The Netherlands

Etiquette

• The Dutch are famously direct and frank — it is a cultural norm, not rudeness, and you can be straightforward back.
• Stay out of the bike lanes (the reddish paths) — cyclists have the right of way and move fast.
• A “café” serves drinks and food; a “coffeeshop” sells cannabis — they are not the same thing.
• Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; a few places are card-only. Tip by rounding up or about 5–10%.

Tipping

• Restaurants: service is included by law — round up or add about 5–10% for good service, not the 15–20% expected in the U.S.
• Cafés & bars: round up to the nearest euro or two.
• Taxis: round up the fare or add about 5–10%.
• Hotels: €1–€2 per bag for a porter; €1–€2 per day for housekeeping is a kind gesture, not expected.
• Tip in cash where you can — card terminals often don't prompt for a tip.

Useful phrases

Tap “hear” to open in Google Translate, then press the speaker.