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

We asked people in Tilburg 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!...

"One that I think I will remember for the rest of my life would be in the early stages of my Dutch period, when a Dutch family I've befriended, invited me to the beach. It was a time when my Dutch knowledge was at "frog’s leg level". So they’ve invited me to join them on the beach, and I’ve told them to wait for a couple of minutes so I can grab my “lichaam dookije” (literally “body towel”). When they’ve heard that expression they laughed until their eyes were full of tears. My assumption at the time was based on the fact that as they have the word describing “hand towel”, there must be a word for the “body towel” (or bad towel). But as it happens usually, while the expression “bad towel” does exist in Dutch, the “body towel” does not. But the effect of my choice of words was hilarious for them," commented one expat who made the move to Tilburg, Netherlands.

Cigna Global Health
Get Quote

With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family. We provide the reassurance of comprehensive core cover, and the flexibility of adding as many extra benefits as you want to ensure you have a plan perfectly suited to your needs.

Cigna Global Health

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Tilburg. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to be mindful of the local language. It is also important to dress appropriately, as some clothing items may be considered inappropriate in certain contexts. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local etiquette when it comes to public behavior, such as avoiding loud conversations in public places and refraining from smoking in non-smoking areas. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations, and to respect them at all times," remarked another expat in Tilburg, The Netherlands.