What are the negative things that we have to face if we live in the Netherlands?

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lu2trav

Every one who seem to have a brain used it so i won't repeat it. I'll just add that the one thing that I did not expect was the need to conform to the mass. You are not allowed to be better than anyone else! be prepared for culture shock big time on this one!
2 good book to read before moving:
The undutchables: funny and SO true! a lot of dutch people find it offensive, but it really hit close to home and will give you a sense of what to expect.
Under the low skies is another good one that explains (in less cautic way) what the netherlands are all about!)
GOOD LUCK

Vince has left the building...

If you're American prepare to be involved in a lot of political discussions... If you want to become popular fast, tell everybody you think Bush is an idiot...

leendert_de_ridder

I feel like people are trying to create a wrong image of The Netherlands ( or also called Holland ).

If you visit The Netherlands as an American you will be welcomed warmly and everybody will (try) to speak English and help you with every question or problem you have. (Because everyone speaks English it's hard to learn Dutch)

People in the Netherlands always have an opinion, this is beacause they are teached ( from when they were very young) to have one! In the American and a lot of other cultures people are more busy making a story around their opinion than the Dutch, they will just say it!
This can feel rude or arrogant but don't feel offended it's only more clear and it's not ment to offend you.

They are also very liberal so don't be shocked if you see a gay-marriage taking place or if you pass by a ''coffeeshop''. Don't think the Dutch are encouraging Drugs but it's just softdrugs that are ''allowed'' so it can be controlled. In comparison with the US we have less drug addiction and people that die from an overdose. ( in percentage). Actually only the tourists use it.

Also be prepared for Public Transport (mostly) running exactly on time and things arranged very precise and planned.

If you are coming to live here you will make friends very fast but there are some little things you should know to prevent little misunderstandings. You can read the book The Undutchables it will really help you and it's fun to read!

I hope I can welcome you soon in our little country but big in it's idea's, history and people!

Rachel D

It can be cold and windy (hey, they built windmills for a reason!)
You dont have access to decent tea, or American coffee
Most places smell of pot because people smoke it everywhere
The fruit and veg arent great (tomatoes do NOT taste of tomato in Holland)
The Dutch are somwhat loud and arrogant (this is less noticeable after a while, until you go abroad, or just to Belgium)
Your attempts at learning Dutch will be sneered at because they all speak such amazing English
Going to eat in a restaurant will take 2 hours, half an hour of which is waiting for the menu. Once you have finished eating they will bring you the bill before you asked for it and hassle you out. Service is not a word they understand - lucky they dont expect tips

I feel I should add plus points:
pretty good shops
cheap flowers
beautiful canals and houses
I thought fairly cheap food and drink (but I lived in London before)
once you are 'in' the Dutch are very friendly and open people
everything is allowed...
they speak amazing english
the bread is excellent, as is 'appelstroop with hagelslag' try it!
decent, cheap, public transport

Instead of 2 political parties we have lots, from far right to far left. Be prepared. And by the way, the word liberal has a different meaning in this country.

It is also 'not done' to talk about (or even try to impose) your religion in public.

Most dutch think that Americans are shallow

Sirena

Very well, I can add a couple of lines and things an American should definitely know. in the US you are used to many comforts that in other countries are luxuries. for example in the US people are so used to have A/C running 24/7 in Holland you have only the heater and during summer you buy a fan and that's it. It can get very sticky and there is no wind and most offices don't have A/C. In the US you might be used to Publix in Holland the supermarkets a very small, you do your groceries at the market and meat is very expensive. In the US, you are used to your car and there is all about public transportation and because it is so on time it can be frustrating and you will end up being late and loose your appointment. Television is not like US, You will see reruns of Oprah and Dr. Phill but the new season will have to wait. Larry king is at 3:00am, no baseball or basketball and no American football either =[. Great beer though!!
People are very friendly, so if you can change your life style and go open minded in a good way, you will learn that the Dutch can be very good hosts and we are and I say this with Modesty honestly a very innovative creative culture, that if you take your time to discover, you will have one great experience, we are a small nation but since centuries in time we have been pioneers in many fields!
Come to The Netherlands and Meet the Dutch!
You are welcome!

bluffmike

I'm told they are parochial.

Endie vB

Hi, I'm Dutch and was abroad for a long time. Now I need to get used to the unpleasant side again.

- the weather !!
- expensive housing !!
- compromise politics
- crazy traffic and the trains can't stick to their scedule
- your bike gets stolen (even when using 2 chainlocks)
- junky-beggers at the bigger train stations
- don't visit Dutch people at diner time, unless you were invited

But, that thing about the smell of dope everywhere....... that only depends on where you hang out........ we're not all stoned all day.... And we DO have tea and coffee of all blends and quality (even the yuckie nescafÃ©). And we also have lots of places for a quick and nice meal, with excellent service. It all depends on what you're looking for and where you try to find it.......