Heading to the US is always an adventure, but for a lot of us Brits, it comes with a few modern-day nerves.
It’s not just about tipping or driving on the other side anymore (if we ever did). Instead, these days, it’s the big cultural shifts, political extremes, and the slightly chaotic vibe that make first-timers feel like they’re stepping into another universe. These are some of the things many of us worry about before heading over to the States for the first time. Whether you’ve already been before or you’re planning your first trip, many of these will likely sound familiar to you.
1. The healthcare system feels like a real-life horror movie.
We’ve been raised on the comforting presence of the NHS, so the idea that one wrong move could cost thousands is genuinely terrifying. You pack travel insurance like it’s armour and spend the whole trip hoping you don’t sneeze too hard in public.
Even asking for paracetamol feels risky when the price tag is unpredictable and half the ingredients have names that sound suspiciously chemical. A quick trip to the chemist becomes a lesson in American capitalism, and it’s not fun.
2. You’re not entirely sure what the rules around guns are.
Most Brits have never even seen a real gun, so arriving in a country where people can legally carry one around is more than a bit unsettling. You read up on “open carry states” and wonder if popping into a supermarket means walking past someone with a holster.
It’s not that you expect to be in danger; it’s just the casualness of it that’s hard to wrap your head around. It’s definitely one of those “smile, nod, and try not to ask questions” situations until you’re safely back in your hotel room Googling everything.
3. The political division feels very… loud.
British politics can be messy, but the US is on another level, especially now that Trump is in office again. These days, suddenly every conversation feels like a potential landmine. Even the road signs have opinions—some supportive, others deeply unhinged.
It’s hard to know what you can say without accidentally starting a debate. You end up defaulting to safe topics like food or weather, while quietly navigating a country where red and blue aren’t just colours; they’re entire ideologies.
4. Everyone’s obsessed with college sports, and you don’t get it.
You thought sports fans were passionate in the UK, but nothing prepares you for full-grown adults with face paint, foam fingers, and encyclopedic knowledge of a university team. And the money involved? Mind-blowing.
Trying to follow American football is like learning a new language. You ask what the rules are and someone gives you a 10-minute explanation that leaves you more confused than when you started, but you clap along anyway for the vibes.
5. Saying the wrong thing feels riskier than ever.
With culture wars in full swing, Brits worry about stumbling into a social issue they don’t fully understand. Whether it’s pronouns, race discussions, or local laws, there’s pressure to be respectful, but also fear of getting it wrong.
You genuinely want to be sensitive and informed, but sometimes you just end up being very quiet, smiling a lot, and saying “oh wow” in response to everything. It’s like walking a conversational tightrope while trying not to offend anyone.
6. You’re not quite sure how seriously people take their patriotism.
The flags are everywhere. On houses, bumper stickers, clothes, mugs—you half expect to see one on someone’s dog. For Brits who grew up rolling their eyes at overt displays of nationalism, it can feel a little intense.
You tread carefully around any mention of the military or politics, unsure what’s considered disrespectful. It’s not that you don’t respect it; you just don’t want to say “America” wrong and get chased out of a diner by someone with a bald eagle tattoo.
7. Public safety stuff feels… less consistent.
From natural disasters to random headlines about sinkholes and bear sightings, America sometimes feels like a series of extreme survival scenarios. You might wonder if your holiday will involve a hurricane, an earthquake, or a raccoon breaking into your Airbnb.
You also notice how some cities have very visible homeless populations, while others feel overly policed. It’s a strange contrast that reminds you that safety can mean very different things in different places, and you’re never quite sure what to expect.
8. You’re afraid of sounding sarcastic by accident.
Dry British humour doesn’t always land the same way in the States. You make a self-deprecating joke and someone genuinely asks if you’re okay, or you say something with your usual sarcasm, and it’s taken completely seriously.
So you start toning it down, smiling more, and replacing “ugh, nightmare” with “oh, that’s a bit annoying.” It’s like learning a whole new personality for the duration of your trip—one that doesn’t include any jokes about death or tea disasters.
9. You’re not ready for how polarising things can be.
It’s not just politics, either—it’s opinions on food, transport, healthcare, even what kind of bread is acceptable. Everything feels extreme. Either it’s the best thing ever, or it should be banned entirely. There’s no middle ground.
Brits are used to mild takes like “it’s alright, I suppose” or “could be worse.” So when Americans declare something “life-changing” or “unforgivable,” it feels a bit dramatic. You spend most of your trip nodding politely and wondering if you’re supposed to feel that strongly too.
10. You don’t know what the social rules are anymore.
Are you supposed to hug? Fist bump? Just stand awkwardly and wave? Every American seems to have their own social script, and you’re stuck trying to decode it in real time. It’s like being the only one who didn’t rehearse for the play.
Even in shops or restaurants, the friendliness throws you off. Someone says, “How’s your day going?” and you pause too long, trying to decide if they’re genuinely interested or just being polite. Spoiler: it’s both, which somehow makes it more confusing.
11. The dating culture sounds slightly terrifying.
Whether you’re single or not, the way people date in the US seems intense. There are apps, situationships, first-date checklists, and things called “red flags” that everyone is somehow an expert on. It’s not just a coffee date anymore, it’s a full audit.
You hear people casually mention ghosting, love bombing, and emotional unavailability like it’s part of the weather report. Even eavesdropping on a brunch date feels like being dropped into a reality show you weren’t prepared to watch. Obviously, if you’re married or not looking for a quick fling on your holiday, this won’t matter to you as much, but you’d be surprised how many people worry about this.
12. You’re unsure if your cash is real money.
US money all looks the same, and you’re constantly double-checking if you’re handing over $1 or $100. The notes feel flimsy, the coins make no sense, and you’re always convinced you’ve accidentally tipped someone with Monopoly cash.
And don’t even get started on coins. Who decided a dime should be smaller than a nickel? You end up stuffing them in your pocket and paying for everything with cards just to avoid the mental maths and embarrassment.
13. You don’t know which cities are “safe” anymore.
One minute someone’s telling you to avoid LA, the next it’s New York. Then it’s “don’t go to Florida,” followed by “Florida’s fine, just avoid certain bits.” No one can agree on what’s actually risky, and the online forums make it sound like everywhere is a crime hotspot.
You arrive feeling a bit paranoid, wondering if you’re in the good bit of town or the bad one. Turns out, like most things, it’s somewhere in the middle, but it definitely makes exploring a bit more stressful than it needs to be.
14. You’re scared of accidentally going viral.
In a world of smartphones and TikTok, one wrong move, and you’re suddenly “British tourist loses it over root beer” on a viral video. Whether it’s mispronouncing something, reacting to culture shock, or asking what grits are—the internet is always watching.
You try to stay cool, but the fear of being unknowingly filmed while having a meltdown in Walmart is real. You just wanted a quiet holiday, not 2 million views and a comment section full of “typical Brit energy.”
