It goes beyond that in the Netherlands. A lot of bus lanes have their own traffic light system -- they have very small lights to show when they can go or stop. :)
For buses, there would be a normal traffic light controlling only a bus lane, usually labelled with the blue buses only sign. It's not very common, but I know a couple of cases in London.
I can confirm that. As a US software developer, I have pondered going to live and work in the Netherlands, and I've done some research. Their visa for knowledge migrants (kennismigrant visa) seems to be very easy to apply for and would pretty much apply to anyone who reads this site. You do have to find an employer willing to sponsor you though.
The Netherlands is vastly more friendlier to skilled migrants than the UK, which seems particularly xenophobic at the moment, and I think it provides a much friendlier experience than Germany. They have expat centers (http://www.hollandexpatcenter.com/ and http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/expatcenter) that were establish to help immigrants get established and figure out the rules, cultures, and customs of the Netherlands. I've been impressed.
They also incentivise skilled migration by providing a 30% tax scheme for anyone moving there from outside the Netherlands, where 30% of gross income is tax free for a longer period (I think it's 8 years).
I've even spent a couple months learning Dutch (gemakkelijk, maar de uitspraak is moeilijk), although that probably isn't necessary. I hear that English is almost universally spoken in the Netherlands.
I'd certainly be interested in hearing any tips you have. I have over 10 years of web development experience. No mobile app development experience yet, although I'd like to get into that.
I've spent some there and can confirm a few things:
- English is spoken by a lot of the Dutch (esp. in bigger cities it's almost everyone)
- The Dutch are friendly people and are generally happy to help a stranger
- 30% tax ruling is a boon in a place where the cost of living is high. Please do your calculations carefully before you consider moving to The Netherlands and ensure you have some clarity from your potential employer about the 30% tax ruling. Also remember that if you lose the 30% tax ruling, you (almost always) lose it for good.
- unlike the usa where the visa process treats you like a potential (or a convicted) criminal, the Dutch treat their guests well. I only have good things to say about the process of moving to The Netherlands.
- no amount of reading or watching videos will help you understand how the Dutch are, unless you live among them. They are straightforward, down to earth and a relaxed people.
If you have made up your mind to move to The Netherlands (please do your calculations on earnings vs cost of living before that!), let me know how I can contact you and I'll refer you to the employer who got me to move to Holland (if this prospect interests you).
I have researched the issue lightly, and am told that EU rules are particularly ...bothersome. Is it true that an EU company has to advertise for/and keep open a position for 3 months and show that none of the applicants met the requirements as compared to the non-EU applicant to be able to hire them?