Dutch Culture: Showing Up Unannounced
Planning is Key in Dutch Culture
Spontaneity may be the spice of life, but in the Netherlands, it's often replaced by something more structured: planning. Dutch people love order and routine, and this applies even to social visits. The idea of stopping by someone's house without notice? That’s a cultural faux pas in most circles.
Don’t Just Drop In
Showing up at a Dutch friend's door without prior warning can come off as inconsiderate—even if your intentions are good. The Dutch appreciate their privacy and personal time, and an unexpected visit may disrupt a carefully planned day.
Schedule First, Visit Later
Want to visit a Dutch friend or colleague? Send a message, give them a call, or better yet—make an appointment. Social interactions are often arranged well in advance, and it's not uncommon to plan something weeks ahead.
Even Family Gets Scheduled
In the Netherlands, even visits with close family members are usually scheduled. A calendar invite or text is expected—dropping by spontaneously is generally only acceptable in case of emergencies or with your inner circle, and even then, it's polite to check in first.
The One Exception: Birthdays
While unannounced visits are rare, birthdays (when invited) may come with a more open-door policy for extended friends or neighbors to stop by. But even then, there’s usually an expectation to let the host know in advance if you're coming.
Adapting as an Expat
As an expat, adapting to Dutch scheduling norms may feel overly formal at first. But once you're in the rhythm of planning ahead, you'll find your Dutch friends more than happy to make time for you—with a place set at the table.
More on Dutch Social Norms
Want to dive deeper? Check out our article on Dutch birthday parties to learn another unique custom!