Do and don't in the Netherlands

A couple of things that are not done in Holland :

1. Ask people how much money they make
2. Tell an employee that you are the boss. You are just a co-worker with different responsibilities.
3. Show up a someones front door without calling first. Dutch people are busy and are fond of their privacy
4. Don't show off your possesions. If you have a big car, be humble about it. Dutch people are usually down to earth and don't like it when you try to impress them with material things.
5. In a restaurant don't treat a waiter as a servant. Treat them with respect. Service in Holland is different then for example in the States.


Mike

More things that are not done in Holland

1. Be careful talking about politics. Typically for Dutch people politics is a personal matter.
2. Don't over "TIP" a waiter in Holland. Although they would appreciate it it is not comman practice in Holland. If you want to leave a tip, 10% is considered very generous.
3. If you go out for dinner with another couple and it is not agreed upfront who will pay the bill it is usally the case that the bill is split in half, regardless of what you have ordered.
If you start to specify who ate what then you are in for an awkward moment.

Mike

Here are some interesting facts about the Dutch

1. Dutch people are considered very direct. They get straight to business and don't spend a lot of time on formalities. In a business meeting, they will introduce themselves and tell you their title. After that the title is usually not mentioned or used. It is fairly normal in most industries that people will address each other by their first names. Even during a first meeting and even when you are the CEO of a company.
Do not think this directness is intended to be rude. It is more intented to save time and get to the point.
2. If you hand a Dutch person a gift it is comman for the recipient to unwrap it straight away, while you are still there. The receiver will thank you on the spot and show your present to others in the room. Sometimes they even pass it around so people can have a better look. It is not comman for the Dutch person to give you a present in return at the same time. Next time when you are the host they will give you a present.
Like in most cultures, never ever ever talk about the price of the present.
People like to receive presents that are hard to come by. So a personal gift is much more appreciated than an expensive one.

What should you do ?

1. Treat Dutch people as your equal. If you are a CEO talking to a cleaning lady, show her the same respect you would a peer.
2. In a restaurant you can typically just walk in a find a seat or table that you like. Normally noone will collect you at the door and show you to your table ( depends on restaurant, some do and some do not )
3. When in a store,if you need help, walk to en employee and ask your question. Don't talk to loud or call for assistance from a distance. This is considered very rude.

I agree with Flyfisher. Dutch people know what respect is and they want other people to be respectful.
Anywise, I don't agree with Flyfisher regarding the political discussion. I have talked to lots of Dutch ppl about politics and they didn't seem offended by my opinions. They didn't seem to take politics as a personal matter.