Hallo / Hello,

Over time I created a list of differences between the Netherlands and America. Some of the differences I’ve noticed are just my opinion, so not all of them are facts. If you have something in mind and you’d like to know whether that’s different in one of the countries, leave a comment and I’ll let you know.
It´s best to view this blog post on your computer, because all comparisons are lined up. Your phone might make it look strange...

The Netherlands America

Traffic lights close to stop line Traffic lights much further away from stop line

Only overtake a car on the left Can overtake on the right and the left

Forbidden to call/text and drive Call and drive allowed (18+), text forbidden

A 2 hour drive is considered long Driving 12 hours through the country is considered normal (with shortstops)

Metric System (meters, kilometers, Imperial Units (feet, inch, miles,gallons,pounds
liters, kilograms)

Euro Dollar

People look younger for their age People look older for their age

Tax is included in price Tax is not included in price

Roundabouts Traffic lights

Few STOP signs Many STOP signs

Dinner at home Get take-out

Fast food restaurants couple times a year Fast food restaurands regularly

M&m’s (chocolate, crispy, peanut) M&m’s (chocolate, peanut, almond, peanut butter, mint, birthday cake,pretzel)

Sports and School are separated Sports and School are connected

Licence plate obligated front and back License plate obligated on the back
- Yellow turn lane (lane where carscoming from both directions can driveand wait until they can turn)

Many traffic lights Few traffic lights

Mayonnaise with French fries Ketchup with French fries

Use of GPS Rarely use of GPS

Forbidden Turning right with red traffic light isallowed

Bikenstocks (sandals) without socks Birkenstocks (sandals) with socks

Birthname Many people go by a nickname

Burp softly followed by “Excuse me” Burp really loud and then “Excuse me”
(This is actually really funny, because people in America burp really loud what makes it kind of disgusting, but then it’s followed by a really polite “Excuse me”, which makes up for it.)

- Garbage disposal

- Teepeeing houses is a traditionsneakily decorating someone’s housewith toilet paper)
(One time my teacher blamed me for teepeeing his house, because he thought it would be something on my bucket list.)

People take their time in a shop People move quickly through the shop

Driver’s license about €1300 (almost the same in $) Driver’s license around $60

Snap fingers is not a common thing to do Snap your fingers and hands is verycommon

Changing lanes is prohibited by traffic lights Changing lanes is by traffic lights isnormal

Most cars have a gear box Most cars are automatic

Mail comes through a hole in the front door Mail box next to the road

Houses have one front door Houses have a front door and a
second door

Houses are close together Houses are far apart

Houses consist of bricks Houses have horizontal slats

Houses are small but have many floors Houses are big, but have one floor

Bread is bread Hotdog bun ONLY for hotdogs (Ilearned my lesson, don’t put Nutellaon a hotdog bun! Haha)

No permission needed from school when you get a job Permission needed from school whenyou get a job

Fence around the yard No fence around the yard