There’s a friendly rivalry between the UK and the US, but if we’re being honest, some things are just objectively better in Britain.
From the lifestyle perks and cultural norms to everyday conveniences, there are aspects of UK life that make Americans a little bit jealous (even though they wouldn’t readily admit it to us). While some Americans might cling to their way of doing things, these advantages speak for themselves. And no, we won’t be getting political—that’s a whole other kettle of fish!
1. Tap-to-pay is actually universal.
In the UK, contactless payments are the norm everywhere, from corner shops to taxis. You barely even think about it—just tap and go. Whether you’re grabbing a meal deal at Tesco or splitting a bill at the pub, paying is seamless. Even Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted pretty much everywhere, making cash feel completely unnecessary (except when Barclay’s decides to go down for an entire weekend, of course).
Meanwhile, in the US, you still run into places that don’t even take cards, let alone contactless payments. Americans often deal with outdated card machines, annoying “insert chip” prompts, or even the dreaded need to sign a receipt. While we’ve fully embraced a cashless future, the US is still playing catch-up.
2. Train travel is actually an option.
Sure, British trains aren’t perfect and are often cancelled for no reason (sometimes while you’re already on them!), but at least they exist as a viable way to get around. You can hop on a train from London to Edinburgh, pop down to Brighton for the weekend, or even take the Eurostar to Paris without needing a car. Trains connect the country in a way that makes travel feel easy and accessible.
In contrast, train travel in the US is often impractical, expensive, or non-existent. Outside the East Coast, options are limited, and long-distance travel often means enduring a painfully slow Amtrak journey. Trains here can be ridiculously expensive at times, but at least they function as a legitimate alternative to driving.
3. There’s no need to tip for basic service.
Over here, you pay for your coffee, meal, or taxi, and that’s it—no mental maths, no awkward tipping expectations. Service workers are paid a proper wage, and tipping is reserved for genuinely exceptional service rather than an unspoken obligation. More restaurants are adding the option to the bill these days, but it’s not expected.
In America, tipping culture is out of control, with payment screens suggesting 25% for simply handing over a takeaway bag. Many Americans feel pressured to tip for services that don’t traditionally require it, while we enjoy knowing that the price on the menu is what they’ll actually pay.
4. Supermarkets don’t feel like a science experiment.
Our supermarkets prioritise fresh, local food with fewer artificial ingredients. Even budget-friendly stores like Aldi and Lidl offer organic produce and fresh-baked goods without breaking the bank. Meat and dairy products also tend to have fewer hormones and additives, making food taste better and feel healthier.
Meanwhile, in the US, grocery shopping often involves navigating aisles of ultra-processed foods packed with preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, and unrecognisable ingredients. Even something as simple as bread can contain unnecessary additives, leaving many Americans longing for the straightforward quality of our supermarket staples.
5. Healthcare isn’t a financial nightmare.
Love it or criticise it, the NHS means we don’t live in constant fear of medical bills. Need a GP appointment? It won’t cost a penny (when you can actually get in, of course). Break your leg? You won’t get an eye-watering invoice in the post. Even prescriptions are capped at an affordable price, removing financial stress from healthcare.
In America, even with insurance, a hospital visit can lead to crippling debt. Many Americans delay medical treatment due to costs, while we don’t have to think twice about seeking care. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t be bankrupted by an ambulance ride is priceless.
6. The weather is actually mild (most of the time).
Brits love to complain about the weather, but in reality, the UK’s climate is pretty manageable. It rarely reaches unbearable temperatures, there are no life-threatening blizzards, and hurricanes aren’t a concern. A bit of drizzle and grey skies seem like a fair trade-off for avoiding extreme weather disasters.
In the US, climate extremes are a constant battle, with heatwaves, wildfires, tornadoes, and polar vortexes making the news regularly. We may grumble about a chilly June, but at least we’re not dealing with melting pavements in 45-degree heat or apocalyptic storms.
7. The pub culture is unbeatable.
British pubs are more than just places to drink; they’re social hubs. Whether you’re catching up with mates, enjoying a Sunday roast, or watching the football, pubs offer a sense of community that American bars often lack. There’s no need for loud music or flashy gimmicks—just good conversation and a proper pint.
In the US, bars tend to be louder, more expensive, and often geared towards party culture rather than relaxed socialising. The tradition of the local pub, where people of all ages gather for casual drinks and real conversations, is something America never quite replicated.
8. Bank holidays actually mean a break.
When there’s a bank holiday in the UK, most people genuinely get the day off. Whether it’s for a national celebration or just an extra long weekend, British workers can actually enjoy our time away from work without feeling guilty about it or like we’re getting one over on the company we work for.
In the US, public holidays are often just another workday, and time off isn’t always guaranteed. The “always-on” work culture means that even when holidays happen, people often find themselves still answering emails or stuck in the office.
9. The sense of humour is just sharper.
British humour thrives on sarcasm, self-deprecation, and quick wit, which can sometimes be lost on an American audience. TV shows like “Derry Girls,” “Taskmaster,” and “Would I Lie To You?” (among many others, of course) highlight the uniquely dry and clever comedy that makes our humour stand out.
Meanwhile, American comedy often leans towards exaggeration, obvious punchlines, or over-the-top reactions. While both styles have their place, there’s something effortlessly funny about our comedy’s ability to poke fun at everything—including itself.
10. Chocolate actually tastes like chocolate.
British chocolate is creamier, richer, and doesn’t have the weird waxy texture that plagues many American brands. Cadbury, Galaxy, and even supermarket own-brand chocolates taste miles better than their US counterparts, which are often loaded with extra sugar and preservatives. We also have easier access to European brands like Tony’s that are making some stellar bars.
America’s beloved Hershey’s, for example, has a distinct tangy aftertaste due to its processing method, which many of us find off-putting. Once you’ve had proper UK chocolate, there’s no going back.
11. The right to complain is basically a national sport.
We’ve mastered the art of complaining—politely, but persistently. Whether it’s grumbling about train delays, queue etiquette, or the weather, complaining is practically a national pastime. But crucially, it often leads to things getting fixed—well, most of the time, anyway.
In America, customer service is all smiles on the surface, but actually resolving issues can be a nightmare. We may love a good moan, but they also get things done, whether it’s a refund, a policy change, or simply making sure everyone else knows how annoying something is.
