands, like Twente, de Achterhoek, Drenthe, Groningen and Friesland. It’s more quiet, houses are bigger and it’s beautiful!

[@carel20081]

And ZEELAND!!!

[@twdftwd490]

And LIMBURG (the south) big big houses and lots of nature. You Guys will love Maastricht! Best of all the borders of Germany and Belgium are just around the corner here in the south.

[@FGG850]

I kind of agree. At this point Rotterdam is there only reference. Go out and see the rest, there's so much more!

[@FrankHeuvelman]

But don't visit Brabant. We like to think that Brabant is part of Belgium. We tried to move it southwards beyond the borderline but we got stuck halfway and decided that the most rational thing to do was to stop pushing and accept that we only partly succeeded in our queeste. Het was wel welletjes zo. And that's the reason why there are two Brabants.

[@HladniSjeverniVjetar]

@@FrankHeuvelman Brabant is the best... :D

[@GeorgeSaint666]

There is a little trick in restaurants when you think the waiter is not noticing you. Trust me he has! But if you want the waiter to come to you, just politely wave up a finger (do not over do it and yell) and they will either come directly, or give you a head nod to acknowledge they have seen you, but are busy at that time and will come a bit later. You should mostly do this as well when you want the bill. I noticed expats complaining that waiters never come with the bill to you. That is because here in the Netherlands it is custom you signal the waiter when you are done and want to leave and pay. Just do not start waving grotesquely at the waiter and yelling at him or her. Because that is considered extremely rude and unpolite.

[@SwirlingSoul]

So true! It's indeed gentle body language that is used to get the attention of the wait staff. And some patience is helpful. You can also let them know - when ordering ; you want to be leaving pretty quickly, so you'd like to pay right away. They will most of the time accommodate you.

[@Heyyy1234_]

My grandfather came to the US from NL and I still have family that I have connected with that live there. I am really loving your videos!! I am hoping to move to the NL and connect with the roots there and with the place that my family is from. As a person with anxiety, I have to know everything about everything before making a leap like that on my own. Thank you for all of the information!!

[@alexlucassen8489]

You are very welcome in the Netherlands.

[@SwirlingSoul]

You're very welcome here, and I think you can ship yourself here, and leave the anxiety over there.... ;-) because it's peaceful here. You don't HAVE to live in a bustling city if that is too noisy for you, we have everything in between too. Like more north east of the Netherlands is more rural than the bigger cities, and there are many towns, big and small and smaller and smallest ;-) You might not think so in this tiny country, but yeah, here too, there are places that are quite restful. Friesland and Drenthe being the most quiet and peaceful ones, Groningen an close third. (province, not city)

[@jamesonlegend]

About the medication topic. As far as i understand your talking about medication "for a cold or flue". While you can get things for that here they are no doubt lighter in active ingredients. But the simple reason is that there is nothing to treat a cold or a flue. So its all symptome treatment and we dont use heavy drugs for such mundane discomforts.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Learning the basics of Dutch will make you feel so much more at home. We like to exchange comments, responses, between strangers, just small talk about everyday things, and you’ll feel excluded.

[@ruudvanwuyckhuise6519]

I like this video. I follow your channel because I can reflect on how we are doing things over here. Your observations help me with that. Thank you two for posting this. I wish you a fine and healthy stay over here. Well done 👍🏼

[@vanderquast]

Great points, so true 👍😊

[@ilonkagootjes858]

I think its for english speaking persons, a great help to know some simple basic "rules", while reading Dutch, in sound. For example, if you come across a dutch word with the letter combination oe, it always sounds like the oe, in the english word 'shoe'. (It's kind of weird for us, that you also give that sound, to the letter combination oo. Like 'cool'.) That combination, here, (oo) always sounds like the o in "oh, go, pro". Combination 'aa', always sounds like the a in "spa". Au always has the pain sound, so does ou.

[@sannie081]

Nice video and really good points. The last one is very true. We say: 'Collect memories and moments not things' Because at the end of your life your memories are the best and precious things you have. I'm happy you love my favourite city and I also hope nice weather is coming soon so everyone is going enjoy their lifes outside 😉

[@RealConstructor]

My student time was several decades ago, but the regular students night out in the city was Thursday night. Because Friday after uni most of us took the train home for the weekend. To see mum and dad, your friends and do your laundry. Also movie premieres used to be at Thursday night.

[@shuvaiapril]

Thank you for answering the question of safety. It’s a relief for women to be able to live a safe life in the Netherlands 🇳🇱.

[@freudsigmund72]

The quote about Dutch weather I grew up with is "The Netherlands is the only country where even in between showers it keeps raining"

[@ljclauson]

Thanks for all your effort to put this together each time! I really enjoy it. I’m looking for a 3 mo stay next Spring somewhere in Rotterdam & also buying a bike! Have you read the book called In the City of Bikes? Good read.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Hi Linda…thanks for watching! If you are coming for three months I strongly recommend Swapfiets for a bike. It’s a rental company that rents bikes by the month. They have a blue tire on the front and they are very popular around here. My wife and I have them and I believe it is about €17 euro a month. Check them out on the internet for different models. Something happened to my bike and the tire got bent slightly, they changed the tire out two mins, no charge, and I’m on my way. It a big company and a reliable one. Have fun!!!

[@marcusfranconium3392]

The Dutch love the stormy wheater. When it storms or there are heavy winds you will see tons of people at the beach or walking along the dikes . There is nothing more beautifull than storm at the coast , Dark Bleu-grey / black skys a brown and pounding north seas with sun hitting the dunes through a mist of salt air and mist . The dutch come alive with this weather , its like the sea is calling the native dutch . The dutch language also uses a lot of expresions ,references and sayings making it more dificult. not to mention words that are old dutch or in old dialects. that can mean things a lot different than what is now modern.

[@FrankHeuvelman]

A bit romantically staged but yeah, I can recognize myself in your words. What I find strange you know is that so many people absolutely need one shower per day but go haywire the moment some unforeseen raindrops start falling out of the sky. I think that's odd.

[@marcusfranconium3392]

@@FrankHeuvelman those are the same people that cancel a diving trip becouse it rains,.

[@FrankHeuvelman]

@@marcusfranconium3392 Yes, and we're all familiar with that lot. They already start nagging the very moment a small cumulus cloud suddenly blocks the sun for a short while. "Can you give me my sweater, darling? It's getting colder." "Oh, never mind."

[@SwirlingSoul]

It's the temperature, my dear Frank...;-) I love a good shower, a HOT one. And outside rain always feels like icedrops to me. BRBRBRBR! @@FrankHeuvelman

[@FrankHeuvelman]

@@SwirlingSoul You like your rain hot, you say? Ever thought of throwing an Olympic sized swimming pool of water in to a lava lake?

[@flower_power]

We have a saying about medication for colds. A cold takes a week without medication and 7 days with medication. About smoking: it really depends on the area. 20% of the Dutch smoke. Laws are berging strickter. For example in 2024 supermarktets are not allowed to sell sigarets anymore. Some are already stopped selling.

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

If you can't get medicine here that you can simply buy over the counter, I would say: there's probably a very good reason for that: not approved here. Like chlorinated eggs, and many other things we banned.

[@Peacefrogg]

We know that medicines are almost never harmless. If you don’t really need them, don’t take them. Especially antibiotics, but really, goes for all kinds of drugs. Also be aware that you can’t just bring any kind of medicine with you. Some of the medicines that are not allowed here, will be confiscated unless you have a prescription.

[@robertvaneersel3741]

You can always ask your doctor why you don't get certain medicines, because he or she always has your best interest in mind. And doctors are cautious prescribing anti as it may render bacteria resistant. And that would be bad for everybody.

[@spexgaming6853]

We actually have a superking size bed 6' x 6'6" in our apartment, but you are correct you have only so much room left on both sides between the wall and the bed. It's worth it though

[@margreetanceaux3906]

Don’t know what those medications are that you mentioned, but they are very strict here on two things (at least): your GP is reluctant to prescribe antibiotics, and that’s because we’re running out of options. If we - in person, or as a species - use ‘m too frequently, they’re not effective anymore. And opioids….your condition has to be really, very serious, before you get anything that contains even a trace of morfine, etc. And even then you’ll only get a restricted amount.

[@robhofkes3221]

Also keep in mind that some medications are illigal here and can be or will be confiscated at customs. In the wurst case you may get a fine for that.

[@deathscythehellfunk]

This is true. Dutch GP's take medication very seriously. And you look at the opioid crisis in the US, you can see why they should be treated with care. Over the counter medicine might seem convenient to some, but it can be a really dangerous problem. It's really irresponsible to just dose yourself because you feel like it without consulting a doctor.

[@flower_power]

I do not know the medictions either. Fines for illegal import are really high. If it is for personal use, you need a special form, signed by a doctor.

[@b-art.]

Great overview. Thanks a lot for those insights. I am just curious about the weather in Netherlands, because this winter in Europe the weather is just crazy. In Poland for example there was no snow, just strong wind, rain and storms - just strangest winter in my life.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Hi Bart… no snow as well…crazy wind storms and rains most days, just for a few hours at a time and from what I understand that’s pretty normal. But we liked it, it’s better than Southern California!! Looking forward to spring and summer!!

[@Yvolve]

@@SoultoSoulTravels The weather has changed a lot, I'm in my 30's, Dutch born and raised. Our climate was never stable, having a sea climate instead of a land climate, but it has been becoming more and more violent. Eunice was yet another big storm in a short time, where before we had reasonable storms but nothing this crazy, so often. It would often be that summer was the wettest season, but it would 2 to 3 days of sun and 1 or 2 days of rain, fairly consistently. In winter we often had light snow and frozen canals, which hasn't really happened for over a decade. We notice climate change really quickly here as our weather is being created by several system and if one is off, the weather is off. The Gulf Stream hits Ireland and the cold waters, goes north past Scotland and hits Norway. There is deep water coming in from the north, being pushed to the surface by the Doggerbank. Along with the really cold air hitting the warm air above the Gulf Stream. All travel from a long distance, so changes in other parts of the world, are felt here. The Polish weather is also influenced by this, hence the violent storms and no snow. Weather is such a weird but interesting thing.

[@KDPenland87]

Thank you for this wonderful review! My wife and I are discussing relocating, and the Netherlands is one area we have discussed interest in.

[@MarjoleinNoyceBellingaMobiel]

Watching your video you mentioned being quite ill and I suddenly wondered whether you know the Dutch system for when you are ill, because it works different from what you are probably used to. In the Netherlands you have a fixed GP and as part of the obligatory health insurance all visits to the GP are free - as are the meds they prescribe (except a small co-pay for the chemist). We don't have a 24-7 society, but in the evenings and the weekends hospitals have 'GP posts' (huisartsenpost) and it is most efficient if you call to make an appointment, even when you want to go immediately, because they can tell you where there is the smallest waiting time. The emergency room is really only for emergencies. So if you are ill with terrible throat ache you can also call your GP. But be aware that a lot of foreigners feel that our health system is way more Calvinistic than they are used to. Medical staff tend to see you as someone they are responsible for, not 'paying customers' and we feel that medication needs to be really useful so quite often the Dutch will advice you to take a paracetamol and wait till the illness passes.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Thank you!

[@Peacefrogg]

So true, don’t expect to get the treatment you ask for. You will more likely get the treatment you need. Or no treatment at all, if it’s something that will likely get better on its own. (The most heard advice from dutch gp’s is : come back in a few days if it gets worse.)

[@joopdesmit]

@@Peacefrogg and for most things, that is the correct advice.

[@Peacefrogg]

@@joopdesmit most things, yes. But when you know you have a uti and they refuse to give you antibiotics bc ‘test says no’, and the next day you go to ‘huisartsenpost’ and ‘test says bad infection’, it can be pretty annoying. Symptoms are as important as tests. Or when your kid has a huge egg on her ankle so you just know it’s broken and they say you can come in an hour or two then we’re not gonna wait for hours for the doctor to give us permission to take our kid to the hospital when she’s in a lot of pain. Most things pass. But sometimes you just know something needs to be done and you’d like to be taken seriously. Especially when you’re the kind of patient that doesn’t come in every year.

[@zkxnkj534]

@@joopdesmit try treating bronchitis with anti-inflamatory medication... it was the worst time of my life. the sickness just wouldn't go away. constant coughing with puss, swollen red eyes... i had to pay out of pocket for the medication and it did not do anything. it took 4 months of living with it until I finally went back to my home country and was prescribed the needed antibiotics that could treat it. it was also during corona times so everyone was accusing me of having corona and have me keep getting tested, wasting my time and money.

[@HeyfromHolland]

Sudafed, NyQuil, Advil, Tylenol and Benadryl are always on our shopping list when we visit the US!!

[@Tweeteketje]

Fun perspective, I enjoyed watching it! About students partying: maybe the partying during the week happens elsewhere in Rotterdam, because some of my neighbours party on working days.... :( Fortunately it's less now, but it has become quite a problem in recent years in Rotterdam, due to rich parents buying their children an apartment (especially in Kralingen) and due to corona, so they don't party in clubs.

[@facsimile2605]

I have checked the medicines you mentioned When you go to a chemist you can get all the stuff you want eccept the anti allergie thing. Just ask for it. Vicks is sold here also only theres no paracetamol in it. on the bottle they call it different but its just paracetamol. so no problem.

[@bertkassing8541]

I laughed so hard at number 9. The Kingsize bed you're missing. And that reminds me of when my wife and I moved in together. We had a bed of only 130 cm. Now we have a wider bed, but my single daughter has a box spring (for her alone) of 200 cm. And then I think: What if you get into a relationship? Then you have to buy an extremely wide bed :-) Number 12 is important to me. It is about a happy and healthy life. And happiness, I always teach my daughters, can be found in a blade of grass by the side of the road.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

I agree very much! Thanks for watching.

[@GeorgeSaint666]

Funny the weather talk yeah. I went to a restaurant last sunday, to relax and read a book. It was "bad" weather. Well bad is in the eye of the beholder. It was raining averagely and a bit windy. So every guest after me that came in first said after closing the door: "Zo! Wat een weertje hé?" (So! What a weather we are having hey?). LOL made me smile,...as I noticed that is indeed THE THING you expats on youtube notice as well when you arrive here in my country. Funny!

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

lol lol

[@barryschalkwijk9388]

You can get any medication if prescribed. The over the counter stuff is mainly low level pain killers and some anti-cough without codeine or ephedrine.

[@doomie21]

Als je het correct wilt doen....schrijf je verhaal in het Nederlands. Hij woont in Nederland dus ik ga er vanuit dat hij ook de moeite neemt om de taal te begrijpen. 😉

[@PatQuakernaat]

Some of your points are related to living in a big city. Only 20 minutes away from Rotterdam life is much different and wayyyy more quiet and relaxed. Social life is much better and more fun.

[@yvonnekremers4354]

But Picknick will definitely not deliver here though

[@joebloggs2473]

Rotterdam is a port city and smoking was very much part of the culture and habits die hard. Even today the mentality is very different and only will be found in other port cities in Europe. Here in Den Haag you will hardly see anyone smoking even on the terraces. It is just not done. When I came here 50 years ago smoking was very acceptable even in hospital and GP waiting rooms puffing was the norm. What has amazed me is the speed this has been turned around here compared to other European countries. I think the problem is with Rotterdam which has never been high along with Amsterdam, on my list of favourite Dutch towns and I had worked there for six years.

[@nicolimmen2206]

Maybe you can appreciate this song text by Pokey LaFarge In the U.S.A things get worse each day I hope it's not too late to pack my things and go But where I wanna be is not where you'd expect They have a place for me down on Nieuwe Binnenweg [Chorus] Is this real life or just the way I am I long for The Netherlands And I want to go, back Back to Rotterdam Never felt like a stranger, never felt in danger Ever since I came here I only felt at peace Back home some have to fight just to survive Why do they have to die instead of living free? I know someday the world will come to an end And I'm going to watch it burn from in another land [Chorus] Is this real life or just the way I am I long for The Netherlands And I want to go, back Back to Rotterdam

[@ainokeadabruddah7973]

I agree with you about it's not too late to pack my things and go -- did 50years ago and moved to California = lived in The Hague -10years.I missed the fun and great time in Europe = lived in Munich ~ Brussels and Barcelona. Still enjoying my life in Northern California = BayArea.

[@erikslots6980]

just did some number checking; apparently 14.9%of our 18+ population smokes on a daily basis against 15.2% in the US so all in all the numbers are comparable. could be that population density may make it look as if there's alot more smoking overhere?

[@MB-co6qj]

I found that in the last year or so many adolescents and students have started smoking or doing drugs as a way to escape their boring life while everything was closed.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

My guess , as a Dutch speaking American, is that you have more middle class smokers than America, whereas smoking in America has become bit more working class. So it depends where you hang out, go to school, whwre you live, etc. Here in America, I've never seen a college student smoking at a nearby college as I walked by, or at middle class shopping areas.

[@teotik8071]

Germany is quite similar in certain topics. Patience : If it is not fast enough for you, you might order nothing that is the fastest of all. Wheather: It is windy when a lamb looses its curls. But take warnings seriously. Parties: Usually start at 1am and can last multiple days if you are in Berlin. Safety: Yes things happen. Fortunately that is the exception. Smoking: Most do not like it but do also not care if they are not harassed. Material things: Some are nice to have, some are essential but collecting experiences is much more precious.

[@NinaW1n]

Oh and that food delivery has become bigger quite quick since the pandemic! Before that is was more of a luxury thing that was sort of seen as ‘i am too lazy to carry my own groceries.’ But since the pandemic people use it more and more because its just very convenient. I always use it when i am buying 20 bottles of cassis and they are heavy… 🙃

[@frits1954X2]

How are the trees in front of your window doing with all these storms? Best regards Frits

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

They all survived and man I’m surprised…really! Thanks for asking.

[@sarahtara]

Hi! Loving your content I’m looking at starting a business in NL from the US using DAFT. I would love to know which attorney you used as well as how you found your apartment. Most people said finding an apartment was the hardest part but it sounds like it was pretty easy for you?

[@alditube5968]

Great video set , thanks a lot perfect Info. I'm coming to Rotterdam this October, there I found the cheapest ticket from Greece. I think my culture shock I think will be FLAT LAND. Here is all mountain from the coast it starts going up.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Have a great time!! Eric

[@jjinwien9054]

Thanks for your introspective comments. I think this should be required watching for most Americans, mainly for the reason that they could see 'outside the bubble' as I (as an ex-pat myself) have the feeling that Americans think that whatever is done in the USA is what is done everywhere else in the world - and is the gold standard.

[@pietergreveling]

Dutch weather can be all seasons in one day! ⛈☀️🌬🌨

[@SekeenaJohnson]

Where are some good sites to find rentals?

[@Rhinoleum]

If you've got a soar throat I recommend to buy Strepfen. They sell this in supermarkets, Kruidvat etc.

[@quatra1000]

Soar? How high?

[@nbaballers2277]

As an Englishman, the Dutch are really polite and helpful. The Netherlands is really clean..Ive always found them really ok to deal with when i saw them while i was at work.

[@andymill8552]

About insulting the king: Indeed there where some official articles of law prohibiting insulting the king ('Majesteitsschennis' or 'lese majesty'). These laws where abolished begin 2020. Long before that these articles where already considered antiquated and (as far as I know) never enforced. So today insulting the king is not prohibited anymore in the Netherlands ;)

[@racingweirdo]

Thats not 100% true. Insulting the king is still a crime. Yes the arcticles about majesteitsschennis are rejected but its still forbidden to insult somebody, article 266.

[@therealdutchidiot]

The reason it was abolished was the "befriended head of state" addendum though.

[@aliaguerin1266]

@@therealdutchidiot So i can call our king a dick, but i cannot call Macron an ass? Lol

[@andymill8552]

@@racingweirdo I know it is not 100% true, because I was simplifying the matter on purpose. There are indeed law articles about insulting people in general, but no separate ones (anymore) concerning only the king. So I should have said 'So today insulting the king is now no different as insulting anybody else in the Netherlands'.

[@therealdutchidiot]

@@aliaguerin1266 That law went the way of the dinosaurs right along with the other. I think it was about Erdogan trying to use that law to sue someone.

[@bkhkh7285]

I am so glad to hear your southern accent))

[@benjik3161]

on 50kmph or less roads you can park where you want for loading and unloading except when its paid parking but to load you can do whatever

[@nfboogaard]

Thanks for posting, I laughed alot :) What does your arm tattoo say? It kinda looks like Thai script?

[@darklady6987]

Ik denk joods

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

Hi!! It’s Thai and it translates to “Saved by faith through Jesus Christ” thanks for asking. I had it done in Thailand a couple of years ago. Thanks for watching.

[@nfboogaard]

@@SoultoSoulTravels Respect! I've been there a couple of times too, it's a wonderful country. Thanks for replying.

[@DenUitvreter]

Five seasons in one day, allthough nr 5, the monsoon season is not a regular season here it can be in a day.

[@cellevangiel5973]

We have the same weather in Flanders and we say: if you don't like the weather, wait for half an hour, it will change. And I often hear that Dutch is difficult. What do you compare it with, can you compare? How many other languages did you learn? And how difficult is the non phonetic English do you think? Being a Flemish, neighbor thus, it al is familiair to me. But you are right.

[@Gamerteamguy]

I have the same chair behind you at my home

[@eskiltester3913]

Picknick is amazing. One thing though, they're cheaper than a supermarket and don't charge delivery fees. Another thing is that they give free stuff at times and they have weekly discounts on certain items. They're shown in the app. I've compared Picknick to jumbo and Aldi and Lidl and they're cheaper than any of them on A brand products and most house brands. They're even developing their own brand now and those are even cheaper than most lidl brands.

[@wimschiphorst8541]

That's really Ducht😂

[@eskiltester3913]

@@wimschiphorst8541 * Dutch Not sure what you mean by that, did I say something inaccurate? Pretty sure I didn't.

[@wimschiphorst8541]

I mean more as a small joke . Tipical Dutch. Look for and compare the bonus😂

[@eskiltester3913]

@@wimschiphorst8541 lol true but groceries get more expensive nowadays and I can't afford many things. That's why I hunt for good deals hahaha

[@wimschiphorst8541]

The same do I. But that I ment more as a joke. "You are integrated looking for bonus". I never see that so much in other countries.

[@joopdesmit]

Regarding parties: most student gatherings are on Thursday. Friday after colleges, they'll take the train home.

[@doomie21]

Als je het correct wilt doen....schrijf je verhaal in het Nederlands. Hij woont in Nederland dus ik ga er vanuit dat hij ook de moeite neemt om de taal te begrijpen. 😉

[@juliazoutendyk5959]

Can you please do a tour of your apartment and let us know how big it is? I totally understand the bed size 😂 We've only ever had a double bed when we visited.

[@meticulousgeek]

Don't worry too much about Dutch. If you make an effort that's more than we can hope for. Doesn't matter if your Dutch is not perfect as long as you are understandable. Grammatics is for advanced studies anyways.

[@RobRoordink]

I have a German friend. He does not yet speaks Dutch very good, but understands it quite well. I speak Dutch with him, He speaks German. That is already so much more pleasant. You speaking English and your Dutch friends Dutch makes conversation much more comfortable. To understand Dutch is very much easier than speaking it. Try to reach the level of understanding Dutch.

[@sungeigerong1]

😮 i speak Dutch fluently, but am sometimes answered in English. And waitstaff does not always speak Dutch. In The Hague and Scheveningen I was in restaurants where the wait person only spoke English.

[@angeloavanti2538]

i had the chance to be in belgium and netherlands last summer for a month. truly that is when you get familiar with local 'ways'. i, like you guys, find it very pleasant on so many levels. your closing statement was spot on too. my dutch friend from high school were my first exposure and we got along splendidly. weather? who cares. language? oh ya, niet makkelijk but yes, well worth the effort. got rid of so much stuff already. patients? fabulous. non judgemental? we people watch too. riot! thankful for that. meds? ok but the otc aspirin there is like scripted stuff back here. usually only take one if needed. always stubbing my toes. lol. you do a great service. just got my apostille. step one is done. be back over in april sometime hitting job prospects. so it begins.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

Well, good luck! And we do use capital letters at the beginning of sentences, by the way....

[@juliazoutendyk5959]

We noticed the smoking while there, and by the time we left, I had quite a cough, and my voice had deepened. It wasn't like I had a cold or allergies. It was weird.

[@princeharry4226]

@ Julie zoutendyk how are you doing

[@aliaguerin1266]

We in general dont have the space to collect lots of stuff, we buy what we really need and there we can spend a lot of money on.

[@martijndenekamp5052]

Hey, Strong rules prevent us from getting a lot of the medications you have in the USA. My sisters live in Canada and had the same problem when they visited. Mostly it's because of side effects long term and short term.

[@mray8519]

Thank you so much.

[@hcjkruse]

Picnic has good good service but I suspect them of personal pricing; Slightly increasing the stuff you buy more often. Also they sometimes have fresh food out of too cold storage that goes bad in your home because of condensation. Smoking is a lot less than it was! We had health campaigns too. Also there is a lot of tax on it. I don't see it that often, maybe in the area you are you experience it more. At my workplace +50 people I think nobody smokes.

[@eskiltester3913]

What you said about picnic is false 100% If something was stored too cold which I highly doubt then it's likely an incident. I'm watching closely what picnick does and never have I seen or heard about what you wrote.

[@hcjkruse]

@@eskiltester3913 let's agree to disagree. I had this several times.

[@eskiltester3913]

@@hcjkruse you're accusing them of illegal practices if you're referring to the price increases. They could loose their license for that if true. Or are you refering to the cold storage part?

[@hcjkruse]

@@eskiltester3913 curious according to what law personal pricing would be illegal in the Netherlands?

[@sim-one]

You’re not allowed to honk your car (or use your lichtsignalen) for “nothing” either. Only in case of danger. It’s a €240 fine if you’re unlucky. Before we did honk all the time, by the way; like driving off, waving to friends, b-days and traffic lights 😂😉

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Good lord. Stop doing that. Rude.

[@sim-one]

“We” as in the Dutch… fyi 😅

[@vincenzodigrande2070]

Oh yeah the smoking, it is something you will see a lot in certain European countries, also France, Spain, Italy etc. There are also countries where people don't smoke as openly at least, like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. I really wish to see more done about that, and make it a lot less prevalent at least. Especially in crowded places, and especially where there will be kids around. Just one person smoking will easily affect twenty others in such situations. The person that does not smoke is also very limited in their options to avoid breathing it in there, for example we were in a rampacked Efteling once and finally got a spot in the outside seating with our kids, and right when dinner was served about five people next to us all started smoking at once. And you can not even speak up to them about it, because they feel they are in their right being outside and all. I find it a really horrible habit and kinda feel like I need to be carrying fart spray or something to do my own part of non illegal stench on them for a change.

[@sorehmilchtein3360]

It’s very funny that you mentioned smoking. You really ought to go to France. You’ll get the shock of your life - everyone, and I mean everyone - smokes. I actually haven’t felt that many people smoke here in the Netherlands. But I live in a very small city (more like a town).

[@deathscythehellfunk]

Statistics say smoking is more prevalent in the US than in the Netherlands. Smoking numbers are actually relatively low in the Netherlands compared to most of Europe, though there are some countries (Denmark for instance) who do much better. Also bear in mind that the number of smokers is much higher in the major cities (and Amsterdam and Rotterdam in particular) than in other parts of the country. Rotterdam is absolutely not representative in that regard.

[@captainchaos3667]

I think the main difference is that smoking is more stigmatised in the US, so smokers tend to do it away from other people more often. It is, unfortunately, still more accepted in the Netherlands.

[@klotehater]

I watch your videos as a Dutchman. It really lifts my spirits every time. It makes me realise in what cool country I live in. I love you guys! When you coming to The Hague again hit me up and I am happy to show you around the restaurants and all the good places to see and do. Hit me up!

[@quatra1000]

And bring money. You know "Going Dutch" :)

[@klotehater]

@@quatra1000 iam not actually like that. Iam more just pay and you get the next dinner kinda guy

[@NinaW1n]

Dutch doctors will be hesitant to prescribe medication unless it is really really necessary, simply because a lot of medication have many negative effects as well, so the good réally must outweigh the bad. I had Americans friends asking what we use for ‘cold medication’ and I was like ‘you use medication for thát? Just stay in bed and rest!’ Only medication most people use are paracetamol and ibuprofen.

[@OdinsSage]

Unfortunately, because of the terrible, and often nonexistent, sick time at most jobs, most people can't afford to take the time off work to rest. So those people have to take a cocktail of over the counter drugs to dull their symptoms so they can still work their job even while sick. And even if a person could take sick time, if they had to see a doctor many people experience a 1 to 3 month waitlist before being able to get in with their GP. This leads to a lot of people self medicating. It's just bad all around.

[@piquertube]

Medicine for a sore throat? we drink tea with honey? and if it's really bad a couple of paracetamol

[@DenUitvreter]

I believe the law that forbids insulting the king (and foreign heads of states of befriended nations) was revoked a few years ago but I'm not sure. The law concerning the king was defended with the argument that he can't defend himself, which kind of make sense because of his legal position.

[@ylona6081]

Its not revoked.. officially its stil active.. its just not something our monarchy actually does something against because clearly they don't care ... Doesn't get more dutch then that.

[@renepeterse1884]

The dutch language is related to english. If you make the effort, its not that difficult. Certainly the essentials

[@doomie21]

Het Nederlands is meer gerelateerd naar het Duits. Als je het trouwens correct wilt doen....schrijf je verhaal in het Nederlands. Hij woont in Nederland dus ik ga er vanuit dat hij ook de moeite neemt om de taal te begrijpen. 😉

[@Iamsanni]

Nee Engels, er zitten zelfs oud Nederlandse en Friese woorden in het Engels. Dus Rene heeft gelijk op dit punt.

[@mr4hughs]

I think you missed a lot, time format (24hours) AM/PM is not used although in speech they say 5pm they write 17:00 A way of boasting --> getting deliveries is a sign of wealth if you have issues and call out for help they do not "ignore" its actually a criminal offence to not offer 1st aid/support. the dutch are not blunt or policitcally correct they are somewhere in between. food: - Bring "Tang" or jello vs dutch licorice aka difference in foods / food prices - The dutch "cuisine" = not US style the dutch do not slow cook (some exceptions) - the oliecork (aka the orgin of donut), pancakes, waffels, poffertjes. - barbeque or cooking = 30 minutes and you should be done .. - Water from the tap is drinkable and just as good as bottled water (NL mostly, other EU countries less) - good meat is exported or you need to go to a butcher/specialty shop/"islamic shops" - a lot less of choices in groceries in general .. except beer / wine usually a couple of flavours. - Traffic: - the dutch do not stick to there lanes (passing right-side is a no-no) getting overtaken by a 18weeler (truck) is a a sign you are going to slow. - its rare to pay first at a gas-station then fill up - public transport can get you nearly everywhere in the country and in general is in on-time and only in peak moments you might not get a seat - a car is not needed in general unless you want to see a lot in a short amount of time. - in general you can get everything by walking(distances) or biking if you want --> groceries, shopping and medical care house: - they do not have have "stock" rooms, mudrooms or a lot of "tools" storage space might be a premium. - utility (water,gas) is 99,999999% ensured its very very rare to have a outage.. power outage depends where you live however a outage for more than 4 hours gets frontpage / news coverage. - internet / or mobile coverage is also 90% coverage /available .. and you pay for all calls, local or within bundles some rare exceptions. - because shops are almost 7 a week open between 8-20:00 - having "room for guests" is a in general reserved for family ... friends do have their own house. - The Dutch are direct, but they provide a lot of translations in other languages and do smile and appriciate being spoken to in dutch. - they are "royalty" proud and show that by dressing in orange having a special day where fairs and other events are organized. - they do not mind you dressing up in a collourful mix, however do dress business casual(ish) if unsure of the event or job at least for the first day. - takeout is less of a thing, either get food deliverd or go out for dinner - When invited do bring a small token of appriciation, and do't overstay your welcome .. (a couple of hours) .. - do not use speaker, or media devices in public / when visiting/visitors (aka be like the background noise) work ../ behavior ..

[@giulyg.3029]

Do you feel to fit in the community? Or do you feel as the outsider?

[@lompos71]

Food delivery, is a thing in the bigger city. If you life more rural, there is not much choice of food that get delivered

[@quatra1000]

And you just cook. Fresh, nobody spat in it and cheaper.

[@lompos71]

​@@quatra1000 fresh food cheaper? I guess you never been to the Netherlands, fresh food is for those who can afford it

[@j.vanbeem]

Regarding safety: As a teacher I feel very safe at school. I don't have to worry about a possible school shooting nor have to 'train' my pupils how to respond in the event of one. The only safety drill we have is the occasional fire drill.

[@rolandxor179]

I used to think like you. But now I also think the USA never had a Hitler. Maybe you prevent school shootings but if in the end you get cattle cars filled with men women and children who get sent to gas chambers with no way to defend themselves. Maybe freedom comes at a cost ?

[@eddys.3524]

@@rolandxor179 Being scared that an idiot may start a mass shooting isn't freedom.

[@rolandxor179]

@@eddys.3524 There are measures you could take . Still..maybe a bigger threat is out there.

[@eddys.3524]

@@rolandxor179 The Threat you're afraid of is the boogy man...

[@rolandxor179]

@@eddys.3524 Totalitarian regimes have murdered hundreds of millions. Look how they treat the COVID protestors. There is no natural respect for the individual or their rights. Freedom is not free and you cannot exchange freedom for security. Also if you look some European countries allow their citizens to be armed. Czech republic , Switzerland. You don't hear much about mass shootings there. Ukraine is arming its citizens. It is better if you already know how to shoot. Ukraine's history is one where both communist and nazi power murdered millions of people. Look up the Holodomor where communist gangs litterally stole every grain of food. Better to pick up a rifle , drive a tractor or a truck and teach these WEF f'ers to fear you. Put them in their place.

[@TheFreedutch2008]

I watched a couple of your videos. I am dutch and I like videos like this as I like yours. But you say "with that being said" too often. What does it mean? Nothing. Slow down cowboy. But the videos are nice I like them. Enjoy being in the Netherlands and enjoy making the videos. Good luck.

[@ulrichlachman1216]

What do you think of typical Dutch food? And from alcohol consumption. You will find all the cuisines of the world in Rotterdam. Further: - the Rotterdam Marathon in April every year - Summer Carnival in July every year, - Jazz Festical of Rotterdam, with many well-known American Artists in September, - Open Port Days also in September every year Baseball is also played in Rotterdam, just look it up. What do you think of the high-rise buildings in Rotterdam? Did you know that the port of Rotterdam was the largest in the world. Now it is the largest in the EU. The Netherlands is the second food country in the world after the USA, look that up and see it on you tube. Also visit the museums in Rotterdam, - Euromast You can find everything on youtube. The Neterland is ok, but there are also a bad side.

[@mandorlap8091]

We will be in Amsterdam in June1-7. Pls let us know if you need Nyquil:)

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

You are so sweet, Mandorla! We hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! 💐😊

[@quatra1000]

Or maybe something a bit stronger?

[@STrouwborst]

4 seasons in 1 day, Crowded house made a song about it. 😁

[@internetbully100]

In the US I couldn't get paracetamol over 200 mg without prescription

[@lindaraterink6451]

That experience is why you should not be out 'enjoying' the wind. They tell you to stay at home for a reason..

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

lol lol…so true!

[@chubbymoth5810]

It depends on whether you can avoid places that would generate debris. As long as there are not too many rooftiles crashing around and you can avoid the falling trees it is fine to get to the beach to go "blow out".

[@Hadewijch_]

In the US about 14% of the population smokes tobacco, and in the Netherlands about 17% of the population smokes. Not that much of a difference as you seem to think. Also cannabis use in the US is much higher than in the Netherlands: 18.7% in the US in the last month vs. 7.8% in the Netherlands in the last year.

[@wilaiwanpornpat5901]

I saw your right arm is tatto writing in Thai language. I can see part of sentence ศรัทธาในพระเยซูคริสต์

[@doomie21]

Eindelijk iemand die het duidelijk zegt: leer de taal!! Genoeg mensen die naar Nederland komen, in Amsterdam gaan wonen en na 5 jaar nog steeds amper tot geen Nederlands kunnen. De Engelse taal is geen probleem echter als je naar het noorden, oosten en zuidwesten gaat, en vooral bij de grensregio's, dan kan het Engels nog wel lastig worden omdat de mensen daar meer Duits georienteerd zijn. Daarnaast worden daar ook zware dialecten gesproken die een dialect van het Nedersachisch zijn en niet van het Nederlands.

[@nas4apps]

You ordered an 'uitsmijter'! 😂😂

[@Semmy27]

During the 2nd world war the Dutch hadn't had much during that time. Only take/buy what you need and keep something for times you'll need it.

[@chubbymoth5810]

That may be so, but it is mainly the Calvinist culture that took hold. You can see it in the lack of opulence in clothing on 17th century paintings and the decorations in Churches. Showing off your wealth has always been regarded as tacky and it evolved into a non materialistic culture. Being a success in Dutch culture is being able to follow your heart and interest in your life rather than having lotsa stuff. Being a busker on the street can make your mother proud for you being able to be a success at that for just doing it. She'll still worry a bit, but I guess with a National Health Insurance and good welfare system she won't worry too much.

[@wimschiphorst8541]

About your number 10. Since a few years they change the law. So for call or whistle to a person, mostly woman, is not aloud anymore. What happens in my time often. Construction workers in summer whistle or calling something like "nice chick" to women. Now they can go to the police and file a complaint.

[@ArtemisWestenberg]

You pretty much can say anything about anyone, including the king, as long as you add in front of your statement "in my opinion" the king is ...

[@quatra1000]

Absolutely! Convert a statement into an opinion. Oh, and insulting police or other authorities may get you a fine of 500 euros, often doubled by courts according Artikel 267 Wetboek van Strafrecht.

[@RayoptenBerg]

Yes, there is a law that prohibits insulting the king. However Willy has been targeted by comedians so many times over the years and with the typical Dutch directness. Mainly because the king is viewed by the Dutch as “one of use” and not put on a pedestal like for instance the Queen of England. If the Dutch royals would do something about them being joked about, it would go against freedom of speech and the Dutch principle of “doe maar gewoon, dan doe je al gek genoeg.” (Just act normal, that’s crazy enough.)

[@wimschoenmakers5463]

Buying your groceries at the supermarket can improve your language skills. Just ask the staff where they hide the booz. 😁

[@8alakai8]

the problem with learning dutch in the netherlands is that if you live in a big city or close to one people will not let you try and even speak dutch they will switch to english strate away if you are in spain you learn a lot quicker because you have to i have friends that where here for 10 years from egland or america and they where like fuck it i am goign to go to school to learn and when they did speak dutch it took us 2 years before we would speak english to the guy was normal for us to just speak english when he was around

[@raatroc]

Why NyQuil is not available in Europe? In fact all active ingredients are in other drugs. The main ingredient is known here as paracetamol. On the other hand you should never use alcohol with NyQuil so we would never take it anyway and secondly it is addictive, we have substances much more pleasant for that e.g. cannabis sativa Hollandica, and that is an over the counter drug!

[@rachelalder2182]

I got lost in Rotterdam .... Urm scary ... I locked the car doors... And tried to get out of the rough end with ladies in the windows. Asap

[@ronalddejong3017]

You could call the King any name you want. But to be safe let it be proceded by "ik vind" or "Ik denk"(I find or I think). In that case you are covered by the Dutch version of the 1st Amendment.

[@BMannien]

If you think there’s heavy smoking going on here, you should visit most Mediterranean countries.

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

I was wondering that…I think we’re going to go this summer…thanks for the info.

[@woutervanr]

Yes! Just France would be enough. Also just driving over the border in th east and seeing how much tabaco and alchol is sold in German supermarkets tells you enough about how normal it still is to smoke and drink there.

[@freekfaro5606]

Recommended: another American KZbinr, living in and writing about the Netherlands: Not just bikes.

[@OdinsSage]

Guy from Not Just Bikes is from Canada

[@freekfaro5606]

@@OdinsSage correct. But he's lived both in Canada and in the US. He writes about experiences and observations in both countries, besides the Netherlands.

[@JaapGinder]

About assaulting the king, I found this: Is insulting the king punishable? Criminal Code Article 111 Intentionally insulting the King is punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or a fine of the fourth category. An attempt to repeal this law failed.

[@flower_power]

Art 111 does not excists anymore since 1-1-2020

[@rmyikzelf5604]

No, it didn't fail at all...

[@quatra1000]

Assaulting and insulting are 2 different things.

[@DuartJansen]

Point 5: people not being judgemental, that might only apply to the biggest cities in the Netherlands, just like it will probably also apply to the biggest cities in the States.

[@gertvoortman7741]

in your commend on the weather you missed one thing the total enigma to all men; suddenly some nice day in spring it's there: "rokjesdag" there must be a secret code by which they know- time to wear a skirt😄

[@SoultoSoulTravels]

lol lol lol

[@20feb]

Its not that we in NL arent educated on How bad smoking is but i guess we do it anyway 😅

[@michel1060]

there is no bad weather, only badly dressed people! Also, in the netherlands, when you are sick, you go to a doctors, they will prescribe you what you need, you dont go "guessing" what would be beneficial!

[@rmyikzelf5604]

The law on insulting the king was scrapped several years ago.

[@requiescat4399]

Correct.

[@quatra1000]

The weather? Thanks for reminding me of one of the reasons why I emigrated back in the 80s. Americans trying to speak Dutch? Yeah we Dutch appreciate a good laugh. Those pesky waiting courier or construction drivers will get you out of the way in a hurry if you honk your horn and tell you where to go and what to do with yourself. Told you, be careful with those canals! Medications. The Dutch are pretty good at chemistry and we'll find a way to convert those OTCs into something more profitable.

[@benjik3161]

the us waged a war on drugs and meanwhile got the whole country addicted to heroin because of those painkillers man here in the nethelrands we love xtc and even coke but at least we don't have a opioid heroine problem