Where the Journey Begins

🇳🇱 Things That Only Make Sense in the Netherlands

By Anonymous -


1. Biking in a Suit During a Storm 🚲

  • Dutch people bike in any weather — wind, rain, snow, even dressed for work or in heels. It's the norm!

2. Separate Trash Bins for Paper, Plastic, and Organic Waste… but Different Rules in Every City

  • Recycling is taken seriously, but every gemeente (municipality) has different color bins and rules.

3. Paying with Tikkie Instead of Cash 💰

  • Going out with friends? One person pays, and the rest use Tikkie to send their share instant

4. Keeping the Curtains Open 🪟

  • Privacy is not as important here — many Dutch people keep their windows wide open, even at night. It's considered gezellig (cozy) and open.

5. Eating Hagelslag (Chocolate Sprinkles) on Bread for Breakfast 🧁

  • Yes, chocolate for breakfast is perfectly normal in Dutch households.

6. Not Small Talking with Strangers 💬

  • Dutch people are polite but direct. Don’t expect small talk at the checkout — just efficiency!

7. Appointments for Everything 📅

  • Want to visit a friend or go to the doctor? Always make an appointment, even if it’s weeks away.

8. King’s Day (Koningsdag) Mayhem 👑

  • Once a year, the whole country turns orange, throws parties, and people sell second-hand goods in street markets.

9. The OV-chipkaart Puzzle 🧩

  • Public transport works great, but the system is complex and confusing at first — especially tapping in and out on every transport switch.

10. Grocery Stores Not Accepting Visa or Mastercard 🛒

  • Many Dutch supermarkets only accept Maestro or Dutch debit cards, not international credit cards.

11. Paying Monthly Rent by Bank Transfer💸

  • Cash is basically extinct. Bank transfer is king, even for rent, taxes, and more.

12. Limited Store Hours on Sunday 🛍️

  • Most shops open after 12:00 PM on Sundays (or are closed entirely), especially outside big cities.

13. Bread for Lunch Every Day 🚵

  • Lunch is often just bread with cheese or cold cuts, no hot meal. Practical and quick!

14. Bikes Having Right of Way Over Cars 🚵

  • In many areas, bikes are the kings of the road, and cars must yield to them.

15. People Saying “Lekker!” for Everything 😋 

  • Food, weather, naps, showers — everything can be “lekker” (delicious/good/nice).

16. Sharing One Cookie with Your Coffee 🍪

  • You’re often offered just one cookie with your coffee!

17. Sinterklaas is Not Santa Claus 🎅

  • The Netherlands has its own December tradition, Sinterklaas, which predates Santa and is celebrated on Dec 5th.

Location: Netherlands

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