There are plenty of cultural differences between the UK and the US, but some of them are so small and everyday that we don’t even realise they’re unique until they go abroad.
Things that are completely normal over here, from certain foods to common phrases, just don’t exist in America. These are the things Brits take for granted that Americans simply don’t have. Yanks don’t know any different since they’ve never experienced them, but we certainly notice when they’re not around.
1. Proper kettles in every home
In Britain, an electric kettle is a kitchen essential, and most people can’t imagine making tea without one. In the US, though, electric kettles are strangely rare, and many Americans don’t even own one. Instead, they heat water in a regular pan on the stove — or, shockingly, they use the microwave. It’s not just a preference; American homes run on lower-voltage power, so electric kettles don’t heat as quickly or efficiently as they do in the UK. But to us, the idea of waiting around for a cup of tea that long is unthinkable.
2. Two taps instead of one
Many British homes, especially older ones, still have separate hot and cold taps rather than a single mixer tap. To Americans, this seems completely bizarre — why would anyone want to choose between freezing cold or scalding hot water? But here at home, it’s just one of those quirks that’s always been there. The reason comes down to plumbing history. Many British homes still use separate water tanks, and having two taps helps prevent contamination. Even though mixer taps are becoming more common, the old-school two-tap setup is still a familiar sight.
3. Public footpaths through private land
In Britain, public footpaths cut across farms, fields, and private land, giving walkers the right to roam. It’s perfectly normal to see a sign leading you through someone’s property, and as long as you stick to the path, it’s completely legal. In the US, though, private land is exactly that — private. Americans are far more protective of their property, and walking across someone’s land without permission could end badly. The idea of freely wandering through a farmer’s field without consequence just doesn’t exist.
4. A full Sunday roast
A proper Sunday roast is a staple in British households, but in America, it’s not really a thing. While they have big family meals for Thanksgiving or Christmas, they don’t have a weekly tradition of gathering for roast beef, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy. To Brits, the idea of a Sunday without a roast feels incomplete. Some US restaurants serve roast dinners, but it’s not a cultural institution like it is over here. Americans might love their comfort food, but they’re seriously missing out on this one.
5. Crisps in flavours that actually make sense
British crisp flavours range from classic salt and vinegar to prawn cocktail, roast chicken, and even Marmite. In America, though, crisps (or chips, as they call them) come in much stranger varieties, like dill pickle or ranch. The concept of meaty or vinegary crisps just isn’t as popular there. Americans tend to stick to cheese or barbecue-based flavours, while Brits embrace the full range of weird and wonderful options. Explaining what a “prawn cocktail crisp” is to an American usually just results in confusion.
6. Free healthcare
The NHS is something Brits might complain about, but we wouldn’t swap it for the American system. In the UK, going to the doctor doesn’t come with a bill, but in the US, even basic healthcare can be incredibly expensive. The idea of paying hundreds or even thousands just for a hospital visit is shocking to most Brits. Americans often struggle to grasp how healthcare works in the UK, while we can’t believe people in the US have to think twice before seeing a doctor. It’s one of the biggest lifestyle differences between the two countries. Of course, we do pay for healthcare via national insurance payments, but we don’t need to pay when actually getting treatment, and that’s what it’s all about.
7. Putting milk in tea
Brits don’t think twice about adding milk to tea, but in America, it’s often met with confusion. While they drink tea, it’s usually herbal, fruity, or served with lemon rather than milk. The classic British “builders’ tea” doesn’t really exist in the US. Even when Americans do drink black tea, they’re more likely to take it plain. Seeing us casually pour milk into our cup is something that catches many Americans off guard.
8. Roundabouts everywhere
Our roads are filled with roundabouts, from small ones in housing estates to massive, multi-lane nightmares. In America, though, they’re much rarer, and most junctions are controlled by traffic lights or four-way stops. When Americans do encounter a roundabout, many don’t know how to handle it. Over here, knowing how to navigate a roundabout is a basic driving skill. In America, it’s more of a rare obstacle that tends to cause confusion.
9. Beans on toast as a meal
To us, beans on toast is a classic, whether it’s a quick lunch, a student staple, or a hangover cure. In America, though, baked beans are considered a barbecue side dish, not something you put on bread. The idea of eating beans for breakfast, in particular, is completely foreign to most Americans. Despite being simple and affordable, beans on toast is met with complete confusion across the Atlantic. While Brits see it as comforting, Americans just don’t get the appeal.
10. Separate hot and cold switches in showers
In the UK, many showers still have separate controls for temperature and pressure. Across the pond, showers usually just have a single handle that controls both at once. To Americans, the British system feels overly complicated, while Brits are used to adjusting things manually. It’s a small detail, but one that causes a lot of confusion when people switch between the two countries. For Brits visiting America, suddenly having one handle to do everything can feel oddly unfamiliar.
11. Bank holidays that aren’t tied to a specific event
Here, bank holidays are a beloved excuse for a day off, even if they don’t really mark anything in particular. In the US, most public holidays are linked to a specific event, like Thanksgiving or Independence Day. The idea of just having a “Spring Bank Holiday” with no real reason behind it seems strange to Americans. While we love our random long weekends, Americans tend to find the whole concept a bit unnecessary. They just don’t understand the joy of an extra day off for no reason at all.
12. Window latches instead of screens
Most British homes don’t have window screens, but in America, they’re standard. Since the UK doesn’t have as many bugs or extreme weather, most people just open their windows with no barrier. Americans, however, are used to screens keeping insects and other unwanted creatures out. It’s always a bit weird when we go to the US and see that every window has a mesh cover, while Americans in the UK are baffled by the lack of them. It’s a small but noticeable difference in daily life.
13. The love for queuing
Queuing isn’t just a habit in Britain; it’s practically a national sport. Brits instinctively form an orderly queue wherever there’s a wait, from bus stops to busy bars. In America, though, things are a bit more chaotic, and queue-jumping isn’t quite as frowned upon. While we find comfort in an organised line, Americans are often more relaxed about it. The British dedication to queuing is something that just doesn’t translate.
