• A firm, brief handshake is the standard greeting that applies to practically everyone in the Netherlands. You will also be expected to shake hands upon departure.
  
  
• One difference in Dutch business protocol is that a male business traveler may initiate a handshake with a woman, rather than waiting for her to extend her hand.
  
  
• Upon introduction, repeat your last name while you are shaking hands. It's not part of Dutch business culture to utter expressions such as "How do you do?" Dutch businesspeople will use this type of expression only to help a visitor feel at ease.
  
  
• When you have not been formally introduced to everyone at a business or social gathering, you will have to take the initiative to introduce yourself. Go around the room and shake hands with everyone, repeating your last name. Neglecting to do this may leave a bad impression.
  
  
• You'll observe that especially close friends sometimes lightly kiss each other on the cheeks as a form of greeting. Bear in mind, however, that this practice is appropriate only when men kiss women or women kiss each other.
  
  
• When you notice an acquaintance in the distance, it is considered poor manners to shout a greeting. Instead, it's recommended that you wave to attract his or her attention.
  
  
• Generally, the Dutch are extremely reserved and will avoid expansive gestures such as hugging and backslapping. Aside from handshakes, try to avoid touching others in public.
  
  
• Ensure that there is plenty of space between you and your Dutch counterparts; standing at least an arm's length apart is a sufficient physical distance.
  
  
• Refrain from standing with your hands in your pockets and leaving your left hand in your pocket while shaking hands with your right.
  
  
• Don't talk to someone while chewing gum; this is considered vulgar.
  
  
• The Dutch tend to despise ostentatious displays of wealth. Moreover, bragging about your high income and myriad of valuable possessions will not impress your Dutch counterparts.
  
  
• During your stay in the Netherlands, virtually everyone you encounter will speak English. Don't feel compelled to ask if someone speaks English--it is assumed and the Dutch dislike being questioned about it.
  
  
• The Dutch customarily answer their phones by stating their last names. Don't be put off by the initial lack of warmth and friendliness in the Dutch telephone manner.
  
  
• Tolerating individual differences is an important part of the Dutch character. There is a prevailing belief here that people should be free to live as they please as long as others remain unharmed. On the other hand, you will have to make every effort not to be perceived as anti-social or underhanded-- traits that are intensely disliked in this culture.
  
  
• It's easy to misinterpret certain gestures used by the Dutch, especially if you're North American. This is because many gestures commonly used in North America have a completely different meaning in the Netherlands. For example, when a Dutchman moves his index finger in a circle next to his ear, it means that he has a telephone call; he's not suggesting that someone is insane.
  
  
• The Dutch have several gestures to indicate that someone is insane. This can be done by tapping the forefinger against the forehead or by brushing away imaginary insects flying in front of one's face.
  
  
• A bent-arm gesture that involves tapping the underside of the elbow is a way of accusing someone of being unreliable--a definite putdown in Dutch business culture.
  
  
• Sucking one's thumb is a way of saying "I don't believe you."
  
  
• To indicate that someone is cheap or miserly, glide your forefinger down the bridge of your nose a few times.
  
  
• Offering feeble applause by tapping the thumbnails together is a sarcastic gesture best translated as "We are not amused."
  
  
• When entering a store, it is considered polite to say "Good day" to the customers and employees present.
  
  
• It will be in your best interests to be polite to all service personnel. You will have to keep in mind that Dutch society emphasizes that everyone is equal, and no citizen is obliged to be another person's servant. Consequently, never treat a Dutch clerk--or any Dutch citizen--in a patronizing manner.
  
  

Reprinted wtih permission
Executive Planet