While the U.S. and the UK share various cultural similarities but there’s a fair share of differences as well. It’s important to be aware of these differences, especially for Americans who are visiting the UK for the first time. So, here are some of the things you need to know about if you’re planning to cross the pond and visit.

Politeness is a Virtue

No other western culture puts a premium on politeness quite like our British friends. The Insider’s guide to etiquette in the Queen’s kingdom details several ways to respect and adhere to these polite principles. Always be punctual; never be later than 15 minutes. Avoid asking personal questions about salaries or religious affiliations. Never cut any lines; the British hate people who skip the queue.

Allow people to get off public transport before you get on. While some of these are basic rules about politeness, not every traveler is used to adhering to all of them. Keep these in mind before traveling to the UK for the first time.

The British Take Their Tea Seriously

Yes, the rumors are true. To the British, making and drinking tea is a national tradition that starts from childhood. In fact, a Gala Bingo article on the UK’s love affair with tea notes that a quarter of the British population starts drinking the stuff before they even turn five-years-old.

What’s more is that by the time they’re adults, about a third of the UK population can consume five or more cups of tea on a daily basis. To say that they love the beverage would be an understatement.

You’re Bound to Gain a Few Pounds

While the British stereotype about tea holds true, the rumors about their food being bad are just that – rumors – unfounded and untrue, especially today. In fact, cities like London and Cambridge are known as foodie hot spots, pushing the boundaries of culinary thrill-seeking in ways that only globalized cities can.

This means that you can expect everything from gourmet, truffle-topped versions of the classic American hamburger to amazing concoctions like vegan Oreo cookie doughnuts. Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re a savory snacker, you’re going to gain a bit of weight during your visit.

Don’t Say Soccer – Say Football

Mentioning the ‘s-word’ won’t go down well when conversing with football fans, especially here where it’s officially designated as the national sport. Statista states that in 2019, an estimated 2.1 million British adult males play football at least twice a month, while 44.7% of 11 to 15-years-old play at least once a month.

There are over 140 different individual football leagues throughout the UK, comprised of about 5,300 clubs and 7,000 teams. During big games, the atmosphere in stadiums and sports bars in the UK become positively electric. Even if you’re not into football, experiencing this atmosphere live is a must for first-time visitors.

There’s a Secret Religion Built Around Sun Worship

Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch. But the British do worship the sun. While sunny days are not as rare as you might imagine, instances of generous sunshine are practically national holidays. When the temperature gets to be about 18 to 20 degrees, expect folks to flock to outdoor beer gardens, beaches, and parks.