US -> UK: compare and contrast

If you know me, you know I love lists.

As I’m living overseas, the question friends and family ask me the most is “What’s different over there?” so I decided to make a post about it! Here is a compare-&-contrast list that you may or may not have asked for ;)

I'm still getting used to hearing "pounds" and thinking "form of currency" instead of "measure of weight"

note: this isn't necessarily all-inclusive, some things may vary from region to region in both countries, and I also didn't include the super obvious things like that they drive on the left side of the road - this is just little things that I've noticed and some people have asked me about!

United States	United Kingdom
A/C almost everywhere!	A/C is a rare commodity, even window units are hard to come by.
Screens in windows are a given.	No window screens... bugs take this as an open invitation into your home.
Public transit is mediocre at best.	Is it the best in Europe? Certainly not. But is it loads better than what I've experienced in the states? h*ck yeah.
The "best" chocolate available is Hershey's (fight me)	All chocolate is great chocolate! I highly suggest you treat yourself to some imported Aero or Galaxy bars from this state-side company.
Tipping waitstaff, baristas, hairdressers, etc. is expected.	Tipping is not necessary or expected - only consider it if the service was above and beyond stellar.
Pretty easy to purchase weapons...	Asked for ID when buying scissors and kitchen knives (even butter knives).
Eggs belong in the refrigerator.	Eggs do not have to be refrigerated, though you should rinse them off before cracking!
Toilets use a lot of water.	Toilets have less water in the bowl to begin with, and also usually have two flushing options, depending on what is being flushed.
Public toilets are free.	Public toilets might require a 1£ coin to enter - it's wise to keep extra pound or euro coins with you when traveling about the UK and Europe.
Mega stores with every conceivable product department within one establishment (Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, shopping malls, etc.) are common.	Most shops are specific to one area of expertise, with the exception of dollar stores (which are called... Pound Land...) and Tesco (which is like a mini Walmart but still mainly focused on groceries and kitchen items).
Plastic/paper bags given freely at store checkouts (except for Aldi).	Gotta bring reusable bags to the shops because there are no freebies at the checkout! even a plastic bag will cost you 50-99 pence.
Everyone says plastic straws are bad and yet they're still everywhere.	Paper straws are the norm.
"grilled cheese sandwich"	"cheese toastie"
Intersections with traffic lights.	Roundabouts!
Paper money is mostly green, kinda boring, rough paper texture, comes in single dollar bills, used to come in two dollar bills.	Pound notes are smooth and slick, have clear little plastic windows, come in pretty colors, and don't come in 1's (there are 1£ and 2£ coins though!).
Generally poor selection of lunchy sammiches at convenience stores, and expensive ones at cafes	Robust selection of inexpensive yet yummy sammies at both grocery stores and cafes.
No food in the theatre!	Alcohol and ice cream and other concessions are allowed in your seat at theatres, even at the Royal Opera House.
But programs are free!	Program books are not free of charge.
Book covers...	... are often different! Sometimes titles are changed too.
Good luck to anyone eating out at a restaurant if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.	Most restaurants offer you a Gluten-Free or Vegetarian/Vegan menu, and have common allergens clearly marked on menus, and at least managerial staff trained to avoid cross-contact in the kitchen and when serving.

I've always liked finding the different book covers for publication in other countries, but this is the first time I've seen an alternate title in an English-speaking country! I found this UK edition of Shadow & Bone in the library.

English Tea Store

<– link to the good good British chocolate - I used to work for this company, and my dad has worked there for a long time, so I knew UK chocolate bars are superior even before I had any idea I'd live here someday. But it's still exciting to buy Aero bars right here in the grocery store ;)

So this isn't a chocolate bar, but I got a bag of M&Ms the other day, and noticed a slight difference in taste and color. Apparently the UK has different regulations for food dyes! The M&Ms were neither bad nor better, just different.

However, my boyfriend didn't taste much of a difference... but to me they tasted like the all-natural "m&m" candies my mom used to buy at health food stores, which were colored with vegetable-based dyes. The blue here is still pretty vibrant but the warmer colors aren't so neon hued. Still delicious!

Two examples of meals I had at extremely allergen-friendly restaurants!

The top is from lunch at Wagamama, where we were asked about allergies before even being seated. Then we were given menus with various allergies clearly marked on them, & informed by the waitress of their kitchen procedures for allergy-free plates. My main concern at a restaurant that also serves seafood is something cross-contacting with shellfish, so it was incredibly reassuring to hear the guidelines they follow to ensure a diner's safety!

The bottom photo is from dinner at The Edmundo Lounge. They also provide specified gluten-free & vegetarian menus when you walk in, & all the menus have common allergens marked. Gluten hasn't been bothering me here in the UK, but if a GF menu is offered I usually take them up on it out of habit! The plate always comes served to the table with a little flag on a toothpick labeled GF which is very reassuring, and also quite cute.

Have you lived in or traveled to a foreign country? What was something different that surprised you about being there? Let me know in the comments!

take care of yourself <3

~heather