An American’s guide to London culture shocks

“Are you alright?” Whether you’re visiting London for a few days, weeks, or even months, you’ll run into small, everyday differences that catch you off-guard as an American. Yes, it’s annoying that you can’t blow-dry your hair in the bathroom, and it’s amazing how there’s beautiful green spaces in every area you go… but the following are London culture shocks that don’t get talked about enough — from an American who frequents and adores London but mostly lives in major U.S. cities. 

1. Pubs are for friend groups

You’ve probably heard about how big pub culture is in London. Yes, you’ll see crowds of people drinking outside — even in the rain. But what you might not realize is that pubs aren’t like American bars, where chatting with strangers is the norm. In London, they’re primarily for established friend groups and colleagues.

How to navigate:

Go with a group. Solo travelling and hoping to easily meet and chat with London locals? Try supper clubs such as TimeLeft or the female-only & the Table. If you’re dead-set on a pub, hit the Bermondsey Beer Mile in South London — a stretch of craft breweries where 20- and 30-somethings bar-hop and actually talk to strangers. Easily the most social pub experience I’ve had in London!

2. There are a lot of people who like pub quizzes

In the U.S., trivia nights are usually associated with a niche or older crowd. Sure, some Irish pubs in New York (like Slainté in lower Manhattan) host pub quizzes, but it’s not a widespread cultural hobby.

But in Britain and London especially? People of all ages and professions love a pub quiz. Even hot 20- and 30-somethings make them a staple of their weekly social calendar. It’s just what you do with friends or your partner. 

How to join in:

Pub quizzes are everywhere and occur most weeknights in London, so finding one is easy. Google local listings or ask a Londoner for recommendations. If you’re exploring the city with your Contiki group, just keep an eye out together — many pubs display chalkboard signs outside announcing quiz nights. 

3. The classic “Are you alright?”

No list of London culture shocks would be complete without this one. 

You never forget your first time. In August of 2022, I was in a now-defunct Rag & Bone store in central London when an associate approached me and asked me a question I’ve never encountered before: “Are you alright?” I panicked. Did I look or smell bad without realizing it? At the time, I had no idea it was just the British version of “How are you?” — both just translate to “Hi.”

How to respond:

According to my resident British friend/London expert Kerreshea, just reply with “Fine, you?” and move on. The key? Don’t overthink it or share how you actually feel (which, in this case, is probably for the best). Save that for the voice memos you send to close friends.

4. The public wi-fi struggle

Soon after you land in Heathrow, you’ll notice that public Wi-Fi in London is frustrating. Unlike the U.S., where free, high-speed Wi-Fi is everywhere and at the click of a button, expect to enter your personal info or create an account just to get online — every single time.

Blame it on less workaholic culture or other factors, but many cafés and restaurants don’t offer guest Wi-Fi. Chains like Joe & The Juice and Caffè Nero have noticeably slow or unusable connections (possibly to deter the laptop crowd).

My advice:

If your SIM won’t install properly (why is it so complicated?), you’re dodging roaming charges, or just need Google Maps: try Selfridges, Whole Foods, or pubs such as The Devonshire in Soho (shockingly great internet plus you’ll get an amazing pint of Guinness here if that’s your thing).

5. London is hot?

When you think of London, heat isn’t the first thing that comes to mind — but whether you’re using public transportation in any season or visiting the city in the summer, it’s something you might have to physically (and emotionally) prepare for. 

• The London Underground (“The Tube”) is hot year-round — even in winter. Deep tunnels trap heat due to poor ventilation, with temperatures reaching 47°C (117°F) during heatwaves. The Victoria Line is one of the hottest, often hitting 31°C (88°F).
• Air conditioning isn’t standard. I’ll never forget stepping into a Free People location in Soho during a record summer heat-wave in London, expecting an AC refuge like I’m so used to indoors in the U.S. Instead, only a sad old fan stood in the corner. Keep in mind: even many boutique hotels and gyms in London don’t have AC. If you’re the type who keeps up a fitness routine while traveling, be prepared.

How to prepare:

Layer strategically and pack a portable fan — just like you would for a hot day at Disneyland. Whichever season you’re visiting, if you plan to use public transportation and are sensitive to heat, download the locals-beloved CityMapper app to find air-conditioned lines such as City or the Overground — avoid the Northern and Victoria lines.

6. Wild swimming is embraced

In the U.S., if someone suggests “wild swimming” (a.k.a. swimming in a natural body of water), your first thought goes to “I’ll get a brain or flesh-eating bacteria.” Many Americans know at least “a friend of a friend of a friend” who has. In London and in wider Europe, “wild swimming” without the heavy hesitation is normalized, especially as a summer social pastime — even Harry Styles has been spotted taking a dip in Hampstead Heath’s ponds.

Should you do it?

If you choose a well-monitored swimming spot such as Harry’s favorite, go for it! If you’re feeling extra brave and want a good photo op, the Thames is your spot. For the germaphobes and ones who need more reassurance, you can check the Environment Agency’s Swimfo website beforehand for the water quality in designated bathing sites. Still hesitant but want to swim? Similar to the U.S., hotels such as the 5-star The Landmark in Marylebone offer pool/sauna passes for an average £50 a day. 

7. Early bird city

As a self-identifying night owl, this London culture shock hit me the hardest: Londoners love an early start. Social plans often revolve around an earlier schedule — networking events begin at 5:30 PM, weekend brunch can mean 9 AM, and many Brits have dinner around 6 PM or earlier. While London has a thriving nightlife scene, restaurants tend to wind down service earlier than in the U.S., where dinner spots routinely stay open until at least 10 PM. Unlike American bars that are reliably open seven days a week, it’s not a given that pubs will be open on a Monday — some close early or don’t open at all.

How to prepare and adjust:

Check out our 24 Hours in London and Nightlife Spots in the UK guides. Also: confirm closing hours for attractions, events, and restaurants on your list beforehand — especially if you’re used to later dining hours. If you’re in central London, standard restaurants and pubs tend to stay open later than other parts of the city. For additional extended nighttime options, Londoners often join private member’s clubs, such as The Ned or Soho House. 

8. Brits do actually like Americans

Before visiting London for the first time, I was fully prepared for British people to dismiss me or not want to engage just because I’m American. In international countries, there’s a common perception that Americans are loud, annoying, and lack self-awareness. I can’t totally refute that and, yes, the moment people hear my accent, the first question I almost always get asked is “Do all Americans own guns?” Regardless: what I’ve found is that being American helps me stand out, and Brits are generally very curious about the U.S.

How to get on with Brits:

Part of the British “cool” is to playfully hate on your hometown. Come equipped to any introductory conversation with at least 1 thing you dislike about the country or city you’re from, 2+ things you dislike about London, and make sure you use your “inside voice.” 

9. Convenience stores are… a little less convenient

In the U.S., a quick stop at CVS or Walgreens can get you laundry detergent, film for your Instax, multivitamin gummies, a French-brand limited-edition sunscreen, a new passport photo, and a last-minute birthday card all in one go. London convenience stores aren’t as robust, so don’t count on grabbing a last-minute London souvenir there either.

How to prepare:

If you forgot essentials or didn’t have space in your carry-on, plan to visit multiple stores in London to find everything you need. Boots (especially the location on Regent Street) and Tesco Express are good places to start!

10. No Venmo – just bank transfers

If you’re visiting London and meeting up with a local friend for dinner or drinks, don’t expect them to ask for your Venmo. Instead, they’ll casually say, “Just bank transfer me.”

In the U.S., handing out your bank details feels like a scam waiting to happen — but in London, sharing your account number and sort code is standard.

How to prepare:

Check if your U.S. credit card charges international fees. If possible, split the bill at the restaurant so you each pay your share upfront. And if a local asks for a bank transfer, don’t panic — you might get hit with a small fee, but not with a scam. 

Why I love London

Even though some culture shocks get some getting used to, London remains my favorite city — one I make sure to visit at least 3-4 times a year for 1+ week periods. It’s the kind of place where you can pack your days with concerts, pub crawls, West End shows, and stall-hopping at Portobello — or slow it all the way down. Walk waterside during golden hour along Butler’s Wharf, eat your Five Guys on a bench at St. Katharine’s Dock, or lay in the grass at Battersea Park whilst very cute, very good dogs say hi. Even things as mundane as passing through Hyde Park and seeing the swans at night or walking alongside the Royal Naval College near dawn in Greenwich feels cinematic, especially as a visitor.

Yes, the public Wi-Fi could be better. But London — sprawling, charming, and nearly double the size of New York — never lacks novelty and is the perfect place whether you’re traveling solo or in a group, planning every hour or leaning into slower, unstructured walks to wherever the day takes you.