Amsterdam is an easy city to do business in: efficient, English speaking and well organised. A few practical points will help you fit in from the first meeting.
Etiquette
The Dutch are direct, punctual and egalitarian. Meetings start and finish on time, so aim to arrive a few minutes early. Hierarchy is downplayed, and everyone in the room is expected to contribute, so do not wait to be invited to speak. Directness is valued as clarity, not rudeness, so take frank feedback in the spirit it is meant.
Language
English is spoken almost universally in business and hospitality. You can run meetings, order dinner and get around without a word of Dutch, though a simple “dank je wel” is always welcome.
Money and tipping
It is a card first city. Contactless cards and phones work almost everywhere, and some places no longer take cash. Tipping is modest and never obligatory: rounding up, or roughly 5 to 10 percent for good service, is plenty. See our full guide to tipping in Amsterdam for the details.
Connectivity and common sense
WiFi is reliable in hotels, cafes and coworking spaces, and an eSIM or EU roaming keeps you connected on the move. Amsterdam is a safe city by big city standards; the main thing to watch is the constant flow of bikes, so look both ways before you step off a kerb.