If you are planning to visit The Netherlands for the first time you may be feeling excited but overwhelmed. You may even feel unsure about what to expect. Whether you are visiting for business, study abroad, or vacation, here is a guide to proper etiquette in business, dinning, and everyday life.
Business Etiquette
It is best not to schedule meetings during June through August since this is common vacation time. When visiting The Netherlands for business, you are expected to be punctual for business meetings and appointments. If you suspect that you are going to be late, immediately call and offer an explanation. If you are late, this will label you as unreliable and someone who may not meet future deadlines.
Appointments should be scheduled two weeks in advance if you aren’t traveling from far away. However, if you are traveling from a distant country, appointments should be scheduled at least a month in advance. You should call a few days in advance to confirm appointments.
Business cards and materials are usually printed in English. It is not necessary to translate on the reverse side unless the details are in depth.
The Dutch value privacy in the workplace. It is inappropriate to gossip about work associates nor point out their achievements and failures. When conversing, it is okay to talk about the arts or your homeland, but it is not appropriate to discuss religion and legalized prostitution.
Business Attire
Dutch business attire is conservative and consists of dark suit and white shirts for men and white blouses for women. Colorful flamboyant ties and scarves should not be worn. T-shirts, long sleeved shirts, and jeans are worn as casual attire. However, shorts aren’t worn out in public unless a person is jogging.
Business Meetings
Dutch business meetings are formal and adhere to a strict agenda. Here are a few points to keep in mind when attending a business meeting.
- Do not deviate from the agenda.
- Maintain eye contact
- Make sure that your arguments are rational rather than emotional.
- Use facts and figures to backup your statements.
- Avoid confrontational behavior or high pressure tactics.
At the end of each business meeting, you should shake hands with each person individually; group waves are unacceptable.
Gift Giving
If you are invited to someone’s home, it’s appropriate to bring a gift such as a box of good quality chocolate, a potted plant, flower, or a book. You should avoid giving your hostess white lilies or chrysanthemums, since these flowers are associated with funerals in Dutch culture. Knives and scissors should not be given as gifts because the Dutch believe that this would bring misfortune. Gifts should be wrapped neatly and usually opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
When dining in The Netherlands, you should remain standing until you are invited to take a seat. Men generally remain standing until women are seated. If you aren’t finished with your meal, cross your knife and fork in the middle of your plate; make sure that your knife is over the fork. You should not begin eating your meal until your hostess has started eating. Most food is eaten with utensils, but you may be surprised to know that sandwiches are eaten with utensils as well. Your hostess usually gives the first toast; if you are a guest of honor, you are expected to return the toast later during the meal.
Sources
- "Netherlands (Holland) - Language, Culture, Customs, and Etiquette." Kwintessential.
- "Countries and their Cultures: The Netherlands". Every Culture
