30 Things You Should Never Do Or Say In The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a gorgeous country, probably one of the most picturesque and beautiful ones that you will ever have the pleasure of visiting. From rows of colorful tulips, to the 17th century canals, the bikes, and cheese for days, the Netherlands has all of this and more. With over 10 million people visiting from all over the world, the Dutch are used to having travelers all throughout the year.
If you want to be the kind that they actually like, here are 30 things you should never do when visiting the Netherlands.
Never Take Pictures Of The Girls In The Windows
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One of the most popular areas in the capital of the Netherlands is their red light district called De Wallen. While some come here to curb their curiosity at what the hype is all about, others truly come to take part in the legal p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n. Even if you happen to be a bystander rather than an actual customer, never take photos of the women in the windows, no matter how well they show off their w.a.r.e.s. P.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n may be legal but taking pictures of the ladies is a definite no-no.
Never Think Blue Lights Are The Same As Red Lights
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While we’re on the subject of the red light district De Wallen, here’s another tip that will come in handy. Never mistake blue lights as red lights. When you see the windows illuminated in blue light, that means that the person working behind the glass is actually t.r.a.n.s.g.e.n.d.e.r. Unless this is the type of excitement you are looking for, then make sure you know which color is which.
Never P.e.e In The Canal
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These 17th century Amsterdam canals were named a UNESCO Heritage Site for a reason. Not only are they incredibly picturesque, but they run for a span of at least 60-miles. But just because the Netherlands is very relaxed when it comes to w.e.e.d, p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n and other forms of recreation, it doesn’t mean that the city isn’t civilized. Never p.e.e in the canals unless you want to get fined. Be responsible and p.e.e in the nearest public restroom, no matter how much your b.l.a.d.d.e.r is screaming for release.
Never Order Coffee In A Coffee Shop
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As crazy as it sounds, don’t bother looking for coffee in a coffee shop when in Amsterdam. When you ask for a coffee shop, the locals are going to assume that you are actually looking for a place that sells recreational m.a.r.i.j.u.a.n.a, as well as a place to s.m.o.k.e it. Of course, many of these places sell actual coffee as well, but it’s probably not going to be the fancy kinds with frills that you are looking for. If you want that double espresso shot with extra brivé and all that other stuff, be sure to head to the nearest café.
Never Feel Insulted By The Locals
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The Dutch are known to be incredibly direct, almost rude when they speak to others. Never feel insulted by the locals as that’s just the way their culture is. They are known to speak their minds and they won’t mind if you do the same. And even if they may rub you the wrong way in the beginning, if you find yourself conversing with them more and more, you’ll soon realize that they are both friendly and fun to be around.
Never Ride A Bike If You’re Not A Skilled Biker
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Aside from tulips and windmills, the Netherlands is highly popular for their bike culture. In a place where 70% of locals bike everywhere, you know that it is truly serious business. And just like driving, there are rules and regulations that come along with it, and if you can’t follow them, then you don’t belong on a bike for sure. Not only are they fast, but there are so many of them at every corner that a beginner would never stand a chance of the busy Amsterdam roads.
Never Bite Into Your Food Without Testing It First
The Netherlands has tons of scrumptious street food, getting people to flock to the city just to try a whole variety of food. While we will never tell you not to try it all, we will say never bite into your food without testing is first. The Dutch enjoy their food at piping hot temperatures, which honestly not many people can handle. Be sure to bite into your food slowly, blowing when necessary, unless you want to spend the rest of your trip with a burnt tongue.
Never S.m.o.k.e W.e.e.d All Day Long
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Tons of travelers flock to the Netherlands precisely because of their lighter d.r.u.g laws against m.a.r.i.j.u.a.n.a and the like. But just because you are allowed to s.m.o.k.e w.e.e.d all day doesn’t mean you should. There is so much to see and do in this remarkable city, staying inside a coffee shop all day would be a shame. Be sure to get out, enjoy the sights, sounds and gorgeous cobblestone roads, then when you’re feet need a rest, go ahead and take a rest while enjoying a stogie if that’s your choice, but never stay inside all day long.
Never Underestimate The Stereotypes
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Every single country is sold to visitors because of whatever highlights and stereotypes they proudly have, some made to seem much more impressive than they actually are. In the Netherlands though, all their stereotypes are incredibly breathtaking. From the tulips and windmills, to the clogs and cheese, to the w.e.e.d and everything else, the Netherlands is truly everything that it says it is, and more.
Never Eat Free Cookies
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Of course, visiting a foreign land still has to come with a few precautionary measures. If you happen to be walking along the street and someone offers you a “free” cookie, never eat it. These cookies are usually laced with an illegal substance like a roofie and they will make you pass out, which makes it easier to rob you. Always be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for your safety always.
Never Use The Bike Path If You’re Not Riding A Bike
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Once again, when it comes to biking, the Dutch don’t joke around. The locals may be used to having tons of tourists walking along their streets all year round, but it doesn’t mean that they have to like everything you do. If you happen to be walking around, never use the bike path if you’re not on a bike. They won’t be shy to show you just how annoyed they are either.
Never Miss Out On The Tulip Fields
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The Keukenhof Park is one of the most popular tulip parks in all the world. And what makes it even more coveted is the fact that it is only open between late March to mid-May each year. This is the only time when all these mesmerizing tulips are in bloom, making them one of the most extraordinary flower exhibits you will ever get the pleasure of seeing. So if you can, be sure to plan your trip during those times so that you can see the wonders of Mother Nature at her finest.
Never Rent A Car
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Even though Amsterdam has a higher percentage of people using bikes, it doesn’t mean that people don’t drive actual cars as well. Given, the cars are usually incredibly small since the roads they travel on are just as narrow. But if you can, never rent a car when in the city if you don’t have to. Not only are most of the roads so small that they’re difficult to get through, parking is both difficult to find and incredibly expensive as well.
Never S.p.a.r.k Up Just Anywhere
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Despite popular belief, you can’t actually spark up a joint anywhere you want when in the Netherlands, or even Amsterdam for that matter. Tourists normally arrive in the Netherlands thinking that m.a.r.i.j.u.a.n.a can be used anywhere, but in reality, that’s just not the case. Before you even consider s.m.o.k.i.n.g, make sure that you are in a designated area before l.i.g.h.t.i.n.g up. These places normally are in the coffee shops and other designated areas that legally allow the use of m.a.r.i.j.u.a.n.a.
Never Take A Photo With Just Anyone
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The Netherlands is so beautiful, almost every corner is Instagram-worthy, yet tourists need to be careful about who they decide to take photos with. Locals might try to approach you and ask to take a photo with a kid or a dog, but it’s all just a ploy. While one person is distracting you, another is already rifling through your backpack, stealing whatever items and money they can. Always keep your guard up and be sure to watch your belongings at all times.
Never Underestimate The Weather
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The weather in the Netherlands is very unpredictable no matter what the time of year is. Whether you’re there in the springtime, summer, fall or in the winter, you should dress in layers so that you can always add clothes on or remove a few in order to be comfortable no matter what you have on. And another tip, don’t forget to pack a jacket and umbrella inside your backpack as well, that way you’ll be ready even if it rains.
Never Try To Speak Dutch
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Nobody enjoys hearing their language get butchered, especially the Dutch. Dutch is actually known to be one of the hardest languages to learn, and the locals really don’t enjoy hearing it pronounced the wrong way. Really, if roles were reversed, would you? Anyway, most of the locals can speak English as well as the next guy, so they’d prefer that you just talk to them in English rather than stumble all over their beautiful national language.
Never Say No To The Local Cuisine
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The Netherlands is a feast for all the senses, no matter which one you are trying to appease. But when it comes to taste, some might say that they truly excel in this category. Whether you’re trying the cheese, the licorice, the fries, the stroopwaffels, the croquettes, or any other local cuisine, your stomach will be both happy and huge by the end of your trip. Plus to make matters even better, there are tons of stores on every corner offering free cheese to anyone that would like to try some. After all, they are the home of some of the best cheese markets!
Never Eat The Haring Wrong
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The Dutch have their own version of sushi known as Haring. The type of fish is eaten raw with just a bunch of cut-up onions. But unlike most types of sushi, haring is much, much harder to like. Most people that try it for the first time end up puking it all out, but the locals seriously love it. Unless you think you can actually hack it, then never try to eat it. Stick to the other delicacies which are much less fishy.
Never Take Illegal D.r.u.g.s
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Although p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.i.o.n and m.a.r.i.j.u.a.n.a is legal in the Netherlands, other illegal d.r.u.g.s are not. D.r.u.g.s like c.o.c.a.i.n.e, h.e.r.o.i.n, L.S.D, c.r.y.s.t.a.l m.e.t.h and many others are banned in the country, just like anywhere else in the world. Just stick to the stuff that’s allowed like w.e.e.d and a.l.c.o.h.o.l and for sure you’ll already have the time of your life. Besides, you don’t want to end up ‘locked up abroad,’ like tons of other idiots.
Never Eat With Your Hands
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If you don’t want to make a bad impression, then never eat with your hands. Of course particular food like French fries and bread are really eaten using the hands, and would seriously probably look pretty dumb trying to eat them with utensils, other food is truly meant to eaten with a fork, knife and spoon. So rather than make others uncomfortable with your poor eating habits, be sure to be on the lookout on how others are eating their food and simply follow suit.
Never Show Up Unannounced
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The Dutch are normally a very busy bunch, always having things to do and places to go. But they are very good at planning out their day to make sure they get everything done. Never shop up to their home or more so, their office, unannounced. Not only do they not like it, but they like to prefer to make plans in advance so they can fix you in their schedule like they do everything else.
Never Worry About Losing Your Way
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Most tourists in the Netherlands spend a lot of time in Amsterdam, if that isn’t already their home base while they are visiting. The city is as charming as it is exciting at every turn. Never worry about losing your way or getting lost within the city. Almost everyone speaks English anyway, plus randomly exploring the city will probably lead you to some of the best places you never even knew existed in this colorful and lively place.
Never Refuse To Shake Someone’s Hand
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Oftentimes, shaking someone’s hand in greetings is customary, and the Netherlands isn’t any different. Never refuse to shake someone’s hand, unless you really can’t for some religious or medical reason, but be sure to gently explain why. Don’t attempt to hug or kiss someone in greeting, but do as the Dutch do, and simply take their hand in a firm shake. You will make a great first impression!
Never Discipline Their Children
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The Dutch do not appreciate other people telling their kids what to do, so never try to discipline them. Aside from their teachers, the pastors and possibly the police, only parents should be the ones to chastise their own kids. Unless you want to find yourself at the end of a losing argument, then do yourself a favor and bring up any issue you might have with the parents rather than the child.
Never Miss Out On All The Museums
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Amsterdam is crawling with tons of amazing museums, like the Rijksmusuem Museum, the Rembrandt House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. Incredibly, there are even ones dedicated to Heineken Beer, as well as Gouda cheese and how it’s made too. But before heading to any of them, make sure that you book your tickets ahead of time. There are normally tons of people trying to get in as well and buying ahead means that you don’t have to wait in line like everyone else.
Never Give A Monetary Gift
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If you are invited to a party, a dinner or another type of social event, aside from a wedding, that calls for giving presents, never give money. Unless you are incredibly close to the person that you gifting it too, then always bring an actual gift, wrapped in the proper type of wrapping too! And don’t get shocked if the receiver opens up your gift right in front of you. They don’t like to wait.
Never Say No To A Canal Cruise
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These 17th century old canals were named UNESCO Heritage Sites back in 2010, and it’s easy to see why. They span at least 60-miles in length. Never say no to a canal cruise, especially since this is one of the best ways to see the entirety of the city. Plus you’ll get a driver that will also be your tour guide who will explain Dutch ancestry and architecture while sipping on wine and eating from a board full of cheese and cold cuts.
Never Do A French Exit
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The Dutch do not appreciate a French exit, so never leave without saying goodbye. No matter the reason you need to go, just get up and announce that you need to leave. They will prefer that you give some sort of lame excuse. Of course, depending on the type of situation you’re in, don’t also leave unless the rest of the people you arrived with are also going. So if you decide to go out with friends, make sure you’re there to stay.
Never Go Home Empty Handed
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There are tons of things to bring home from your time in the Netherlands, whether its cheese, beer, clogs and tons of other stuff. The streets are chockful of adorable boutiques filled with fascinating trinkets and the like so that you never have to go home empty handed. But even if you don’t buy a single item, and only keep the memories you’ve made and the photos you’ve taken, then those are already more than enough to remember your time in one of the best countries in the world.
By: awesomejelly.com
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