Product Description
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.

Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include


* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's, don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken


"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Netherlands - Culture Smart
This is a good book for finding out generalities about Dutch culture and customs.The book is written more particularly from a British perspective--and the author seems a bit uncomfortable with some of her subject matter, such as sexuality.Howeer, it is informative and interesting and easy to read through.There is some very good information and some good details and anecdotes, as well.

Amazing little book.
This is an amazing little book; wish I had purchased it earlier.It is factual, interesting, and a quick read.It is especially helpful for those who are going to travel in the Netherlands, but also a good book for those who want to know more about where they may have already traveled.Great little reference. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
CULTURE SMART! is the series of travel guides written for the smart traveler on the go. Each volume is a quick, accurate guide to customs and etiquette. What you'll find in CULTURE SMART!:--All the essential cultural and etiquette points covered, making you confident in a variety of situations.--You'll know what to expect in each particular culture.--You'll know how to behave in specific social and business situations.--Essential attitudes and values are clearly explained.--You'll find the concise writing style makes each topic a quick, easy read.--Each has the same look, page count, and organization for reference use.--Small and light, it tucks into your pocket or purse for on-the-go use.--Culture Smart! books are written by a staff of experts who consult on world travel as a profession. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (75)

Mostly ruined by bad and monotonous writing

First off, to get the obligatory introduction out of the way: Yes, I am a Dutchman myself. I have been living in Japan for the past 5 years, and I am glad to be away from a country that I have no particular fondness for.

I was amused by this book for maybe a chapter or two, but soon it started to irritate me and get on my nerves.
The problem is twofold:

1. The incessant tone of sarcasm throughout the entire book. Bashing on anything and everything that is even slightly out of the ordinary (even if it is something completely common in many countries outside of America), which becomes tiresome quite fast.

2. The overreliance on alliteration as if it were the highest form of Humor, or indeed any kind of humor at all. Sorry, but I grew out of that when I was 10.

The second point is just really lazy writing and is examplary of the writers' complete incompetence in the field of humor (seriously, this is some of the most low-brow humor I've ever read. The charicatures are ugly and unfunny as well).

The first point poses a significant problem. The constant exaggerations are of course a staple of "comedic writing" (used in the loosest sense of the phrase), but the problem is that, for people "not-in-the-know" as it were, it is hard to distinguish between what is exaggerated or supposed to be funny and what is actually true.

Unfortunately though, very little of it actually is true (anymore), since there are a lot of totally outdated customs and practices described in this book, and even then a lot of them are only restricted to very specific parts of the Netherlands.

Wade through the condescending remarks, puerile humor and infuriating writing-style, and occassionally you might find something that is astute, accurate and amusing all at the same time (I found that, in many cases, these are quotes/anecdotes by other people), it's just a shame that these moments are very few and far between.

So true
This book is so true. If you are going to stay in Netherlands you should read it.

Didn't Like It That Much
Maybe it's a generational thing but I was disappointed in the overly smark alecky approach of this book. It's also a little dated. That said, it IS tremendously informative if you can tolerate the excessive cutseyness and I did learn alot. However, I will be taking it along to my local book buyer because I don't want it and won't recommend it. I've just returned from my first visit so I've still got some very sweet feelings about the green heart of Holland and its wondrous history, courage, and 20 million tulips. Was in Amsterdam too, even for Queen's Day which was uproarious all around. This approach doesn't seem that humorous too me and I think if I were to live there, it might hurt my feelings. As I say, could be a generational thing.

Funny and a little too accurate
You might read this book thinking the author is exaggerating like crazy, but he really isn't. The Dutch are some of the most lovable, laid-back, bike-obsessed, penny-pinching, tiny-house-dwelling people you will ever meet.

Everything is written in a semi-sarcastic manner, but its actually pretty accurate from my experience.

Bloody funny!
I've owned a copy of this book since 1992, the year I left Holland to be an exchange student, though that was not the first time I was forced to see Holland through 'foreign' eyes. My late father was English, and he instilled in me the same critical view of the Netherlands that he had had all his life (that part spent in Holland, anyway). Critical, but also amused, bemused, bewildered, niggled, worried, and occasionally utterly gobsmacked. He would often express his wonder in the most hilarious deadpan, which is exactly what this book reminds me of. It is written in a hilarious style that will appeal to both sides of the American humor/British humour divide.

Although the authors are critical, there is not an ounce of ill-will or malice. The observations should make any Cloggie (clog-wearing Dutch person - geddit??) giggle with recognition. Even we Dutch know we can be pretty rude at times (though we usually refer to it as direct), and let's be honest, the Dutch do wear ridiculous shoes, and have a knack for consuming lashings of coffee during cigarette breaks. Not that that is all there is to it. What the authors do is what I would consider good-natured ribbing. At the same time, one can tell they have spent quite a bit of time there.

But I'm not going to give the game away. The book is hilarious, and if you are Dutch and you can laugh at yourself you will enjoy this all the more. If you see in this work an attack on the Dutch, then you've missed the point entirely.

So whether you are, or know a Dutchie who wants a different perspective or you're a confused tourist of the Lowlands, or you have an interest in Holland in general, do read this book. You may even turn into an Undutchable yourself. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Rubbish!Absolute and Total Rubbish!Riddled with factuals errors on every page.
As a Dutchman I have to say that, in my entire and long life, I have never - ever - read a single book that was so factually inaccurate with blatant errors and misinterpretations on virtually every single page!

Has a Dutch person ever read this piece of manure before it went to press?Obviously the authors - both non-Dutch (why?they couldn't find a local [out of 14 million people?] to write this?) have absolutely no idea what nonsense they are ejaculating on page and after page.This is self-evident from the notes about the authors on pages 220 and 221:"Hunt Janin (an American) `visits the Netherlands frequently' while Ria van Eil has obviously spent way too much time abroad to have kept an accurate finger on the pulse).

This "guide" is absolutely rubbish and I grieve for the trees that had to die for this pathetic attempt.I can only shudder at the credibility level of the other volumes.

Intolerant Dutch
This book appears to be at least several years out of date. If the Dutch were ever truly tolerant, they aren't anymore. The book states that the visitor will quickly find that the Dutch love foreign visitors, foreign languages, etc.... The Dutch have become a patently intolerant bunch. But if you think about it, tolerance is only putting up with someone from outside. They've gone from putting up with outsiders to despising them, and wanting most of them gone since the death of Theo van Gogh. This book paints an unrealistically naive, and positive view that doesn't fit with the reality of life in The Netherlands today. That is for those of us who weren't born here, who have accents, or are visibly "different."

Helpful
I read this book before a recent trip to Holland to meet my boyfriends' family.It was really helpful.It provided some basic insights into Dutch culture that differ from American culture.After the 10 day visit, I feel as if the book helped me understand the behavior of the Dutch people I met.My only complaint would be the book's claim that the Dutch are extremely friendly.This is only partially true.They are incredibly warm and welcoming if you are introduced to them by another Dutch citizen.Random people on the streets were really not welcoming or helpful at all.

Good book on life in the Netherlands
This series of books is so fabulous if you want to get to know the country you are visiting, not only if you want to move there but also if you just love to learn more than the surface of a country on your two week vacation. Great to read before and after a visit to the Netherlands. I learnt so much in this book that would have taken me months, years to learn by actually being in the country. Excellent resource.

good tips and a good description of our country (I'm Dutch)
this book should be red by all people that plan on visiting the netherlands.
as dutch person i looked in it (it was a gift) and it is very truthfull ... Read more

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A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette in Belgium

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High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Radio Luxembourg - 1933-1939 and 1951- is the name of a Long Wave commercial radio station that began broadcasting from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in 1933 as a daytime and evening service in the French language from Monday to Saturday and until 12 Noon on Sundays. The station closed down at the outbreak of World War II in 1939, but it resumed service after the War. This article is about the French language service. For other languages see disambiguation links at Radio Luxembourg. The French service has called itself RTL for many years. It still broadcasts on 234 kHz long wave, but nowadays also on a network of FM transmitters throughout France, as well as on the internet, cable and satellite. ... Read more

Product Description
High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Radio Luxembourg is a commercial broadcaster in many languages from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It is nowadays known in most non-English languages as RTL (for Radio Television Luxembourg). The English-language service of Radio Luxembourg began in 1933 as one of the earliest commercial radio stations broadcasting to Britain. It was an important forerunner of pirate radio and modern commercial radio in the United Kingdom. It was an effective way to advertise products by circumventing British legislation which until 1973 gave the BBC a monopoly of radio broadcasting on UK territory and prohibited all forms of advertising over the domestic radio spectrum. ... Read more

Product Description
High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Radio Luxembourg is the name of a commercial radio station that has broadcast in many languages in conjunction with a television service operated from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Radio Luxembourg in English from 1933 to 1939 and from 1946 to 1992 was an important forerunner of modern commercial radio in the United Kingdom. It was an effective way to advertise products by circumventing British broadcasting restrictions that were in place at the time. Following the original close-down of the English language station broadcasting from the Grand Duchy at the end of 1992, the station remained silent, although rumors began to abound that Radio Luxembourg would once again return to the air under new management with a leased English service. Nothing more was heard of the English language service until 2005. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you're conducting business, traveling for pleasure, or even relocating abroad, one mistake with customs or etiquette can leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. International travelers, now more than ever, are not just individuals from the United States, but ambassadors and impression makers for the country as a whole. Newly updated, redesigned, and resized for maximum shelf appeal for travelers of all ages, Culture Shock! country and city guides make up the most complete reference series for customs and etiquette you can find. These are not just travel guides; they are guides for a way of life. ... Read more

Product Description
The spectacular photographs and insider information in this introduction to the often cryptic nature of life in Holland provide newcomers with cultural insight into how Dutch society works. The taboos and dilemmas of modern Holland are explored with contextual information about how these idiosyncrasies developed. Advice about engaging in the main themes of public debate and suggestions for navigating social situations effectively are among the tips provided for business travelers or vacationers. Revealing images of Holland heighten appreciation of the unique beauty of the Dutch landscape and people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Low Sky In Pictures
Very well written.I think you will really enjoy this. ... Read more

Product Description
The Netherlands is a thriving transportation hub for Europe, and a booming center for banking and energy sectors, and other innovative industries. Thousands of expatriate executives and their families are transferred to Holland annually; and hundreds of thousands of visitors come on business.

People from all corners of the globe come into contact with Dutch colleagues and contacts, both in the Netherlands and in their own countries. They all have to "deal with the Dutch," and although the Dutch are becoming more and more cosmopolitan, aspects of their character and behavior still surprise many people.

For instance, the directness of the Dutch, their critical attitudes, and sometimes slow decision-making processes are some of the characteristics that foreigners notice immediately, and may find frustrating. While the Dutch may drive a hard bargain, once agreement has been reached, their word is their bond. They are also noted for their thoroughness, and their energy and ingenuity in discovering and exploiting new business opportunities.

Expatriates working in the Netherlands point out that it is the underlying values and norms of the Dutch that puzzle them most and sometimes irritate them.

For anyone traveling to the Netherlands on business, to live and work in the country, or for anyone who may have regular contact with the Dutch abroad, this unique book - written by a Dutch author - will ensure more effective and enjoyable business and social relations.

This new edition both follows the first in covering Dutch values and norms, and presents an up-dated picture of the latest economic, social and cultural changes in the country. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

a mirror for Dutch abroad
Most books on cultural stereotypes try to be funny. Often jokes work only for those already in the know, or worse, they are misleading to those who aren't.
Aimed at expats and others working with the Dutch, Mr Vossestein has written a serious book. The goal is to inform, not to get cheap laughs (though many of the anecdotes from foreigners interacting with the Dutch are quite entertaining).
Perhaps the greatest value of this book is as a mirror for Dutch travelling abroad. After all, understanding other people's culture starts with understanding your own. This book should be compulsory reading for all Dutch expats.

Please reprint this excellent book
This is the best introduction to Dutch business culture available. It isuncluttered, and makes connections between different aspects of Dutchbehaviour to develop a broad picture suitable for business people from anybackground.

A bridge connecting two cultures
As a Dutch-American cross-cultural trainer I have read the gamut of literature dealing with this subject. Mr. Vossestein's 'Dealing with the Dutch' is the most concise, clearly written book on the subject. The book'snon-judgemental approach gives future immigrants to the Netherlands athorough understanding of and a simple guide line to life in thisfascinating land by the sea. ... Read more