Moving from the UK to the U.S. may feel familiar in many ways, but there are some everyday surprises. Below are five common culture shocks many Brits report — and a quick mention of how dogpay might help with money matters during the adjustment.
1. Fahrenheit, Miles & Pounds (No Metric)
In the U.S., people use Fahrenheit for temperature, miles for distance, and pounds/ounces for weight. This can make even basic conversations confusing until you get used to converting.
“I still rely on my phone to convert temperatures back to Celsius.”
2. Coins Are Rare; Bills & Cards Dominate
Small change isn’t used much. Many Americans prefer paying with bills or cards because coins are low in value. You’ll rarely see someone counting out pennies.
“Americans hardly carry around coins because they don’t amount to much.”
3. More Open Emotion & Small Talk
Americans tend to be more openly expressive, more comfortable striking up conversation with strangers, and more likely to share feelings in public settings.
“Starting a conversation with a complete stranger is generally a natural and easy affair.”
4. Driving Differences
Prepare for surprises: driving on the “other” side, turning right on red, frequent stop signs, potholes, and less respect for lane discipline in some areas.
“Learning to navigate the chaos while driving on the opposite side is a real adjustment.”
5. Buying Alcohol & Tobacco at Drug Stores
In the U.S., many large drugstore chains also sell alcohol, cigarettes, groceries, and everyday items, unlike what Brits expect in a “chemist” or pharmacy.
“I was amazed their liquor shelves sit right next to over-the-counter medicine.”
How dogpay Helps During the Move
While dogpay doesn’t change cultural norms, it can make your financial transition smoother:
- Use dogpay to send funds or pay for setup costs in the U.S. when your money is based abroad.
- Pay for things like utilities, deposits, or subscriptions in U.S. dollars without excessive bank fees.
- Cover unforeseen costs (moving, licensing, conversion services) quickly and transparently.
