Hi Danielle Interesting observations,I especially liked the one about the supermarket aisle system,I think it is generally accepted here that there is no system,it's really a free for all,more like fairground dodgems 😅😅 Greeting people in the streets..many people do acknowledge you if you say hello or give a simple smile,but some think it is being too familiar and ignore you,you take your chances there.Everything else you noted is spot on,only tip if you feel like it ,it is not expected and you will not be made to feel mean,many before have commented about tipping in this country and have mentioned the fact that we have a minimum wage here in the UK but not in the US,and there they rely more on tips to make a decent wage. Good video Danielle Best wishes to you and yours Alan
Alan, Thanks for the kind comment and the information. The tipping thing is very true, it's about the way our systems are designed differently. I like the phrase fairground dodgems too! Thanks again!
I don't know what kind of restaurants you've been to, but I don't know anyone who was a waiter or waitress in the US who was more than barely surviving on tips.
John Ashtone what is weird John is that we’ve had a Lidl and Aldi opposite each other up in the midlands and now down here in south east and the Lidl is like an ocean of tranquility compared to the utter chaos of Aldi. What is equally odd is that I analyse these things 😩
@@Eoin6661 Up in the North we have an Asda, Lidl, Aldi, Icelands and Home bargains literally right next to eachother (behind the police station funnily enough) and Aldi is chaos, Lidl is a peaceful chaos, Asda is absolute chaos, Iceland is peaceful, Home bargains is medium chaos and the police station I'm sure would be chaotic if they sold anything other than overnighters in the holding cells.
John Ashtone depends on the size - near me the Aldi is quite small as another supermarket got very pissy about how close it was to their site, threatened to not build its massive new store & leave the area so the planning for it was quite small so now it’s about 2 trolly width aisles passing people is near impossible
The saying hello when walking thing is generally part of the country code in the UK. Meaning, that when out walking in the countryside, where few people are about, you generally say hello, otherwise it's not done.
We are a queueing nation, so much so that without a good queue we get all confused. That is why there are no rules in a supermarket, until you get to the checkout when order is restored.
I've been to North America 3 times and everywhere I went there was a queue like England apart from a bar, club or pub then it's every man for themselves. We don't tip that much here because the waiter's or waitresses get paid minimum wage unless there under 25. In America I think they don't get paid. And the barber's someone mentioned I know who was in the shop before and who comes in after then when s(he) says next please when it's my turn I march to the chair.
A country thing, or if it's REALLY early morning and there's only a few other people about on the outskirts of the city/town ^^ I've been nodded at and greeted a few times in the early hours and I live on the outskirts of a city
Yes. If you're on a nice country walk or walking the dog people usually say morning/afternoon or give nod, but in a town it's usually not practical. And in a busy city you're worried about attracting the attention of some nutter or a possible mugger.
Haha, good point! By apologizing were are just fitting in! If we could just say sorry with less of an American accent we would just seem totally English.
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure by North we typically mean Northern England. We will make the distinction between North of England and Scotland. That said I do like spending time in Scotland.
The 'waving when driving' isn't a wave, it's a way of saying thank you! Because you can't say thanks to someone who's in a car, we just raise a hand. For me, growing up in England, it's just become a reflex
British towns were designed for horses & carts, but now we have so many cars and other vehicles on our roads and streets that we need to cooperate and sometimes allow other drivers to do things, even if we have the right of way A small wave of your hand is a way of saying thankyou
I hate when drivers don't acknowledge I've let them through. Sometimes I'm about to cross a road and see a car coming, step back onto the kerb and allow the car through rather than expecting it to stop for me. 40% of the time I get absolutely no acknowledgement.
We do this in the US as well, it’s just less common. Often we have to let cars filter in from our highway system and if the person is really nice they will give a little wave to the car behind them.
Restaurant serve staff in USA are often paid horrendously low wages and depend on tips to supplement their hourly pay. In the Uk serve staff are paid at least minimum wage, it’s nice to tip but not necessary. Good or just friendly service would merit a tip, especially in more formal settings.
Gerishnakov I know. I work for minimum wage here in Canada, (here in Canada 🇨🇦 it’s against the law to pay less than legal minimum wage) I’m not in a job that receives tips, I wish sometimes that I was. In the US some employers can pay criminally low hourly rates to wait staff.
@@randomyoutubechannel2470 I did see that once, can't remember if it was in the UK, Canada or US, but a frozen food dinner company was forced to change the name of a product to 'Chips and Fish' as it was decided that it was too deceptive to put the smaller portion first! I can't remember if they appealed that or not, as I haven't seen it recently.
I live in Wales, I can't walk down my street without someone talking my head off. Now London, that's a different thing all together, people make a point of ignoring you.
That’s because there are 11 million people in London and people move in and out a lot. Unless you have neighbours that stay for years, you never get to know them. People from other parts of the country probably know their neighbours all around, apart from the big cities.
Not really, people just rush everywhere in London cos it's so damn busy. Once Londoners get out of London and the pace of life slows down we are as friendly as anybody else.
@@SvenTviking Our daughter has lived in London for the last 12 years. The people in the flat above and below have been there even longer, apart from the odd Hi, they have never spoken to her and she knows nothing about them. Her husband is a Londoner and sees nothing wrong with it, being a Welsh girl, she thinks its really weired.
I moved to Wales from England and found strangers’ constant need to strike up a conversation with me very weird to begin with. 4 years on, I still do 😂
Up here in Scotland, they way I've always tipped is to basically leave a couple of pounds as well as whatever you pence change is. Unless you have had an exceptional time. Take last night for example. I got a pizza delivered for £16.xx, I told the driver to just make it £18 and he gave me my £2 change form my £20. I don't think I have ever tipped, or seen tipped more than about 10% of the total bill.
TSotP I tend to tip to the nearest note just so I don’t have to carry change around, but its no where near as necessary as in America, which I think is better because here you get genuine looks of gratitude for tipping where as in America it’s sometimes even written on the bill so it’s more expected so they don’t give a genuine look of thanks when you tip them as your just paying what’s said on the bill.
The only thing I can think of similar to tipping, is like when some shops have the little box next to the cashier for tips I guess? Usually charity ones
Tipping used to happen more often when cash was used. Now, most payments are by card, usually contactless. Even in restaurants here you often just tap your card on the machine without having the opportunity to add a tip.
That good pay you give them doesn't seem to translate into friendly, fast, service, since everybody I've heard says that American servers are better than anywhere else they've been.
UK Tipping: • It is almost always optional, but appreciated. Nobody here is paid below minimum wage, so you're not stealing from anyone. • We usually only tip people who give direct, prolonged, personal service (hairdresser, taxi, restaurant staff, yes; shopkeeper, bartender, no) - you CAN tip others if you want though. • 10% is about right. You CAN tip more, but 10% is easy to work out in your head, so it is the default. • Try to tip individuals in cash if you can. This stops some (or most) of their tip disappearing into the business owner's account as 'card handling fees'. • At a restaurant with the little tray with the bill on, pay the bill, wait for your change, then turn the tray over and leave the tip underneath. It avoids looking like you're boasting, and discourages theft. The restaurant staff will collect it after you've gone. • A default tip might be added to the bill as a 'service charge' if you're in a big group (6+) at a restaurant. You CAN ask for it to be removed by speaking to a manager, but it is considered rude unless you had very bad service. For good service, just pay the bill, the tip is already included. For great service, don't bother asking to increase the service charge, just tip the difference as usual.
Tipping in Scotland is not frowned upon if you don`t. The only place i would tip and i live here, is a taxi or, the barman/barmaid. In the bars, the tip would be £1 and no more, in a restaurant, it would be 10% above your bill and in a taxi, it would be an extra £1.
Schaefer Family Adventure I like the American way of holding utensils. I don’t the way Europeans hold on to their knife or hold their fork. Just my opinion though.
There is no "American way" of holding cutlery. She is just describing the way her family does it, which stems from being so utterly right handed they can't scratch themselves with their left hand. Lots of people are like that, probably in Europe too, unless you have cops who hand out tickets for eating that way.
deezynar You’re wrong, there’s definitely a difference between the way Americans eat compared to Europeans. Obviously doesn’t apply to every single individual person, but generally speaking. Google it, it’s honestly a thing.
Bristol? I moved away in my early 20's and I still say 'alright' instead of hello. Always get caught off guard when people respond with, 'yes, I'm alright how are you', instead of just saying 'alright' back.
When you leave the bus in the south west you say “cheers drive” One thing I noticed on my travels to the U.S - a lot of people in restaurants seem to cut up all their food first then put the knife down transfer the fork to the other hand and eat away. As a Brit I found it fascinating, as over here that is what you do for a toddler when they are learning to use cutlery. ( that is not meant as an insult, just an observation of our cultural differences)
I was raised in America by Brits and a lot of my friends aren't taught how to use cutlery. Most won't cut their food first but will use their knife in their left hand. It always fascinates me because as a kid for me that wasn't allowed and now as an adult I'm thankful for it. By no means do I mean all Americans or that it's a bad thing.
Don't confuse living in London, or indeed the South of England with the whole of England. It is quite normal to smile and say, "good morning" etc here in the North where I live and elsewhere in England.
I live in midlands and I'll walk around everywhere and If I feel like it I'll just nod smile or even say "y'right haha" or someone will say good morning or good evening or such Pretty standard stuff tbh,
Danielle, about the supermarket aisle system....I have a theory. I have visited relatives in America so I can compare and contrast. I think our 'chaotic' system boils down to the fact that our trolleys/carts have four non-fixed wheels (i.e. can rotate 360 degrees) that makes them super (to use a popular American adjective) manoeuvrable. You can weave in and out...no problem! American carts have 2 fixed and 2 non-fixed wheels which makes sticking to aisle lanes a lot more sensible.
It’s so nice to hear lovely things about our country that we don’t even think about, we just take it for granted. It’s really nice to see someone come into the uk and like our traditions and want to fit it to the way we do things.
Hi, I don't know whether you know, but it strikes English people as impolite when Americans say "can I get?" E.g. in McDonald's, "can I get a Big Mac?" The phrase should be "can I have?" or, ideally, "may I have?" "Get" means "getting something yourself". So strictly speaking, "can I get a Big Mac?" means "am I able to vault over the counter and pick out a Big Mac for myself?" If you want the shop assistant to get the food for you, it is "may I have?" You might notice this at some point.
The waving while driving is more of a Thank You for letting me pass and it's technically not a wave. It's annoying when you've stopped for someone and they don't acknowledge the fact. Flashing your headlights also means the same thing generally.
Also, raise your hand when crossing at a zebra crossing when a driver stops to let you cross ( they have to by law ) is good manners or, if a driver lets to cross the road when no crossing is close by is also good manners.
In the UK, we generally expect pedestrians to make their own decisions about crossing the road. In the USA there are (applied) penalties for jaywalking. (In France, pedestrian crossings are advisory, but drivers often see them as a challenge, while in Rome, the only safe way to cross a road is in the company of a nun.)
It depends where you are. I live in a small village in the Midlands and people are pretty quiet here. You might say hello or just nod your head but not much else. People in some parts of England are very taciturn, other areas they talk a lot more. I've noticed that.
Depends where you’re living. I live in a rural area and everyone tends to say hello to neighbours and strangers alike. But big cities are different. Especially London.
Thank you for commenting! That sounds lovely - I have heard London can seem like a rather unfriendly place, but like you said - it is hard to cultivate a friendly atmosphere in a big city. :) - Danielle
What I'd say about tipping is that generally brits only really do it for serving staff at restaurants. Normally when you settle the bill you have the option to add a tip, for example, on the card reader. And in my experience, 10% is the goto tip. Whilst I don't think a waiter/waitress would be offended if they didn't get a tip, I think they would feel like they did something wrong and that's why you haven't tipped.
Interesting - I see lots of conflicting advice on here and from my friends as well. Not sure where that leaves us actually, but it seems like tipping is more common than we were led to believe.
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure Additionally; a large part of the tipping culture in the USA is dictated by the weird (to us in the UK) concept of the 'tipped wage', where people expected to be receiving significant tips don't have the same 'minimum wage' rules as anyone else. In the UK, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or Living Wage (NLW) applies to all jobs, regardless of their sector. I would also argue that a large number of companies pay slightly above the minimum on a regular basis, so tipping doesn't become so much of an issue here and is based much more on the actual performance of the staff that served you.
I live in Somerset (stereotypical farmer area) me and family almost never tip unless we actually go out to eat. Going out for a drink or anything more casual I feel like it's not necessarily required. Additionally in my opinion tipping is only required as a way to show thanks and not tipping is the standard
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure Tip waiting staff in restaurants if they are good, and also cab drivers if they provide a smooth drive or are nice and sociable. Nobody else really unless they really put themselves out for you you'd drop them a fiver or tenner and tell them to get themselves some lunch or a few beers.
I only tip the hairdresser - I don't think they're very well paid. Also, despite my monicker, I am male and quite old, and the hairdressers are female and quite young.
Tipping: Restaurant servers if the service was really good. Bar tenders at the end of the night if the service was good, not when you buy each drink. Taxi Driver if they were on time and helpful. That's about it. Maybe a gift at the end of the school year for your kids teacher or a tip for your hairdresser at Christmas if you get your hair done but they're all very optional and not expected.
I would say, living in the East, that I do not look people in the eye when passing as I consider that as an intrusion into their privacy. In conversation even when brief I always look them in the eye. Aisle use for trollies are a free for all. Great observations. Tipping here is not a requirement. My observation is that you are a very nice family. Additionally, Danielle, you have the most calming voice.
I live in Anchorage Alaska and yes, the wave thing when someone lets you in when driving is important here as well. You also take your shoes off when you enter someone's house - something I found is not usually done in the Lower 48.
Stu Burnell ooooo there’s a lot of cheek kissing in places I’ve been to in the south. I do at least, but I don’t really count that because I’m half Spanish and we kiss on the cheek whenever we meet someone new.
Strangers don’t say “hi” when you walk past them because you’re living down south 🙄 Good luck going for a walk in the suburbs in Northern England without someone saying “good morning, nice weather today, isn’t it?”
In addition to waving, drivers sometimes turn on their indicator briefly (for example if you have let them out from a side road onto the road in front of you) to say 'thank you', although this action is not in accord with the highway code.
With trolleys (shopping carts) there is no system in England. Just be polite and patient and you will get used to weaving to get to where you need to be :D Also, saying sorry in England is often the same as saying 'Excuse me'. I say sorry all the time in the context of squeezing past someone in Tesco. It isn't an 'apology' more a point of courtesy to make someone aware you appreciate they are there.
Stranger interaction, depends on time of day, and location. In towns and cities things are quite different from villages etc. Supermarkets : There are goods on both sides of the aisles - there are no lanes. Cutlery etiquette : It isn't "continental style, it is the British style. Best to learn it quickly. US style is considered bad manners. Punctuality : varies by individuals, but again, a matter of good manners. Tipping : All serving staff are employed, and paid a salary. In some places an (optional) service charge may appear on your bill, but we have largely done away with the demeaning process of tipping as waiting/serving staff are no longer considered servants here, as they are in US. Greetings with kisses : A tacky habit we have taken from our neighbours the French. To avoid - offer handshake. Waving : We had roads before we had cars. many were built by the Romans. One driver often has to give way. A small wave from hand on steering wheel is all that it necessary. Same with pedestrian crossings. It costs drivers time and money to gear down and brake for you to cross. Consider this and acknowledge, even though they are legaly bound to stop if you have pressed the stop lights button, or have a foot on the zebra crossing (which are becoming rare now). Cheers, same as hi, or thanks, just a casual acknowledgement. Although you use our language, you still need to learn and understand our etiquette.
I noticed when I visited Texas that when I had finished eating the waiter took away my plate even though the rest of our group were still eating. In the UK it's considered rude to take a plate before everyone's finished. (When Obama dined with The Queen if he'd finished first, there's no way his plate would have been taken away before The Queen's or everyone else's!).
"Probably still apologising way more than I need to" Yep, you've reached the status of true Brit. Also the kiss greeting is more of a continental Europe thing.
Loved this vid, the U.K. is a strange place indeed, best not overthink us brits, and yes the further from London you go the more friendly people get. Enjoy!
For tipping I was always taught that tipping generally tipping is optional; you aren't expected to leave one but if you thought that the food and service was good and you would like to leave a tip you can. And that, should you decide to leave one, around 10% or 15% is a pretty fair tip. It also isn't very clear because different establishments have different tipping policies. If tipping is mandatory, so to speak, it will normally be added to the bill as a service charge and it's usually only really fancy restaurants that do that. Some establishments do have a no tipping/gratuity policy and may request that you instead put any tips into a charity box, although this is more common in Cafés than restaurants. In pubs you won't be expected to leave a tip if you're just getting a drink at the bar, but if you're going in for a meal and the pub provides a full table service then you can choose to leave a tip. If you're unsure about the establishment's policy on tipping and gratuities and you would like to leave a tip, just ask a member of staff and they'll tell you whether they accept tips and if so which method(s) of tipping are preferred by the establishment. I hope this helps anyone who is confused about tipping in the UK.
@Caramel Cupcake Only smile at someone you pass by such as a neighbour everyday or, interact with shopkeepers. Its not compulsory to smile at everyone - they`d think you were after something.
I love how positive you are about the differences and how respectful of the two cultures. The reason for the knife and fork differences is that in many countries knives used to be an expensive item and there might only be one on the table with everyone cutting up the food at the beginning of the meal. I remember here in Greece that waiters would only bring a table one knife and that people would cut up the food on the plates nearest to them. This still happens today, even though there are more knifes, perhaps because the tradition of big sharing plates in the center of the tables also continues. Thanks for you video!
One of my friends started doing it a few months ago. I make sure there's a good few feet between us when I stop and say hello. Then the moment passes and life goes on as normal. I think that sort of thing is on the rise - I see it more frequently now. I live in the south. We say hello to strangers often, though. Hugging friends is a thing. Greeting with a kiss is weird and not needed. First time it happened to me was with my sister's godmother, who was from Cumbria, so it's not purely a southern thing either.
Platonic friends of the opposite sex give each other a kiss on entry to houses or when meeting somewhere. I find it's a good creator of distance for weirdos who don't like being hugged because you aren't holding/embracing and it's quite formal/impersonal.
Ok.. Congratulation you picked everything up perfectly, in the shopping store for example you are correct we all over the place it seems but there's two unspoken rules of good manners. The first one is, if someone has parked there trolley at the same place you'd like to be then you always park your trolley behind them and wait until they'd Finnished never park your trolley in front of them blocking their exit and forcing them to go around you. So if they are there first you wait until their finnished. Secondly, although it looks random that people are continually dashing across from one side of the aile to the other.. we do scan up the aile and look for people's intentions displayed generally by the way they parked their trolley if it's pointed straight on it normally means there sticking to this side when do move on.. if it's tillted slightly towards the centre of the aile they will be crossing over the next they move forward. These are general rules everybody understands ( not rules ) as such.. we are trained very early as kids in the way, typical you will see many children in control of the trolley while mum walks behind directing them where she wishes to go.. so you see a few bumps of trolleys when a child of about 7 to 10 years old has control of the trolley and mum apologising very time this happens.
It's amazing that I can tell you live in the south of England! We're much friendlier up north and we tip as our waiting staff are poorly paid. We don't kiss people we don't know up north, though. We see it as false and pretentious. Welcome to the UK! Cheers x
Regarding acknowledging people you pass on a walk ; Outside the "Home Counties" (where everyone seems afraid to speak to anyone they haven't been formally introduced to) it's good manners to say "Good morning/afternoon/evening to anyone you might meet. In the more rural parts of the country it's rude *not* to speak, and you (or the other person) might mention it if you've passed something they might find interesting. Typically it may be something like "There are Roe deer grazing further along, if you're quiet you might see them" or perhaps you might comment on how beautiful the wild flowers are. In the urban areas people don't expect you to speak because it's impossible to speak to everyone you meet. (And they'd probably think you were mad if you tried !) In the Midlands and North, people are generally more interested in chatting with strangers so you should be open to that when you're there.
Hi Danielle, I really enjoyed your comments please don't ever think that we British can't take any criticism. Your views are valid and have great worth. If you lived further North I think you would find people allot more friendly, when I walk around my estate everybody talks to each other. We don't go in for kissing each other on the cheeks!! that's very French.
Thank you so much for commenting, and thank you for the kind words of encouragement! I am looking forward to traveling further North over the upcoming holidays - we have heard many wonderful things! - Danielle
Danielle if I may be so bold as to suggest that you visit the wonderful county of Yorkshire and in particular the seaside towns of Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey. We would love to welcome you and your family.
Usually in a cafe/restaurant I just say "keep the change", unless the total comes to £9.95 and I am tendering a £10 note, in which I may give a £1 coin if I have been given good service.
With point 5 as a former waitress we (as British - General observation as a native Yorkshire lass) you tend to tip 10% for great or exceptional service (example if your waiter/waitress went above and beyond the general standard) or 10% for bills (checks/cheques) over £100-£150. Restaurant and bar staff get paid at least minimum wage some get paid quite a bit more and from the different establishments I've worked in tips tend to be shared with the whole team (excluding managers and team leaders). Also Cheers is another word for thank you like thanks, ta etc
Interesting, nice video. I see how it must be difficult to try to fit in... from the outside you would think, we speak the same language and kind of cousins that everything would be pretty much the same. I am an Englishman but this year moved to Wales and there are some differences I am getting used to. In terms of the acknowledging people, yeah you are right we don't acknowledge people - the only time we do is if we are out in the park walking the dog, or climbing mountains etc. The shopping trolleys, yep there is no sort of lanes or anything, but what you do find is most people are using their peripheral vision whilst browsing and automatically move their trolleys as another person gets closer. It really is a thing. Apart from the old grannies who want to have a mothers meeting in the aisle - I had one the other day in Tesco - 4 people all with trolleys gathered in the cheese aisle all talking about the weather, blocking the entire aisle. But usually people just naturally move to give you space. With the tipping, we keep it very simple, the only place you tip is at a nice restaurant if you had a good experience, but check the bill first, if it has a "service charge" then you don't tip. In regards the kissing, it is not all that common here in the UK, I don't like it either. However if you go to France, Portugal, Spain, kissing is almost compulsory and freaks us English out... especially like you say.. what if you do it wrong and end up full frontal... I have done that many many times in Portugal. "Sorry". Thanks for sharing these thoughts, it was really interesting.
People who camp out in the aisles are the worst! The differences are bigger than you might think, but more than anything we've discovered that English people aren't all that different than Americans!
I’m English and have an American wife so your observations resonate so much. I was especially very moved by this part about waving in the car to show thanks, most people do it except newcomers who catch up after a while. It’s a lovely tradition and shows some respect for people and the quaint road systems created by older, tight lanes.
We tip in the UK if we get special, good or extra service in a restaurant or delivery driver. But lately, many companies are adding it to our bills without asking. The server might get this tip (but sometimes we are told that they don't), but normally it's added in their wage packet, so it means that they get taxed on the tip too. so it's much better to give the server a few coins or note, so they actually get all the money. If we get rude or bad service, we (most of us) don't tip. What annoys me in America, is you think you are getting something for free, but then you are told that the gratuity (tip) is mandatory. In the hotel we stayed at, we had really bad service, so they offered my wife a free massage for compensation, she then phoned me and said they wouldn't let her leave afterwards without paying a mandatory $20 tip, so I had to leave the room and go down there to pay them.. So That's Not Free and we felt ripped off!
Wow, I've never heard of a mandatory tip before! The only time I've ever seen that was a "free" meal I had once at a restaurant. The coupon made it very clear that they would appreciate at tip for the server though!
I eat by swapping my knife and fork around when cutting/eating. Whereas alot of people in the uk don't. Been right handed, if i tried to put food in my mouth with the fork in my left hand i'd probably poke myself in the eye. Also if you don't give a thank you wave when driving, you can guarentee the other driver will mutter "you're welcome mate"
Tipping, VAT is always included in the cost, whether it's a coffee, a meal, an alcoholic beverage or any purchase for that matter. So a tip is not necessary, as minimum wage is in place. However, for meals it's nice to tip 10% rounded up if possible. It's extra nice to tip in a bar and coffee shop because tips in restaurants are either divided between everyone so it's really small or its personal tips on the bar and the restaurant tips kept to the kitchen and waiting staff
Hi Danielle, it's so good to hear such positive comments about our humble little country. Cheers! Also, your voice... it's mesmeric! You should do ASMR videos... Anyway, love from us here in Wales.
I am from South Wales UK and we will smile and chat to most people it depends on what part of the UK your from You must remember that London is not like the rest of the UK
@@lacari0805 I am a bit confused by what your trying to say if your saying Wales has a smaller population to England well that's obvious but we are all not living in the country side we do have some large city's and towns in Wales but I repeat most people in Wales will be very friendly and talk to strangers
fattwat1 I know but it’s like seeing that friend from out of town walking past your house. Its more than double the size of London with the same amount of people
People are much friendlier outside of South East England, Danielle. It's normal to say hello to strangers in many areas, and its not unusual to chat on public transport, etc. Glasgow, Liverpool and Newcastle are especially friendly - most people are very extrovert and really enjoy taking time to get to know everybody!
I never ever greet anyone with a kiss to the cheek. I really wouldn’t appreciate it lol. It’s more common to do it as a goodbye gesture, I suppose, but even then usually among family members only.
I barely enjoy hugging people, I don't want them to kiss me as well. It seems like some people are more comfortable with the whole hug and kiss greeting than others.
Acknowledgement while out walking will depend on where you are or what time it is, in more rural areas or in the north, people will all the time. Elsewhere outside London early in the morning, most people I walk past call out "Morning" until about 9:00am. And "Cheers" mostly just gets used as a frivolous and light-weight "Thank You", you can just throw it in anywhere anytime.
Num 1 is a London thing, I’m from the midland and live in London over 20 years and yeah I realised that when I moved down , also they don’t Q up at the bus stop, it’s a free for all, they are very bad a Qing up in general tbh ...
In some restaurants a service charge is stated on the bill. That's the tip which they have taken irrespective of the service. In such circumstances, make sue you don't tip or you will be tipping twice.
Tipping system usually just applies to sit-down meals; but don't tip for fast food. Tip up to 10% for good waitress/waiter service in a non-fast food restaurant (but look at the bill first because some places add a 10% "service charge" to the bill - do not pay the "service charge" if you're not happy with the service you received, it's not obligatory). Don't tip a bartender unless you've just put an order in for a lot of drinks - then tip a couple of pounds for taking up all that time and stressing them out when there are a lot of other customers waiting to order their drinks. Outside London, tip taxi driver up to 10% if you want to (if it's a large amount tip less than 10%).
@@shifty2755 actually different things could be inferred from the OP. Who are "we"? Do they only use a fork when serving children and a knife alone when feeding themselves? Do they not cut up food unless children are being served? Etc
Tips on tipping in the UK Generally places where you might expect to tip will either include a surcharge to your bill but that would be pointed out to you beforehand (usually restaurants will have it written on the menu). But as a general rule if you go somewhere where you might think you should tip (like cafes, bars, hairdressers and barbers etc) but there doesn’t seem to be any requirement for you to leave a tip... then it’s very much appreciated by the staff if you just ask them “where’s the tips jar?” Or simply hand them your tip with a smile and say something nice like “your service was excellent thank you”. Most establishments don’t want to push tipping on to their customers as they have to pay all staff a living wage but there’s no reason not to tip. As a minimum most of the people I know will tip at least 10%...often more if the service was really exceptional. So please don’t be afraid of asking about their tips jar or just pass the worker the tip.
Just to let you know don’t say cheers as a substitute for ‘don’t worry’ or ‘it’s fine’ only for saying thanks but it’s more common for a man to say cheers than a woman do don’t feel pressure to use the phrase as not many people do as much anymore in London. The phrase cheers is most common amongst middles aged white men
There is literally no system for our supermarkets! lol It's chaotic, I would highly recommend online ordering, especially in high season around xmas time. Loved your observations
I'm glad you said that. I've never understood the whole "don't talk to people in public just because you're not their best friends or relatives" thing that so many UK citizens seem to talk about on TH-cam.
Wendy Bendy it’s so they don’t know you dislike them, just because you don’t get on doesn’t mean you should exclude them from polite social behaviours. :) It’s just the culture in the UK.
‘Cheers’ is one of the words I have to try to ‘switch off’ when I’m in the US, my last trip (Seattle and Indianapolis last month) I completely failed for some reason, probably because I was in Seattle with a load of other people from the UK
I would normally only round up the nearest pound, provided the ride wasn't bad and they weren't rude etc. It's certainly not expected to tip them, but perhaps for longer one-way trips if you're paying like £45 or something you'd make it 50.
With taxi drivers I usually pay with a note and say keep the change. I never tip waiting staff, they are on an hourly wage where taxi drivers earn per trip not per hour and if they have a quiet day they may be down.
Depends, some taxi drivers try ripping you off with the price anyway, if you don't know what the usual price is, you could be paying double, especially at the weekends after the pubs shut.
As far as I'm aware it's only Aussies and Brits that use the word c*nt as a term of endearment. It can be quite a culture shock for any Yanks that head over here.
@Bilbo Baggins Well I am a Londoner as well as an Essex boy so maybe that explains it but I'm gonna take a wild guess and say you're not either of them. Your probably a northerner and so if anything mate I pity you and feel sorry for you. Don't worry about my background mate, worry about your own background.
My observation as an american shopping in Tesco or any grocery store there, is the lack of organization of the products on shelves. I've never seen shelves so disheveled in my life. It was like a standard experience. That just stood out to me.
Hi Danielle
Interesting observations,I especially liked the one about the supermarket aisle system,I think it is generally accepted here that there is no system,it's really a free for all,more like fairground dodgems 😅😅 Greeting people in the streets..many people do acknowledge you if you say hello or give a simple smile,but some think it is being too familiar and ignore you,you take your chances there.Everything else you noted is spot on,only tip if you feel like it ,it is not expected and you will not be made to feel mean,many before have commented about tipping in this country and have mentioned the fact that we have a minimum wage here in the UK but not in the US,and there they rely more on tips to make a decent wage.
Good video Danielle
Best wishes to you and yours
Alan
Alan,
Thanks for the kind comment and the information. The tipping thing is very true, it's about the way our systems are designed differently.
I like the phrase fairground dodgems too!
Thanks again!
Yeah, there isn’t a system. Apologising is good. Sorry means everything from ‘Sorry’ to ‘Get out of the F’in way!’ here
I don't know what kind of restaurants you've been to, but I don't know anyone who was a waiter or waitress in the US who was more than barely surviving on tips.
We have Federal minimum wage which is low so we have state, county, or city minimum wage which is high such as in san jose, california.
:/
Walking around Tesco with a trolley is basically driving in India
That's what it reminds us of!
try Aldi, like driving in India blindfolded
John Ashtone what is weird John is that we’ve had a Lidl and Aldi opposite each other up in the midlands and now down here in south east and the Lidl is like an ocean of tranquility compared to the utter chaos of Aldi. What is equally odd is that I analyse these things 😩
@@Eoin6661 Up in the North we have an Asda, Lidl, Aldi, Icelands and Home bargains literally right next to eachother (behind the police station funnily enough) and Aldi is chaos, Lidl is a peaceful chaos, Asda is absolute chaos, Iceland is peaceful, Home bargains is medium chaos and the police station I'm sure would be chaotic if they sold anything other than overnighters in the holding cells.
John Ashtone depends on the size - near me the Aldi is quite small as another supermarket got very pissy about how close it was to their site, threatened to not build its massive new store & leave the area so the planning for it was quite small so now it’s about 2 trolly width aisles passing people is near impossible
The saying hello when walking thing is generally part of the country code in the UK. Meaning, that when out walking in the countryside, where few people are about, you generally say hello, otherwise it's not done.
That makes sense.
Or if you are out and about very early in the morning when few people are around.
Paul Gallimore also walking along the beach off season. What amazes me is that as soon as it snows people tend to be more friendly when out and about.
@@sjm2726 .
It's when two strangers find they have something in common, that often removes the barrier.
Paul Gallimore or taking your small dog out, lots of people interact daily...
We are a queueing nation, so much so that without a good queue we get all confused. That is why there are no rules in a supermarket, until you get to the checkout when order is restored.
Good point. Queueing is fair: "first come, first served", and since we are a fair people, that's why we do it I think.
Most Americans call Whole Foods "whole paycheck" because almost no one can afford to shop there in most places.
Bilbo Baggins *cough* CEO of wholefoods *cough*
in my local barbers the other day there was chaos because so many people wre waiting we forgot whose turn it was next
I've been to North America 3 times and everywhere I went there was a queue like England apart from a bar, club or pub then it's every man for themselves.
We don't tip that much here because the waiter's or waitresses get paid minimum wage unless there under 25. In America I think they don't get paid.
And the barber's someone mentioned I know who was in the shop before and who comes in after then when s(he) says next please when it's my turn I march to the chair.
Acknowledging someone you pass when walking is more of a country thing in England.
True, it seems to be related to how many people are around, doesn't it?
Yeah, I live in a semi-rural village in Yorkshire and acknowledging people, regardless of if you know them is the norm here.
Yeah when I lived in a village we always acknowledged each other but never in London! Haha
A country thing, or if it's REALLY early morning and there's only a few other people about on the outskirts of the city/town ^^ I've been nodded at and greeted a few times in the early hours and I live on the outskirts of a city
Yes. If you're on a nice country walk or walking the dog people usually say morning/afternoon or give nod, but in a town it's usually not practical. And in a busy city you're worried about attracting the attention of some nutter or a possible mugger.
Apologising just means you’re becoming more English lol
Yep, I was gonna say don't worry about saying sorry all the time, that's just normal..
Sorry, I just had to give that a like
Oh yeah, we say sorry a lot. Weird, maybe, but fundamental to our being civil.
Haha, good point! By apologizing were are just fitting in! If we could just say sorry with less of an American accent we would just seem totally English.
Not true...
People in London do wave, except it's a different type of wave with just one finger being waved.
😂
We are only unfriendly to Northerners, that’s the secret.
As a Londoner, I've never done that . ... I have called a few people a wanker on occasion ... normally cab drivers !!!!!
@@SvenTviking Been in London long SVEN?
They're tell8bg you that your number 1 with them
Acknowledgement with strangers is more common in Northern Britain
I love our holidays up north, people generally are much friendlier AND happier.
Hmm, good to know. We are really excited to visit Scotland in a couple week!
I was about to say to the same thing.
and in rural areas generally. Walking the streets is of course more common in the UK so you pass more people.
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure by North we typically mean Northern England. We will make the distinction between North of England and Scotland. That said I do like spending time in Scotland.
The 'waving when driving' isn't a wave, it's a way of saying thank you! Because you can't say thanks to someone who's in a car, we just raise a hand. For me, growing up in England, it's just become a reflex
I do it when people let me cross the road
British towns were designed for horses & carts, but now we have so many cars and other vehicles on our roads and streets that we need to cooperate and sometimes allow other drivers to do things, even if we have the right of way
A small wave of your hand is a way of saying thankyou
I hate when drivers don't acknowledge I've let them through. Sometimes I'm about to cross a road and see a car coming, step back onto the kerb and allow the car through rather than expecting it to stop for me. 40% of the time I get absolutely no acknowledgement.
We do this in the US as well, it’s just less common. Often we have to let cars filter in from our highway system and if the person is really nice they will give a little wave to the car behind them.
I acknowledge a car stopping for me to cross the road by a nod of the head or by my hand. I do this automatically
You tip if you feel you’ve received a quality service. There’s no obligation to...
Exactly
My secret tip-or-not-tip method is if the server asks if my food is okay before or after a mouthful, not during, they get tipped...
Restaurant serve staff in USA are often paid horrendously low wages and depend on tips to supplement their hourly pay. In the Uk serve staff are paid at least minimum wage, it’s nice to tip but not necessary. Good or just friendly service would merit a tip, especially in more formal settings.
@@huub1989 I feel like we've reached that point with service workers in the UK now, speaking as someone who used to do that work.
Gerishnakov I know. I work for minimum wage here in Canada, (here in Canada 🇨🇦 it’s against the law to pay less than legal minimum wage) I’m not in a job that receives tips, I wish sometimes that I was. In the US some employers can pay criminally low hourly rates to wait staff.
Over here we say "knife and fork" rather than "fork and knife" which, when you say it quickly, sounds like "f~ckin' knife!"
Two Ronnies Hahahahahahahaha
Haha, forkin knife!
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure It's what linguists call a "nonreversible collocation" in UK Eng. The same as nobody says "white and black".
@@CharlieMcowan Nobody says chips and fish either.
@@randomyoutubechannel2470 I did see that once, can't remember if it was in the UK, Canada or US, but a frozen food dinner company was forced to change the name of a product to 'Chips and Fish' as it was decided that it was too deceptive to put the smaller portion first! I can't remember if they appealed that or not, as I haven't seen it recently.
I live in Wales, I can't walk down my street without someone talking my head off. Now London, that's a different thing all together, people make a point of ignoring you.
Peter Young Peter Young same here, especially on the bus
That’s because there are 11 million people in London and people move in and out a lot. Unless you have neighbours that stay for years, you never get to know them. People from other parts of the country probably know their neighbours all around, apart from the big cities.
Not really, people just rush everywhere in London cos it's so damn busy. Once Londoners get out of London and the pace of life slows down we are as friendly as anybody else.
@@SvenTviking Our daughter has lived in London for the last 12 years. The people in the flat above and below have been there even longer, apart from the odd Hi, they have never spoken to her and she knows nothing about them. Her husband is a Londoner and sees nothing wrong with it, being a Welsh girl, she thinks its really weired.
I moved to Wales from England and found strangers’ constant need to strike up a conversation with me very weird to begin with. 4 years on, I still do 😂
“I still don’t understand the tipping system here” basically in Britain we pay our employees a reasonable amount so they don’t have to live on tips.
Up here in Scotland, they way I've always tipped is to basically leave a couple of pounds as well as whatever you pence change is. Unless you have had an exceptional time.
Take last night for example. I got a pizza delivered for £16.xx, I told the driver to just make it £18 and he gave me my £2 change form my £20.
I don't think I have ever tipped, or seen tipped more than about 10% of the total bill.
TSotP I tend to tip to the nearest note just so I don’t have to carry change around, but its no where near as necessary as in America, which I think is better because here you get genuine looks of gratitude for tipping where as in America it’s sometimes even written on the bill so it’s more expected so they don’t give a genuine look of thanks when you tip them as your just paying what’s said on the bill.
The only thing I can think of similar to tipping, is like when some shops have the little box next to the cashier for tips I guess? Usually charity ones
Tipping used to happen more often when cash was used. Now, most payments are by card, usually contactless. Even in restaurants here you often just tap your card on the machine without having the opportunity to add a tip.
That good pay you give them doesn't seem to translate into friendly, fast, service, since everybody I've heard says that American servers are better than anywhere else they've been.
If you were apologising and saying sorry in Tesco, then you’ve become a Brit faster than you’ve realised!
Julius Davies
Or a Canadian on vacation
Apologising to everyone constantly is basically 90% of being English.
Nah that's canadian
The other 10% is joining queues.
It's also Canadian
I'm sorry , we say sorry all the time , sorry !
@@welshpete12 Ronnie Corbet "Sorry" Utube. Sorry🤣
UK Tipping:
• It is almost always optional, but appreciated. Nobody here is paid below minimum wage, so you're not stealing from anyone.
• We usually only tip people who give direct, prolonged, personal service (hairdresser, taxi, restaurant staff, yes; shopkeeper, bartender, no) - you CAN tip others if you want though.
• 10% is about right. You CAN tip more, but 10% is easy to work out in your head, so it is the default.
• Try to tip individuals in cash if you can. This stops some (or most) of their tip disappearing into the business owner's account as 'card handling fees'.
• At a restaurant with the little tray with the bill on, pay the bill, wait for your change, then turn the tray over and leave the tip underneath. It avoids looking like you're boasting, and discourages theft. The restaurant staff will collect it after you've gone.
• A default tip might be added to the bill as a 'service charge' if you're in a big group (6+) at a restaurant. You CAN ask for it to be removed by speaking to a manager, but it is considered rude unless you had very bad service. For good service, just pay the bill, the tip is already included. For great service, don't bother asking to increase the service charge, just tip the difference as usual.
Tipping in Scotland is not frowned upon if you don`t. The only place i would tip and i live here, is a taxi or, the barman/barmaid. In the bars, the tip would be £1 and no more, in a restaurant, it would be 10% above your bill and in a taxi, it would be an extra £1.
Bang get this written into law
How about rounding up to the nearest fiver?
my tip heavily depends how long my beers take to be placed on the table
@@Commsfarage careful about eating or drinking bears dude the RSPCA will be after you!
I’m constantly amazed at the American way of using cutlery 😂 It’s just so inefficient, slow, unwieldy! I really can’t get my head around it!
The food gets cold quickly! We get 'looked at' in the States as we wield both utensils at the same time!
It is! I think we'll stick to the English way (and every other part of the world) if we go back to the states. It's just better.
Schaefer Family Adventure I like the American way of holding utensils. I don’t the way Europeans hold on to their knife or hold their fork. Just my opinion though.
There is no "American way" of holding cutlery. She is just describing the way her family does it, which stems from being so utterly right handed they can't scratch themselves with their left hand. Lots of people are like that, probably in Europe too, unless you have cops who hand out tickets for eating that way.
deezynar
You’re wrong, there’s definitely a difference between the way Americans eat compared to Europeans. Obviously doesn’t apply to every single individual person, but generally speaking.
Google it, it’s honestly a thing.
Do not hold your knife like a pen.
Yes, true!
Correct. I was told that constantly as a child. Also do not wave implements in the air. Hold them correctly.
@@valeriedavidson2785
And ..... when finished eating, place them in the correct configuration on the plate.
and always work your way in with the settings, when your still eating the fork and knife apart ,when finished placed together
...yes, and ensure you take the food to your mouth, not lower your face to the food.
Where I'm from in the UK people greet each other by saying "alright" sometimes followed by "mate".
Bristol? I moved away in my early 20's and I still say 'alright' instead of hello. Always get caught off guard when people respond with, 'yes, I'm alright how are you', instead of just saying 'alright' back.
Cheers m8
A Cornish thing, must be moving uplong
Like that in Plymouth, we are renowned for talking to absolute strangers like we’ve been mates for years lol
And there’s nothing wrong with saying “love” or “pet” till you say it to a feminist
When you leave the bus in the south west you say “cheers drive”
One thing I noticed on my travels to the U.S - a lot of people in restaurants seem to cut up all their food first then put the knife down transfer the fork to the other hand and eat away. As a Brit I found it fascinating, as over here that is what you do for a toddler when they are learning to use cutlery. ( that is not meant as an insult, just an observation of our cultural differences)
With you all the way there Morag! 'Cheers drive' is more usual in Bristol btw
As an American I don't do that.
I've never seen anyone do that in Texas with their food.
Growing up in london with my dad as a bus driver always say cheers to th3 driver
I was raised in America by Brits and a lot of my friends aren't taught how to use cutlery. Most won't cut their food first but will use their knife in their left hand. It always fascinates me because as a kid for me that wasn't allowed and now as an adult I'm thankful for it. By no means do I mean all Americans or that it's a bad thing.
Don't confuse living in London, or indeed the South of England with the whole of England. It is quite normal to smile and say, "good morning" etc here in the North where I live and elsewhere in England.
It definitely depends on how big the city you are living in as well.
Yeah I couldn’t believe it when I moved south. Literally in some places you can say hello and people will ignore you
I live in midlands and I'll walk around everywhere and If I feel like it I'll just nod smile or even say "y'right haha" or someone will say good morning or good evening or such
Pretty standard stuff tbh,
The old "people in the North are friendlier" stereotype is definitely true in my experience
@@rupeoverlay3153
Where did you live, in the South?
You seem like a nice family, glad you're here
Thanks ! We're glad to be here!
Danielle, about the supermarket aisle system....I have a theory. I have visited relatives in America so I can compare and contrast. I think our 'chaotic' system boils down to the fact that our trolleys/carts have four non-fixed wheels (i.e. can rotate 360 degrees) that makes them super (to use a popular American adjective) manoeuvrable. You can weave in and out...no problem! American carts have 2 fixed and 2 non-fixed wheels which makes sticking to aisle lanes a lot more sensible.
Acknowledging strangers when walking in the countryside is our way of saying "I hope you are not a serial killer" :)
Lol you're more likely to find killers in the city than the country brother
It’s so nice to hear lovely things about our country that we don’t even think about, we just take it for granted.
It’s really nice to see someone come into the uk and like our traditions and want to fit it to the way we do things.
Thanks for saying so, it really has been a pleasure to learn so much about this country!
Hi, I don't know whether you know, but it strikes English people as impolite when Americans say "can I get?" E.g. in McDonald's, "can I get a Big Mac?" The phrase should be "can I have?" or, ideally, "may I have?" "Get" means "getting something yourself". So strictly speaking, "can I get a Big Mac?" means "am I able to vault over the counter and pick out a Big Mac for myself?" If you want the shop assistant to get the food for you, it is "may I have?" You might notice this at some point.
The waving while driving is more of a Thank You for letting me pass and it's technically not a wave. It's annoying when you've stopped for someone and they don't acknowledge the fact. Flashing your headlights also means the same thing generally.
Also, raise your hand when crossing at a zebra crossing when a driver stops to let you cross ( they have to by law ) is good manners or, if a driver lets to cross the road when no crossing is close by is also good manners.
Or a flash of ur hazards if they let u out in front of them
In the UK, we generally expect pedestrians to make their own decisions about crossing the road. In the USA there are (applied) penalties for jaywalking. (In France, pedestrian crossings are advisory, but drivers often see them as a challenge, while in Rome, the only safe way to cross a road is in the company of a nun.)
Thank you for being so polite, kind, lovely and observant. You're going to fit right in!
Thanks!
The poor lass is trying so hard not to offend anyone
Greeting with kisses is only really family in England where I live. Also, you can tip, but only at restaurants and cafès
Kissing as a greeting is a French / Italian / Spanish import which people in the London area have decided to start doing in the last 20 years I think.
I don't know where you live but here in Suffolk practically everyone says good morning, in fact it's unusual for people not to.
It depends where you are. I live in a small village in the Midlands and people are pretty quiet here. You might say hello or just nod your head but not much else. People in some parts of England are very taciturn, other areas they talk a lot more. I've noticed that.
Depends where you’re living. I live in a rural area and everyone tends to say hello to neighbours and strangers alike. But big cities are different. Especially London.
Thank you for commenting! That sounds lovely - I have heard London can seem like a rather unfriendly place, but like you said - it is hard to cultivate a friendly atmosphere in a big city. :) - Danielle
Get a dog then everyone will talk to you.
This is so true
Get a cat then everyone will point and laugh!
Yes that's right. I say hello and stroke the dog. Then I talk to the owner asking what the dogs name is.
Only problem is I prefer cats to dogs.
What I'd say about tipping is that generally brits only really do it for serving staff at restaurants.
Normally when you settle the bill you have the option to add a tip, for example, on the card reader.
And in my experience, 10% is the goto tip.
Whilst I don't think a waiter/waitress would be offended if they didn't get a tip, I think they would feel like they did something wrong and that's why you haven't tipped.
Interesting - I see lots of conflicting advice on here and from my friends as well. Not sure where that leaves us actually, but it seems like tipping is more common than we were led to believe.
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure Additionally; a large part of the tipping culture in the USA is dictated by the weird (to us in the UK) concept of the 'tipped wage', where people expected to be receiving significant tips don't have the same 'minimum wage' rules as anyone else.
In the UK, the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or Living Wage (NLW) applies to all jobs, regardless of their sector. I would also argue that a large number of companies pay slightly above the minimum on a regular basis, so tipping doesn't become so much of an issue here and is based much more on the actual performance of the staff that served you.
I live in Somerset (stereotypical farmer area) me and family almost never tip unless we actually go out to eat. Going out for a drink or anything more casual I feel like it's not necessarily required.
Additionally in my opinion tipping is only required as a way to show thanks and not tipping is the standard
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure Tip waiting staff in restaurants if they are good, and also cab drivers if they provide a smooth drive or are nice and sociable. Nobody else really unless they really put themselves out for you you'd drop them a fiver or tenner and tell them to get themselves some lunch or a few beers.
I only tip the hairdresser - I don't think they're very well paid. Also, despite my monicker, I am male and quite old, and the hairdressers are female and quite young.
The kiss thing is recent,when i was a kid it didn't happen.we've picked it up from the continentals.
Tipping: Restaurant servers if the service was really good. Bar tenders at the end of the night if the service was good, not when you buy each drink. Taxi Driver if they were on time and helpful. That's about it. Maybe a gift at the end of the school year for your kids teacher or a tip for your hairdresser at Christmas if you get your hair done but they're all very optional and not expected.
I would say, living in the East, that I do not look people in the eye when passing as I consider that as an intrusion into their privacy. In conversation even when brief I always look them in the eye. Aisle use for trollies are a free for all. Great observations. Tipping here is not a requirement. My observation is that you are a very nice family. Additionally, Danielle, you have the most calming voice.
I live in Anchorage Alaska and yes, the wave thing when someone lets you in when driving is important here as well. You also take your shoes off when you enter someone's house - something I found is not usually done in the Lower 48.
British supermarkets - there is no system ! 🙂
No system!? What madness!!! Just kidding, it works, but it feel chaotic.
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure you're such a polite person , I knew you were kidding 🙂 the Canadians think we're mad as well !
IKEA has a system. Absolutely terrible.
I didn’t realise other countries had a system in the supermarket. I must seem like a savage whilst shopping abroad
We dont need a system 😂😂
Greeting each other with a kiss? No one does that in the Midlands
cos ur all miserable bastards
Stu Burnell ooooo there’s a lot of cheek kissing in places I’ve been to in the south. I do at least, but I don’t really count that because I’m half Spanish and we kiss on the cheek whenever we meet someone new.
absolutely! anyone comes towards you with puckered lips, you dodge out the way, or lest you are not truly English :-D
It's hard to give a kiss through a burkha.
I moved from the Midlands to London more than 30 years ago and still recoil when people lean in for a kiss. Just shake my hand if you must.
Strangers don’t say “hi” when you walk past them because you’re living down south 🙄
Good luck going for a walk in the suburbs in Northern England without someone saying “good morning, nice weather today, isn’t it?”
Or indeed up here in Scotland
And the correct response is "aye, but we'll pay for it tomorrow"
In addition to waving, drivers sometimes turn on their indicator briefly (for example if you have let them out from a side road onto the road in front of you) to say 'thank you', although this action is not in accord with the highway code.
With trolleys (shopping carts) there is no system in England. Just be polite and patient and you will get used to weaving to get to where you need to be :D Also, saying sorry in England is often the same as saying 'Excuse me'. I say sorry all the time in the context of squeezing past someone in Tesco. It isn't an 'apology' more a point of courtesy to make someone aware you appreciate they are there.
Regarding the trolleys in supermarkets, if you're younger and faster than the other person you have priority.
Haha! True!
If you’re gunna come out in better health after a crash you’re good
5. I tend to tip 10-20% in proper restaurants depending on food & service.
Stranger interaction, depends on time of day, and location. In towns and cities things are quite different from villages etc.
Supermarkets : There are goods on both sides of the aisles - there are no lanes.
Cutlery etiquette : It isn't "continental style, it is the British style. Best to learn it quickly. US style is considered bad manners.
Punctuality : varies by individuals, but again, a matter of good manners.
Tipping : All serving staff are employed, and paid a salary. In some places an (optional) service charge may appear on your bill, but we have largely done away with the demeaning process of tipping as waiting/serving staff are no longer considered servants here, as they are in US.
Greetings with kisses : A tacky habit we have taken from our neighbours the French. To avoid - offer handshake.
Waving : We had roads before we had cars. many were built by the Romans. One driver often has to give way. A small wave from hand on steering wheel is all that it necessary. Same with pedestrian crossings. It costs drivers time and money to gear down and brake for you to cross. Consider this and acknowledge, even though they are legaly bound to stop if you have pressed the stop lights button, or have a foot on the zebra crossing (which are becoming rare now).
Cheers, same as hi, or thanks, just a casual acknowledgement.
Although you use our language, you still need to learn and understand our etiquette.
Thank you lovely American lady. I love your channel, your positive outlook and really enjoy your observations. Subscribed !!!!
I noticed when I visited Texas that when I had finished eating the waiter took away my plate even though the rest of our group were still eating. In the UK it's considered rude to take a plate before everyone's finished. (When Obama dined with The Queen if he'd finished first, there's no way his plate would have been taken away before The Queen's or everyone else's!).
Cheers is just an informal way of saying thanks ! Loved the the imagery it evokes in your head though!
I've never imagined using cutlery any other way
"Probably still apologising way more than I need to" Yep, you've reached the status of true Brit. Also the kiss greeting is more of a continental Europe thing.
Loved this vid, the U.K. is a strange place indeed, best not overthink us brits, and yes the further from London you go the more friendly people get. Enjoy!
Until you get to the North East then its like being in the movie Deliverance!
I'm from Scotland, sometimes you do that with strangers, depends on the context whether you make eye contact with them and smile or say hello, X
Same i find aswell in Scotland it depends on the area
For tipping I was always taught that tipping generally tipping is optional; you aren't expected to leave one but if you thought that the food and service was good and you would like to leave a tip you can. And that, should you decide to leave one, around 10% or 15% is a pretty fair tip. It also isn't very clear because different establishments have different tipping policies.
If tipping is mandatory, so to speak, it will normally be added to the bill as a service charge and it's usually only really fancy restaurants that do that.
Some establishments do have a no tipping/gratuity policy and may request that you instead put any tips into a charity box, although this is more common in Cafés than restaurants.
In pubs you won't be expected to leave a tip if you're just getting a drink at the bar, but if you're going in for a meal and the pub provides a full table service then you can choose to leave a tip.
If you're unsure about the establishment's policy on tipping and gratuities and you would like to leave a tip, just ask a member of staff and they'll tell you whether they accept tips and if so which method(s) of tipping are preferred by the establishment.
I hope this helps anyone who is confused about tipping in the UK.
Yep, we ignore strangers just in case they’re murderers or nutters
@Caramel Cupcake Only smile at someone you pass by such as a neighbour everyday or, interact with shopkeepers. Its not compulsory to smile at everyone - they`d think you were after something.
@Barca girl That would be considered rude if you see that same person everyday and you`d be the odd one if you didn``t acknowledge .
🤣🤣🤣 I agree there
How antisocial.
Nutters are huge time-sinks.
I love how positive you are about the differences and how respectful of the two cultures. The reason for the knife and fork differences is that in many countries knives used to be an expensive item and there might only be one on the table with everyone cutting up the food at the beginning of the meal. I remember here in Greece that waiters would only bring a table one knife and that people would cut up the food on the plates nearest to them. This still happens today, even though there are more knifes, perhaps because the tradition of big sharing plates in the center of the tables also continues. Thanks for you video!
I have lived in the uk my whole life, never seen anyone kiss cheeks when meeting
Same here. Didn't understand that one. Brits don't really kiss do they?
One of my friends started doing it a few months ago. I make sure there's a good few feet between us when I stop and say hello. Then the moment passes and life goes on as normal. I think that sort of thing is on the rise - I see it more frequently now. I live in the south. We say hello to strangers often, though. Hugging friends is a thing. Greeting with a kiss is weird and not needed. First time it happened to me was with my sister's godmother, who was from Cumbria, so it's not purely a southern thing either.
@@stuberry1875 I don't want to shock you, but I grew up on the South coast and we always kiss our friends Hello and Goodbye. 😮
Platonic friends of the opposite sex give each other a kiss on entry to houses or when meeting somewhere. I find it's a good creator of distance for weirdos who don't like being hugged because you aren't holding/embracing and it's quite formal/impersonal.
I think it's an upper middle class thing. It shows they are continental and spent a lot of time in France.
Ok.. Congratulation you picked everything up perfectly, in the shopping store for example you are correct we all over the place it seems but there's two unspoken rules of good manners. The first one is, if someone has parked there trolley at the same place you'd like to be then you always park your trolley behind them and wait until they'd Finnished never park your trolley in front of them blocking their exit and forcing them to go around you. So if they are there first you wait until their finnished. Secondly, although it looks random that people are continually dashing across from one side of the aile to the other.. we do scan up the aile and look for people's intentions displayed generally by the way they parked their trolley if it's pointed straight on it normally means there sticking to this side when do move on.. if it's tillted slightly towards the centre of the aile they will be crossing over the next they move forward. These are general rules everybody understands ( not rules ) as such.. we are trained very early as kids in the way, typical you will see many children in control of the trolley while mum walks behind directing them where she wishes to go.. so you see a few bumps of trolleys when a child of about 7 to 10 years old has control of the trolley and mum apologising very time this happens.
It's amazing that I can tell you live in the south of England! We're much friendlier up north and we tip as our waiting staff are poorly paid. We don't kiss people we don't know up north, though. We see it as false and pretentious. Welcome to the UK! Cheers x
People don't kiss people they don't know in the south or on the continent either.
Regarding acknowledging people you pass on a walk ; Outside the "Home Counties" (where everyone seems afraid to speak to anyone they haven't been formally introduced to) it's good manners to say "Good morning/afternoon/evening to anyone you might meet. In the more rural parts of the country it's rude *not* to speak, and you (or the other person) might mention it if you've passed something they might find interesting. Typically it may be something like "There are Roe deer grazing further along, if you're quiet you might see them" or perhaps you might comment on how beautiful the wild flowers are.
In the urban areas people don't expect you to speak because it's impossible to speak to everyone you meet. (And they'd probably think you were mad if you tried !)
In the Midlands and North, people are generally more interested in chatting with strangers so you should be open to that when you're there.
In London traffic, manners go out of the window because it's much more 'dog eat dog' being as busy as it is.
Iss juss fuckin Lundun init luv
It’s because there’s less brits in London and not because it’s busier
Hi Danielle, I really enjoyed your comments please don't ever think that we British can't take any criticism. Your views are valid and have great worth. If you lived further North I think you would find people allot more friendly, when I walk around my estate everybody talks to each other. We don't go in for kissing each other on the cheeks!! that's very French.
Thank you so much for commenting, and thank you for the kind words of encouragement! I am looking forward to traveling further North over the upcoming holidays - we have heard many wonderful things! - Danielle
Danielle if I may be so bold as to suggest that you visit the wonderful county of Yorkshire and in particular the seaside towns of Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey. We would love to welcome you and your family.
“Tipping system”
“Supermarket lane system”
Love we don’t have a system for anything
You have systems for everything, whether you know it or not!
By system we just mean "the cultures way of doing something."
Aidan Watts
Mate we have loads of systems! The English could form a queue in a mosh pit!
@@nick260682 have a look at the lancashire hotpots. Their fans do a conga in the mosh pit!!
Usually in a cafe/restaurant I just say "keep the change", unless the total comes to £9.95 and I am tendering a £10 note, in which I may give a £1 coin if I have been given good service.
Steve14ps what if the total is £5.01...?
With point 5 as a former waitress we (as British - General observation as a native Yorkshire lass) you tend to tip 10% for great or exceptional service (example if your waiter/waitress went above and beyond the general standard) or 10% for bills (checks/cheques) over £100-£150. Restaurant and bar staff get paid at least minimum wage some get paid quite a bit more and from the different establishments I've worked in tips tend to be shared with the whole team (excluding managers and team leaders). Also Cheers is another word for thank you like thanks, ta etc
Interesting, nice video. I see how it must be difficult to try to fit in... from the outside you would think, we speak the same language and kind of cousins that everything would be pretty much the same. I am an Englishman but this year moved to Wales and there are some differences I am getting used to. In terms of the acknowledging people, yeah you are right we don't acknowledge people - the only time we do is if we are out in the park walking the dog, or climbing mountains etc. The shopping trolleys, yep there is no sort of lanes or anything, but what you do find is most people are using their peripheral vision whilst browsing and automatically move their trolleys as another person gets closer. It really is a thing. Apart from the old grannies who want to have a mothers meeting in the aisle - I had one the other day in Tesco - 4 people all with trolleys gathered in the cheese aisle all talking about the weather, blocking the entire aisle. But usually people just naturally move to give you space.
With the tipping, we keep it very simple, the only place you tip is at a nice restaurant if you had a good experience, but check the bill first, if it has a "service charge" then you don't tip. In regards the kissing, it is not all that common here in the UK, I don't like it either. However if you go to France, Portugal, Spain, kissing is almost compulsory and freaks us English out... especially like you say.. what if you do it wrong and end up full frontal... I have done that many many times in Portugal. "Sorry". Thanks for sharing these thoughts, it was really interesting.
People who camp out in the aisles are the worst!
The differences are bigger than you might think, but more than anything we've discovered that English people aren't all that different than Americans!
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure where I live there always at some point 2 old ladies chatting in the middle
I’m English and have an American wife so your observations resonate so much. I was especially very moved by this part about waving in the car to show thanks, most people do it except newcomers who catch up after a while. It’s a lovely tradition and shows some respect for people and the quaint road systems created by older, tight lanes.
In supermarkets there are no rules and it's a nightmare. I actually like the idea of some kind of system.
We drive on the left! Please remember that and don't run down a motorbike rider.
The tipping in the UK we have a service charge added on so u don't have to.
Chloe Kiernan there’s only a service charge added when a service charge is added. It’s not compulsory.
We tip in the UK if we get special, good or extra service in a restaurant or delivery driver. But lately, many companies are adding it to our bills without asking. The server might get this tip (but sometimes we are told that they don't), but normally it's added in their wage packet, so it means that they get taxed on the tip too. so it's much better to give the server a few coins or note, so they actually get all the money. If we get rude or bad service, we (most of us) don't tip. What annoys me in America, is you think you are getting something for free, but then you are told that the gratuity (tip) is mandatory. In the hotel we stayed at, we had really bad service, so they offered my wife a free massage for compensation, she then phoned me and said they wouldn't let her leave afterwards without paying a mandatory $20 tip, so I had to leave the room and go down there to pay them.. So That's Not Free and we felt ripped off!
Wow, I've never heard of a mandatory tip before!
The only time I've ever seen that was a "free" meal I had once at a restaurant. The coupon made it very clear that they would appreciate at tip for the server though!
I eat by swapping my knife and fork around when cutting/eating. Whereas alot of people in the uk don't. Been right handed, if i tried to put food in my mouth with the fork in my left hand i'd probably poke myself in the eye.
Also if you don't give a thank you wave when driving, you can guarentee the other driver will mutter "you're welcome mate"
Small brain eating
Tipping, VAT is always included in the cost, whether it's a coffee, a meal, an alcoholic beverage or any purchase for that matter. So a tip is not necessary, as minimum wage is in place. However, for meals it's nice to tip 10% rounded up if possible. It's extra nice to tip in a bar and coffee shop because tips in restaurants are either divided between everyone so it's really small or its personal tips on the bar and the restaurant tips kept to the kitchen and waiting staff
I quite like your vlog for a change from Matt - perhaps do a few more? Cheers!!
Great set of videos. You clearly present the best side of visitors from the US and will always be welcome here.
The English are the only people on the planet who apologise even when it's not their fault.
Kind of ironic looking at their respective empires
Canadians as well
@@lucylane7397 I was in a bar in Toronto and a woman bumped into a chair with no one sitting in it and she apologised.
This guy's never heard of Canadians!!
Except Canadians
Hi Danielle, it's so good to hear such positive comments about our humble little country. Cheers! Also, your voice... it's mesmeric! You should do ASMR videos... Anyway, love from us here in Wales.
the walking thing is south vs north. up north they expect it.
If the hazard is on your side you should give way to oncoming traffic. Waving is an optional acknowledgement.
You need to decide if you are referring to the English or the British. All the English are Brits but not all British are English.
You can always tell an Englishperson. They will be POLITE , FIRST.
I am from South Wales UK and we will smile and chat to most people it depends on what part of the UK your from
You must remember that London is not like the rest of the UK
Cos there’s less than 10% of English pop in the whole of Wales so seeing another person is rare
@@lacari0805 I am a bit confused by what your trying to say if your saying Wales has a smaller population to England well that's obvious but we are all not living in the country side we do have some large city's and towns in Wales but I repeat most people in Wales will be very friendly and talk to strangers
fattwat1 I know but it’s like seeing that friend from out of town walking past your house. Its more than double the size of London with the same amount of people
@@lacari0805 have you ever been to Wales
fattwat1 Yes a few times. Once was Cardiff, the capital, and it was less busy than my local highstreet
People are much friendlier outside of South East England, Danielle. It's normal to say hello to strangers in many areas, and its not unusual to chat on public transport, etc. Glasgow, Liverpool and Newcastle are especially friendly - most people are very extrovert and really enjoy taking time to get to know everybody!
I never ever greet anyone with a kiss to the cheek. I really wouldn’t appreciate it lol. It’s more common to do it as a goodbye gesture, I suppose, but even then usually among family members only.
I barely enjoy hugging people, I don't want them to kiss me as well. It seems like some people are more comfortable with the whole hug and kiss greeting than others.
Acknowledgement while out walking will depend on where you are or what time it is, in more rural areas or in the north, people will all the time. Elsewhere outside London early in the morning, most people I walk past call out "Morning" until about 9:00am. And "Cheers" mostly just gets used as a frivolous and light-weight "Thank You", you can just throw it in anywhere anytime.
Num 1 is a London thing, I’m from the midland and live in London over 20 years and yeah I realised that when I moved down , also they don’t Q up at the bus stop, it’s a free for all, they are very bad a Qing up in general tbh ...
We actually aren't in London - but we are in the south for sure.
The bus stop thing is, I’m afraid, down to immigrants. One thing that any immigrant should be told, YOU QUEUE AT THE BUS STOP!
SvenTviking the bus stop thing is down to anyone, I’ve seen all sorts of people at bus stops pushing in and not Qing up smh
In some restaurants a service charge is stated on the bill. That's the tip which they have taken irrespective of the service. In such circumstances, make sue you don't tip or you will be tipping twice.
Am I the only one stressing over how she was holding her knife ABOVE her hand, not in her palm?????
IT WAS LIKE SHE WAS WRITING A LETTER!!!
Tipping system usually just applies to sit-down meals; but don't tip for fast food. Tip up to 10% for good waitress/waiter service in a non-fast food restaurant (but look at the bill first because some places add a 10% "service charge" to the bill - do not pay the "service charge" if you're not happy with the service you received, it's not obligatory). Don't tip a bartender unless you've just put an order in for a lot of drinks - then tip a couple of pounds for taking up all that time and stressing them out when there are a lot of other customers waiting to order their drinks. Outside London, tip taxi driver up to 10% if you want to (if it's a large amount tip less than 10%).
We cut up food and use a fork only when feeding small children, adults doing it looks infantile.
Huh?
@@misstimetosleep
His post is quite easy to understand even at a fundamental level.
@@shifty2755 actually different things could be inferred from the OP. Who are "we"? Do they only use a fork when serving children and a knife alone when feeding themselves? Do they not cut up food unless children are being served? Etc
@@misstimetosleep
"We" is the British.
We cut up food first, then the knife is redundant, then just use the fork to feed toddlers in ENGLAND
misstimetosleep Maybe ask these questions in your original comment rather than a stupid and pointless open ended “huh”
Tips on tipping in the UK
Generally places where you might expect to tip will either include a surcharge to your bill but that would be pointed out to you beforehand (usually restaurants will have it written on the menu).
But as a general rule if you go somewhere where you might think you should tip (like cafes, bars, hairdressers and barbers etc) but there doesn’t seem to be any requirement for you to leave a tip... then it’s very much appreciated by the staff if you just ask them “where’s the tips jar?” Or simply hand them your tip with a smile and say something nice like “your service was excellent thank you”.
Most establishments don’t want to push tipping on to their customers as they have to pay all staff a living wage but there’s no reason not to tip.
As a minimum most of the people I know will tip at least 10%...often more if the service was really exceptional.
So please don’t be afraid of asking about their tips jar or just pass the worker the tip.
Hi Danielle, if you want to attract the attention of a policeman on the street in London ,it's customary to shout ' oi, wanker'. They love that!
Just to let you know don’t say cheers as a substitute for ‘don’t worry’ or ‘it’s fine’ only for saying thanks but it’s more common for a man to say cheers than a woman do don’t feel pressure to use the phrase as not many people do as much anymore in London. The phrase cheers is most common amongst middles aged white men
There is literally no system for our supermarkets! lol It's chaotic, I would highly recommend online ordering, especially in high season around xmas time. Loved your observations
Online ordering is a good idea! We may do that for Christmas .
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure If you want a home delivery for Christmas, make sure you claim your delivery slot now as they get booked up fast.
I always tip in a restaurant unless the service has been bad, which is very rare in my experience. I usually leave a tenner if the bill is £50 up
In the UK, where I live, a hello is normal? It’d be rude not. Even if someone you dislike...
I'm glad you said that. I've never understood the whole "don't talk to people in public just because you're not their best friends or relatives" thing that so many UK citizens seem to talk about on TH-cam.
No Thanks Why would you say hello to someone you dislike? Doesn’t that make you a hypocrite?
Wendy Bendy it’s so they don’t know you dislike them, just because you don’t get on doesn’t mean you should exclude them from polite social behaviours. :) It’s just the culture in the UK.
‘Cheers’ is one of the words I have to try to ‘switch off’ when I’m in the US, my last trip (Seattle and Indianapolis last month) I completely failed for some reason, probably because I was in Seattle with a load of other people from the UK
I always tip taxi drivers.
Oh, good to know!
Taxi drivers, waiting staff -10% ( if service not included) and hairdressers, but not the owner as he earns more than I do!
I would normally only round up the nearest pound, provided the ride wasn't bad and they weren't rude etc. It's certainly not expected to tip them, but perhaps for longer one-way trips if you're paying like £45 or something you'd make it 50.
With taxi drivers I usually pay with a note and say keep the change. I never tip waiting staff, they are on an hourly wage where taxi drivers earn per trip not per hour and if they have a quiet day they may be down.
Depends, some taxi drivers try ripping you off with the price anyway, if you don't know what the usual price is, you could be paying double, especially at the weekends after the pubs shut.
Tipping is a thing, in the UK. Usually 15 to 20% of the basic bill, in restaurants and cafes.
Crypto Tharg it really isn’t. Stop trying to be American. It’s 10% if you are feeling generous.
I’ve heard Americans say that no one swears quite as much as the British lol. At least not in the same way.
As far as I'm aware it's only Aussies and Brits that use the word c*nt as a term of endearment. It can be quite a culture shock for any Yanks that head over here.
Oliver Richards I have heard similar
As far as English speakers go that's probably true, but I know that the Dutch swear a genuinely incredible amount
LOL. So true.
@Bilbo Baggins Well I am a Londoner as well as an Essex boy so maybe that explains it but I'm gonna take a wild guess and say you're not either of them. Your probably a northerner and so if anything mate I pity you and feel sorry for you. Don't worry about my background mate, worry about your own background.
My observation as an american shopping in Tesco or any grocery store there, is the lack of organization of the products on shelves. I've never seen shelves so disheveled in my life. It was like a standard experience. That just stood out to me.