Expat life: American things that don't make sense | American in Amsterdam
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
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💬 We're Sean and Jessica from the USA and are now expats living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands since 2014. We travel all around Europe to discover new places, good food, and memorable experiences. You'll also find a bunch of Amsterdam content because we love our new home city! Follow our European travel adventures for food and fun 😄
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I have lived in Belgium for over 20 years, I would never ever move back to the USA. We raised three children on one income, my younger two are in university now our out of pocket expense for both of their degrees is less than I paid for two semesters at a community college and the healthcare is excellent. The quality of life is so much higher and much less stress.
Sigh, very envious
I'm an American expat who has lived and worked in the Netherlands for the past 28 years. After I got laid off my job in the U.S., my future looked pretty dim. I knew the lay-off was coming, and I wanted to see if life would be better in a European "socialist" country. I had been studying Nederlands, the Dutch language, and after three visits, and more language study, I took the plunge, came over, and stayed! I haven't had it easy - it's very difficult to get citizenship here, but I have never wanted to live in the U.S. again.
Your video is good, but you fail to mention the critical, and perpetual housing shortage, especially in a city like Amsterdam. This tiny country is terribly overcrowded, and every square centimeter of dry land is worth a fortune! For the rest, yes, you pay higher taxes, but you benefit directly in many ways. You don't have to own a car since there's good public transportation, and you won't pay anything near what you'd pay for insurance in the U.S. No one ever goes bankrupt because they can't pay their medical bills. The medical care I've received here is excellent and world standard.
There is no perfect country, but I have everything I need, and many of the things I want. I'm retired now, and I have no financial worries at all. What Americans call "radical, left-wing socialism" is simply mainstream in most European countries. And by the way, the Netherlands is most definitely a capitalist country. Has been for centuries!
@obimk1 The first bubble was also here, the tulip crisis ;)
I agree with you on the housing market, it is a really big problem. I live in the Netherlands and i own a house that is a bit too big for me now that my children moved out. I can sell it and make a huge profit, but then i would have to buy a smaller house, and they are so very expensive now, it's not worth it and i would loose any of the profit i had made. I earn too much to be able to rent a "social rent house" so if i want to rent i would have to look at the free market and those prices are insane. And i don't even live in Amsterdam or that region. I am especially worried about the young people now, the generation of my kids, they live in crappy studenthouses and cannot find anything decent to rent and will never be able to buy (because of their studentloan).
@obimk1104 The first Stock Market was in Antwerp!
@obimk1104 Antwerp in 1531. In fact it was a "Beurs". Mainly goods were traded, but also debt securities such as loans and bonds. And i am not talking about Belgium!
@obimk1104 and why are you using the word "onzin". That is not very polite. Oh yes. Maybe because you are "Hollander"!
Since 2014!!!! I've been here since 1972. Imagine how bizarre the States look to me at this time!!!
I'm sure it's a big difference!
The US has jumped the shark.
@@ryanlockhart7613 Thank you. I have no F***ing idea what that that means.
You haven’t lived until you have tried shark jumping?!?!?! That’s probably a bot.
Bizarre to me too after 18 years living in France.
I always tipped 20% in the US unless the service was bad, then still 10-15%. I've been here for four months now and I truly miss a lot of foods from the US because they're so different here (like every vegetarian dish), but I love the price of food in the grocery stores. There is an entire store here that just sells oils and kinds of vinegar?? AMAZING. I don't miss driving literally everywhere like I had to in the US.
Join the Americans in the Netherlands Facebook group, its great for finding were things are sold if they are sild here or in the EU. Like English muffins are sold in most German grocery stores. Chili pepers can be ordered online from westlandpeppers. You just need to know where to look.
@@michellezevenaar thanks for letting me know about that group! I've asked to join.
Yes, the US is wacko! A lot people don't even know it. A lot of people are proud of it. Excellent video!
They are so insular and quite ignorant
@@phoenix-xu9xj ???? The Stupidity of people ( deplo....s ) is enormous .
In Norway you would pay zero dollar per month for general health care. From day one. Even as an expat on a temporary stay.
Your "down to earth" realistic and pragmatic view strikes me. Being Dutch, I've been at the other side of the pond for several prolonged times, and decided to stay at this side because I couldn't understand the very same things (and more) from "the American way". At these matters there is simply not enough (by far) cooperation and solidarity. It's just all about making money as fast and as much as possible, not about building or maintaining the community with some common sense. It's a pitty.
Correct, competion over cooperation, sad place, I live here.
@@patglennon9671 I sincerely hope for you, and future generations to come, that your people can make that change of mindset into a more inclusive, cooperative, trustfull society as a whole. My guess is, that the way we live here in the Netherlands, ai public healthcare, public transport, social-security is based on trust. We trust each individual to pay taxes and be a supporting member of society, we share a sense of common solidarity to protect the sick, the poor and the needy as a standard from wich our society measures the level of humanity. Our government is commited by law to uphold these standard of living for everyone. I am passionate about the US. Always looked up to your nation as a beacon of light for democracy and freedom. The french nation gave you the Statue of Liberty, we gave you New Amsterdam -New York. The brave young US soldiers liberated our country the Netherlands from nazi occupation. That sacrifice is, was and will always be remembered by our dutch citizens, over 75 years, every year we rember and celebrate our liberation and freedom, thanks to you. The reason why I am passionate about this is; That I wish ALL the people from the US a standard of living that is more from the basis of equality, solidarity and trust in eachother. And to have the oppertunity to become a more humane society. I wish you well, you and your loved ones, stay healthy..greetings from the Netherlands.
Have lived in US for over 12 month, know the society a little bit. What is striking to me is Americans don’t want to pay for other people. They don’t want to pay tax for better public services. They don’t want to pay health insurance, etc. They seem to be afraid their money will flow to the less privileged. Solidarity is a bad thing? They all go to church but their interpretation of the Bible differs much from the European interpretation of taking care of the less privilege. If that doesn’t change they will drift away from civil societies. They people are oké but they are not able to built up a nice community. Makes me feel said for the people who have to live there.
@@paulsjoerd Thank you Paul for your insight in the american society. I do believe that since the "60s that sense of community is diminished. The big coorporations have taken over politics, and the self-centered consumerism is the way to live. That combined with a lower standard of education, information about the existence of common vallues that can bind people as a nation, has in my vieuw been erased from peoples outlook. I fear that the existence of the US as a nation is under threat. And yes I also think they read the bible differently than in europe. The bible is being treated like a symbol, like the flag, the constitution, the declaration of independence, the WE is covered under a lot of symbolism, but the I , in the ego-centered manner as mentioned before, is just that. "I don't want to pay money, in taxes, to pay for somebody else, to pay for public services? " They, were not raised, educated and informed in that manner. The big corpoorations , they don't want a united people, humane society. They want a devided, not well educated people, who work for almost nothing so they can make more money. I sincerely hope that the US can turn around, and really unite , to become that civil society!!
…healthcare is all about money in the U.S. If you don’t have medical insurance and get sick, you can go to the local emergency room and must, by law, be treated. You will, however, be billed for your treatment. It could a few hundred dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you don’t pay the bill, you’ll be hounded by bill collectors until you do or until the health care provider deems the money owed is “uncollectable”…even if you have medical insurance and you see a doctor or go to a hospital and are seen by doctors who are not ‘in network’, you’re going to be billed for the full amount charged by the provider. Again, a difference in paying a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars…it’s ridiculous but it’s the way it is…
I’m an expat in Italy, since l was 19 and married an Italian, and though we divorced after 30yrs. I would NEVER go back to living the hectic crazy rat-race in the U.S.!! It is WAY too expensive for what you receive in return😕 And all these “choices” just make people anxious!! We don’t need MORE, we need to enjoy life and RELAX!! In Italy l live a very good life, just 1 1/2 hrs. from the mountains (with winter snow- the only thing l miss!) and 20 min. too the beach by foot😊 on the Tuscan coast. Without mentioning the beauty and amazing food!! BTW I’m now 73😉
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
I am living in France for 18 years. My husband died in January 2024. It will take time to adjust but I was thinking to move either to Italy or Slovenia.
If we Dutch do not wanted to pay taxes,we would be under 10 feet of water...
yes offcourse,,that is the reason why the water is now streaming along the taxes on Limburg :) I pay about %45 of my wage to Dutch government for what? what do I get in return? Healt insurance? I pay montly 375 euro for my family and also 800 euro for risks on top...hospitals are joke in Holland,we saw that during pandemics.I have been twice in US, best thing in US is people decide what to do with their money, in Holland the government do it for us,,so in US u guys have more freedom.
Haha😁
@@Isimsizbirisi724 Until you live in the us and need to go to a hospital, where you can leave all your savings behind to pay the hospital bill.
@@gert-janvanderlee5307 I have no savings thanks to Dutch goverment so in my case no difference :)
@@Isimsizbirisi724 There's a big difference. If you don't have savings you're going to be working to just pay off the hospital bills for the rest of your life.
US states also have a lot of 'mandatory fees' that aren't called taxes but do add up to them paying for things that are included in tax here....
What do you mean with "paying for things"? In the U.S. retail prices are displayed in stores without sales tax so when you make a purchase a state tax (in New Jersey where I'm from is that 6%) will be added to the total sales price. It's not a mandatory fee but a sales tax that is mandatory in the U.S. That sales tax percentage in the U.S.varies from state to state. Here in The Netherlands retail prices are including VAT (value added tax) what the Dutch call BTW. That's the difference. Another difference is that when you have dinner in a restaurant in the U.S. it's a custom you tip the waiter or waitress who serves you, that's about 10 to 20%. If you don't tip them that is considered an insult and in some cases the waiter or waitress wil follow you to the door asking why you didn't leave a tip..In The Netherlands tips are not as common as it is in the U.S. Tips are smaller in The Netherlands because the prices in restaurants are much higher and the staff in The Netherlands get a much better pay check at the end of the month than in the U.S..
@@MrWtonckens I think I understand what Robert tries to say. When I look at my phone bill here in Texas I see 10 additional charges added to my monthly bill i.e. 911 tax, township charges, etc. The original price at the provider is posted lower, but you still get hit with extra charges.
In Pennsylvania there is about $1 tax on milk.
What I find silly in the States is the ingredients on packaging: per serving instead of per std. weight.
It's impossible to compare between products or to know how much you consume because a serving is not standardised.
Every design is driven by profit making, not efficiency nor environmental oriented.
I don't believe that large scale shops like Wal Mart would stand a chance in the Netherlands. Most Dutch people do their shopping "commando style". You have a list of things you need, you get them, pay them and get out of the shop as fast as you can. Huge shops take more time to cover and most Dutch people don't want to waste their time in endless aisles with 10 000 different brands of the same product.
"We've been using Calvé mayonaise since I was born, what do I need those 500 other brands for? None will ever be as good as Calvé."
In Belgium, we like Devos & Lemmens 😉, but the reasoning is the same.
I agree! I stick to French made mayonnaise. 😆
High taxes?? If you work for example as a nurse in the Netherlands you don’t need a second job to survive. So how are taxes an issue?
I wasn't complaining about taxes...that's the issue.
@@aWanderlustForLife Luc is agreeing with you : )
I think the US is on a very dangerous road to the future.Cities are mainly roads for the car and the dwellings are far far away from the center of the towns.It takes so much space that there will be a time that it isnt possible anymore!
The US has around 330 million people, Netherlands 17 million, US has 3,797 million square miles of land, Netherlands 16,040 Square miles, big difference in space and population, living in a rural area away from the city here in the USA is normal, space for a few chickens and a few goats, you can live your own lifestyle, without the government getting in the way.
@@cayminlast
You should compare the US to the EU. The Netherlands is small and efficient, but most of the things she said about the Netherlands in general are also more or less applicable to Germany, France, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, UK (though no EU-member anymore), and to a lesser extent also Spain, Italy, Poland, etc. All in all a large economical and geographical area, with hundreds of millions inhabitants.
@@cayminlast without ??? Never have been in a country with such a F...ed up judicial system and having laws for every move , step etc . The space you mention has nothing to do with Yousa you can find it as well in parts of the U.K. or Russia for example
@@cayminlast size is irrelevant. 50% of US car trips is
Exactly, and if you try to ride a bike in a lot of US cities you are risking your life. The fundamental problem here is political will, people don’t want things to change. So you end up adapting or getting out. I am thinking of getting out. Things here are not going to change.
13 years ago had a sever stroke and was taken to the hospital by ambulance where I stayed for to two weeks till all necessary tests were done. After that I spent six weeks in a rehabilation centre to learn how to walk, speak and so on again. Nothing of that all costed me single penny. Because I am not able to work anymore I get 80% of my last wages. The government provided me with an electric tricycle, a house maid to do the things I am not able to do myself and cheap excess to a taxi service, both for short and long distances. For all of that I pay 20 euros a month myself. I often wonder what would had been my fate if this would had happened to me in the US.
This is the scary thing that I didn't realize how scary it was until I moved here and realized people were treated...well, as people. I've been lucky to need minimal care from the health system but just to known it's there is such a relief! I'm so had (and have) you have the support you need. ❤
Easy answer Maartje: homeless or dead!
@@Turtlefast235 I am afraid that's all too true.
Number one reason for filing for bankruptcy protection in the US is medical bills. Sigh
Portugal good wine is less than 5€ and 5€ is an expensive wine
True!
Leuke video. West Europese landen zijn inderdaad fijner om in leven dan US. Maar pas op met Amsterdam en je eigen (rijke) situatie als norm te gebruiken. De rest van Nederland kent veel fijnere plekken om leven.
Ik zou nog niet dood willen vallen in Amsterdam. Het is mij een totaal raadsel waarom iemand daar zou willen wonen.
Mijn man zou nooit naar Amsterdam verhuizen! Ik vind Amsterdam wel leuk voor een dagje maar hebt geen behoefte om daar te wonen. It zou graag bij de Veluwe willen wonen, Apeldoorn of zo.
Voor jou fijner betekent niet voor iedereen. Niet generaliseren
@@Linda-hs1lk Logisch dat er een enorm huizentekort is. Niemand wil hier wonen. Het scheelt weer dat ene Linda hier niet wil wonen, maar wel even wil zeuren. Typisch.En gezien je leeftijd… zielig.
Even many "Eastern European" countries are quite liveable, you know :)
I immigrated back to my ancestral homelands in the Czech Republic, and we have national healthcare based on solidarity. We are in this together, and we generally get very good care. No copay, co deductibles; and it costs only six percent of my income, which is a little below the median income for the country. My life has improved in so many other ways, as well. Consider relocating if you are so inclined and able. A far better life awaits you.
Pretty much living in europe is better than in the US that's the conclusion
I spent a year in the US and fully agree with all points you make.
It's a different kind of place, for sure!
When I was in the US, paying the bills after dining was always complicated for me with all the tipping fees etc
Yeah what isn't complicated over there ??? Even the stupidity is...
Well, I’m Dutch but to me it always seems that the current society in the USA was designed by millionaires for millionaires. Since I’m not a millionaire I’m very glad I was born on this side of the pond…
Totally understand!
Me too!
Should be designed by trillionairs, run by billionaires for millionaires....the rest just scraping by or become homeless.
Agreed
I loved it when in the background 'The Smokeboat' drifts by.
How much more freedom do you want ?! 😎. . .😃
😂
The American view on hating taxes makes perfect sense when they take out plenty of taxes from us but seemingly get nothing good in return.
I guess, but still education, parks, infrastructure, police, fire, rescue squad, and many other things get it but could be better.
Although I think you can speak and read Dutch after being here so long, I don't want te be rude, so I try my best in English. :-)
Yes I'am very proud about our health insurance system in the Netherlands, even though it can be improved. If I wish anything for te U.S.A. it is a systemen of health unsurance like here (or in some other parts of Europe). Because nobody in the U.S.A should have to take more than one full time job, just because they can't otherwise pay for their Health insurance.
In Italy I've never heard of people doing any math before tipping a waiter. We do it just if we are satisfied with the service or if we want to leave the spare change, and usually depends on how many people you have in your party (waiting a big table is hard). but I never left more than €10, since you are already paying €1/€2 each for "coperto" which is a cover charge.
Yeah, everywhere in Europe is different than the US.
Yes, I usually tip 10%, unless service charge included - or poor service. (UK)
2:31min "Smokeboat" casually driving through the capitol's river. Nice!
I love public transportation in Europe. When I visit the Netherlands I take the train to a Hotel in Zaandam and take the train everywhere else, specially Paris.
Love taking the train to Paris! So easy!
In America the patient decides the treatment. Your doctor will advise you on treatment, but they will prescribe you antibiotics if you want it, even if you don't need it.
In the Netherlands the doctor decides the treatment. If the doctor thinks a paracetamol is sufficient you won't get anything stronger.
The basis of Dutch health care is that the body has incredible potential to heal itself and recover without any long-lasting side effects.
American healthcare is about the quick fix, not getting sued and seeing patients as customers rather than.. well ... patients.
In the Netherlands everybody gets healthcare, try that in the US if you don’t have health insurance
Healthcare in Belgium is a lot better. I know because I have family who lives in Utrecht. Doctor is free and without appointment, dentist cost 3,5€ for the annual control and fixing when something is wrong. Many dutch people come to Belgian hospitals , because no waiting list and cheaper. But we pay also for the healthcare. About 4€/month. It’s the only thing that is good in Belgium, for the rest we have a lot of problems……
@@449RaphaelIn world healthcare ranking NL and BE have been switching places for years. Currently BE ranks 13th, NL 14th and we are separated by 0.1 point, so that is not "..a lot better..".
@@rustug75 what are you talking about. My niece gives birth in Utrecht. She almost died. NL is like a third world country! They had no place, you have to wait and it was a dreadful experience. 3 hours later they kicked her back out!!! No wonder the dutch close to Belgian border all wanted healthcare in Belgium. If I call my house doctor on a Sunday at 7 am, he is at my place 10min later. Try that in Holland. You have to wait 3 weeks for an appointment and you have to visit himself. By the way my doctor comes for free. I live in hellhole Belgium and have family in Holland. We now both sides. And where you find a dentist for 3,5€ and that is even expensive because at “de voorzorg” (states healthcare) it’s free or as we say “gratis”
@@449RaphaelPersonal experience vs. global numbers by reputable, independent organizations. I'll go with the verified numbers instead of an unverified internet rant.
I went to see a friend in the UK once and we went to the 2nd largest 'type' Costco. I don't know how it compares to the USA Walmart, but I was blown away. The insane amount of options really gave me a lot of stress.
Also they didnt have anything similar to Dutch cheese so I was bummed out by that. Only these weird cottage cheeses, fake cheese or French cheese
It is so stressful! Whyyyy so many options?
So funny when the smoke boat passes behind her. You can smoke a joint and see Amsterdam at the same time.
So my guess is: without car-centric US layout of cities their would be a lot more stores and wallmart wouldn't have that many options.
In the Netherlands tips go into a pot and will be distributed amongst all workers at the end of the day. I'm not working in a restaurant or something like that, but that's what I heard from people who are.
5:24 funny thiexpeiance i had with tiping here in new zealand .. its not reallya think here but like i had watched tv and most of thats from america so i always wanted to to say "keep the change" i later found out that its actuly really annoying for the cashier becuase when they do the tally at the end of the day their incoming/ out goings dont match so they actuyl have to do alittme more work to explain where the extra came from when people tip lol or at least in big stores like super markets i suspect at owner operated stores its a win but yeah lol just thought id sshare :)
Have you tried any of the Dutch bitters such as Terschelling's Schylser Jutters-Bitter or the more acclaimed, Juttertje Kruidenbitter from Texel, the latter of which you can sip at the better brown houses throughout the Netherlands. I recommend patronizing Have van Texel at the foot of Sint Olofssteeg (as an Amsterdamer, you will know the place) where to order a round. My wife and I one Saturday night polished-off an entire bottle of it at the back table overlooking the lock where Modesty Blaise was filmed. As an American, Juttertje tastes like the old Luden's cough drops that came in the burnt orange package but you probably do not remember. In the Netherlands the Anti Flu drops in the orange wrappers you see on the streets are just like the old Luden's from Reading, PA. I suggest getting the black Anti Flue tasting like the old Hills Brothers black drops. The similar bitters from Terschelling and Amaland are not nearly as good if given a choice. I do strongly recommend any of the Terschelling cranberry liquors such as, Brandaris Cranberry Liquor. Better still - I strongly recommend exploring the island and West Terschelling, about five-hours by train to Harlingen via Leeuwarden and take the "slow boat" (two hours underway) to savor the journey....and keep the island your secret.
Thank you for this! I'm not usually a gan of bitters but always willing to try. And I'm saving your tips 😊
There is one point you mis in the system. Basically your general practitioner is the axis. And that system starts from birth. It is monitored along the way, changing from one to the other means all your information gets transferred too. It makes it possible to catch the things that could happen beforehand. And that general practitioner plays an important part in it.
Thanks for the information!
Great video! I remember hearing several times in the past on how the food quality in Europe in general is so much better than it is here in the US. I've also never understood why food portions are so huge here. Sure, I enjoy eating a lot of food, but it can get quite excessive when a "family sized" platter is considered an entrée for one person. I also agree with you about the tipping. After traveling outside of the United States and Canada, I've preferred the way tipping (if any) is done over in Europe. The same goes with sales tax. I know in Europe that the VAT is added automatically to the price of the food which makes it easier to calculate how much your meal is going to cost compared to here in the US (or even Canada) where you have to also factor in the sales tax plus the tip. Thank you for the video!
I didn't even think of the sales tax! That is so true. Apparently it's so strange that it didn't come to mind 🤣 It's just funny how quickly we adapt to a new system. Thanks for your comment! It's always so great to read other people's perspectives!
@@aWanderlustForLife About the food, there is something about chlorinated chicken, and other products (not allowed inside the EU)
About the tipping ( i am Dutch) i always try to make it a round number if there is a bill at the end, and as far as i know the US has between 15 and 20 % expected tipping. (ridicolous , give them a decent wage and the tipping is a bonus for the entire staff on that moment, month)
About the video, i thought the music was to loud (for me) i personally even think you don't need the music, but liked the content.
Oh just ssshhh....beta male..Everyone in the world would perffer to live in the USA...if not, you are kuku...
@@alfonsoamador958 I won't.
@@erikaverink8418 Me either! Another point to mention is that you have far less of a chance to get shot here than in America!
Great vid 👌🏼
Thanks!
thanx great! love it Well done!
Teeny-tiny little supermarkets are peculiar to the Netherlands*, it seems to be the way their grocery chains have evolved even Albert Heijn XL is barely above a mid- sized UK supermarket. If you nip over the border into BEL you will find Carrefour hypermarkets with much larger selections than you see anywhere in NL.
* Maybe not unique - German supermarkets tend to be quite small too, but UK, FR, ES, IT all have equivalents to Wal-Mart sized stores
Really? I feel like the AH XL are the perfect size 😂
love the eyeopening for an american and sharing specially fom the BEST city in the country
About public transportation: it's also important for people that already own a car. If there's less people on the road in a car, chances are you could actually drive more than 50% of your travelling time instead of waiting in traffic. 😁
hi fun to see this great video to see the differences in both cultures im dutch from holland amsterdam living in the usa topeka ks sins 2002 ,what still socks me is all you can eat and drink buffets or the free re fill of drinks at burger king or mc or that supermarket just hands out shopping bags or coupons
Food sizes are not small
US just has jumbo overlarge sizes compared with every country in NL
The chicken or the egg.
As kids we are told to clean our plates, it’s wasteful not to. In a restaurant ofc you don’t have to clean your plate, but most of us are wired this way. Asking for a doggy bag is NOT weird, but usually not neccesary, since nobody wants to throw away food, so we have normal portions.
Tips are nice, not obligatory. But the prices on drinks are high. And no free refills. They make more money on drinks than on food. So they really don’t like it when you don’t order a drink.
I only tip if the food or the service are exceptional
@ A Wanderlust For Life
Have you ever come across "Jovie's home" ... ?
Highly recommended.
She's an American living in The Netherlands ( not Amsterdam, though) comparing USA and NL and also just reporting on her Dutch life in general.
I have! I'm glad you have another channel to use as a resource as well 😊
@@aWanderlustForLife well, I´m German ...
So, I won´t need it as a "resource" ;)
I´m more interested in the perspective from an American point of view.
6:54 we don’t have Doggy bags. But we have our favourite in the Netherlands, white plastic tray’s. We love them. You can ask for them if you order too much in a restaurant. Btw, why wouldn’t you visit The Hague. It’s only 1 hour from Amsterdam central station.
I have been to The Hague! Not long ago actually. I'll be back soon to make a proper video, though.
@@aWanderlustForLife Nice! You should have to visit the Zeeheldenkwartier, it’s great.
Please send any other recommendations! 😁 Especially places to eat...or drink 😉
@@aWanderlustForLife Watch the area. You can eat and drink everywhere over here.
Hi, Jessica, good show, nice comments 👍
Thank you!
I love your reaction, very, very nice,
America is committed to the idea of a permanent, exploitable underclass. That is the reason for many of the things you outline here. Many people think it is right for people to have to work 3 jobs to survive -- or to die without insurance.
My question, is how do we change it? And why are we, as Americans, okay with it and still think we're the best country in the world?
Animalistic , denying human intelligence , thats the u.s.
I think you hit on the main points. I love to live in Europe :-) And I think a lot of people love to live in the USA. Some things are weird on our European minds and maybe some Americans will think much more of the American life. I still don't understand how any one can vote for Trump.. ;-)
Absolutely. Some will certainly love the USA more, it's just not for me😋
Hans, people voted for Trump because he did what he said he would do. We don't trust the media. They are propaganda.
@@penguinsfan251 You're right! He did what he promised! He build the wall at the Mexican border, he repealed and replaced Obamacare, he cleared the national debt, he deported all illegal immigrants, he rebuild infrastructure, he procecuted Hillery Clinton! Unfortunately you don't read about that on CNN!
@@JohnBlutarski Ya know something,.....he did as much as he could do with the Congress against him.
As for you,, Blutarski, the hottest places in hell are reserved for left wing Poles.
Now, for the Dutch....and their euthanasia....and hideously ugly politicians who badmouth Poland in the EU......yeah, life is easy in a tiny homogenous country whose defense budget consists of buying squirt guns on clearance at Wal Mart in July to make room for the back to school stuff.
@@JohnBlutarski 😂
Love you!
You missed the biggest difference between Holland and the USA regarding health insurance. If you are unemployed or poor, you will be provided with healthcare for free in Holland, and that goes for education and housing as well. Your apartment for example will be paid for if you are unemployed or you will get a house or an apartment that was built by the state for people who live on a small income.
Wasn't this the first thing I spoke about?
@@aWanderlustForLife You said I think, that they find a mechanism to help people( there are ways to help you get it) who can't afford healthcare, it's not as vague as that. Dutch people like all EU citizens have a legal right to healthcare, everyone pays insurance and if can't afford to pay it yourself the Government pay it for you. If you live on a low income you will already be in the social welfare system, so when you go to the doctor or the hospital they will already know that. And of course, that includes free medication as well.
The reason I mention it is I lived in the US, In Cape Cod and I know Americans hearing you say there are ways to help you get healthcare, will think it's similar to the charity Organizations who help people in the US pay their medical bills.
As you know the delivery of healthcare is different from country to country in the EU, in the UK it's paid out of general taxation, same in Ireland, Germany is closer to Holland in that everyone pays health insurance.
I enjoy your very informative videos.
I worked for a multinational US Company, after 18 years the company was buyed by a bunch of investors and the company was taken of the stock exchange. First thing they did was cut cost by selling factories and get rd of white collars.
Than they outsourced HR, Logistics , IT etc...
I worked at IT-department and they sacked worldwide most of the IT employee's . I felt so unlucky how they treated my collegeas , BY telling them 2 days before, giving them a box to fill up with personal belongings, leave it on their desk, and come back on saturday to collect it together with their Letter and social securence for 2 months.
He asked me what I got , we had a social plan which gave me 1.5 of my salary for 4 months + bonus for each year I worked for them (17) and of course pay out of my rest of vacancy days, there was even a possibility to get courses to make you have a change to get a goodjob . He could not believ me... So sad
Nice!
It is like me being in Atlanta after first few months. You forgot about sales tax. Going to McDonald's to get something for a dollar and having to pay 1.14 or so. Bloody irritating
That's another annoyance about America...why not display the full price ffs, it's not hard. The tax will be shown on your receipt.
@@eleveneleven572 indeed. I must confess that there are also many things I appreciate when I am there, but that is more related to the lack of it in NL, like excess in everything
Taxes are also paid to pay for schools, roads, the water works to make sure we don’t all drown, in short, the infrastructure, for the police , security, army, health care and many more things.
That was a nice video. I visited a few times the US for work only, so I am certainly not an expert. We have some American friends, and my Swiss wife used to life in DC ( and in Canada Toronto ) for a couple of years and she can confirm most of it, although it is 25 years ago. My wife hated it that she always had to calculate how much she had to pay at the restaurant (VAT, Tip) since she is a language person, not a mathematician. I personally liked the friendlyness of the staff in the US when I visited the country (with the exception of the airports, where it was a big contrast). What I always find strange is that you have that enourmes choice in the US when going to one of those megastores, but when it comes to politics, you only have the Democrats and the Republicans to choose from. So strange for such a huge country with so many different states. On the personal side I like americans that I know. Great humor, easy going, helpfull and generous. Get along with them very well. Anyway greetings from a dutchie living in Switzerland.
I think having a percentage is already strange ad then working in a more expensive place automatically earns you more money which does not make sense. I would say why not add a plate fee then instead like they used to do in countries like France and Italy?
Tipping in France isn’t really a thing, because service is by law included in the bill. Many people leave the loose coins from their change (if they paid in cash) or a few euros if they’ve spent the entire evening having a meal with friends, but it’s considered normal to leave nothing if you’ve just had a casual beer or coffee. It used to be very different - for example I once heard that waiters in the pavement cafés along the Champs Elysées paid the owners of the establishment for the « privilege » of working there, then made a decent living from tips ( I’ve never been sure if this was actually true!), and you certainly could see waiters remonstrating with customers who were leaving without tipping. 10% was considered then to be about right.
So the price of eating out in the US is the price of the food +7% +20%? Or is there no tax over food? Do you tip over the tax? So 100 + 7 + 21.4?
Are you getting the 7% as the tax? If so, that varies by state. I did a quick Google on my state and it said there is a prepared food tax on top of sales tax. Keep in mind it's been a wile since I lived there and almost 3 years since I've been there, so I can't be absolutely sure. But generally, yes. There's a tax (whether food/sales/both) then the 20% tip. Whether you tip on the subtotal or after tax is hotly debated.
Good work
Yes, US needs to pay living wages to their staff and not rely on tips.
I dont think the vastness of options is real and true. Most of it is just branding- myriad of different brands( not unusually under the same corporation) but the actual content is the same, often literally with just different logo or trademark on the packaging. And second even if the product is different in some meaningful way is it really someone wants or buys or just marketing ploy to get ppl into shop and strengthen ones brand recognition cos sometimes when there really is some great new product or flavour then it often just disappears suddenly( maybe its 1cent too costly or 1 additional step too difficult to produce when theres so many almost the same but cheaper option they could flood market with using just few more litres of some almost harmless chemicals) and no-one can buy it for years only to be introduced decade later as time limited premium option with tripled price tag as they banking on perceived exclusivity and ones childhood memories.
I dont think if one really compared and checked the thousands of supposedly different items in your Walmart there would be so many different options for one to choose from left.
Quality wine is the wine you like the most. Doesn’t matter how cheap or expensive it is. Most French people drink the cheaper land wine because it is as good as the expensive ones.
You still live in Amsterdam?its Nice during the summer, evereybody outside (if no rain)
Not leaving anytime soon!
It is also nice in other parts of the year. Why should it not. Of denk je dat het alleen in Amsterdam regent?
Regarding tipping: I feel like if you can't afford to run your business while paying your employees an amount that they can live on, then you're not running a business, you're running a slave plantation.
In the states, especially at a sit-down/white table cloth restaurant, I would tip 20%. Because of these new iPad pay registers that prompt you to tip I find myself even tipping 20% on coffees and bobas - though not all the time. The tipping culture is getting worse because of the iPad registers imo
Drop the smartphone. Every action is saved under your name.
Internet privacy is a joke. A serious joke.
Health insurance in America is about profits. It's not about healthcare. I looked and The Netherlands has what Wikipedia refers to as a "universal private health insurance" system. That's sounds a lot like what the ACA (Affordable Care Act) originally intended to do. The big difference between that system and the system in The Netherlands is their system is highly regulated. It's not a big free-for-all in the name of profits like it is in America. As for taxes "paying for someone else's..." (healthcare, food assistance, etc.), America is all about me, whereas most other western nations, such as The Netherlands are about we. In America it's about what's in it for me, what do I get from it, etc. Referring to the living wage, it's not paid in America because it's all about people at the top; corporate leadership and shareholders. Why pay people a living wage when it cuts into the CEO's massive bank account or shareholder value. Again, the food issues is about profits as well. Why regulate food when it cuts into corporate profits. As a kid I do remember when food portions, even at fast-food restaurants, were not ridiculous here in America. A large soda was 12 ounces, maybe 16. Now that's a small.
Another important point about getting sick: your sick days are paid by your employer. Maybe not your full salary, but at least 70%.
Good point. I just think it's crazy that you have to earn a sick day/ user a day off if sick. That just makes people work while sick and get others sick and they won't be at their best and may take longer to get better. I know i get better faster if i take 24-48 hours and lay off the couch. Let my body do its thing without forcing it to work.
@@aWanderlustForLife 'Earning' sick days: Like if it even is possible to 'plan' to get ill.
@@henrischutte1968 Many people fake a depression to get paid less monthly but they never have to work a single day until there docyor says they can work again
@@timiverbesselt6613 That's not their doctor to decide. When you are sick, especially for a longer period of time, besides your own physician you also have to see the 'bedrijfsarts'. His job is to guide you back to work again. If he can't within 2 years, you will be laid off.
When I am in the States I always tip 20%
Very good video! One remark though: the plural for Euro is Euro and not Euros.
Thanks! You had me curious so I did a little digging. Looks like it can be both Euro and Euros...mostly in English they say Euros. But I did check the dictionary to be sure! www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/euro
I guess you get more Amrican stuff here than the other way around,..if I am correct..I like your video..COOL!
People waiving by as they boat along is so awesome
Agreed! I didn't know until i was editing but i love it!
A lot of Dutch people gonna wave when they see someone vlogging and they think they are in the picture.
I think:"That's how we are", we like a bit attention.
My first King's day was also my first King's Day vlog and near the beginning, someone came up behind me and started talking to the camera. It was hilarious! You'll have to go back a ways to find it, but it's a gem.
This video was shoot 100 years ago. People love camera’s. ua-cam.com/video/6tykGHGhC00/v-deo.html
I have what could be called the public option. I get free health care from the VA. Now, I have a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath and one car garage in a city you might have heard about LAS VEGAS. My condo cost me $82,000 and the mortgage including property taxes is $415.00 per month.
I have a Honda vtx1300cc motorcycle that cost me $3,200 and was pretty much new looking when I got it.
Most of these are way beyond the cost in the EU. For what I paid in america.
Depends on where in Europe...it's pretty varied.
@@aWanderlustForLife How much did the home you purchased cost you?
Very expensive in the Netherlands.
@@449Raphael Yes, that's what my friends from germany. Also tell me that having a home would be very expensive on having a nice home and car.
@@orangeguy3314 yes, a home in Amsterdam is minimum 500000€ and still you have nothing special and no garden….
Great location to shoot this Vlog 😎
Thanks! I noticed, while editing, all the people waving to the camera!
Begin Geldersekade, schuin tegenover de Schreierstoren als ik me niet vergis.
Close! But a little farther down. The view you see is Kadijksplein
@@aWanderlustForLife vlakbij de ijtunnel
Thanks for this video Jessica :) Question. You mention that you are a resident. What would be the benefit to becoming a citizen? Any thoughts on that?
I think one day i may take the tests to become a citizen. But i would have to give up my USA passport. Benefits would be that i have more voting rights and it is an EU passport, so i could live and work anywhere in the EU. There is also a resident permit that allows a lot of this as well, but it also involves the tests. I didn't know about that option until recently. A passport feels more secure to me, that's the main thing.
@@aWanderlustForLife Oh right, the EU passport makes it so you can live and work all over the EU. Giving up the US passport would be tough for me to do, just out of fear, undefined fear but fear none-the-less heh. So there is a tier of resident in the Netherlands above what you have as a Permanent Resident? That's interesting, I wonder where I can learn more about that? Very much appreciate the response.
@@nee9011 europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/documents-formalities/eu-nationals-permanent-residence/index_en.htm Just google it with the country you'd want to live in (legally) first and that will give you the best advice. Good luck with everything
I was always wondering what Americans thought about our way of living as a lot of things in the US where questionable to me. And so to you I see. We are living the Dutch dream I tend to think. By the way: how is your dutch? ;-)
I start Dutch classes again soon because I'm not confident with it. Can't wait to get better!
@@aWanderlustForLife Gewoon doen. We lachen je niet uit ;-)
American exceptionalism is a huge thing, everything we do here is obviously the best way. Then there is misinformation. Socialized medicine means you have to wait for years. We have ‘progressive’ folks here but it is the vast minority. While Jeff Bezos pays no taxes, I think Amazon does not either, and our homeless population grows. The land of plenty has become the land of plenty of problems. Nowhere is perfect but I think things are better in the EU for the average person. Jeff loves it here though.
I think it is normal for the USA to have less public transport and more cars. That is because of the long distances between all those smaller towns. So a big car helps out with transporting a lot of stuff over a big distance in 1 go. The big cities are a different story though, but there sufficient public transport imo from what I remember.
_"So a big car helps out with transporting a lot of stuff over a big distance in 1 go"_ Sorry, what?
Are you talking about a some large home moving company or just shopping for groceries like meat, milk and bread once a week to keep the family happy?
@@FrankHeuvelman Talking about groceries, furniture, planks, tools and such. If you do groceries for a (couple) of weeks for your family, then you won't do that in a mini.
@@Vincrand
A Big car needs a lot of gas and gas gets more expensive by the day.
@@FrankHeuvelman Still cheaper to drive a distance one with a big load than driving that same distance multiple times with a smaller load.
If you don't need to drive with a big load, then there is ofcourse no reason to drive a big car (aside from esthatics and such).
@@Vincrand
Yep, blablablah.
You really don't get it, do you?
if a place puts XYZ dollars/euros on a menu. I pay that and not a cent more, if they need taxes added to that well sucks to be them but then they should put that at the prices so I know and don't need to calculate things myself before sitting down.
Be honest about your prices and don't hide them. I'd rather go to jail than pay extra because a person hid that information for me. I wonder what would happen if I told someone just straight up "sorry but this food was not worth the extra tip/vat, if I knew it would be I'd never ordered it anyways, as it is not special at all (most restaurants aren't, honestly)".
Curious if you've ever tried this because it's in most, if not all, of the US as far as I know. Just because it's not the way you are used to, doesn't mean you can ignore it.
The only thing bizzare is the prices
Spreek je al goed nederlands ?
I have never “spent a night in a restaurant”. The moment you finish your dish, you get the bill and you’re expected to leave😃😃
Exactly! While in many places, the table is yours for the night!
That's terrible. Anything less than 2 hours is pretty much seen as an insult to the chef. If the food is good, stay and enjoy. And dessert. And cheese. And coffee. And a liqueur.
18%-20% is the norm or average, Personally for really great service I never mind paying 20%-25% .
Same!
Oh, in Denmark Heathcare is part of the tax paid! It is not FREE at all but paid for by all tax payers, so the price for the single unfortunate, becomes much smaller!!! And we also pay the price which is named on the goods, without extra taxes on top! In fact it is illegal not to give the full price!!!
I agree with everything you said about the United States. Two things seem most annoying about America are the extremely high priced health insurance and the lack of public transportation. If you tell someone, it's for the good of society, they scream about lack of freedom. I'm not sure there is freedom when other people suffer at a societies' expense.
Having lived in a few different places (countries), I find life in the US less restrictive and personal choices easier to navigate, depending of course on which state you live in. Allowing the authorities to control too many aspects of life in general, turns the population into dependants, not a bad thing if that's what you desire.
6:06-8:06 - Dutch eat less and grow larger than Americans. Very informative video btw, thank you.
Thanks 60 year old American here living in Pittsburgh PA. I agree with all of your observations. Wish more Americans would realize we are slaves to over priced health insurance / care here. Would love to live / retire in the Netherlands unfortunately don't think thats possible.
Contact the dutch embassy and take it from there, good luck
I think it's hard for many to imagine a different system since they've never had it. I wish you luck on your journey!
Eggs are more regulated in the US.
sounds odd since so many says there is less regulation in the US. The egg things has to do with how the eggs are treated in the factories. In Norway we have the eggs in the fridge as well. I didn't even know it was different. I know our eggs are washed and a new coat put on. It's not about more regulation, it's just different.
the nl is rated the third best healthcare system
I'm a spaniard who lived in the US fm '68.....experienced a lot of degradation....so much that the thought of regret creeps on me more and more often lately USA and the USAns are best described as.....the worst kind of blindness ios that of the one who does not want to see....the downward spiral is felt, no sense on denying it....
In the US, a huge chunk of their taxes goes to the military, but Americans never complain about taxes being high because of that. They don't even complain when the military budget is increased, which it is every year or two. Mention having better social services, though, and they raise a ruckus about taxes, even though they could have better social services without raising their taxes at all if they'd just spend less on their military, but they won't hear of that.
Well that but the military is also an extremely corrupt enterprise to so the amount of tax money wasted on overpriced weapons is staggering given the defense contractors are written a blank check with profit as the number one motivation. There is also the problem of the tax system where there is only one means of generating public funds and that's taxing the bottom 80% of people on everything. There is no taxing of the corporations and the rich, and there definitely is not a method of state-run businesses that generate public funds from profits. It's actually extremely dangerous that Americans are manipulated to believe such a rigged game because the US government while it relies on the private sector to run the economy and define the political landscape, it's actually foreign governments that are propping up the deficit and investing in the infrastructure and providing skilled labor etc. for the country. This is very compromising from the point of view of a xenophobe given the hatred of pretty much every non-Northern European race by the white majority in the US. It's as much a lie as any when you see the US known for its "diversity" yet people remain in their genetically similar groups and harass people who marry anyone with melanin lol. It's honestly a land of irony, which Americans are notorious for not knowing what that word even means. Spouting that they're free when clearly their country was founded on indentured servitude and slavery. Not trusting the medical industry to vaccinate their children and in the same breath give their children up for countless unnecessary surgeries that diminish quality of life, denying men and women orgasms with genital cutting for example.
I now tip a minimum of 20% in the U.S. as the minimum wage hasn't increased here in 11 years. And you're right about if you can't afford to pay a living wage to your employees, then it's time to evaluate whether you really have a viable business...
Yes! It's a big social change, but it need to happen
Valid “Why’s”
It’s all going to change for the better in the U.S. though.
You will be surprised to learn the answers through the historical connection of Amsterdam and NYC and why the USA has evolved to what happened.
I know quite a bit about the Dutch in the USA and the history but is there something specific you think I should know? Also, why do you think it will change for the better? I'm quite removed from it all, so I'd love to hear any updates 😊
@@aWanderlustForLife In a nutshell. A ship called the Speedwell would carry the Leiden group to America while another ship called the Mayflower was hired to take passengers who weren’t necessarily travelling for religious reasons. They landed in NYC not Plymouth, Massachusetts. The first stock exchange started at The Beurs van Berlage.and why the NYSE exists today. This was contributed during the 80 years together with the Holy Roman Empire.
All for Gold within the trading industry between Moluccan tribes and Algonkin tribes. Greedy reasons in wanting to maintain control of money: It’s all going to change as more truth is revealed for the good for all.
Yeah, keep on dreaming Engelina, It's the only thing you've got left.
I think the proper American phrase for this is "being delusional". A word that can not be translated into Dutch because it's all but non-existent here in the Netherlands No offense. I'm so sorry.
Do you benefit from Amsterdam 30% rule by chance?
Nope. Why?
@@aWanderlustForLife Oh I was just wondering. I know that’s an attractive thing for some expats so they don’t pay so much in taxes.
We were local hires, and are happy to pay our fair share. Since you only get it for so many years, I feel like it would be jarring when you lose it! I know people who got mortgages when they had it but the same payment when you don't get the tax break is much harder.
I am disappointed in the Dutch selection of serials. On holiday in the US I tasted Lucky Charms and it was great, but back here in NL... nowhere to find.
It surprised me to learn how much US expats , living in the Netherlands, like or even love our country. And by that experience are more aware of things in the US that don't make sense. I like the expression "paying out of pockett" as in low taxes in the US, but extra costs are made out of pocket. Everything in the US is commercialised, made for the money, so you have to pay extra charges. So people who serve you a meal in the US are extra friendly to you , for that extra tip you give, cause that is the main part of their wages. That means that the interaction between people is more money driven. That is one of the main differences I think, it changes the whole dynamic of a society, of how people relate to eachother. My worry used to be, the americanisation of our society, through an overimposing cultural impact via media, movies etc. Not a day goes by that there is not an american sitcom, talkshow on tv. Now I realise that we as Dutch, or we as Europeans should be more aware of our own strenght and identity. As in a more independent attitude towards the US as our "big brother"..and to the rest of the world. But according to you, expats living here, we are doing very well indeed!!
I think so, at least! I'm sure not everyone appreciates the systems, but I do find them superior in a lot of ways.
Yes, in the US too many derive their identity from the amount of money they earn and it's how almost everything in society is gauged.
@@Scott__C I do hope that the power and influence of big companies like Apple, Microsoft and what have you, the power they have on politics will diminish. I sincerely hope that the US will make a change, more into people. As in, talent, knowledge. So that every person's talent is contributed in society, and from that the real true vallue of the people as a whole, is the real capital of the US. Meaning everybody included, black, white, native people, chinese, etc. I hope expats living here in europe can continue telling the people back home, what can be improved in the US. Make that ChangeUS21stcentury...
Regarding the living wage, in Seattle I think the minimum wage is 15 dollars, a youtuber went got coffee bagel and Avocado it was 12 dollars ! Needless to say he will be taking sandwiches next time .
Ouch!
When they raise the minimum wage, business use that as an opportunity to raise prices; the same with apartments. When the minimum wage went up here a few years ago, my sister-in-law's apartment manager raised the rent, and even told the tenants that this was because they could now afford to pay more! Boy, was my SIL angry.
Why would that only apply to minimumwage ? Here in The Netherlands it's the jobs with the higher degrees which salarys which has skyrocketed in the last couple of years. The medium and minimumwage have lagged behind. Only 12 % of jobs earn minimumwage but somehow they will make everything more expensive but with higher earners you never hear this argument. There is huge gentrificatipn going on in Seattle as well. Thats the reason why prices are rising. But hey lets not raise it and have us all spend money on taxes for food stamps so that they can eat something.
Perhaps Americans don't have the imagination to understand that paying taxes is exactly the same as paying insurance. Everyone pays but only those who need it receive just like insurance, the biggest difference is that there are no corporations making billions and trying to deny treatments and services to increase profits.