🇬🇧 5 OBVIOUS Things You Need to Know BEFORE You Visit the UK!🇬🇧

Lia met lots of you guys up in Edinburgh, but one girl, Kate, told her these weird/interesting things about the UK that she didn't know before arriving here which she wished she'd known! So here we are explaining them for you! We hope you find it useful and let us know if you have been to the UK before or plan on coming soon!
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Hello! We are Joel & Lia. We post videos every week, all about British culture, British accents and the English language! We live in London and love sharing our top travel tips in the UK and abroad. As well as being best friends we share a passion for language, different accents and all things British. With past and future trips to the USA, lots of our content is American vs British.
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[@candyclews4047]

"all we're prepared for is rain" - that made me laugh out loud!

[@GeeCeeWU]

Why?

[@AbbyKidd]

My 9 year old just heard me watching this and asked, "Is that Paul and Mary?" (from Great British Baking Show). 😂

[@beckypincalifornia1985]

Some ideas for videos: 1) Show us how to buy and use Oyster cards. 2) Show us how to use the Tube, including all methods of payment. Take us on a trip, with transfers, a day in your life. 3) Ditto, using the busses. 4) Ditto, using taxis, cabs, Uber, Lyft, etc. 5) Ditto, trains. Love, love your videos.

[@markoldgeezer167]

Hi, Joel. Hi, Lia. I love this video. Please do a part 2 of 5 MORE obvious things you need to know.

[@ThoseTwoBrits1]

Fantastic idea Mark

[@vickyvillasenor754]

Yes, please.. part 2 would be great! :) When I was in the UK in May, I was heading out and could not figure out how to lock the front door of my Airbnb, so I asked my host. They explained that the door would lock itself when shut and said all doors were like that in the UK. In the US you have to physically lock and unlock the door with your key each time, but I thought it was so much safer and more convenient that the door locked itself each time it was shut. Is that common in the UK?

[@ElliKeen]

Yes!!! These were "basic" to you two, but I had no clue! The most useful was the power switches and the transportation! It's so crazy the small things that are different! BTW some of our houses do have electric locks that we can control by apps and keypads, but I don't know if there are ones that auto lock when we leave... Anyone? And .... No triggered 😂

[@travistheguy675]

Btw Tube is super easy to us in UK. Clean also.

[@travistheguy675]

@TheRenaissanceman65 Train to get out of London and even to Paris super easy also.

[@deborahselgrad7750]

In the US we call keys like the ones you use, skeleton keys. They were used years and years ago. Now they are mostly just used for steampunk crafts. We also don't say air con, it is just AC. By the way, my birthday is also September 25th Joel. So Happy Birthday to us!

[@thereseember2800]

Deborah Selgrad: Very true! Along with crystal door knobs in the 50’s.

[@oliviachaney2506]

Deborah Selgrad I got a kick out of them saying “air con”. It’s definitely AC 😆

[@Hussain-tv6rs]

some people say​ the whole thing

[@HandsIntoHistory]

My house was built in 1824 & still has the original locks WITH the skeleton keys! I was thrilled when the previous owner gave them to me!!

[@davejones5747]

Deborah Selgrad I'm betting that very few people these days would be able to identify a skate key or a radiator key.

[@rayday2521]

Literally leaving for the UK tomorrow night!!! THIS VIDEO IS SO NECESSARY!!!! BLESS YOU BOTH! ❤❤❤

[@RickNoppenberger]

I highly recommend the citymapper app. It makes it so easy to get from place to place and especially in the larger tube stations it tells you what exit to leave.

[@rayday2521]

@@RickNoppenberger, thank you so much! Downloading it right now. That was really kind of you to suggest. I truly appreciate it!

[@danielle2781]

You should visit Scotland. The best part of the UK

[@rayday2521]

@@danielle2781 that is exactly where I am right now! I am in Edingburugh right now on my way to Uni! Scotland is AMAZING: I love it so much!

[@danielle2781]

@@rayday2521 that's great I'm originally from Edinburgh. The Uni there is great

[@billroberts7881]

In the US it's a standard 120 VAC, where in the UK it's 230-240 VAC. The switches on the outlets make good sense, but UK voltage is so much more lethal, so the switches come standard as a safety measure. Besides, in the US there are so many outlets that are rather inaccessible for routine switching (behind sofas, and other furniture, etc.). In the US today, SOME outlets are switched, but the switch is located further up on the wall like a regular light switch and not on the outlet itself - for the CONVENIENCE of switching table lamps or floor lamps on when entering a room. When you switch off any lamp or appliance plugged into a US outlet, no current moves (other than possible tiny "ghost currents" - indicator LEDs and standby power to wake an appliance ON with a remote control), so the on-outlet switch is kind of unneeded. Those "Harry Potter" keys were once used in the US with REALLY old locks on houses built in the late 1800s and early 1900s (we call them "skeleton keys"), but the smaller, flat keys (or digital access points) are standard these days. That's why Americans would consider those older, bulkier keys to be non-functioning and simply decorative. Even so, they just LOOK so British they are a wonderful part of the charm and dignity of your country. As for air conditioning, England is located in the Northern climate zone, so you don't (USUALLY) have a dire need for air conditioning, much like Americans living in the northern tier of states. I grew up in Iowa, and to this day there are a lot of homes up there that don't have air conditioning, or perhaps only a single window mounted air conditioner for the entire house. I know my first cars didn't have air conditioning, and it was an option on new cars of the day. It comes as a standard on cars everywhere today, though. I know moving to Texas made air conditioning a Godsend because it gets unbearably hot here. We've had up to 72 consecutive days of heat above 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) at times. I pity the folks who lived in this area before air conditioning was invented, but these days pretty much all homes in the South have air conditioning. The fact that Americans are so concerned about ice in their drinks comes from being spoiled and conditioned to expect ice in all cold drinks. I was that way until I traveled to Europe and discovered most drinks are served at room temperature or with very little refrigeration. I got used to it, and the flavors of the drinks are so much more obvious when they aren't extremely cold. I'm with Joel about not wanting ice to dilute my drink, and he's absolutely correct when he pointed out some places will "sell" a soft drink, but serve a glass full of much cheaper (and more profitable) ice/water. It's a common scheme to increase corporate profits, but it's not as severe here because a lot of places do offer free refills. I mean, c'mon, soft drink syrup and carbonated water costs pennies per glass, so it isn't going to break the company to offer a free refill, and it gives the customer a notion that they get their money's worth. They certainly charge enough for that first drink, and the food is overpriced as well. I have visited England, Scotland, and Ireland in past travels, and to this day my favorite city in the entire world is still London. In spite of contrary characteristics you have mentioned in other videos, it has been my experience that the people of England are the friendliest, most helpful, and appreciative folks I have ever met. On top of all that, the country offers loads of interesting experiences and history. I never really cared for the subject of history until I visited England. Once there, it all comes alive for people like me to experience and understand. I always consider the UK to be my favorite vacation destination. Love your channel, and you two are so good together. I'm glad I discovered your channel, and thank you both for such great content!

[@leebailor99]

Pretty sure were 220 and they are 110

[@billroberts7881]

*+Lee Bailor "Pretty sure were 220 and they are 110"* Perhaps in the 1950s or 60s. Today the voltages are slightly higher (more efficiency in power transmission). I know for fact when I insert the probes of a voltmeter into a standard US duplex power outlet (home built in 1984) I get a reading of 124 VAC, 60 Hz. I just did that to see what the RMS voltage is. If you're in the UK try it for yourself (but please be careful - it's truly a lethal voltage level in your country). I'm going to assume the voltage in the UK is equally a bit higher today. If you'll do an Internet search of voltage standards around the world you'll see the current UK standard voltage listed is 230-240 VAC, 50 Hz.

[@componenx]

The US utilities will try to get away with as high a voltage as possible, due to increased efficiency, as noted. This is rarely a problem with older appliances, and even less so with newer ones, because many power supplies auto-sense the voltage and even frequency, usually 90-240VAC, 50-60Hz.

[@davejones5747]

Bill Roberts How does liking ice in one's drinks indicate that one is spoiled? You could just as easily claimed that Brits eat Marmite because they are spoiled

[@billroberts7881]

See what I mean? Thanks for proving my point.

[@rickdurrett644]

Asking for ice reminded me of my very first trip to London. We stayed at the Hyde Park Hotel ( I believe. This was 1974. Yes, I'm retired) and went to the dining room to get something to eat and ordered iced tea for our drink. The reaction was swift and immediate. Here's a bunch of hillbilly musicians ( We played the very first Wembley Festival) and the diners acted like we had blown up Big Ben. The waiter politely informed us they didn't have that and had no idea what "iced tea" was, so we asked for tea and a bucket of ice and proceeded to make it at the table ourselves, added sugar and squeezed a lemon wedge in it. LOL. Thank you so much for re-awakening that memory. Loved London. Since then I've been to several cities in the UK.

[@J.W1180]

Apparently I’m going to have to visit the UK and form a search party for Lia’s voice.

[@wbmstr24]

her voice is awesome like that...

[@annaleabrown4588]

I lived in Germany for 3 years as a child, and, regrettably, the only thing I saw of the UK was being stuck in the London airport for 6 hours on a layover - they wouldn't let us leave the airport to go explore, sadly. I did get a lovely Beatrix Potter writing set that I loved from the airport!

[@nellaymerej]

I’ve never heard air conditioning shortened as ‘air con’ & I love it. Sounds so much better than AC.

[@3DJapan]

7:20 I usually ask for no ice or light ice for the same reason. Especially since it's usually refrigerated in the fountain so it's already cold.

[@ax6070]

Hi guys! If you use the Oyster Card 3 times during the day or the amount touches £ 6,80p the rest of the day until 4a.m. is free of charge. I don't know if anyone knows this. Keep the videos coming. Thanks

[@user-ww3rm3mz3i]

Are you using an oyster card with a travel card attached that gives you like 25% off? Cos Oyster cards do have a limit but much higher than £6.80. Mine goes up to £11ish but thats cos I'm zone 5, but even in the more central zones its like 8-9 I believe.

[@ax6070]

No. Not attached to anything. I was in London the last w-e. I refilled the Oyster card with Revolut (prepaid Visa based in London). I don't like to use contactless just for security reason. I was in Zone 1-2. One of the attendants at the vending machine explained the 3 trips or £6.80p daily cap. I gave it a try and it worked after my daily cap reached the rest of the day was free. That was awesome freeeeeee rides. LOL

[@GeeCeeWU]

Thanks AX, I didn't know that and I'm from the UK. I don't visit London very often even though I was born there.

[@jeanjackels6384]

Outlet plastic plugs keep children from sticking things in outlets.

[@lauralenau590]

Exactly. A push button isn't going to stop a kid.

[@qualynforeman6747]

The plastic plug ins don't stop them either lol

[@lauralenau590]

@@qualynforeman6747 Well, that is true for some kids. My first was able to take them out, but my second couldn't 🤷 Thankfully we didn't have issues either way. I'm just saying a button is pretty easy to switch on and off.

[@qualynforeman6747]

They didn't stop any of my kids, thankfully nothing ever happened. They can be pretty fast and sneaky sometimes

[@LlyleHunter]

I'm from the States too but the British plug and outlet design is much safer. It's actually genius and kids can't make contact with the current at all because there are so many safety backups built in. I'll send a link to Tom Scott's video about it below in reply after this comment. It really is fascinating.

[@MichaelScheele]

In the US, parents will often insert plastic covers into electrical outlets to prevent young children from sticking conductive objects into the outlet. Kids getting electrocuted in this manner is rare.

[@donnawilkinson9804]

I visited Scotland for 2 weeks in 2016. A lovely country, beautiful scenery, breathtaking architecture, friendly people......and no ice. A life without ice in my pop is not worth living.

[@kelliewilborn9154]

Those tips certainly would help me. These are things you don’t think about until you run into them. Thank You!

[@bentleyr00d]

One of the things I didn't realize about the UK until I went there, well England anyway, was the drinking culture. They drink a lot. I mean A LOT. You'll see people throwing up in the gutter or passed out on the sidewalks pretty much every night depending where you are. Also, people don't talk to strangers much. Buses and trains are often completely silent, and if you talk to people they'll make it clear they want to be left alone. If they are brusque, take the hint. Brits are also much more private people in general. Even if someone does strike up a conversation, they may get weird if you ask too many questions. In the US, two people who recently met will find out each other's names, professions, hobbies, and neighborhood within five minutes of meeting. In an English pub you may talk to someone for several hours, and you still won't know their name. If you ask, they may get defensive...why are you asking me this??? This may have changed recently - IDK - but the bathrooms (toilets) in UK homes don't have any wall outlets. You can't use your hair dryer in the bathroom. Some have one special, small outlet that's made for electric razors but that's it. They have a ceiling light but no wall switch for it in the bathroom. You have to pull a string to turn it on, or sometimes it's turned on and off from a wall switch located outside the room. So other people can turn the lights off while you're in the shower. This may have changed too, but the sinks don't usually have mixers. There are separate taps for hot and cold water and you have to mix the hot/cold water in the sink. The burners on top of a stove usually have this big cover that you lift off when you want to use the burner. They're hinged to the stove top. I never found out why they do that. Not surprisingly, people are usually friendlier in small towns. In fact people all across the country tend to be friendlier than Londoners. When you get off a bus, you are expected to say thank you to the bus driver. There is no law about it, but people will secretly hate you if you don't do it. That's all I can think of right now.

[@TJ-ov4us]

I'm British and I don't drink. I'm old enough to, but I don't drink and I have no sympathy for anyone that gets sick due to alcohol because it's their own fault unless it's for a legit reason. I despise alcohol. We don't talk to strangers much. I do some times but more often than not, I don't. In all the bathrooms I've been in, we don't have a plug. I have a separate toilet, too. I think it's safer that way because water and electricity don't mix.

[@TJ-ov4us]

The covers trap the heat in and if you're cooking pasta for example, the hot water doesn't spit out when it's boiling and burn you. That's what I think anyway. Yeah you are expected to say thank you to bus driver. It's polite. It's just something that is habit for me. I'll probably go to America, say thank you to the bus driver and get looked at like I just killed someone's cat 😂

[@LJBSullivan]

@@TJ-ov4us I always say thank you to the bus driver it's polite. I tell them to have a good day too! (American born and raised)

[@nicoladavies3391]

Only some gas cookers have the hinged top, it’s probably to give an extra flat surface in what tend to be smaller kitchens and I think they also serve to cut the gas off as a safety measure. More and more people are going for minimalist induction hobs in new kitchens though.

[@nicoladavies3391]

TheRenaissanceman65 Some do.

[@edisonwato]

Important for Americans to know: there are NO trash cans (dustbins) on the streets of London. You need to plan your trash drops carefully. AND, look left and right SEVERAL times when crossing the street since drivers drive on the left side of the road.

[@simonpowell2559]

I have not noticed any shortage of bins in London. Looking several times will not change which side of the road we drive on, just look in the right direction, that will do.

[@TheMisterMonkeyman]

About the tip thing, here in the US no-one will really take(steal) a tip sitting at a vacant table. Everyone knows that the server is probably busy and hasn't had a chance to pick up their tip yet. I've sat down at a table with the tip from the last customer still on the table, and they just picked it up when they took our order. You kind of have to be a real d-bag to steal someone's tip. Peace.

[@blackvulcan100]

Yes same here where I live ( not in the City ) we always leave our tip as cash on the table, never heard of it being stolen maybe its a city thing.I only tip here in the UK if we get good service and a good meal.No way will I pay for indifferent food or service.If i have bad service and food we usually do not go back,plenty of choice around here.

[@numbernine3436]

Same

[@teknekon]

Brilliant guys! Really helpful and timely. My class is going to find this interesting. Kicking off the fall term and these bits are useful details. Great job! Thanks! Love and cheers! 👍💗😘🇬🇧

[@naelywood8431]

I’m baffled at the 20 cent tip on a $61 total!!😳😂

[@emmao5124]

Naely Wood ha me to!!

[@cheezadillatravels]

By a pro football player btw lol

[@TheJestermint]

I was looking to see if anyone made a comment about that. I'm really hoping they left a cash tip on the table.

[@LJBSullivan]

If I was a server I'd be mad. Tip should be $12

[@rbeck3200tb40]

Linda Sullivan 9 dollars

[@libbykaynorris]

One of my favorite things about London was the tube attendants. They were so great about helping me get around. In L.A. they don't have anyone there and it's every man for himself. Can't wait to come back to London! I miss the rain, the pubs, the dogs and of course the people. Xoxo

[@GeeCeeWU]

I'm glad you liked London Libby, I was born there.

[@erikmoravec881]

Guys, you're doing so much for every one of your viewers! Please, never stop keeping us updated what's going on about in the UK 🙏❤️

[@natep4969]

A wooden spoon??😂 that’s interesting table decor

[@Rapturo_to_YESHUA]

Was about to say, maybe it is there to spank someone when they get naughty while drunk! 🤣

[@GeeCeeWU]

@@Rapturo_to_YESHUA Or for stirring up trouble maybe; We love our quirky things in the UK.

[@leslieharris2536]

Im having a hard day but y’all make me smile & feel better with you lovely smiles & accents. Im a Texan that loves all British accents. ❤️

[@Sharlabdt]

Here in Seattle we think the same thing about being able to recognize tourists by them using/having an umbrella. None of us typically use one unless it is a raining really hard

[@kristimarks2040]

Little disclaimer as a disabled person: All the buses in London have ramps that come out the middle door. So, if you use a wheelchair, make sure the driver sees you when they pull up and they should deploy the ramp. NOT all tube stations have lifts to ground level and the ones they do have seem to break often. So check with TFL before getting on the tube about your route. The Brits were super polite and very helpful. When I got stuck at a tube station without a lift one night several people offered to help us, it was really cool.

[@CulpFiction]

For the plug thing, the plugs here (America) always have a current, but you can get little plastic inserts to keep them covered so little ones don't stick things in them and get electrocuted. These are super common and inexpensive, and you'll find them in pretty much every house that has kids. Some plus also have a switch up high, like a regular light switch, that controls if it's "on" or not. These plus are usually upside down instead of right side up, so you can identify them (here, two prongs are on top, and the circular one is on the bottom, but "upside down" = circular prong on top, two prongs on the bottom). Edit: also, at 5:44 you said the heavy duty key is for the "dead lock at the bottom", and maybe this is an interesting thing, but I think typically here in America, we have dead bolts, but they're on top of the regular lock. So you'll have your door handle, with a regular key that opens it, and then maybe 3-5 inches above it, you'll sometimes have a dead bolt. Not sure if your dead bolts are usually on the bottom, but here I think it's the opposite.

[@ThoseTwoBrits1]

Great point. Yes all our dead locks are at the bottom

[@3DJapan]

I was thinking the same about the deadbolts being on top.

[@MsPinkwolf]

We have plastic inserts to stop kids in the UK too.

[@jackielolli3488]

You guys are such a breath of fresh air. Keep up the great work.✌🏻

[@wayneogle5576]

Fact!

[@sciamhach]

13:00 People who don't know what they're talking about w/ "the poll" and "eye button" - You need to click the settings gear in the *lower right* corner and turn on annotations. It's not about "not looking hard enough" it's literally not there if annotations are turned off. So switch it on and an " i " in a circle will appear in the *upper right* corner. Click that and scroll down to the bottom to find the poll.

[@danerdog]

Another great video, you two! Informative, funny, and you don’t take yourselves too seriously. I’ve only been to the UK once but I loved the countryside and the people. Thanks!

[@abigguitar]

Bars and Pubs in the US vary. Not all have table service, many do. Even if there is table service, it can be horrendous. If you enter a bar or pub in the US and you want fast service, you order from the bar. Otherwise, you could be sitting there forever.

[@danak8185]

Your keys look so cool!! I haven’t seen anything like that outside of a really old house with skeleton keys for the internal rooms. They look very steampunk to me. I wish we used things like that in every day life, rather than just as costume accessories.

[@GeeCeeWU]

What is steampunk?

[@Ashleigh50]

Different keys for different locks, the so called 'skeleton' key is for mortice locks - the lock that comes across is a flat block, while the 'Yale' lock has one side curved.

[@GeeCeeWU]

Mortice locks are still widely used in the UK, a skeleton or master key is any key that will open all locks of the same type, regardless of whether it is a mortice or Yale type lock.

[@KatherineBoleyn]

What counts as “really old” for the us ?

[@danak8185]

@Katie Archer 1800s?

[@dreamer5831]

There are a couple of things that you could have mentioned. When ordering a salad in the U.K., it came with just lettuce and tomato with no dressing (if you asked, they would bring oil and vinegar). Maybe that's different now...? Also, they are really good about saying "We apologize." I have never heard that phrase so much as when I visited the U.K. in 2000. Whether the tube was delayed, or the restaurant didn't have something we ordered from the menu (which happened daily), they were always quick to apologize for the problem. I was shocked. When I lived in NYC and rode the subways, they would NEVER apologize for anything. It was refreshing!

[@kevinraper114]

This is probably the most useful video for an American to know before going to the UK I have seen. Fascinating those keys. Looks like you have keys to a medieval castle, dungeon, or some wizard's lair. They also look very simple to pick. Those plugs look weird enough too. And we leave most things plugged in and don't worry about it. If you have small children you put plugs in them to prevent the kids from putting a knife in it. "Air con" we say AC, is everywhere in Texas though some other places in the country like San Francisco may not. In Texas you may need a sweater inside even in the summer because we may keep it so cool.

[@sandrasamuelson4796]

it took me 30 seconds to figure out what the heck you meant by "aircon". we say AC or Air conditioning. never heard aircon before.

[@jonnyhqwest8506]

Sandra Samuelson i only know it because i went to south africa and now my wife from malaysia says it lol, but yea i was tripped out when i first heard it

[@tomfrazier1103]

Saw that phrase in British car adverts. Have you ever done a special on British/American automobile culture? The U.S. has 110-120V electric current. 220V is sometimes seen in the laundry room to power the washer or dryer. This is an intermittent thing in the states. I've always favored air drying laundry, that I get makes me an eccentric American. I was raised around a preference for "Country" lifestyles, and in the country itself, California & Hawaii. Staffies rule!

[@tomfrazier1103]

Staffordshire terriers, close ancestors of American Staffordshire terriers and Pit bull dogs.

[@carymac941]

I’ve heard it hear in CA.

[@miraeso8416]

@@carymac941 Must be true in west coast because we say aircon instead of AC in WA.

[@seanhouston4757]

Awwww I want to be Lia’s friend! She seems so lovely 😊 I love the lonely lightbulb hanging from the ceiling in the background... so moody 🧐

[@Dani_Reasor]

(Capaldi voice) It's atmospheric!

[@lanajackson9491]

So helpful. Knowing little differences like that help you feel more comfortable when traveling. You both just put a smile on my face.

[@nnguy01]

Although not widely used in homes until recently and now the standard in new construction in the US, Transfer Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) look just like ordinary outlets, but are designed with spring-loaded receptacle cover plates that close off the receptacle openings, or slots. When equal pressure is simultaneously applied to both sides, the receptacle cover plates open to allow the standard plug to make contact with the receptacle contact points. Without this simultaneous pressure, the cover plates remain closed, preventing insertion of foreign objects and protecting children from painful, traumatic electrical injuries. Love you guys :)

[@kieradunn9397]

You two crack me up love you both 😂😂❤️

[@jehilybojorquez1874]

Cannot believe I just found you guys! You are quickly becoming. One of my favorite KZbinrs!!! Love your content you guys are so funny!

[@ThoseTwoBrits1]

Aww thanks

[@guillermodcv5717]

Thank you!! I love learning about the "obvious" things in other countries and/or cultures. It's very helpful and it gives you a better understanding of how things work.

[@sandrafaith]

I've visited the UK twice: once in 1994, and again in 2015 (honeymoon!). Loved it so, so much. For the 2015 trip we did as much research as possible before coming over (brought power converters, bought tickets to the Harry Potter studio tour, lol) and I feel like we were pretty prepared. :)

[@weezyswifey2010]

We have a couple of outlets that are tied to a switch for the lamps in our formal sitting room. When we first bought our house we thought they were defective outlets, LOL.

[@amnaj5943]

It wasn't obvious to us! This video is really useful! THANK YOU

[@moonglow630]

My Dad & I were in a pub in Kensington, and he was so frustrated that no one came & took our order, that he made us leave. Funny enough, next trip in a pub in Edinburgh, they DID wait on us.

[@bearnicholas3830]

love that you two are so down to earth and approachable...it comes across in your videos.

[@hollygraham5270]

This was such a good video. I made all of those mistakes when I went to London. When I went back to the UK was a little bit more savvy.

[@morganpreston9365]

New subscriberrrr ❤️

[@risitascositas1699]

I live in South Florida and I bring my umbrella with me every day. When it's sunny, I use to keep the sun off me and when sudden rainstorms pop up , I'm prepared.

[@Steelers57]

I look forward to your vids popping up on my notifications so much. You two bring sunshine on a cloudy day.

[@firefly24601]

Yes. Americans really are loud for England, especially for southern England! :)

[@Emily-db5mf]

Lol

[@natdatil6830]

I'm quite quiet as Americans go. When I go to the UK for work my colleagues are a bit embarrassing with their loudness. I prefer to be easily identifiable as American by being fat and wearing white socks.

[@johnathanstrand3633]

Such a great video I NEEDED to watch since I’ll be in London for my first time in a few weeks!!! Can’t wait! Thx for all the tips! Love your vids! #thriceweekly

[@jillshort9241]

Waay back in 1983, when I was in England with my teacher friends, the policeman outside of Windsor Castle told us to go to a pub down the hill in Richmond. It was extremely busy - - lunchtime - - and the amazing woman at the order window didn't write anything down but just remembered everyone's orders - - all 60-100 of us in the place! The food was good, too! ☺️She just remembered what you looked like and what you had ordered and Presto! brought you your food when it was done!

[@morganellis7109]

Love watching your videos. They are such great help for my research! Thank you!

[@tammyfinch5469]

Ice must be a location thing. In Arizona you're given ice for everything and even milk.

[@jilliandevoe7698]

I like how you did the thrice weekly this time!

[@andreabowersox6318]

Me too!

[@monicavermag]

Love all these tips!! I love that you have swtiches on your plugs, that would be very handy and useful. I need to visit the UK again, it has been far too long!

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

Tipping: I live in Palo Alto, California. Our minimum wage is around $15 (and this is typically for fast-food or service jobs). Most of the "fine" restaurants simply allow me to give my card to the server and write a tip on the receipt. However, most of the restaurants now have touch screens which allow me insert my credit/debit card (with the chip) and then choose a tip amount before signing. This is very typical for ordering take-out (even in "fine" restaurants). The only places that I don't typically leave a tip are at grocery stores or fast-food restaurants (e.g., McDonald's, Taco Bell, KFC, Chick-fil-A, etc.). If a restaurant has a touchscreen display asking about a tip, I usually leave one. Most people usually leave tips (usually 15-25%) at restaurants, dry cleaning establishments, coffee/tea shops, frozen yogurt shops, bakeries, etc. We also leave tips for food/grocery delivery too (e.g., pizza, Google Express, Amazon Prime Now, GrubHub, etc.). Is this similar in the U.K. for takeout or delivery?

[@jenniferlawrence8533]

Toured England last summer Love love England

[@johnzee4945]

hi Joel and Lia. Great. Have done some of my own research on these things. Never ring the large bell on the end of the bar in the pub. It's for closing. You must wait for the bartender to acknowledge you, it's rude to demand service. If you wish to tip the bartender at the pub, offer " and one for yourself..." Bring about $100 in US cash with you; after landing at Heathrow you will have to pay for exchange ( may be expensive ) then get the Oyster card and have about 20 pounds on it. Should be more than enough for the 1st tube ride into London. Before leaving, get a credit card for your trip from a primary bank in the UK, I believe the largest is HSBC. Also heard that if you need to alert emergency services it is helpful to know the Post Code. Would citymap or google have it ? Should make things a little easier. Thanx.

[@julieawalt8679]

I've been in US bars (often at a beach/lake) with a large bell. If you ring it, you are buying a round for the whole joint.

[@johnzee4945]

Julie Awalt. In UK pubs the bell is rang at closing time. You have 15 mins to drink up and get out. I believe if you are buying a round at the bar in the pub, you let the bartender know, he will tell you when it's your turn to buy. Regulars at the pub usually buy rounds for themselves first.

[@nicoladavies3391]

I very much doubt you could get a regular UK credit card from a British bank if not a resident, US ones work here though American Express is often not that widely accepted. Why would you not just exchange some cash before you travelled you would get a better rate? It is helpful to know the postcode of the place you are staying or travelling to as Sat Nav/GPS systems use it. If you put the street address into google the postcode will show up or search for it on the Royal Mail website. And it is not rude to politely draw attention to yourself for service at a pub or anywhere for that matter, but you are right the bell is traditionally for last orders at the pub.

[@johnzee4945]

NickyL. Thanx Nicky. Good to know. Can you enter the UK as an American with Pounds you have exchanged before arriving ? The key word is polite. The general idea I've read is that most Americans get exasperated with the process of how things work in the pub, and thus not polite when requesting service. I am impressed with how your pub bartenders can know who is next to be waited on, who of the locals is buying a round, etc. and keep the bar running smoothly. These would be almost superhuman qualities in an Americsn bartender.

[@IlivebcuzHelovesme]

I had a "skeleton" key as a front door key at my first rental. It was always an interesting conversation starter.

[@brandyroberts4127]

Loved this video and very helpful. I had no idea on these things about UK

[@d.m.173]

OMG.. LMAO who would leave a .20 tip .. that is hilarious!

[@luvtinamc]

Sometimes we have two different keys for the door handle and the deadbolt. But, Lia, did you say your deadbolt was at the bottom? I've only ever seen the deadbolt above the door knob. And only really old houses here may have keys like y'all's, as their skeleton key. But very rare!

[@George.Pandeliev]

Hey guys, you're literally so funny and entertaining, yet presenting very useful infos. Glad I found your channel. Good luck 🤞🏻

[@NobleAndersonjr]

I was in London a few months ago and your list is so true! I had a local Brit who helped me through the Oyster Card process...confusing at first, but I later got used to it! Loved my trip to your wonderful country! Thanks for sharing your ideas! very helpful!

[@sciamhach]

08:17 .20 tip on a $60 bill?! *triggered*

[@lndsyvghnbubert]

sciamhach, I saw that too!!! 😳

[@LeighRoyals]

Right?!

[@MeDuderify]

Service must have been epically bad. Maybe the waiter filled Joel’s Pepsi Max to the brim with ice and he got pissed. Figured a 20 cent tip would teach him.

[@maryhynes9061]

Now that .20 tip was just Cruel. Was it meant to be an insult?

[@kevinswenson]

Right!!??!! WOW kinda the RUDEST thing you can do. Hope the left cash.

[@emilbattad7303]

You two should visit Montreal in Canada! 🇨🇦

[@ThoseTwoBrits1]

We would love to!

[@michelletheitaliagal]

Hello, Joel and Lia! This was so useful. Thank you so much!

[@barrysmith8045]

I love the nuanced differences between the UK and the US. I understand the switches on your outlets because your voltage is higher (230 - 240) as compared to the US (110 - 120). We use 220/240 volts for electric ranges (stoves), clothes dryers, water heaters, heat pumps and central A/C systems. In many instances houses have gas water heaters, gas stoves and gas furnaces but a lot of new construction is all electric. By code, the outlets in bathrooms and kitchens (and outlets located near a water supply) of newer homes have what's called a GFI (ground fault interrupter) installed to prevent electrocution. These devices react even faster than a central circuit breaker. They'll usually look like a double socket with two buttons (often black and/or red) located between the sockets to "test" and "reset" the device. We don't really have those cool keys anymore. As per other comments, we call them "skeleton keys" and were used way back in the day. Now, lock tumblers have gotten more complex and a multi-toothed and grooved key is required to operate the locks. Admittedly, I haven't used a house key in YEARS to get in my home. Instead, I use key codes and smart locks. I completely understand Joel's point of "no ice" because the more ice that's in the glass, the less fizzy goodness can be put in. Since the US does free refills, that's less of an issue unless you go through a drive thru and that's going to be your only beverage fill up. In that instance, I ask for "light ice". I live in Knoxville, TN and it's TOASTY in the spring/summer/fall; so everything is air conditioned. I go from a 67 degree house to a 58 degree car (that's what the setting says) and go to an A/C'd destination. Plus...I'm a chunky and hairy fella...so A/C is my best friend :). As always, I absolutely love your videos and am tickled pink every time y'all post a new video. Thank you for all that you do and keep up the great work!

[@blondeambitionsoutherntrad8433]

Hey y’all! My name is Brigette and I live in Baton Rouge Louisiana! I am in LOVE with London! My husband and I visited for the first time 4 years ago and we adore the culture and yes even the weather! We are constantly trying to get back over to London! We do travel a good bit! So, we have only had one utterly embarrassing American moment while having proper afternoon tea. I will spare you the gory details, but basically I wanted to crawl under the table and die right there. Ha! Perhaps a video about British tea etiquette ( how to order, what to order and where your favorite places are for tea in the city!) let’s just say we had a little issue with quantity, we may have over ordered and needed an addition mini table to place everything. Tea for two got crazy! I feel ill thinking about the embarrassment now! Haha! We laugh about it now and have not had a silly travel moment like that again! 😳 Love your videos!

[@LauraThomas]

Hey from Hammond, LA! London obsessed as well!

[@paulboy9101]

From New Orleans. Not obsessed. Like Joel and Lia though.

[@TJ-ov4us]

I hate London. It's okay for a day out but I do not want to live there. Prefer the countryside. Been to Devon recently and the sea was beautiful and warm

[@TJ-ov4us]

@Jicari Hickory Hill Tea Time is dinner

[@MsPinkwolf]

Its and afternoon meal, usually sandwiches and cakes. When I was young we sometimes had our main meal midday and had tea in the evening.

[@melissaholman2605]

I love the way your plug ins are. Such a good idea for convenience, saving energy and saftey! Wish they were like that here in the US.

[@WhiteTiger333]

I visited a friend in Manchester - my only visit to the UK. It was in March, so I quickly came to love nipping into tea shops for some liquid warmth! :D She had to show me about flipping a switch on the outlets to get them to work. I loved the excursions (with the dogs she walked - one of her jobs) along the canal parks. I'm a country girl in the USA, so was most intrigued by land use and care in the UK. Lovely countryside! My biggest issue (and source of heart attack from my friend) was my forgetting which direction to check for traffic before stepping out to cross the streets in Manchester. She was constantly gasping and grabbing my coat to keep me from stepping out in front of a vehicle because I had checked in the wrong direction. I eventually got the hang of it. :D I was also often bombarded with questions about America that I was clueless about. My friend's mates thought I was up on American pop culture, TV and movies, and city life. I was not! :D They knew more than I did about that aspect of America. Speaking of Harry Potter, my friend's 7 year old was having chapters of the first Harry Potter read to him before bed. He insisted that I read them because he wanted to hear my American accent. But, but...it's a British story! :D That tickled me. And the first day that we went to pick up her son from school, he was waiting with his little friends. They all gathered around me and stared up, waiting for me to do I don't know what. I was introduced as "my mum's friend who came all the way from America". When I began speaking, they shrieked and giggled, but soon we all just talked with each other.

[@vickistoletheworld]

Such great tips! I definitely would not have known these things without this video

[@davidmurphy9433]

Not sure if you've ever met a 4 year old, but they'll figure out how to flip a switch. Both methods are dangerous

[@InsaneGamersOfficial]

UK sockets have other safety features too. Because our plugs are three pronged, the top prong is longer. Only once that prong is inserted will the lower two shutters in the socket open. So the kid needs to a) figure out how to flip the switch to turn it on b) figure out to put the screwdriver or whatever into the top hole and c) have another object to put into the bottom two holes where the actual electric shock comes from.

[@Annie-nc2pc]

What about when you have a alarm clock plugged into the wall, do you just keep that switch on all of the time?

[@GeeCeeWU]

Does your question really need answering Annie, or are you just being sarcastic?

[@AndyGarcia82]

In the US we have plastic child safety plugs for sockets. They are extremely difficult for a child to remove. A simple switch is easy for a child to flick.

[@michellepanattoni9492]

Lmao I REALLY enjoy watching your videos. You two always make me laugh. This may have been a simple common sense video for you to make but for me it was very informative. As an American who's never been to England but is fascinated by your culture, I find your videos a bit of modern education to the rest of the world. You make light of yourselves and have so much fun that I feel I can relate to most things you discuss. I just wanted to say thank you for making videos three times a week because you help weeks go by with a smile and giggle in the back of my mind at day to day events 🙂😂

[@TRPrecht]

We have outlet covers, that you can buy anywhere, to keep kids from shocking themselves.

[@heyclark7308]

In Seattle, where it rains a fair amount, only tourists use umbrellas. They're savage in the Northwest.

[@LCx829]

I lived in Seattle and this is so true. Id walk my dog with no umbrella.

[@ThoseTwoBrits1]

Love the word Savage

[@andreabowersox6318]

It's been raining a lot this summer in our area (western PA), and barely anyone here uses umbrellas either. Everyone just goes out and gets wet.

[@HBC423]

Bria Clark yeah we think umbrellas are for pussies lol... and down here in Tennessee it doesn't rain like in England, it storms way too hard for an umbrella to work. the umbrella would either break, be trying to blow away the whole time, or the rain would blow in from the side, soaking you.

[@elise_h]

Literally going to the UK in November hoping for rain. Since moving to CA from Seattle I've missed it so much. And yeah, a hood is all you need.

[@suzie2759]

Loved this video! Very informative 🙂

[@arianacabrera8851]

Thanks so much for making this video and the others that you do! I haven't been subscribed to your channel for very long. I am going to London in January and I wanted to learn more about the UK culture. You guys have helped me so much with that. Thanks and you guys are awesome!

[@leslieharris2536]

My husband is the same about ordering fizzy drinks (sodas). He always says no ice when ordering take away (to go) since you cant get refills after you leave. Sit down restaurants give refills so he doesnt ask for no ice. I order water but always say no lemon or lime because you never know which restaurants will automatically put one of those in water. Im Texan so I always want ice. Ice is automatically put in drinks here esp in the south.

[@lyne81625]

Totally unrelated, don't eat Rocky Mountain Oysters in the US!!!! They aren't oysters. Your oyster card reminded me of it.

[@Dani_Reasor]

Counterpoint: definitely do try the Rocky Mountain Oysters, because the story will make for some good content afterward.

[@ThoseTwoBrits1]

thanks for the tip!

[@lauric7709]

Or Prairie Oysters.

[@auldrick]

Brits who eat kidney pie and black puddings. Rocky Mountain/Prairie Oysters probably wouldn't faze them.

[@WECrow1]

I am a Californian born and bred. I will try anything.... but if I eat rocky mountain oysters, I do not want to know ahead a time. Tell me AFTER I tried them.

[@henryschumacher4047]

Hey Joel and Lia thanks for the great video and the info on being in the UK. I am planning on visiting next year, hope you to tell us more make another video like this and keep us in the loop, enjoy. 👍👓🇬🇧

[@carolhubbard2241]

I love how those in the UK are prepared for rain with an umbrella and us in the north michigan of the state's always have a sweater! Love you both so much!!!❤

[@JulieB-qh6xx]

Another important obvious point is the political structure of the UK. Great Britain is England, Wales, and Scotland. England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland make up the UK. It is not cool to call someone from Scotland or Wales "English." I'm an American, and I get frustrated at folks who don't even try to keep it straight. It's just four countries!

[@GeeCeeWU]

Don't call a Scottish or Welsh person English if you want to make it back intact.

[@FrayAdjacentTX]

The funny thing about switches on sockets is kids figure things out pretty quick... don't they just switch on the sockets?? I also find it odd how paranoid the Brits tend to be with electrical outlets in bathrooms! Not being offensive here, but I do find it kinda comical that the light switches are usually cords from the ceiling, and that there are no sockets on the walls. Our bathrooms in the States usually have a regular light switch on the wall and at least one outlet close to the sink. I've never heard of anyone ever being harmed by that. :P

[@davejones5747]

Matthew Johnson I was thinking that too. If a kid is capable of taking a knife or screwdriver and jamming it into an outlet (without anyone noticing), the kid should be capable of flipping the switch too.

[@duckscanfly2970]

@@davejones5747 Older kids maybe, little kids may well be capable of picking something up (babies often Have a very strong grip) however they may not be able to do the switches as they do require a bit of pressure on them especially for a little kid. It's just an added safety precaution, also there are sooo many more safety precautions on British plugs, not just the switch! :)

[@amykingston9540]

The kids usually just mess about with the switches and don’t put anything in the socket

[@Sophie.S..]

I'm British and I once switched the waste disposal on at the socket with wet hands and got a really bad electric shock - it really is dangerous, especially for children.

[@Sophie.S..]

flip inheck Yes, I learned my lesson - it was an old kitchen and has now been replaced. Thanks for the advice though, I will never do it again.

[@MistressMarti]

You two are such lovely people. I look forward to all of your videos! Thank you for the information! Much love from Missouri, USA!!

[@jenniferanderson1029]

Fantastic video! Very informative. I am planning a trip to London next spring from the US. Great information. I am fascinated with the similarities and differences between the US and UK. Thank you for sharing!

[@jono8884]

"Records show that it is pronounced geer-ar-delly (with the g as in girl), and this has been confirmed by a Ghirardelli spokesperson."

[@burke615]

Pro tip: If you don't have annotations on, you can't see the poll.

[@arthurschalick2362]

how do you turn that on?

[@auldrick]

There should be a little gear icon at the bottom of the window to access KZbin Settings.

[@brianneburleson9620]

Y’all are absolutely precious! So glad i found your channel!

[@abbiepeytonwyatt]

This video was so fascinating! Whenever I go to the UK I’m sure knowing this stuff will be super helpful!

[@ccm3794]

If you pay cash in the US, don't leave the table before your server takes it, some cheeky person will take the whole bill!

[@LCx829]

Europe has no ice and no refills on drinks. Im in california and i need ice.

[@davejones5747]

Someone in another KZbin video about these differences said that Ice is not standard in drinks across the pond, a whole lot of peeved Brits insisted they most certainly do serve ice in drinks over there. They'd have no reason to lie about that.

[@charlotte_stevens]

We do have ice (referred to as ice cubes in the UK) but if you order a coke for example, you have to ask for extra or lots of ice, otherwise you'll get a few ice cubes floating at the top of your drink, and that's it lol

[@victorialouise7380]

*we have ice* *we have freezers* *most places do have refils*

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

In America, we have plastic safety plugs that we put in any unused sockets to protect children. Also, most Americans don’t unplug anything when we leave as we have surge protectors built into the wiring of the house itself.

[@emmaficke231]

Loved this video! I love watching you guys, you are amazing youtubers, I always look foward to joel and lia videos much love from America ❤