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How to adjust to life as a Brit living in the U.S.
Making the hop from England to the US is an increasingly popular move.
In fact, it’s estimated that there are almost [680,000 Brits currently residing in the US] (https://wise.com/gb/blog/how-moving-to-the-united-states-is-changing-brits)
It’s not that surprising – we all speak the same language (kinda), have a love for sports - and Brits just love junk food (okay that last one might be a lie).
British Wise customers and team members said these were some of the biggest surprises when they moved to the US.
From getting used to the public bathrooms to dealing with the American healthcare system – here are some obstacles you’ll meet as a Brit in the US:
Health Care
You don’t need healthcare until you need it. But prepare to be terminally confused the moment you do.
Like quantum physics, the US healthcare system is based on the principal that the more you know, the less you understand it. Even the customer service people at the insurance companies don’t understand any of it. What’s the difference between a deductible, copay and coinsurance? It is not possible to know.
Drink Sizes
A US pint is smaller than a UK one.
At first, you’re frustrated and disappointed, but once you realize that the beer you are drinking could be anything up to 8% alcohol, you soon get over it. And liquor? Spirit to mixer ratio in most drinks is at least 2:1 and if it isn’t, don’t tip.
Tipping
Being a Brit in the US can be constantly stressful.
Simply because you’ll have a constant, creeping sensation that you should be tipping someone for something right now, but you don’t know who, how much or what for. Restaurants are OK, just go 20% and don’t argue. Drinks at a bar are $1 per drink (or is it 10%, or 20% on a tab). But what about your super? Or your hairdresser. The good news? You don’t have to tip your Uber driver. Unless maybe you do?
Public Bathrooms
So, best to not ask anyone where the “loo” is, that probably will draw nothing but puzzled faces.
You probably shouldn’t bother with “toilet” either. In fact, you should ask for the “bathroom,” even though there probably won't be a bath in there, or the “restroom,” although napping is frowned upon. And why, oh why, are you expected to flush a urinal... ?
Bank Fees
Signing up for a bank account in the US is an interesting experience.
The agent will sit across from you cheerfully describing ways that the bank will be ripping you off in the near future but using words that make it sound like you’re getting a great deal. Overdraft fee, you say? Debit Card Advance, say I. Be prepared to carry massive sums of cash around with you in order to get better value on an ATM fee basis. Oh, and that checkbook? $25 please.
Let's not even get into the first time you try to send money to the UK with your bank. Just to rationalize the 3% exchange rate markup, $40 wire fee and 6 day wait… Wise anyone?
Yet to make the big move across the pond? Make sure to read our Moving to the U.S. guide.
Wise charges less than 1% or 0.6% over $10,000 with no mark-up - that means you get a far better exchange rate.
Save up to 8x when sending money overseas. Unlike banks, with Wise you don't pay a mark-up in the exchange rate when your money is converted into another currency. And you'll save even more by avoiding the international Swift fees and the intermediary banks, when you send and receive money abroad.
Check here how much you'd save with Wise.
It's cheap, fast, and you know exactly how much you pay and how much reaches the destination. With no unpleasant surprises.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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