10 Things Brits Can’t Believe Americans Pay Extra For

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When Brits visit the US, they often get a bit of a shock at the checkout. From the staples to the surprises, there are quite a few things that Americans commonly pay extra for, which can come as a surprise to visitors from the UK. Let’s explore some of these costs that might seem a bit odd across the pond.

1. Resort fees

Imagine this: you book a hotel at a great rate, but when you arrive, you’re hit with an extra fee. That’s a resort fee, and it covers amenities like the pool, gym, and WiFi. Americans have grown used to these extra charges, but for Brits, it’s surprising to pay more than the advertised price for a stay.

2. HOA dues

Homeowner Association (HOA) dues are common in many American neighborhoods, especially in gated communities or condos. These fees cover services like landscaping, pool maintenance, and sometimes even security. For Brits who are used to councils covering these costs, the idea of extra monthly charges can be a bit odd.

3. College parking permits

In the UK, many universities offer parking at little to no cost. However, in the US, students often have to pay for a parking permit on campus. This can be a bit of a shock to British students studying stateside, who might not expect to pay extra just to park at their university.

4. Sales tax added at checkout

Unlike in Britain, where VAT is included in the price tag, American prices get an addition at checkout: the sales tax. This means the price you see isn’t the price you pay, which can be quite a puzzle for Brits used to knowing the cost upfront.

5. Stadium parking

Heading to a sports game in the US? Don’t forget to budget for parking. Parking fees at stadiums can be unexpectedly high for Brits, who might be more accustomed to public transport options when attending major sports events.

6. Checked baggage

Flying in the US might come with extra fees for checked baggage. Many US airlines charge for every piece of luggage checked in, a concept that can seem strange to Brits, who are often used to having at least one checked bag included in their flight ticket.

7. Bottled water at attractions

Visiting a theme park or museum in the US? You might need to pay for your hydration. Bottled water prices at American attractions can be steep, unlike many places in the UK where bringing your own or finding affordable options is more common.

8. Valet parking

At many upscale venues and hotels in the US, valet parking comes at an extra charge. For Brits, the concept of paying someone to park your car can be a bit lavish, as it’s not a common service in everyday UK venues.

9. Convenience fees on tickets

Ever bought a ticket online and seen an extra fee tacked on at the end? That’s a convenience fee. It’s quite standard in the US but can catch Brits off guard who expect the price listed to cover everything.

10. Beach chair rentals

Spending a day at the beach in the US might mean paying extra for a chair. In the UK, beachgoers are more likely to bring their own gear rather than rent, making this an unusual extra expense for British tourists in the States.