Ah, Amsterdam. The city of canals, bicycles, Paracetamol, cheese sandwiches and the whiff of dope from tourists in the centre. If I could have a little advice session with my pre-Amsterdam self, I’d grab a coffee and stroopwafel, sit myself down, and share some important tips. Because let’s face it – moving to a new country is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of “Huh, what?” moments.
1. You will fall off your bike, more than once
Past Me, you’re having to relearn how to ride a bike (not that you were great when you were young), and while you think that you’ll fall once or twice, it will be more. You might even fall off while trying to get on. And don’t be surprised if you fracture an elbow in the process.
Also, always take a cap with you whenever you go somewhere by bike, even if there’s no rain forecast and the sky is bright blue. It’s hard for you to ride with water going in your eyes, and a cap will make the journey a lot more bearable.
2. Learn the art of the “tikkie”
You know “tikkie” (tickey) as the coin people used to put in the payphone (tickey box) in South Africa. Here, it’s the most efficient way of splitting the bill or paying people. It’s a payment request app that ensures everyone pays exactly their fair share, down to the cent. Don’t be shy to send friends a Tikkie for a coffee or sandwich – it will feel a bit shameful and not your style, but it’s the norm here.
3. Don’t try to speak Dutch immediately (but also, do)
You’ll proudly start with “Dank je wel” and “Waar is de WC?”—only to be met with an English reply.
The Dutch will switch to English, not to be mean, but to be helpful. Don’t let this discourage you, and don’t be intimidated by their excellent level of English – they’re considered the world’s best English speakers in a non-native English-speaking country. If you don’t speak, you don’t learn, so try to push through. You could even tell them you’re trying to learn Dutch and want to speak it more.
4. Grocery shopping requires strategy
Self-checkout is the way to go, but some supermarkets don’t have them, which means you’ll need to be quick – both with laying out your goods, and packing them up. The tellers are quick, and they won’t wait until you’ve packed up before serving the person behind you – they’ll efficiently deviate that person’s groceries to another checkout “row” in the same area you’re packing up your groceries.
5. Get comfortable with directness (it’s not personal)
Dutch people are direct. If your new colleague thinks your idea is bad, they will tell you. If your outfit is strange, they might mention it. But the thing is, they’re not being rude. They just believe in efficiency and honesty. Keep this in mind in the workplace – there is no place for wishy-washiness. Say what you mean. Mean what you say.
6. Weather: expect nothing, prepare for everything
Always carry an umbrella (though the wind will probably destroy it). Accept that summer may or may not happen. And if the sun does come out? Drop everything and find a terrace immediately.
7. Find your people
Finding a tribe, whether Dutch or South African, will make integration so much easier. It’s not the easiest to make Dutch friends in Amsterdam, but you’ll find your community, whether through running, Facebook, old connections or new ones.
8. Don’t be a martyr at the doctor
You don’t need to be strong at the doctor, like you were in South Africa. No need to downplay your symptoms, or show bravery, as it might only land you with Ibuprofen when what you really need is an X-ray and a cast for your fracture (future me knows this first-hand, or, first arm).
Be direct with what you want or think you need, know why, and show that you’ve tried to heal/treat the problem yourself.
Tanya, succes, en veel plezier! (good luck and have fun!)
