# Traveling to England for the first time: advice? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 9, 2012, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959 "2012-01-09T19:45:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/81 "2012-01-11T01:04:11Z")
> [@Ximenean](#): > > I think there is a sort of tourist’s fallacy that makes foreign countries seem more expensive than they really are. At home, you know the lie of the land, you instinctively know what places to avoid. As a tourist, you blunder into places that no local would go to, and are amazed at the prices. > At least, I can’t imagine paying £12 for breakfast and coffee in the UK in a mere “caff”. I would expect to pay up to about £8 for something that would reasonably fit that description. It would be more expensive in a hotel or some traveller trap like a station or airport. What is very noticeable in any tourist city (and London is the one I have the most experience of) is that prices for things like snacks and drinks are outrageous in the immediate vicinity of particular attractions but drop off very rapidly if you move perhaps a mere two hundred yards or so away. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/82 "2012-01-11T01:13:00Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > Going by the responses in this and the other specific thread I started on this topic, you are more the exception than the rule, and further most emphasise that this is something they do only in their regular, and/or with staff they know well. > > In other words, mentioning buying “one for yerself” as if failing to do so may be an etiquette breach in a thread started by an American planning to visit is somewhere between inapt and outright misleading. > [@Princhester](#): > > \*\*Teacake \*\*you need to read the first posts on this subject in this thread. > > “IF you’re a regular, you MIGHT occasionally offer the bar staff “one for yourself”” > > is very different to: > > “…bar staff sometimes” which was \*\*SciFiSam’s \*\*first post on the subject, not to mention “the ‘one for yourself’ **rule** ” (my emphasis, courtesy of **Malden Capell** ) or that the practice was “extraordinarily common” per **Candyman74**. > > The “only if you are a regular” qualification was (apart from one comment from yourself) not at all apparent until I queried the position. I stand by what I just said. The correct advice to an American planning a visit is “you will not be expected to tip barstaff. Only regulars occasionally offer ‘one for yourself’”. Suggesting that “one for yourself” was a “rule” or “extraordinarily common” or that it was done “sometimes” was misleading in this context. Is the word ‘sometimes’ filtered on your screen? This is what I said: > [@](#): > > Tipping: tip taxi drivers, waiters, bar staff sometimes (“and one for yourself” - don’t leave money on the table; people won’t realise it was left as a tip, and will take it). It’s only sometimes. The usage is one for yourself, not cash. The reason I brought it up is the latter part - so that the OP wouldn’t leave cash on the table for the staff. I have seen tourists make this mistake. And I didn’t say it was a rule or that it was extraordinarily common. I suppose I need to go and repeat this in the other thread now - it’s such a trivial topic, but it’s annoying being lied about. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/83 "2012-01-11T01:13:49Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > Oh I see. When you said “friend” you meant “_friend_”! Yeah but she should still get her round in. My gf once failed to do so when in the first flush of a new relationship and when it was pointed out I blurted out “oh I forgot we were two people”, which led to vomiting noises all round and a swift trip to the bar for my girlfriend. I can’t speak for everyone but in all my groups of friends there’s a definite gender equality where it comes to getting the drinks in. Anyway, the challenge of getting a round in will be part of the fun of visiting a place with different customs etc. One minor point re pubs and tipping: while it’s unusual for a random pub visitor to tip a barman, on the rare occasion where there are floor staff who bring your drink to your table, it’s usual to leave a coin or two for them when they bring you your change. I pretty much always tip cabbies a very rough 10% if they haven’t been dickheads, usually by rounding up but occasionally by adding a coin to make it up. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/84 "2012-01-11T01:36:39Z")
**SciFiSam** you understand, I am sure, the difference between “sometimes” which could apply to the OP and “if you are a regular” which could not apply to the OP who would be a visiting American. If you choose not to acknowledge this distinction, I’m sorry I can’t help you further. And no one is lying about you: I correctly quoted you, and correctly quoted others (and attributed their remarks to them and your remarks to you). ---
**Author:** ![MsWhatsit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb8c5e/32.png) [@MsWhatsit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsWhatsit)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/85 "2012-01-11T02:02:36Z")
> [@Jennyrosity](#): > > _Sucks breath in through teeth_ I am getting the sense that you are hitting reload on this thread just hoping that I will post yet another misconception or faux pas that you can correct me on. I only hope that I can continue to provide some for your enjoyment. Anyway, I had no idea that pubs and tipping bartenders was such a contentious subject! I mostly thought I would get advice on how not to blow out my hairdryer or run out of cash. (Well, OK, I have received plenty of that sort of advice also, and it is appreciated.) ---
**Author:** ![Ximenean](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/aca169/32.png) [@Ximenean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ximenean)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/86 "2012-01-11T02:35:59Z")
Here’s something that I’m not sure has been mentioned yet - stores, or “shops” as some of us Brits still call them, do not necessarily stay open as late as you may be used to. Some stores are open 24 hours, but malls and retail parks usually close at 8pm or 9pm, sometimes 6pm on Saturday. And special rules apply on Sunday, so that all except small stores close by 4pm or 5pm. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Feldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lord_feldon/32/341_2.png) [@Lord\_Feldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Feldon)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/87 "2012-01-11T02:49:48Z")
> [@Ximenean](#): > > Some stores are open 24 hours, but malls and retail parks usually close at 8pm or 9pm, sometimes 6pm on Saturday. And special rules apply on Sunday, so that all except small stores close by 4pm or 5pm. Yeah, I got burned by Sunday shopping rules the last time I was there. I made the mistake of assuming, being used to unrestricted Sunday shopping, that the Tesco with 30-foot high letters proclaiming “24 hours” would actually be open 24 hours a day _every day_. ---
**Author:** ![eenerms](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cdc98d/32.png) [@eenerms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eenerms)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/88 "2012-01-11T02:57:34Z")
Chester is another pretty city, I prefer York over it though. ---
**Author:** ![Hippy\_Hollow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hippy_hollow/32/4841_2.png) [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/89 "2012-01-11T05:07:41Z")
> [@Ximenean](#): > > Here’s something that I’m not sure has been mentioned yet - stores, or “shops” as some of us Brits still call them, do not necessarily stay open as late as you may be used to. Some stores are open 24 hours, but malls and retail parks usually close at 8pm or 9pm, sometimes 6pm on Saturday. And special rules apply on Sunday, so that all except small stores close by 4pm or 5pm. This is a good one. In America, we’re used to loitering around at closing time, and it’s understood that if customers are shopping before an establishment closes, they’ll be able to finish without much bother. In the UK (in my experience), if the shop closes at 5 pm, the shopkeeper will be locking up at 4:55. Don’t mess with the Brits and their teatime! The language thing is a bit overstated, methinks. My wife knows absolutely no British slang and had no worries socializing with my mates and their friends in London. Globalization and mass culture means that we know enough about each other’s language that Brits will know what you mean when you ask for the bathroom (lavvy), and vice versa. I mean, if you were visiting a small village with older people, sure, there’d be some linguistic challenges, but in a city like Notts I wouldn’t think that would be an issue. Brits are very friendly people. Sure, taking the piss is a national sport but it’s obvious it’s done with affection. And I’ll check out the linked book. I’d also recommend Bill Bryson’s _Notes from a Small Island_. ---
**Author:** ![Jennyrosity](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/2bfe46/32.png) [@Jennyrosity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennyrosity)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/90 "2012-01-11T07:02:11Z")
> [@MsWhatsit](#): > > I am getting the sense that you are hitting reload on this thread just hoping that I will post yet another misconception or faux pas that you can correct me on. I only hope that I can continue to provide some for your enjoyment. > > Anyway, I had no idea that pubs and tipping bartenders was such a contentious subject! I mostly thought I would get advice on how not to blow out my hairdryer or run out of cash. (Well, OK, I have received plenty of that sort of advice also, and it is appreciated.) I’m sorry, MsWhatsit, that wasn’t my intention at all. The first time I was genuinely surprised that someone might think they couldn’t get coffee here (I can’t leave my flat without tripping over a coffee shop), and the second my tongue was very firmly in my cheek. And tipping bar staff isn’t a contentious issue anywhere outside of these boards: you’re not expected to do it, so I wouldn’t worry about it. Enjoy your trip! ---
**Author:** ![Maiira](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f04885/32.png) [@Maiira](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maiira)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/91 "2012-01-11T07:14:11Z")
Definitely seconding the “be yourself” advice. They will know you as an American, so you certainly won’t be expected to know everything. When I was there I didn’t do the whole stereotypical tourist garb (fanny pack, huge dangly camera, etc.), but I didn’t really try to blend, either. (In fact, since we had my 83-year-old grandmother with me and she couldn’t see very well, she appreciated that I’d worn a hat with distinctive stripes on it. She could see me better that way.) COMFORTABLE shoes, though. I cannot stress that enough. I wore a very slightly heeled boot to places like Stonehenge and Avebury, and my feet felt like they were going to break into a million pieces by the end of the day. We also found that if we stood off to the side looking over a map, people were usually willing to come help us. Streets can be pretty twisty and confusing–after all, many of them have been there since the Middle Ages (or, depending on where you are, the Roman Empire). It was very odd seeing street signs that weren’t perpendicular to each other (frankly, I thought that was something you only saw in movies). You might not have this problem if you’re meeting a local friend, but that was my experience. Speaking of the Romans, I rather enjoyed Bath, though it is rather farther away. York is great, too. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/92 "2012-01-11T11:40:03Z")
One that used to really confuse an American I used to work with. Whenever he came over he still got it wrong despite having it explained multiple times. If you order a “lemonade” somewhere, you will get something similar to Sprite. Don’t expect anything made with actual lemons. ---
**Author:** ![kferr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kferr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kferr)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/93 "2012-01-11T12:17:53Z")
> [@amanset](#): > > One that used to really confuse an American I used to work with. Whenever he came over he still got it wrong despite having it explained multiple times. > > If you order a “lemonade” somewhere, you will get something similar to Sprite. Don’t expect anything made with actual lemons. And cider will be hard cider. Typical mass-market cider like Strongbow will be around 5%ABV. Proper farm house ciders can occasionally go over 10%. ---
**Author:** ![glaeken](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@glaeken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glaeken)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/94 "2012-01-11T12:32:17Z")
I remember confusion in America over me wanting cream on my portion of apple pie. Cream apparently meant ice cream. I am still not sure what they call actual cream in the US (that may be as clear us mud to US posters). I seem to remember all sorts of mix ups when it comes to food as we seem to use a few of the same terms but meaning different things. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/95 "2012-01-11T13:00:46Z")
> [@Maiira](#): > > When I was there I didn’t do the whole stereotypical tourist garb (fanny pack, huge dangly camera, etc.) Important tip: don’t say “fanny pack”. Brits find the term hilarious, and rightly so. It’s a “bum bag” (which doesn’t really sound much better, to be honest). I’ve never tipped bar staff but then I’m not a regular anywhere. And despite living here for umpteen years I’m still unclear on the etiquette of round-buying if you’re in a large group but not drinking (or only having one pint). It’s a minefield, I tell you. But I do tip cabbies although I tend to take minicabs. Which reminds me: never ever ever take a minicab you haven’t booked through a central dispatcher. If you’re looking for a taxi and some guy pulls up on the street and says “Minicab?”, DO NOT GET IN. Seriously. They could be for real, or they could be a mad rapist. Best not to chance it. Call a minicab company instead. Friends who visit from the US all seem to love Pret a Manger, which is a chain of sandwich shops. They do do good sammiches so if you’re in search of a quick lunch it’s not a bad option. (Also: Nando’s! Eat at Nando’s! Spicy non-fried non-breaded chicken! Yummy!) ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/96 "2012-01-11T13:17:27Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > **SciFiSam** you understand, I am sure, the difference between “sometimes” which could apply to the OP and “if you are a regular” which could not apply to the OP who would be a visiting American. If you choose not to acknowledge this distinction, I’m sorry I can’t help you further. > > And no one is lying about you: I correctly quoted you, and correctly quoted others (and attributed their remarks to them and your remarks to you). Gah! Sometimes does mean all the time. When it became clear that sometimes was too vague, I clarified. She’s not a regular, but her friend might well be, and the point was - once again - that you don’t tip in cash in pubs. Christ almighty. This is the last post I’m making on this ridiculous topic. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/97 "2012-01-11T13:31:37Z")
> [@Jennyrosity](#): > > I’m sorry, MsWhatsit, that wasn’t my intention at all. The first time I was genuinely surprised that someone might think they couldn’t get coffee here… The coffee scene in the UK has changed quite dramatically in the last decade (this change may have been earlier in London) - good espresso or filter coffee is the norm everywhere now, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the notion of coffee scarcity or inferiority is still in circulation abroad, especially as there will be people out there whose last visit to the UK was last century. ---
**Author:** ![Rayne\_Man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/df705f/32.png) [@Rayne\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rayne_Man)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/98 "2012-01-11T13:40:25Z")
There are two UK owned coffee shop chains. These are Costa and Cafe Nero, both of which (in my opinion) serve better coffee than Starbucks. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/99 "2012-01-11T14:22:24Z")
> [@Turble](#): > > Once the beer kicks in, don’t ask for directions to the bathroom. A bathroom is a place to take a bath; it will contain a bathtub, but not necessarily a toilet. > > “WC” (water closet) or “toilet” will get you where you want to go … perhaps “loo” if you’re trying to go native. In pubs they are generally referred to as the “ladies” and the “gents”, e.g. “Which way to the ladies?” In posher surroundings, such as a restaurant, nobody would bat an eyelid if you asked for the “bathroom”, especially if you sound American anyway. They’ll know what you mean. ---
**Author:** ![Brynda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Brynda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brynda)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2012, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959/100 "2012-01-11T14:33:00Z")
> [@glaeken](#): > > I remember confusion in America over me wanting cream on my portion of apple pie. Cream apparently meant ice cream. I am still not sure what they call actual cream in the US (that may be as clear us mud to US posters). I seem to remember all sorts of mix ups when it comes to food as we seem to use a few of the same terms but meaning different things. In the US, what you call cream, we call…cream. The confusion is that we don’t put cream on desserts. If a dairy topping is called for, it is either whipped cream or ice cream. The notion of just pouring cream on cake or pie is pretty unknown to most people here. My late husband, who was from Yorkshire, introduced me to it. I loved it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traveling-to-england-for-the-first-time-advice/608959.md?page=6)