British writer and commentator Reem Ibrahim shared her first impressions of life in the United States on X after relocating from the United Kingdom two weeks ago, outlining what she described as the “10 biggest differences” she has observed since the move.
In a widely circulated thread with nearly 500,000 impressions, Ibrahim contrasted everyday cultural norms, economic conditions, and social attitudes between the two countries.
Ibrahim said one of the first differences she noticed was what she described as Americans’ “friendly” attitude toward strangers. Unlike in London, where she grew up, she said people in the U.S. regularly strike up conversations in elevators, coffee shops, and queues.
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“There’s a warmth and openness here that surprised me,” she wrote.
Another standout difference, according to Ibrahim, is what she described as America’s focus on convenience. She pointed to infrastructure such as escalators designed for shopping carts and the prevalence of drive-through services.
“Everything is optimised for speed and ease,” she said.
Ibrahim also highlighted differences in laws surrounding self-defence, saying it is “valued” in the U.S. She noted her surprise at being able to purchase pepper spray at major retailers in the U.S., contrasting that with the UK, where such items are illegal.
“Obviously one of the biggest differences between the UK and US is gun regulation, but I was so surprised that you can literally just buy pepper spray at Target,” she wrote, adding “Pepper spray is completely illegal in the UK!”
The thread also pointed to open container laws in many U.S. states, which prohibit drinking alcohol in public spaces. Ibrahim contrasted this with the UK, where drinking in parks or on the street is generally permitted.
She suggested that America’s historical legacy of prohibition continues to shape public behavior and norms.
Several of Ibrahim’s observations focused on economic differences. She described the U.S. as visibly wealthier, citing what she characterized as stronger economic growth and a more dynamic labor market compared to the UK.
She also commented on higher salary expectations, claiming that even service-sector jobs can offer six-figure incomes in certain cases.
Petrol prices were another point of comparison, with Ibrahim noting that fuel costs in the U.S. are significantly lower than in the UK.
The widespread use of credit cards in the U.S. also stood out to Ibrahim. She remarked on the prevalence of rewards programs, cashback incentives, and sign-up bonuses, describing them as generous compared to UK offerings.
Finally, she suggested that Americans appear more entrepreneurial and more comfortable with risk-taking. She attributed this, in part, to the structure of the U.S. credit system and cultural attitudes toward ambition and the “American Dream.”
The thread prompted discussion online, with users debating the accuracy of Ibrahim’s claims, particularly around wages, cost of living, and cultural generalizations. Some respondents agreed with her assessment of American openness and economic dynamism, while others noted regional variations within both countries.
Ibrahim works at the UK’s Institute of Economic Affairs and regularly appears on television and radio, including the BBC, LBC and GB News, and has written for national media outlets such as The Times, The Telegraph and Daily Express. Ibrahim is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science.