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Travel Tips
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Traveling to the Netherlands
Editor’s note: Global business, and subsequently, global business travel, continues to expand rapidly. In response, CWT Traveler will provide to readers each month in 2007 insights and tips on traveling from North America to other countries around the world. This month’s installment focuses on the Netherlands.
In business:
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As one of the top dozen trading nations globally, the Dutch are straight-speaking, sophisticated, and experienced businesspeople. They expect honesty and any backtracking on what can be perceived as a promise will cause a loss of credibility.
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Time and the use of it are critical: never be late for a business or social appointment; respond immediately to requests for information, quotes, etc.; deliver products and services quickly; and acknowledge all important communications upon receipt.
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Appointments are carefully scheduled and will not be changed on short notice. Meetings begin with little socializing, as small talk is not considered an effective use of time. Dutch executives are straight forward and efficient.
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When conducting business, back up claims with plenty of data, keeping presentations clear and direct – the Dutch are objective and analytical and do not tolerate exaggeration or an attitude of superiority.
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Decisions in Dutch firms are based on consensus, so corporate decision-making may be slower than in North America. However, once a positive decision has been made, all involved parties will be committed and ready to act quickly. Employees at every level in a Dutch company are valued and respected equally.
Good to know:
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Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands; however, most speak at least one other language. Currently, there are at least 16 languages in use and English is commonly understood.
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Shaking hands is customary upon both arrival and departure.
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Rather than say something like “Pleased to meet you,” many Dutch simply repeat one’s own last name. Business people should never have their left hand in their pocket when shaking hands.
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If not formally introduced to someone at a business or social gathering, businesspeople should introduce themselves to avoid making a bad impression
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The Dutch have very little public physical contact, maintaining more personal space than is common in North America. Privacy is highly valued; details about personal life will be shared at times, though personal questions shouldn’t be asked outright. Spontaneity is not appreciated.
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The Dutch like to discuss politics - be aware of political news in the United States as well as in the Netherlands (many incorrectly refer to the country as Holland; however, Holland is a specific area in the Netherlands).
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Business dress is quite conservative - dark suits with white shirts or blouses are often worn, and the same can be worn for dinner. Casual wear is similar to that in North America with the exception of shorts, which are worn only for athletic activities such as hiking or running.
Source: “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries,” by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Published by Adams Media of Avon, Massachusetts.
IAMAT offers English-spoken medical services worldwide
While no one wants to think about getting ill or having an accident in a foreign country, CWT recommends travelers be prepared just in case. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) can help – it provides information about health risks; geographical distribution of diseases; immunization requirements; sanitary conditions of water, milk, and food; and environmental and climate conditions throughout the world.
IAMAT, which is a nonprofit organization registered in the United States and Canada, also provides a network of English-speaking physicians with an agreed upon first-consultation fee: office visits cost $80 USD; house and hotel visits cost $100 USD; and visits during the night, on Sundays, or on local holidays cost $120 USD.
Membership is available by visiting www.iamat.org. Members receive access to the IAMAT directory that lists participating physicians, specialists, clinics, and hospitals in 125 countries and contact information for each; an ID card entitling them to first-consultation fixed rates; and an IAMAT Traveller Clinical Record for completion by the traveler’s physician prior to departure.
Source: The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers
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