12 Small Culture Shocks Brits Experience on Their First Day in the US
When Brits land in the US for the first time, the experience can be full of surprises. From dining out to shopping and chatting with locals, there are various small but notable differences that might catch you off guard. Here’s a light-hearted look at some of those moments that might make you do a double-take on your first day Stateside.
1. Prices shown without tax included
Imagine you’re at a store, you pick up an item that’s marked as $10, and you head to the checkout. But when you pay, it’s not $10, but $11 or more. That’s because, in the US, price tags don’t usually include tax. This can be quite confusing if you’re used to everything being upfront about the total cost. It means you have to do a bit of mental math every time you shop!
2. Being asked for a tip everywhere
Whether it’s in cafes, restaurants, or taxis, the tipping culture in the US is something that Brits might find everywhere they go. It’s customary to tip service staff, and often, you might feel a bit of pressure to do so. It’s a part of how many workers in the service industry earn their living, so it’s good to keep some extra cash handy for tips.
3. Huge portion sizes at restaurants
If you’re hungry, you’re in for a treat because US restaurants are known for their generous portions. A single meal could easily be enough for two people. It’s quite common to see diners taking home leftovers in boxes. So, if you order a meal, be prepared for it to be bigger than what you’re used to back home.
4. Air conditioning blasting indoors
Walking into a building from the heat and being met with a blast of cold air can be quite refreshing, or quite shocking, depending on your preference. Air conditioning is very common in the US, and often it’s set to quite a cool temperature. So, even if it’s hot outside, you might need a sweater indoors!
5. Strangers starting conversations easily
Don’t be surprised if people you don’t know strike up a conversation with you, whether it’s in line at the grocery store or sitting on a park bench. Americans are generally friendly and open to chatting, something that might take Brits by surprise, where such spontaneous interactions are less common.
6. Drive-thru everything (even pharmacies)
Convenience is king in the US, and that means you can do a lot from the comfort of your car. Drive-thrus aren’t just for fast food; you can pick up prescriptions, do your banking, and even get a coffee all without leaving your vehicle. This can be quite a novelty if you’re used to getting out of the car for these errands.
7. Ice automatically added to drinks
Expect to see a lot of ice in your drinks, which can be a bit of a shock, especially if you prefer your beverages less chilled. Ice is often added by default in the US, so if you’re someone who likes their drink at a more moderate temperature, you might need to specify ‘no ice’ when ordering.
8. Wide roads and large cars
The scale of things in the US can be striking. Cars and roads can be much bigger than what you might be used to. This makes driving quite different, and it can take some time to adjust to the larger scale, especially if you’re used to more compact roads and vehicles.
9. 24-hour stores and services
The convenience of being able to shop or access services at any time can be a real shock. Many places in the US offer 24-hour services, from supermarkets to gyms. It’s incredibly handy if you’re dealing with jet lag and need something in the middle of the night.
10. Lack of walkability in many cities
Depending on where you are in the US, you might find that walking isn’t the easiest or most convenient option for getting around. Many places are designed for cars, with wide roads and spread-out destinations. Always check if your area has good walkability, or you might end up needing to rent a car!
11. Free drink refills as standard
One pleasant surprise might be the free refills on offer at many restaurants and eateries. In the US, it’s common to pay once for a soda and then refill your cup as many times as you like. It’s great for those with a big thirst, and something you might wish you had back home!
12. Service staff introducing themselves by name
It’s common for service staff in the US to introduce themselves by name when serving you. This touch of personalization aims to create a friendly atmosphere and can make the service feel more personable and attentive. It’s a little thing, but it can really make your experience feel more welcoming.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.