10 Reasons Brits Moving to the U.S. Struggle to Adjust

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10 Reasons Brits Moving to the U.S. Struggle to Adjust

Moving to the U.S. from the UK can be quite the transition. Everything from the way people chat in the stores to the size of a dinner plate seems just a bit different. Here’s a light-hearted look at some of those challenges that might catch Brits off guard when they first set up life across the pond.

1. Sales Tax Surprises

When Brits shop in the UK, the price they see on the tag is what they pay at the register. Simple, right? Not so in the U.S.! Here, sales tax is added at the checkout, and it can vary wildly between states, counties, and even cities.

This means you might think you’re paying one price, only to be greeted with a higher total when it’s time to pay. It’s a confusing system for newcomers who are used to all-inclusive pricing.

2. Giant Food Portions

Ever ordered a meal in the U.S. and wondered if they’ve confused your order with a family platter? You’re not alone. Many Brits are shocked by the huge food portions served in American restaurants.

It’s common to find meals that could easily feed two or more people on just one plate. While it means you often get leftovers to take home, it can be quite surprising at first glance!

3. Overly Friendly Customer Service

In Britain, a quick ‘hello’ and ‘thanks’ is often enough chitchat when checking out at the store. In America, customer service can involve inquiries about your day, compliments on your outfit, and sometimes, a life story! This super friendly service can feel a bit much if you’re not used to it, making some Brits long for the more straightforward service back home.

4. Tipping for Everything

Tipping in the U.S. isn’t just for dining out—it extends to nearly everyone in the service industry, including baristas, taxi drivers, and even your average Uber driver. Figuring out who to tip, when, and how much can be a real headache. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule, which adds to the confusion and the feeling of never knowing if you’ve tipped enough or too much.

5. Healthcare is Ridiculously Complicated and Expensive

Navigating the U.S. healthcare system can be a nightmare compared to the UK’s NHS. From insurance plans with deductibles, copays, and confusing coverage limits to the substantial bills that can follow even a short doctor’s visit, healthcare in America is a minefield of complexities and costs that many Brits find baffling and frustrating.

6. Cars are a Necessity in Most Cities

Unlike many places in the UK, where public transport can get you to most towns and cities, in the U.S., a car is often essential. Public transportation options might be limited or non-existent, especially in suburban and rural areas. This reliance on cars means dealing with car payments, insurance, maintenance, and the ever-joyous task of finding parking.

7. Having to Learn Fahrenheit, Pounds, and Miles

Coming from a country that uses the metric system for almost everything, adjusting to the U.S. system of Fahrenheit, pounds, and miles can be a real headache. Whether it’s watching the weather forecast or measuring out a recipe, these conversions can turn everyday tasks into a mini math quiz.

8. The Extreme Temperature Differences Across States

In the UK, the weather is pretty moderate. In the U.S., however, you could be melting under the scorching desert sun in one state and freezing in snowy conditions in another—sometimes on the same day if you’re traveling! These extremes can be a shock to the system for anyone used to more consistent weather patterns.

9. The Sheer Size of the Country

The vastness of the U.S. can be hard to comprehend for newcomers from the UK. What looks like a short hop on the map can turn out to be a day-long trek. This size affects everything from travel plans to the cost of getting around, and it can make the country feel a bit overwhelming at first.

10. The Constant Ads and Marketing Everywhere

In the U.S., it seems like every possible space is filled with some form of advertisement. From billboards along the highway to commercials every few minutes on TV, the amount of marketing can feel incessant. For Brits used to a bit less bombardment, it can be quite jarring to find ads everywhere they look.