I’ve been in the UK for almost two weeks now, and while culture shock is minimal, there are definitely some minor differences that no one probably thinks to mention, that I think are worth noting. Comparing the US to the UK is like one of those picture puzzles in a Highlights magazine from my childhood, where the pictures are mostly the same, but you have to pick out the minor detail differences.

1. Plastic bags are not abundant at grocery stores. When you checkout, you have to alert the cashier that you want a plastic bag, and then you might receive one, two if you’re lucky and they’re feeling generous. If you have to ask for more, more than likely you’re going to get a dirty look. Don’t forget those reusable bags! Save the earth, and yourself from the dirty looks the cashier will give you.

2. Also, the cashier at the grocery store does not bag your groceries for you. The cashier sits the entire time and passes your groceries to the end of the little table, and looks at you expectantly to bag it yourself. Try to avoid creating an awkward situation by not catching on and waiting for someone else to bag your stuff. It took me one time, and then I got it. The cashiers at my local grocery think I’m an absolute loon! (I’ve noticed at Whole Foods, this isn’t always true, and sometimes they bag your groceries for you. Luxury!)

3.When you pay for things by card, it’s generally a chip reader, not a swipe-your-card situation. Most people in the US are used to swiping quickly and being done, and doing it at any time during the transaction once one thing has been rung up. Not so in the UK! Here, you wait until the cashier sets up the card reader to be ready, and then you insert the side of your card with the chip on it into a slot, and you leave it there (do not take it out quickly! I did this, embarrassingly, three times, until I caught on that I had to leave the card in until the machine told me to take it out). The machines usually look something similar to this:

4. People say “idear” instead of “idea.” The difference is slight, but take a museum tour, and the difference becomes glaringly obvious and but also a fun distraction (esp. if it’s a super boring tour of medieval arrowheads or some such random nonsense).

5. Mexican food is difficult to find and very straight and narrow. I’m a Texas girl and I love my tex-mex! But, I’m learning to adapt. I’m 99% sure Tostitos do not exist here, but I did finally manage to find some tortilla chips on the back shelf of the minuscle “Mexican” section of my local grocery store. Although, they definitely are not packaged in the super cool colors and marketing schemes the US uses. Essentially, here, they view tortilla chips as unflavored Doritos. Doritos is also the only salsa I have been able to find, and it’s a weird thick consistency I’m not used to. Nonetheless, it’s better than nothing and at least I have an option when I get a craving! (yes, that salsa does say “Mexican inspired” on the lid)

 

6. The drinking age here is 18! Possibly the most popular difference between the US and the UK. I can walk into the grocery store and buy wine and hard liquor, all at once! And I can show my real ID! (did I say real ID? I meant only ID..). As you can see, this was a very exciting moment for me:

 

7. The subway is called the “underground” or the “tube,” and your ticket is called an “oyster card.” This had got to be one of my favorite terms, especially when people ask me if I have my oyster, oh so casually using oyster in a new and exciting way. Instead of swiping once to access the tube like you do in NY, here you tap your oyster once to get on the tube, then once when you get off.

8. The tube is not unlimited once you tap to access it. There are different zones for different regions, and varying costs.

9. Buses here are AWESOME. Going to college in New York, I avoid the bus as if it has the plague (I kinda think it does, actually). But here, a lot of the buses are double decker, and you can sit in a nice, clean, plush seat and look out over the city while you ride. In fact, the bus is often quicker than the tube. How crazy is that?!?! Buh-bye, New York traffic! (Not completely, but it’s definitely way better)

10. You can go anywhere!! The UK is just an easy trip away from mainland Europe. There are tons of cultures at your fingertips. There are budget airlines and buses to make your trip crazy cheap. I’m going to Amsterdam for a weekend for only £15! How crazy is that!

11. Going back to the drinking age here. You can carry open containers of alcohol in the street! I was on the tube around 10AM yesterday morning, and some girl was chilling with here bottle of wine cradled to her chest. No brown paper bag to hide it. Totally legal here! It’s a whole new world.

Those are some of the things I’ve noticed right off the bat. I’m sure I’ll do a part two to this post later on, as I see more of the UK and mainland Europe. I hope you’re having a wonderful day right now!

xox,

Lauren