The Dutch are among the most liberal people in the world, so more conservative expats may experience some culture shock in the Netherlands. Prostitution is legal and regulated and is openly on display in Amsterdam's red-light districts. Though marijuana is technically illegal, it is decriminalised for personal use and is sold in coffee shops in certain areas of the country.
Making new friends can be difficult for expats moving to the Netherlands, especially if they don't speak Dutch, and establishing a social circle often takes time and effort. That said, the Dutch tend to say it like it is and expats will know exactly where they stand with locals. This can seem abrasive, but having an open mind and a sense of humour will go a long way to easing the transition of life in the Netherlands.
Language barrier in the Netherlands
The Dutch language could be the biggest hurdle for new arrivals. Locals are often multilingual and in the big cities most speak a reasonable level of English, French or German. Having said that, unless expats can speak at least some basic Dutch, they could end up feeling isolated.
Once they have a decent grasp of the language, most expats find that locals seem friendlier, more helpful and more encouraging. There are several options for learning Dutch, including private individual lessons and intensive courses at language centres and universities. The latter is the most efficient for expats working in the Netherlands. The courses are designed not only to quickly teach individuals to speak Dutch but also to offer a wealth of invaluable information about Dutch culture and history.
Work culture in the Netherlands
Concerning the work culture in the Netherlands, the Dutch love to have meetings or vergaderingen. They often run overtime since everyone, regardless of rank, needs to be heard. If a decision isn't reached then they simply adjourn to the next meeting. Rank is also unimportant and it's not unusual to find bosses to be more approachable than what expats might have previously experienced.
The Dutch generally like to keep their working life and personal life separate, so it can be difficult to socialise with colleagues outside of work.
Service in the Netherlands
The Netherlands isn't the most service-orientated country. It's normal to enter a shop and be left waiting unattended, and service in restaurants can be slow. Even the Dutch complain about the lack of good service in their country. One explanation is that employees get their salary no matter what. Commission systems, like bonus and percentage increases on every sale aimed at motivating staff to perform better, are relatively rare.
Religion and secularism in the Netherlands
There is a strong secular ethic in the Netherlands, and most people believe that religion should not play a role in politics. Across other spheres of life, such as in education or in social settings, religion sometimes plays a minor role, but the Dutch are generally atheist or agnostic. So, expats who follow and practise religion and are from a religious country may experience some culture shock.
Nevertheless, all religions are welcome and respected in the Netherlands, and finding a community with shared beliefs is possible. Catholicism and other Christian denominations are among the most practised religions, followed by Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Clogs and clothing in the Netherlands
Naturally, when thinking about Dutch culture, images of clogs and traditional clothing of dark suits, long dresses and striped skirts with floral aprons may come to mind. Clogs, traditional wooden footwear, are said to date back around 850 years, and while they are not commonly worn in today's Dutch cities, they may be found in some rural areas and they remain a key part of Dutch heritage – and make for a great souvenir.