UK vs USA – Page 2

August 21, 2017 by: Sunny London

British vs American Stereotypes: Myths Busted!

What are some popular British vs American stereotypes? As an American living in London married to a British man, these stereotypes and their validity are a part of my every day life as an expat. After four years, there isn’t a day that passes that I am not fully aware of how Americans are perceived and judged. Further, learning which British stereotypes are true and which ones are myths has taken time to sift through as well.

Maneuvering between perception vs reality is a tricky trail. At times, it is frustrating and discouraging. Sometimes, it’s quite humorous. In the video below, I identify the most popular British and American stereotypes I have encountered during my time living in London. It’s part of my hugely popular UK vs USA series on the Sunny News YouTube channel.

Discussions and feedback in the video comments can be quite lively! In fact, you’ll find the comments will give evidence supporting some of the British and America stereotypes you already have. 😉

British vs American Stereotypes- Final Thoughts

What questions do you have about American life in London? Are you visiting London and need a more information to plan your trip? Leave your questions and advice for people either on the blog or YouTube channel.

The Sunny News YouTube channel has a playlist full of videos comparing life in the UK vs USA. Some of the topics include differences on: television options, grocery store and food shopping, schools, cultural exchanges, and choosing a hotel in London. The most popular video is below. And it sure has some interesting comments!

August 14, 2017 by: Sunny London

British vs American Television Differences

When I first moved across the pond, the first place I lived didn’t come with a TV. The whole process of buying a television and aerials warrington was the same but I was so surprised when I actually started watching UK TV so see the number of differences! When comparing British vs American television differences, you might jump to some standard stereotypes. After living as an American in London married to a British man for five years, I have enjoyed watching British television and know that I still have much to learn.

I make two to three trips back to Florida a year. It’s funny but I had never thought to write about the differences in television topic until recently. It’s strange how different the television culture is here compared to there, and how you go about watching it. Whilst television topics are different, there are also some other differences in television habits between the two countries. For example, America’s television viewing habits are much more significant than Britain’s. From looking at some cable TV statistics, it’s believed that some Americans can hours watching television each day. To see some other American TV statistics, you might want to click here to learn more about American viewing habits. As Americans, we do seem to watch a lot of television. It would be interesting to see some British TV statistics too. Maybe television is better in America! I was actually on holiday in Florida sitting in front of the tv and it just hit me- some stuff is certainly better depending upon which side of the pond you are viewing.

You must understand though too that some of the differences are non-debatable facts. Other points are my observations based on my experience, and yours can certainly be different. Watching some of the content like on a Freeview HumaxDirect box would give you a good sense for the ways in which British TV is distinguishable from American TV.

In the video below, I identify the most popular British vs American television differences. It’s part of my hugely popular UK vs USA series on the Sunny News YouTube channel. Discussions and feedback in the video comments can be quite lively! You’ll find in the comments that people have added many other observations in addition to what I have noticed.

And as always, I extend the invitation to you to add your own thoughts and questions too.

UK vs US: See More!

The Sunny News YouTube channel has a playlist full of videos comparing life in the UK vs USA. Some of the topics include differences on: grocery store and food shopping, schools, cultural exchanges, and choosing a hotel in London. The most popular video is below. And it sure has some interesting comments!

February 21, 2016 by: Sunny London

UK vs USA – 5 Things the British Do Better

What happens when you live in London for three years as an American expat? You understand there are things the British do better.

When you have had the chance to live on both sides of the pond, you observe differences that are large and subtle. Naturally, you compare the UK vs USA and develop opinions about what happens well (and not well) in both places.

I’ve written about the differences between British vs American schools and what a person could miss from America. However, it seems time for a blog about what the British do better in the great UK vs USA debate.

Is it make great Mexican food? Sell strong plastic freezer or sandwich bags? Certainly not. Those are still things that you need to consume or purchase straight up in the USA.

1. UK vs USA: Driving

Let’s get over the fact that they do it on the ~~wrong~~ other side of the road. What I mean here is how they maneuver a car and approach other drivers. Living in an environment where nearly everything is smaller in comparison to the USA, British people seem to learn how to move a car in to a shoebox if the situation calls for it. They also typically take Driving Lessons Newcastle for a longer amount of time because their tests are harder than in the US.

Aside from this, the proper demeanor they have in conversations and social interactions extends right on to the road. If you listen to the streets of New York City, you’ll be flooded with sounds of horns slamming, people yelling profanity and sirens screaming. Yeah, the sounds of the London emergency teams can really wind you up, but they aren’t against a background of angry people honking and swearing at each other.

British drivers nearly all seem to follow an understood system of giving way to someone who needs it on the road. Making a right turn (which would be against traffic here) isn’t too difficult, because people are fairly quick to stop and let you through. Instead, in the U.S. it’s always gut wrenching to attempt pulling out of somewhere and going the opposite direction.

2. UK vs USA: Policing

While the job isn’t easy on either side of the pond, there’s one clear difference between the job of an American cop versus the job of a British officer.

A gun.

While listening to several British police officers have conversations with American cops, I’ve heard one consistent question that neither can understand about each other. British police are curious what it’s like to feel the need for a weapon every day. American cops can’t fathom working without the protection of one.

I’m not trying to launch a blog debate on gun control. However, it seems the British like to discuss our gun laws and culture with Americans. The point I want to emphasize is that it appears that policing with just a baton and maybe a taser or horse puts a greater amount of vulnerability on British police officers, which could make their job more difficult. What do you think?

How about members of the general public owning weapons? That often generates interesting conversations between those for and against the whole concept of being in possession of a private firearm. While there are gun laws in America, such as the license to concealed carry california requires its citizens to have, British guns laws are much tighter. This has lead to a cultural divide between the two nations with Americans wanting the freedom to own guns and Britons believing that gun controls are safer for society. When discussing it, people often forget that the vast majority of gun owners are responsible, would never dream of buying equipment without first doing the proper research over on Ammoland.com and similar sites, and would never take up arms against another person without provocation.

3. UK vs USA: Sending an Email

I find British people send emails that just sound better to the ear. When I first learned how to email large files, I would sign all of my emails with such a long spiel at the end about the size of the file and it was just utter nonsense! As soon as I saw people signing off their emails with simpler terms, I just had to change my ways. The standard closing of ‘Kind regards,’ in the UK is one of the major differences when comparing writing from the two cultures. Americans generally close professional emails with ‘Sincerely,’ followed by their name. Whether or not that sincere sentiment actually exists could be debatable. However, I appreciate the ‘kind regards’ closing because it seems like a softer expression. Perhaps translating to, ‘whatever the outcome, I wish you no ill will.’

Their spoken and written professional communication just has a friendlier approach than what you find in America.

4. UK vs USA: Eating

I have yet to adopt the ‘fork in the left hand’ and other table etiquette guidelines of the British. That’s not because I don’t think they’re better. Quite the opposite actually. It’s because it is harder for me since I wasn’t raised or trained to eat that way, while growing up in America.

But, every time I eat food at my British in-laws home or attend a new restaurant launch, I am reminded of how different the British eat a meal. Their formal eating manners simply look far more elegant than what we do in the USA.

5. UK vs USA: Tipping

While living in America, I never really understood why we take on the aggravation and extra hindrance of tipping service employees. It makes so much sense to increase their actual wages to a standard equal to other professions and the work they do. When comparing the two cultures in terms of how the British handle gratuity, I have to say there’s no arguing. The British win this one hands down.

After three years of living in London, I feel fully ingrained in the non-tipping culture and love it! It’s so refreshing so order a beer and wine at a pub for Mr. Sunny and I and not try to calculate extra money outside of what the round costs.

UK vs USA: Final Thoughts

Those are a few of the things I find the British do better. If you’ve lived as an expat, what are the differences you have found that you liked more in your new country? Do you agree the British do these things better? Curious about other UK vs USA observations? You can see tons more on the Sunny News YouTube channel. In fact, there’s a video on more things the British Do Better here…

March 2, 2017 by: Sunny London

How to Exchange Money for a Trip to London

When you are planning a trip to London, what do you think about first? Chances are you are looking at attractions and shows to see. Next, you are probably researching hotels and restaurants.

One of the last things you probably plan is how to exchange money for a trip to London. With the American dollar so strong against the pound, you may not feel so much pressure to pay attention to currency rates. However, I feel every little bit helps. After a little research, you may even take interest in the fluctuating exchange rates and even take interest in the forex signals. These signals indicate when best to invest in an exchange rate and you can even make a profit from doing so. Anyhow, being organized with your trip in every way shows you are a savvy traveler. You can save money on currency exchanges by finding and comparing exchange rates and fees with the currency shop.

How to Exchange Money: Extra Fees

At the time I am publishing this article and YouTube video, the rate is £1=1.25 on an interbank rate. That’s the lowest possible exchange. You likely wouldn’t get that when swapping money because nothing is free, especially money 😉

This means that whatever company handles your exchange from American dollars to pounds sterling will charge a handling fee. However, some methods are cheaper than others. For instance, if you want to trade currencies from the comfort of your own home before your trip, you can get in touch with local forex brokers who may be able to help you get what you need.

How to Exchange Money: Tips for London

This video will give you 10 smart tips on how to approach spending money in London. It lists things you can do before you leave, while you are in London and when your trip ends. Yes, I know that sounds a bit too good to be true. However, I have left Heathrow airport with a refund for purchases in my hands. This VAT video shows you how.

I have received money back when I visited London to see Mr Sunny, before we got married and I moved here.

There is something you must keep in mind as you watch the video. There isn’t one plan that fits all. Some people prefer using cash only so they stick to their budget. Some people like credit cards for rewards programs. I give you tips for exchanging money for all these options below. Well, except Traveler’s Checks. Does anyone even use those anymore?

How to Exchange Money: Video Advice

Please leave your strategies for what you do to save money on exchanging currencies when you travel either in the comments here or on the Sunny News YouTube channel. I love learning about other options to save money while traveling and know that others appreciate the ideas too. You’ll find a great community of travelers on my Sunny News channel, so subscribe if you’d like to join us!

The blog article I wrote last year based on the debit card from Travelex is How To See Four Attractions in One Day in London.

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, advice for visiting hidden pubs, and a shopping guide. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

August 17, 2014 by: Sunny London

Moving to London from America- What You’ll Miss

Do you dream of moving to London from America? Or maybe it’s the other way round! If so, there are many top national moving companies out there that can give you a helping hand when it comes to this big moment in your life. You never know what life can bring, so it is important to plan ahead. When a few of my friends decided to leave London for America, they decided to look into companies such as Bright Homes, as this way, doing their research into reliable companies meant that they would be in the best hands possible when it came to making such a massive change in their life. When it comes to moving, the process doesn’t have to be so stressful. Even though there are a lot of things to think about, whether it is how are you doing to get all the packed boxes to the new house or if the assistance of a company like Cars Relo would be an easier way to transport the vehicle to the new property, there’s a lot to do before setting into the new house. Hopefully, it’ll all be worth it in the end.

It worked out for the best and now they are all living their best lives. Even if you are just considering moving states, just by doing some research into homes beaufort sc, this can get you on the right track when it comes to this transition in your life. No matter where you end up, as long as you are doing it in the right way and are doing it for the right reasons, that’s all that should matter. There are a few life conveniences that you need to know that doesn’t exist on this side of the pond. And they’re things that people living in the great all-American suburbs will really, really miss.
Let’s get to the list, Sunny friends!

1. Super Stores

Think of how many times you rely on places like Target, The Home Depot, Best Buy, Office Depot and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Stores like that pretty much don’t exist in London. Yes, there are department stores like John Lewis and Debenhams here. But, you aren’t going to find the vast selection of items at fairly reasonable prices like you can in America.

The philosophy of “I’ll buy it when I get there’ might not work out the way you anticipate. With many items, it might be more feasible to ship them from the US to London. When you calculate the cost of a shipping container against what it will involve buying new items here, you may be surprised to learn that you’re better off with shipping. A few items I wish I had shipped but didn’t are: an iron, a Dustbuster, and a dish drain/drying rack. Of course, they have them here, but they’re either astronomically priced or the selection is extremely limited. With regard to electronics, you might not think it’s worth sending your American products due to the different electrical outlets in the UK. However, converters are fairly cheap and work really well.

2. Drive-thru Coffee Shops

Most Londoners are shocked when I explain that drive-thru Starbucks not only exist but also are in abundance in suburban America. Brits are pretty fascinated with this phenomenon. It’s a great conversation topic, if you’re ever stuck in awkward British silence.

You might think if you’re living in Central London you have no need for a car, much less a drive-thru anything. Point taken. However, some people living in Greater London own and use a vehicle. Drive-thru coffee locations are few and far between.

3. Shopping in Malls

There are two malls in London like the ones we know in the US. You may recognise the company who owns them both, Westfield. They are on opposite ends of the city, East and West. They are Westfield Stratford City (East) and Westfield London (West).

So, let’s be clear- London does have malls. You’re ability to get to them can be a challenge not worth taking.

In all the time that I’ve lived here, I have only been to each one once. As a North Londoner, the journeys are just too difficult for me. So, if you’re a girl who loves that weekly shopping trip with your friends to Sephora (Yeah, that’s not here either), Yankee Candle (Nope. In fact, I’ve written a separate post on that) and Ann Taylor (nada), forget it.

4. Television Shows

I still haven’t quite adjusted to British television, so I find myself watching the E! network here if I do turn on the ‘telly.’ Episodes of ‘Fashion Police’ and ‘E! News’ are always out of date in London. Obviously it’s due to the time change. It affects me the most when it’s the big broadcasts that are important to me.

Do you have any idea what it’s like trying to watch the Super Bowl, Academy Awards or Grammy Awards at 1:00am? Neither do I. That’s because I’ve never been able to stay awake to see them. To be honest, I can’t even remember who played in the Super Bowl this year because no one here talked about it, much less watched it. And, as a Florida State University graduate, you guessed it… I’m sick about not seeing my team play football in the fall!

And, obviously, there’s no Today Show here. 🙁

5. Paper Towels

I bet you are laughing right now. But, it’s true. They’re tough to find in certain places. You can buy paper towels at the grocery store. No problem. But, you can kiss them goodbye in the loo. It’s really rare to find paper towels in a London restroom. Get used to jet drying your hands every where. Meet the Dyson Hand Dryer…

If you’re in a girl in long distance relationship with a Brit, I have a tip for you. Back in the day when I was travelling to London to see Mr. Sunny before we got married, I took stacks of paper towels at JFK airport and put them in my carry-on when flying to London. After an exhausting 7+ hour flight, I always liked to brush my teeth, wash my face and re-apply some make up before Mr. Sunny met me at Arrivals. There are no paper towels in the airport bathrooms. A supply for yourself makes the whole freshening up process faster.

Oh, and once you move here, try to keep a stash of hand cream in your bag. During the winter, the extensive use of those hand dryers can be brutal on your hands.

So, there you have it! I’d love to hear from other US readers who either are moving to London from America, have done it, or are considering it. And, my international and British readers can certainly add some thoughts about their experiences too. Of course, if you shared this post on your social networks, I think we could help a ton of people considering the move as well.

Cheers, Sunny friends!

If you’re visiting London for the the first time (especially the NFL in London Games this Fall), check out my ‘Guide to London for Americans Visiting the First Time!’ Or you can subscribe to Sunny in London weekly emails. I’m happy to help Americans find their way here faster, so share this post or that one if you have friends travelling here soon.

You can read more about the expat experience on the blog. Be sure to see the review of an international shipping company, which includes a discount for you. Below are my 10 Tips for Applying for a UK Visa (based on my experience and an interview I did with an immigration attorney after the Brexit vote). Also you’ll find the differences between US and UK schools.

November 11, 2016 by: Sunny London

US vs UK Differences- Kitchen Nightmares!

When you’re thinking about US vs UK differences in living, you might not realize that there are big differences in something as basic as a kitchen.

I mean really- what could be that different?

A lot. Trust me.

As an American expat living in London for several years, I’ve written blog posts about basic life inconveniences you won’t have in the UK, health insurance advice, how to survive the holidays away, and how to save money. But this time, I’m getting personal with my US vs UK differences!

In this video below, I take you on a tour of my kitchen in London. I literally show you what’s different about it compared to an American apartment or condo. During the video, I try to fit several pans in my UK kitchen oven. This is particularly helpful for people who like to cook and bake often (especially around the holidays). They are the roasting pan and jelly roll pan below:

(There wasn’t an equivalent size jelly roll pan on the Amazon UK website.)

If you’re planning on moving to London (make sure you read my shipping company recommendation), the tips in this video will be very useful before you pack your items or even search for flats online. Also, there are some big things that are deceiving about space in London kitchens that you’ll want to know.

If you watch all the way until the end, you’ll learn about one thing you rarely find in an American kitchen that I don’t think I could live without now…

https://youtu.be/uDXFEHXI3Bc

Make sure you pin this and the Guide to Visiting London for the First Time. Of course, you can always subscribe to emails to learn more as it happens too! I regularly write about the expat experience. The Sunny YouTube channel has an Expat Chat playlist, which is a great way to learn about London too.

February 1, 2017 by: Sunny London

London Travel Tips from a Londoner

What’s better than visiting London and having travel tips from a Londoner? After living in London four years and being married to a man born in London, there’s a lot I have to share with someone travelling to London for the first time.

Aside from suggested itineraries like How to See 9 Attractions in Two Days and Saving Money with a London Pass, there are other cultural things you might want to know too. In the video below I list 10 Things Londoners Know about London that visitors don’t. It covers things like what Londoners eat and when and stuff you won’t want to say when you are here.

One of the hidden treasures of London that just opened a few years ago is Sky Garden. In just a few months I have visited twice because it was such a breathtaking experience. The video shows shots of just how much you can see on a sunny, clear day. And yes, we do have them in London.

London Travel Tips for Sky Garden:

You must book a visit time in advance and bring proof of your tickets for each person in order to be admitted.
Arrive at least a half hour before your scheduled time and be ready to wait in a long line during peak travel times of the year.
Plan on going through a security check.
Bring a fully charged camera and mobile phone because you will take tons of pictures and possible video!
The food and drinks are expensive.
The outside balcony won’t be open if the weather is the slightest bit disagreeable.
You can stay longer than the website indicates you can. No one keeps track of what time you leave.
Figure you will be there about 90 minutes or longer. It’s mesmerizing!
It has restaurants in which you can book tables for breakfast through dinner.
They have special events in the evenings.
It’s on my list of Best Places to Propose in London.

London Travel Tips: More Information:

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

January 29, 2017 by: Sunny London

Living in London American Expat RANT

After living in London permanently for four years as an American expat, I’ve had enough time to identify what I don’t like. Yes, it’s my favourite city in the world, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few things that make me mad. And some of them on a daily basis.

In the YouTube video below I share the things that make living in London tough compared to life in America. One of the things I don’t mention is what the hard water has done to my hair. I know – sounds a bit odd. I’m not saying that America doesn’t have hard water, because it definitely does. But a lot of people and most industries use a water softener to try to tackle that problem. It seems like hard water is just sort of accepted her in London. So, although I don’t mention it in my video, a question I have seen surface in the ‘American Expats in London’ Facebook groups I belong to is often about this phenomenon for girls. Most popular is visa advice, but then there’s the more finite concerns like where to find certain products we like from the US, etc.

This is what my hair looked like when I moved here…

You can see from those pictures that whether I would style it through a blow out, or through beachy waves, it was fairly glossy and soft looking. Now, not so much. I never used really expensive shampoos and haven’t changed how often I wash it. So, I can only attribute the changes to my hair texture and appearance to the hard water from living in London. I’d love to know your thoughts on that if you’re an American expat girl living in London too.

So, here it is (an occurrence that doesn’t happen often on the Sunny in London blog!) my little London rant.

As you’ll see, it’s received some interesting comments so far, both from life long Londoners like my husband and from American expats making the adjustment too. I’ve heard of some American expats renouncing their citizenship due to tax reasons to make the financial adjustment easier at least. If you’re an American living abroad and renouncing your citizenship is something you’d be interested in, make sure you go through the proper channels so you can stop paying tax for 2 countries. If you need help with paying tax as an American expat, there are some companies out there who can help you, as everyone knows it’s far from easy to do on your own. Zisman US Tax Services offer assistance with taxes for expats, so you might want to check them out. But I digress. It would be great to exchange ideas with you about the things you don’t like where you are living and stuff that you miss if you’re an expat in another country.

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about visiting London or moving to London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

October 20, 2016 by: Sunny London

How to Get Weird Looks When Visiting London

Visiting London as an American and worried about embarrassing yourself?

Even though English is spoken on both sides of the pond, there’s a huge difference in culture between the UK vs USA. After living here for three years as an American expat married to a lifelong Londoner, I’ve learned quite a few lessons about what to do in London and NOT to do! If I can help you not make the same mistakes I did so you enjoy your trip or adjust to life here faster, count me in!

From tips for the Underground to lessons for visiting pubs, I’ve tried to think of an array of advice videos to create for you on the Sunny News channel. This one will not only make you laugh but also guarantee you don’t look like a fool in the most basic situations!

Trust me.

So go on then. Take five minutes to learn about what you can do that I guarantee you will earn you weird looks when visiting London or living here.

https://youtu.be/J5qKCfgk70s

Mr. Sunny has two more sneaky tips to add. He says you can definitely get some goofy glares if you dress alike to everyone with whom you’re traveling and… tell Londoner to ‘Have a Nice Day.’ 😉

If you’re visiting London, make sure you pin this and the Guide to Visiting London for the First Time. Of course, you can always subscribe to emails to learn more as it happens too!

June 30, 2014 by: Sunny London

Advice for an American in London?

So, what’s it like being an American in London? If you have read my Quirky Advice for American Expats in London, from a few months ago, you know I love living here. And since I love all my Sunny readers just as much, I’m sharing more info about my London adventures with you.

Let’s get right to today’s topic then, shall we? I’ve put together a few more fun tips for those of you that made the leap across the pond like me…

1. Tips for an American in London- Fah-get a bout it!

When I was preparing for my third move to London back in January, my friends all had one question. ‘You aren’t gonna develop one of those fake British accents like Madonna had, ARE YOU?’

Of course not. No sense pretending to be someone you’re not. However, I’ve noticed I’m much bettah off if I drop the ‘R’ at the end of a word. British accents just don’t have it. So, for the times I need to be understood fast, I talk like the natives and drop that final R. ‘May I have a tap wahtah, please?’

2. Tips for an American in London- Turning Tricks

Even though sometimes I’ll say words in ‘British’ just to get on with my day fastah, I mostly stick with my American tongue and lingo, y’all. That also means feeling like a circus monkey sometimes.

If I had a quatah or dollah for every time a Brit asked me to say ‘Banana’, ‘Tomato’ or ‘Aluminum’, I would have no need to consider monetizing the Sunny in London blog. Cha-ching!

If you’re an American in London, just get used to people laughing at certain words you say and making you repeat them incessantly. Face it, you know before you moved here you asked all the British people you encountered to ‘talk on command’ in order for you to hear their accent. So, now it’s royal pay back. Deal with it.

3. Tips for an American in London- Niagara Falls

There’s some serious watah issues in London. I’m not talking about rain, Sunny friends. What I mean is water pressure. Get ready for Niagara Falls each time you turn on that faucet. Except, you probably won’t be feeling any rainbows.

Water bursts out of the tap so fast, you’d think you just went over the falls and hit the bottom in a barrel. In fact every time I do dishes, I feel like I’ve just been on this ride at Islands of Adventure in Orlando.

4. Tips for an American in London- Your CV will be Bagged!

It’s tough for Americans to crack in to the professional work force in the UK. If you aren’t one of the lucky buggers who receives a job transfer from the US to the UK, you’re in a boat like me waiting to prove your skills.

But, have no fear. There’s definitely one skill you can master while you wait. That’s bagging your groceries! Yep. Ever tried it? It’s not so easy.

I get nervous every time I go to Sainsbury’s. It’s bad enough I don’t know where anything that I need is located. But, I also have an extra tough time when it comes to checking out. You pretty much have to bag your own groceries in London. Slowly, I’m developing a talent for guessing how to stack and pack my items.

5. Tips for an American in London- You’re getting POUNDED!

It’s a losing battle with the American dollar. Have you checked the exchange rate recently? The dollar is worthless against the almighty pound sterling. Last year there was a time when it was $1.49 to £1.00. This past weekend the rate was almost $1.70 to £1.00.

It’s a nightmare! My advice to you is to hold off as long as you absolutely can on transferring your American funds to your British account. Also, if you have to use an American credit card while you are here, use one that doesn’t charge any additional international change fees. It’s at least one small way you can keep some of your American weight. 😉

A Question from an American in London-

Hopefully some of that advice will be useful to my American mates. But now, this Sunny girl from Florida needs a bit of advice.

This Friday is going to be really awkward. ‘Why?’ you ask.

It’s July 4th.

‘Oh,’ says the British person. ‘That day.’ Or, as Mr. Sunny teasingly says, ‘The day we got rid of you people.’

What’s this American in London supposed to do on Friday?

I’m guessing it would be rather cheeky to gather up some Yanks and go raise hell somewhere. Much less set off fireworks.

Should I just sit at home Friday night and watch a Kardashian marathon? Maybe I can eat some banahhhhhhnahhhhhhhs and to-mahhhhhhhh-toes?

Kindly leave your thoughts below, Sunny mates.

You can read more about the expat experience on the blog. Be sure to see the review of an international shipping company, which includes a discount for you. You can read more about the expat experience on the blog. Be sure to see the review of an international shipping company, which includes a discount for you.

If you’re planning a visit to London, the Sunny News YouTube channel has regular updates of advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide.

https://youtu.be/d8G79FbJKN0