What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in The Hague?
We asked people in The Hague 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!...
"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting The Hague. It is considered impolite to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as dressing too casually or too formally can be seen as disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the Dutch custom of taking off one's shoes when entering someone's home, and to respect the Dutch custom of not discussing religion or politics in public. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Dutch custom of not tipping in restaurants, as this is seen as an insult," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to The Hague, The Netherlands.
"Oh, I've committed many! And that's okay, it helps you become part of the community. Once I confused the word for greetings (groetjes) for vegetables (groentjes); another time I confused the words for 'rent' and 'prostitute'. Definitely be willing to laugh at yourself," commented one expat who made the move to The Hague, Netherlands.
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Traveling Mailbox serves thousands of travelers, expats, digital nomads, businesses, individuals and others in over 47 Countries by scanning their postal mail so they can view it online anywhere in the world. They provide customer service 7 days a week so if you need assistance, it is just a phone call away. Traveling Mailbox works with Evernote, Bill.com and Dropbox. And, there are Traveling Mailbox apps available for iOS and Android devices.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in The Hague?
If you live in The Hague, newcomers to The Hague would love to hear your answer to this question.