US citizen moving to the UK

[Bevdeforges]

You're right in that pub food tends to be cheaper than "restaurant food" - but what makes the UK so expensive these days is the exchange rate. When I was living there (1989-90) the exchange rate was $1.85 to the £ and most price tags I saw used the same numbers as in the States, only with the £ instead of the $.

Lately the exchange rate has been pretty much the same - and the Tube fare is now up to £4 a ride. (Compare that to $2 or so in the NYC subway.)

But to some extent it's kind of misleading to compare individual items at current exchange rates. You spend your money on such different things - national insurance instead of medical insurance (and co-pays and deductibles), and you adjust your food budget to buy what's available (fish & chips vs. McDonalds or a pub lunch vs. Panera Bread). If you're living on a US$ denominated salary, then the converted costs are relevant, but if you're living on a local payroll, you just think in terms of how much of your salary goes to each category without the exchange considerations.
Cheers,
Bev

[LadyLily43]

Bev are you SURE you never met my husband Mark before?!?!? You two think SOOOOO ALIKE!!!

[LadyLily43]

Oh and By the WAY...we are; believe it or NOT; rather excited about trying such things as fish and chips London style and Bangers and Mash; (*GRIN* Yes we do indeed know what those are...)

[LadyLily43]

Michelle when it comes to the Primark website; is there a way to see what they have online? I ask because I did what you suggested and tried to google them, and their site did come up, but there was nothing about actually shopping...just store hours and public relations type stuff...

[MichelleAlison]

Originally Posted by LadyLily43

Michelle when it comes to the Primark website; is there a way to see what they have online? I ask because I did what you suggested and tried to google them, and their site did come up, but there was nothing about actually shopping...just store hours and public relations type stuff...

I just checked out the website and you are right, it doesn't display prices. Sorry......

Michelle

[MichelleAlison]

Bev is right - if it costs $50 in the USA, it costs 50 pounds in the UK and this goes for many items, especially designer clothes. Like most people, you will probably become a Primark fan.

Regards

Michelle