20 Cringe-Worthy Mistakes Americans Always Make When Traveling To Britain

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Americans have gained somewhat of a reputation for being a bit too lax when it comes to traveling overseas. Sure, it's easy to assume that the rest of the world thinks, acts, and even talks like those in the red, white, and blue, though in some countries, this couldn't be farther from the truth. Even in a place as America-friendly as Britain, these seemingly innocent faux pas can turn a pleasant trip across the pond into a nightmare in a heartbeat.

1. Watch Your Words
While the U.S. and Britain basically share the same language, it's important to understand that certain American slang terms mean something much different overseas. For example, when someone doesn't show up to a planned hangout in America, we say we've been "blown off" — in Britain, this same term means to break wind!

2. Money Matters
While England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all use the pound as their form of currency, not all pounds are the same. Specifically, Northern Ireland and Scotland both use alternative pounds notes that will get you some pretty odd looks if you try to use them in England or Wales.

3. Don't Touch the Guards
It may seem like innocent fun to try and provoke a member of the Queen's Guard, and for the most part, they'll tolerate a little lighthearted teasing. Touch one of these soldiers, however, and they have the right to draw their weapon on you. Yikes!
4. Be Generous
In the US, we’re obsessed with getting our own tabs. Even if someone pays for you, it’s common to get them right back on Venmo or with cash. In England, things are a little different: you pay for the round, then your friend does the same next time!

5. Don't Kiss
Some Europeans are big on the kiss hello — Britain, however, is not one of them. Don't even go for a hug on the first meet either: a simple handshake will do the trick.

6. Not Soccer
If you're looking to kick a ball around with some local Brits, don't ask if they want to play soccer — it's called football! This is the case pretty much everywhere in the world, and calling the sport "soccer" will only out you as an American.

7. High Taxes
Maybe skip the souvenir ducks on your next trip to Britain, especially if you're in London. The nation’s capital has a whopping 20% sales tax, whereas New York City’s is around 8%.

8. Queue Up
Lines are a big part of life in Britain. From waiting to board a bus to queuing up to order food, people here respect lines way more than in America, so cutting to the front of the queue is a huge no no.

9. Bad Teeth
Believe it or not, Brits having bad teeth is more of a stereotype than an actual fact. That's why you should never joke about someone's teeth while visiting the U.K. — or really anywhere, for that matter. How rude!

10. Authentic Bites
You may have heard of fish and chips or Britain’s crazy good South Asian food, but make sure to go to an affordable, authentic restaurant to enjoy them. You might otherwise risk a crazy surcharge (and a few unwanted trips to the restroom).

11. Don't Be an Accent Chameleon
Another thing to not even think about making fun of is the British accent. Even if your cockney is spot on, most Brits won't take too kindly to you making a joke of the way they speak.

12. More than One
England is a country, but the United Kingdom is made up of four! England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all comprise the U.K., so make sure you know what you’re referring to!

13. Royal Error
The Queen and her family might be famous cultural figures, but locals definitely don’t know her personally and probably never will! For that reason, you should never ask if a local Brit is chummy with Her Majesty — you'll just look plain dumb.

14. The Other Side
It looks more topsy turvy than it actually is, but British roads are the opposite of American ones when it comes to the side they drive on. Even the steering wheels are on the other side of the car!

15. Not Biscuits
If you're looking for something thick and fluffy to dip into the leftover juices on your plate, the last thing you'd want to ask for when in Britain is a biscuit. Instead of a warm, buttery bite, you'll be handed a cookie!

16. Weather Swings
You might have already heard that London is gray, cloudy, and rainy most of the time. But did you know that five separate air masses meet above the United Kingdom? Any moment could turn tropical or polar, so make sure to pack for all occasions.

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