Conversation
Welcome topics of conversation

General Guidelines

• Be aware of recent political events, both in your own country and in the Netherlands, since the Dutch tend to be keen on discussing politics. Don't, however, get involved in a political discussion if you are not well informed.
  
  
• Don't call the Netherlands "Holland" since that term specifically refers to only two of the 12 provinces that make up the country.
  
  
• Contacts are vital to doing business in the Netherlands, so make a point of remembering the name of every possible person who could give you or your company a good reference.

Welcome Topics of Conversation

• your home country or city
  
  
• your flight and accommodations
  
  
• politics (if you know what you're talking about)

Topics to Avoid

• boasting about your income and possessions
  
  
• asking personal questions
  
  
• criticizing the Dutch Royal Family
  
  
• religion
  
  
• sex/legalized prostitution in the Netherlands
  

Reprinted with permission.
Executive Planet