What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Den Bosch?

We asked people in Den Bosch if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"In Den Bosch, it's considered rude to interrupt someone while they're speaking. Always wait for your turn to speak. Avoid discussing personal matters or asking personal questions unless you know the person well. Dutch people value their privacy. Don't be late for appointments or meetings. Punctuality is highly valued in the Netherlands. Avoid making loud noises or speaking loudly in public places. The Dutch appreciate quiet and calm behavior. Don't assume everyone speaks English. Although many Dutch people are fluent in English, it's polite to ask if they speak English before starting a conversation. Avoid discussing controversial topics such as politics or religion unless you know the person well. The Dutch are generally open-minded, but it's best to avoid potentially sensitive topics. Don't leave a mess behind when you're in public spaces. The Dutch take pride in their clean and well-maintained cities. Avoid being overly friendly or touchy-feely. Dutch people are generally reserved and prefer to keep a certain distance. Don't expect service staff to be overly attentive. In the Netherlands, it's common for waitstaff to give customers space and not check on them too frequently. Avoid tipping excessively. In the Netherlands, service charge is usually included in the bill. However, it's common to round up to the nearest euro or leave a small tip if the service was good. Don't ignore bike lanes. Bicycles are a common mode of transport in the Netherlands, and bike lanes are taken seriously. Always check for cyclists before crossing a bike lane. Avoid calling the Netherlands 'Holland'. Holland actually refers to only two of the country's twelve provinces. The correct term to use is 'the Netherlands'," said a member in Den Bosch, The Netherlands.

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