Netherlands business travel information

Doing business in the Netherlands

The latest global business environment rankings published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) put the Netherlands among the top five, making it one of the best places in Europe to do business in from 2006 to 2010.

One of the most important reasons why companies prefer the Netherlands is its highly educated, flexible, and motivated workforce. Dutch professionals are exceedingly internationally oriented and are among the most multilingual in the world, enabling them to operate successfully in companies in any industry, serving clients across the world. This is why more than 400 of the 500 largest companies in the world have main offices in the Netherlands.

The country’s geographical position, with important waterways into both France and Germany, combined with its accessibility and excellent infrastructure and logistic services are other reasons why numerous European, American, and a growing number of Asian companies have established their European head offices in the Netherlands. Consider for example, the Port of Rotterdam, one of the world’s largest seaports, and Schiphol Airport, recognized as one of the major aviation hubs in Europe.

As the gateway to Western and Eastern Europe, the Netherlands enables companies to serve markets in the current and future Member States of the European Union, the Middle East and Africa.

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In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , The Netherlands you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

In case of a medical emergency you can turn to any hospital. Everyone in a hospital speaks at least a little english.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

If your are planning a business trip to The Netherlands it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in The Netherlands. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in The Netherlands to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Use formal names and professional titles.
  Although a hierarchy exist in Dutch companies, it does not really show.
  The Dutch are extremely direct, do not confuse this with rudeness. They expect you to be direct too.
  Be modest about your accomplishments and do not show off your wealth.
  Never interrupt somebody.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  Little time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
  Agenda’s are strictly followed.
  Decision are made by consensus and are made slowly.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter or email with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  If making a toast, stand up.
  Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much and always finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

Some phrases in Dutch

Dutch is a West Germanic language spoken by over 22 million people as a native language, and over 5 million people as a second language. Most native speakers live in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Suriname, with smaller groups of speakers in parts of France, Germany and several former Dutch colonies. It is closely related to other West Germanic languages (e.g., English, West Frisian and German) and somewhat more remotely to the North Germanic languages.

Most Dutch people speak at least some English but sometimes some Dutch phrases can be usefull....

Hello	Hallo
Good morning	Goedemorgen
Good evening	Goedenavond
Good bye	Dag
See you soon	Tot ziens
Yes / No	Ja / Nee
I don’t know	Ik weet het niet
True	Waar
With pleasure	Met plezier
Where?	Waar?
When?	Wanneer?
Please	Alstublieft
Thank you	Dankuwel
Excuse me	Neem me niet kwalijk
I’m sorry, but...	Het spijt me, maar...
May I... ?	Mag ik... ?