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Day-to-day Living in the Netherlands

Windmills, wooden shoes and tulips are a few of the things that characterise the Netherlands. However, the image that the Dutch prefer is one of international business sophisticated, hard work, tolerance and fairness.

Because the Dutch speak English so well, it's easy to think of them as being very similar to us. This is a untruth. They have priorities, beliefs and rather formal social rituals that take some getting used to. They are forgiving of faux pas foreigners make, but are more comfortable with those who take care not to. Ostentatious display of wealth, the overbearing type and bragging are frowned upon things there.

Most Dutch don't appreciate having a reputation for being freewheeling, and believe they are misunderstood in other countries, so avoid talking about sex (or the fact that prostitution not illegal) or drugs (some of which are decriminalised, and most of which are tolerated).

Property

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying property either for their own use or as an investment. Property ownership does not guarantee being granted residency.

Houses are commonly rented unfurnished, which may mean without appliances, door or window coverings or even lighting fixtures. Electricity is 220 volts.

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