How is life in Netherland?

Question

I'm an expat working in Dubai and just got a job offer from a company in the Netherland. Do you know how is life in the Netherland? Have you experience Dubai and comparatively what do you advice? In terms of development, exposure, taxes, life quality, etc...

Answer 1

I cannot say i have experienced Dubai - but from people that have, i think i would prefer to stay here.

Since the previous answer is exhaustive enough - i`d say, come on over for a visit, and check the country out.

If you want, i`d be willing to be a tourist guide.

Answer 2

It's a good place to live and bring up children (speaking as a mum of 2).  Family values are still respected, and it is a society with rules and regulations and by & large which are followed

To answer the first person, Marijuana is not legal in any part of the country (laws apply throughout the country and not to specific parts such as Amsterdam!).  Marijuana is tolerated under agreed conditions and hard drugs acted on stringently.  The simple fact is that marijuana is not a big deal in the Netherlands (like it is with some foreign tourists). Actually the consumption rates in (e.g. teenagers) is substantially lower here than in the rest of Western Europe

Taxes are relatively high compared with many countries in Europe, but you see this back in the services such as education, policing, and public amenities.

Recycling is actively promoted (already for many years).

The Netherlands was in the top 10 counties where people surveyed stated their "happiness".

It is not all sun & roses of course.  The climate is very different from Dubai.  It does rain substantially more here (throughout the year).  Also depending on where you live, there are areas of population density (e.g. in the Amsterdam-Den Haag-Rotterdam-Utrecht area) where the majority of industry is (and therefore people wanting to live close to work).

English is spoken in this same area to quite a high level considering it is not a native language, so you are able to get around (supermarket etc), but it is advisable to learn Dutch if you are settling here beyond e.g. 6 months so that you can experience life to the full

Many tv programs are purchased from the US & UK in English (and merely subtitled in Dutch below) so you are able to watch TV (and cinema movies) in English.  There is a wide selection on offer and many international channels are available on satiliette & digital.

My experience of Dubai is limited to my dealing with colleagues and business associates there (my former company had a warehouse there & a distributor).  Of course over dinner we were able to discuss life in Dubai.

Anyway, I have experience with many foreign nationals (from working in an International company) who live here in the Netherlands, and the vast majority throuroughly enjoy their time here and relish the experience of living here

So personally would say, if you have the opportunity, to take it with both hands.  It is a great experience for both personal growth and of course for your cv!

Answer 3

great place.....i worked all over the netherlands during 1980s.... cant fault it  

Answer 4

Im from America, and I absolutly LOVE the Netherland's.

Great place to live.

Ive been there before.

Great law's..And there Crime is low because they have great law's.

Marijuana is legal in some part's if not all of the Netherlands.

And they also have great beer, and a great nightlife!

Your lucky.!