¡Hola a todos! Today, we’re exploring the top 10 cultural shocks a Mexican might experience when moving to the Netherlands. If you’re considering making the move or just curious, stay tuned! 

Direct Communication Style

Number one: People in the Netherlands are straightforward. For example, if you ask someone if they liked your presentation, they might say, ‘It was okay,’ instead of sugar-coating it. This honesty can initially feel blunt, but it’s just how they prefer to communicate. 

Punctuality is Key

Number two: Punctuality. If you’re invited to a meeting or dinner at 7 pm, you should arrive exactly at 7. Being late—even by five minutes—can be seen as disrespectful. This is completely opposite to what we have done many times in Mexico, where we may organize a gathering at 8pm if we want everyone to be there by 9pm. This also relates to public transportation, which is scheduled by the minute. Trains run at 18:03, and buses stop by at 8:12am. This does not mean 6pm or 8:15am; time is not rounded up or down here. 

Cycling Culture

Number three: The biking culture. In Dutch big cities, bikes can outnumber cars. You might see entire families biking to school or to grocery shops. For example, I once saw outside of a house in Amsterdam 2 adult bikes with a seat each, plus a small kids’ bike, it seemed like a family of 5. This is completely normal here, and by the way, just some weeks back, one of my Dutch friends told me, “It’s great, imagine the traffic we would have if each of these cyclists were instead driving a car every morning. It would certainly be awful. 

Language Barrier

Number four: Language. While many Dutch people speak excellent English—sometimes better than native speakers—Spanish isn’t widely heard outside of communities. However, not finding Spanish speakers does not surprise me as much as when I meet a Dutch person who does not speak English. That is a shock! I once had a very embarrassing experience at the cheese stand at the local Friday farmers market. There was an immense queue, and by the time I could order some cheese, the seller did not speak English AT ALL. I ended up having a massive piece of old Gouda… I wanted a small piece, but this was dry, so it had to be half a kilo… anyhow, a disaster! Now it’s funny, but at that moment I felt pretty helpless. 

Less Emphasis on Hierarchy

Number five: Less emphasis on hierarchy. In Mexico, you might call your boss ‘Señor’ or ‘Señora’ and show deference or even be reverential. In the Netherlands, they often address everyone by their first name and treat each other as equals, like calling your boss by their first name in meetings. This is something that I am now used to, I learned it from my master’s degree, a time in which, as students, we could call the teachers by their first name. Then I just transferred it to the workplace. That is something I cannot think of doing back in Mexico in my study time, and in general, in Mexico, we tend to have differences with older people, as a gesture of respect that the Dutch don’t seem to need. 

Agendas and Personal Space

Number six: Agendas and Personal Space. Dutch people book everything in their agendas, including social gatherings, even if that means having a coffee with a good friend. These kinds of bookings can be arranged 2-3 months in advance, unlike the spontaneity of Mexican society, in which people can arrange a spontaneous gathering any given day without previous notice. I admit that I have adopted this practice; I carry this pocket-sized agenda in my bag, which I more often than not pull out of my pocket in case of need.  

Work-Life Balance

Number seven: Work-life balance. The standard full-time workweek in the Netherlands is usually around 36-40 hours, and many workers leave the office immediately. People value their free time, unlike Mexico, where long hours and overtime are standard. In Mexico, we value our free time, but there is pressure and expectation to do extra hours at work. Speaking of the 36-hour work week, I am fortunate to have a 4-day workweek of 36 hours, meaning that I go 9 hours per day to work Monday to Thursday. This is simply priceless, it is like having 52 extra vacation days per week and working only half the month… I should soon make a video on this topic alone. 

Bureaucracy and Rules

Number eight: Bureaucracy. This one gives me mixed feelings. The Dutch can indeed have rules and procedures for everything. Although they may be demanding regarding requirement fulfillment, this is very calming because I am always sure that procedures are established to be encouraged and respected. There is no such thing as having a friend of a friend helping you out in solving or speeding up a procedure, everybody has access to a fair, well-organized system for everything – subsidies, housing, bank accounts, residence permits, taxes, payments, trash collection… I understand it may be so organized that it can feel tedious for many if you’re used to more flexible systems. But I still prefer the Dutch way. 

Social Norms and Etiquette

Number nine: Social Etiquette. This one is one of the scarce ones that I have not gotten used to when you meet someone in the Netherlands, a simple ‘Hallo’ or ‘Hoi’ and a handshake are common, but also the triple kiss on the cheek is! Until today, I have found it quite impractical and awkward. But many do it, and I always say I’m surprised every time – “Ah, yes! Here you give 3 kisses!”  Unlike Mexico, where hugs, kisses (but just one on the cheek), and lively chats are the norm when greeting friends.

Cultural Celebrations and Traditions

“And finally, number ten: Cultural celebrations. Mexican festivals like Día de los Muertos are vibrant and centered around family. In contrast, Dutch celebrations like King’s Day involve dressing in orange and street markets, which might feel more reserved or less family-centric. However, one of the most colorful and fun, friends and family-centric celebrations I have enjoyed the most here in Maastricht is the Carnival days, which are celebrated every year in February or March, varying yearly. 

So, those are the 10 cultural shocks that I, as a Mexican, faced when moving to the Netherlands. Embrace these differences—they’re part of the adventure of discovering the world, and also oneself. ¡Hasta luego!

Kisses,

Sofía