12 Things That Feel Backwards in the US to British Travellers

Save to Find It Later!

When Brits visit the US, some things might seem a bit backwards, or just plain different. From prices not including tax to tipping almost everywhere, these are just a few of the things that can catch British travellers off guard. Let’s look at 12 everyday aspects where the US differs from the UK, and see why these differences might feel a little strange to someone from across the pond.

1. Prices shown without tax included

Imagine picking up a lovely t-shirt priced at $20, only to find out at the cash register that it actually costs $22 because of the tax. Yep, in the US, the price tags don’t usually include tax. This means you’ll always end up paying more than what the sticker says. Back home in the UK, the price you see is the price you pay, thanks to VAT (Value Added Tax) being included in the displayed price. This difference can make shopping in the US a bit of a guessing game for British visitors.

2. Tipping expected instead of staff being paid more

In the UK, tipping is often reserved for great service at restaurants. But in the US, it’s a whole different ballgame. Here, tipping is expected in many service industries, including dining, taxis, and hair salons. This stems from the fact that many service workers are paid below the minimum wage and rely on tips to make up their income. For Brits, this concept can be confusing, as it feels like you’re always paying extra just to get the normal service.

3. Huge cars but limited walkability

If there’s one thing the US loves, it’s big cars. SUVs, trucks, you name it, they’re everywhere. But with big cars comes a big problem—cities and towns are often not built for walking. Unlike the compact and walkable city centers you find in the UK, many places in the US are spread out, requiring a car to get around comfortably. This can be quite a shift for Brits who are used to leaving the car at home and walking to their local shops.

4. Paying extra for luggage on flights

Travelling in the UK and much of Europe often means generous luggage allowances on flights. Not so much in the US. Here, many airlines charge you extra to check in a bag on domestic flights. And sometimes, even carry-on bags can have a fee! This can come as a surprise to British travellers who are not used to packing light or paying extra just to bring their essentials.

5. Healthcare not being free at point of use

The NHS makes healthcare free at the point of use for everyone in the UK. However, in the US, the healthcare system operates very differently. Without comprehensive insurance, getting medical treatment can be incredibly expensive. This difference can be particularly stark for Brits who are used to walking into a hospital or clinic and receiving care without directly paying out-of-pocket.

6. Drive-thru culture replacing walking

In the US, convenience is king, and nothing says convenience like the drive-thru. From banks to fast food, almost everything can be done without leaving your car. While it’s seen as a perk in the US, for Brits, this might feel like an odd replacement for walking up to a counter or going into a shop, especially considering how this might contribute to a less active lifestyle.

7. Ice automatically added to every drink

Order a soda in the US, and chances are it will come loaded with ice. A lot of ice. While this can be refreshing, especially in the hot weather, it can be a bit much for Brits who are used to having their drinks slightly chilled, or with just a bit of ice. Sometimes it feels like you’re getting more ice than drink!

8. Long distances between everyday places

In the UK, popping down to the shop or visiting friends in another city can be a quick affair. But in the US, be prepared for long drives. Everything is spread out, and what looks close on a map can actually be quite a journey. This scale can be baffling to Brits who are used to more closely knit communities and shorter travel times.

9. Resort fees added after booking

Imagine booking a hotel at a great rate, only to find out you owe an additional “resort fee” when you check in. These fees can cover everything from pool access to WiFi, and they’re not optional. For British travellers, this can be frustrating, as it makes it hard to know the true cost of your stay upfront.

10. Larger homes but higher maintenance costs

The US is known for its sizable homes, which can be exciting at first glance. However, bigger homes mean bigger bills—more space to heat, more space to cool, and more space to maintain. Brits might find the scale and the ongoing costs associated with larger US homes to be quite different from the more manageable sizes back home.

11. Public transport being limited outside big cities

While cities like New York or San Francisco have robust public transport systems, this is the exception rather than the rule in the US. In many places, public transport options are limited, which can be a shock for Brits who are used to comprehensive networks of buses, trains, and tubes that can get you almost anywhere in the UK.

12. Paying for things that feel “included” in the UK

From TV licenses to banking fees, many services in the US come with costs that Brits are not used to paying for directly. This can make the US seem like a place where there’s a fee for everything, contrasting with the UK where many basic services come without direct charges, making the overall cost of living feel different.