Discussion
Tomorrow I leave for the Netherlands, which I've never visited. I haven't been to Europe since 2015 (to the UK; last time I was in continental Europe was Spain in 2010).
Anything I should know about basic life shit or courteous behavior or whatever that I'm likely missing? I'm sure the "things the surprise Americans" list is different _somehow_ compared to over a decade ago.
(Any Netherlands-specific information would also be appreciated. The "traveling while trans" angle isn't a major worry.)
@klara As a Dutchie who's never been to the US it's hard to give you etiquette pointers.
For getting around with public transport, it's useful to consult https://9292.nl/en. You can use credit cards and debit cards to pay at the fare gates or in buses nowadays.
Watch out for bikers, even though they generally stick to their lanes. Be mindful of fatbikes in particular. They're popular among young teens (without helmets), cities are looking into bans for them.
@gu4n Ooh, thank you!
What does "fatbike" mean here?
@klara They're black, afforable e-bikes popular among youngsters, they look like this: https://www.dutchnews.nl/2026/04/amsterdam-presses-ahead-with-vondelpark-fatbike-ban/
There's been a surge of accidents involving them. Even before the introduction of e-bikes tourists could be surprised by the recklessness of Dutch cyclists. Since the arrival of fatbikes even locals complain how dangerous biking lanes have become. So be careful! :)
And feel free to ask any questions here or through DM during your stay! 
@gu4n Oh, those. We have them here too, and, yeah, I don't know if it's something about the bikes themselves or just the people likely to ride them, but I sure do associate them with being annoyed at someone who just did a very questionable bike lane maneuver.
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