12 Things Brits Wish America Would Stop Doing

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When Brits cross the pond and spend some time in the USA, there are certain habits and practices that might make them scratch their heads. From the extra costs that appear only at the checkout to the extreme sports culture at universities, let’s talk about some of the things that tend to surprise Brits about American life.

1. Adding tax after the advertised price

In the UK, when you pick up an item and the price tag says $10, you expect to pay exactly $10 at the register. Not a penny more. However, in America, the listed price is often just the beginning. Sales tax gets added at the checkout, which can be a surprise if you’re not used to it. This can make budgeting a bit tricky, as the final price you pay is always more than what’s marked on the shelf.

2. Tipping for everything

Tipping can be a bit of a mystery for Brits in the USA. Back in the UK, tipping is usually reserved for restaurants, and even then, it’s often included in the bill as a service charge. In the States, it seems like everyone expects a tip—bartenders, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and more. It’s not just a nice extra for good service; it’s an essential part of many workers’ wages.

3. Prescription drug adverts

Turn on the TV in the States, and you’re likely to see an ad for some prescription drug, telling you to “ask your doctor” about it. In the UK, this kind of advertising is not allowed because it is believed that medication should be evaluated and prescribed by a doctor, not marketed directly to consumers. These adverts can be confusing and might make people feel unnecessarily worried about their health.

4. Building neighbourhoods without pavements

Imagine moving to a lovely new neighbourhood and discovering there are no pavements (or sidewalks, as Americans call them). This is a common issue in many US suburbs. It makes walking around less safe and certainly less convenient, pushing everyone to depend more on cars.

5. Giant portion sizes by default

In America, bigger often means better, especially when it comes to food. Restaurants typically serve portions that could easily feed two or more people. While it’s great to get more bang for your buck, it can also lead to food waste and overeating. Some visitors find it overwhelming and would prefer something a bit more modest.

6. Drive-thru culture for almost everything

Drive-thrus aren’t just for fast food in America. Pharmacies, banks, and even liquor stores can be visited without ever leaving your car. It’s convenient for sure, but it also encourages a less active, car-dependent lifestyle, which can feel strange for visitors from more walkable cities.

7. HOA rules that restrict homeowners

Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) can have a lot of power in the US, sometimes dictating the color you can paint your house, the type of mailbox you can have, and even when you can put out your trash. For Brits used to more freedom in how they manage their property, this can feel overly controlling.

8. Commercial breaks every few minutes on television

If you’re watching a half-hour TV show in the States, you might spend almost a third of that time just watching ads. Commercial breaks seem to pop up just a few minutes apart. It can disrupt the flow of watching and become quite an annoyance if you’re not used to so many interruptions.

9. Charging for checked luggage on many flights

While many international airlines allow at least one free checked bag, many US domestic airlines charge extra for any bag that goes in the hold. This can catch you off guard if you’re used to more generous luggage policies.

10. Building enormous parking lots instead of walkable town centres

Massive parking lots are a common sight in the US, often surrounding malls and big-box stores, while walkable town centers are less common. This setup prioritizes cars over pedestrians, which contrasts sharply with the compact, walkable town centers many Europeans are familiar with.

11. Making college sports feel bigger than professional leagues

In the US, college sports are a big deal—sometimes they feel even bigger than professional sports leagues. Stadiums pack out with tens of thousands of fans, and the whole town gets involved. This can be quite surprising, especially when you see the scale and intensity of the support compared to professional sports back in the UK.

12. Advertising every product as “the best ever”

Marketing in America doesn’t tend to shy away from superlatives. Almost every product claims to be the “best ever,” which can make it hard to know what’s truly good quality. This constant exaggeration can be a bit much, especially if you’re used to more understated advertising.