The UK is similar to its European cousins when it comes to waste: the British don't like to overuse anything. This is also evident in the way they use the water in the bathroom. The average British bathroom uses about 1.28 gallons of water per flush. The same cannot be said for American toilets.
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In the United States, the average toilet uses between 3 and 7 gallons of water to flush. For the British, this is an excessive amount of water being wasted unnecessarily. Also, the British can't seem to get over the fact that in most American public toilets there is a gap between the bathroom floor and the cubicle door and walls.
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Although both the United States and the United Kingdom speak English, there are differences in the use of the language. For example, there are American slang terms that have a different meaning in the UK. Your understanding of these terms can make the difference between your success and failure.
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For example, if a friend doesn't show up for a planned event, the proper American expression is that they "run away." If the same expression is used in the UK, it means "break the wind".
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American tourists find it irresistibly tempting to poke fun at the Queen's Guard when in the UK. Some Americans seem to delight in provoking a real officer. These guards are trained to remain calm despite the taunts they receive from the public.
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But don't overdo it, because if you mess with them, they have the right to draw their weapons. Who knows what they'll do to you then. Don't be rude, or else!
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The pound is the currency used in the United Kingdom. But many Americans don't know that there are many forms of this currency. Although England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use the same currency, it is not the same pound for all.
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American tourists to Northern Ireland, as well as Scotland, will be surprised to learn that these two countries use alternative pound notes. If you try to use the same currency in Wales or England, expect to get surprised looks from the locals.
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Americans are very concerned about getting their own account. The usual process is to pay someone back if someone pays your bill. Returning the money to them is done in cash or through Venmo. But things are different in England.
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If you pay for a round of drinks for your friends, your friend will simply pay for the round, either this time or the next time you go out. This kind of reciprocity is the fuel of friendships in the UK, so it's something you'll have to get used to if you visit us.
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Many people in Europe like kisses as a form of greeting. But things are different in Britain. If you're in the UK and meeting someone for the first time, don't give them a friendly kiss.
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Hugs are also prohibited. It is best to shake hands. Americans don't mind giving people a friendly kiss on the cheek, even when they meet. However, the pandemic has changed the way people say hello around the world, so wherever you are, it pays to be respectful and hold back a bit.
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The British and the Americans love to play ball. But it is important to be specifically correct about the ball game being played. If you're an American football fan, never ask a Brit to play football with you. In the UK there is no sport of football.
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However, in Great Britain there is a game called football. It's precisely the same game as soccer, but only Americans (and Australians) use the s-word. The rest of the world refers to the game as soccer.
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Taking a trip around the UK can be exhausting, literally. Please note that you may need to carry more money than you expect. You may also want to skip the souvenir shops, especially if you're in the nation's capital.
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Sales tax in the UK is a whopping 20%. But if you're touring the US, the taxes aren't that big. If you're in New York, you'll have to pay an additional 8% for sales tax. In any case, it is important to take these added costs into account when making purchase decisions during the trip.
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Don't play into the stereotype that the British have bad teeth. It is clear that this is very far from reality. Even if you're used to seeing English TV and movie characters have horrible teeth, don't expect to see the same when you're actually in the UK.
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Don't let the Austin Powers movies make you believe that all Britons have bad teeth. It would be incredibly rude to ask anyone in the UK about their dental health.
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Great Britain is famous for its "fish and chips". It is a UK staple found in most restaurants. Salty foods from South Asia are also common. But if you're in the UK, make sure you go to an establishment that serves affordable and authentic menus.
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This way you will be sure to enjoy your food. You'll also save yourself from paying unnecessary surcharges as well as countless trips to the bathroom. Opt for real bites and eat real food.
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