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When Brits travel to the USA for vacation, they frequently recall the 'golden era', back when you could exchange one pound for two dollars.
However, even though that great exchange rate hasn't been observed since 2007, there remains plenty you can purchase in the United States for only a portion of what it would cost in the UK.
Actually, numerous products can easily be found in various places. Walmart And target those items that you can never discover on store shelves. Tesco or Sainsbury’s.
So when Reddit User 'Substantial_Yogurt41' posted on the forum asking, "What items can be purchased more affordably in the USA than in the UK?" The responses were plentiful.
With designer items available at "less than half the price" and an array of M&M flavors not found in the UK, there's lots for British travelers to bring back home.
You may simply need to ensure you leave sufficient space in your luggage—and keep an eye on the UK's regulations regarding individual allowances.
GADGETS
Even though 'Substantial_Yogurt41' mentions they have no interest in purchasing electronic devices, 'Turbulent_Owl875' asserts that their family 'always buys new iPhones and Apple Watches while saving a few hundred pounds on each' whenever they visit the United States.
Although they haven't specified the state where they purchased their new devices, they would have definitely cut down some costs had they bought them in Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, or Oregon – states that do not impose sales tax.
A user named 'InvadingEngland' mentions, "Whenever possible, I try to postpone major electronic buys until my next visit to Oregon."
However, with most Apple products costing well over the UK personal allowance of £390 (or up to £270 if you arrive by private plane or boat), it's likely You must declare your items to customs and pay taxes and duties based on their full worth.
You also might need to cover import VAT and customs duties once you surpass your allowed limit.
DRINKS
Starting from 2018, after the introduction of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) by the UK government, beverage producers significantly reduced the quantity of sugar in their carbonated beverages.
However, the United States boasts an extensive selection of sugary soft drinks, such as Mountain Dew and Fanta, with numerous commenters on the Reddit thread expressing great enthusiasm for these beverages.
'Greylord123' mentions: 'I tasted Fanta Grape in the US, and it was delightful and sweet... However, when I sampled the "zero" variant available here, it was awful.'
In the UK, there's a restriction on caffeine content - not more than 100mg per liter - whereas this rule doesn't apply in the United States. Consequently, 'mattiushawkeye' suggests purchasing some energy drinks from the supermarket.
People comment: 'There are numerous fantastic brands that we miss out on over here, particularly Ghost, Ryse, Bucked Up, along with various other C4 flavors we lack access to; you really have an abundance of options!'
MEDICINE
Although 'Substantial_Yogurt41' likely didn’t intend this type of keepsake when posting their query on Reddit, many users suggest purchasing medications unavailable without a prescription in the UK, such as the anti-inflammatory drug Naxopren.
'Magnificentfoxes’ adds 'It's a EXTREMELY potent pain reliever, even at the milder over-the-counter dose available in the U.S. A few doses were enough to alleviate my toothache for several days until I could see an NHS dentist.'
In the UK, you still require a prescription for Melatonin—a natural hormone known to enhance sleep—but it can be easily purchased at various supermarkets across the United States, including in 'gummy' varieties. As noted by user 'Big_Miss_Steak_', they picked up "a little jar from Target" during their visit over there.
'Jimbonjambo' adds: 'Gather as many Nature Valley 5mg packets as you can, and you'll reign supreme over slumber forever.'
As per 'goodvibezone', the most affordable option for purchasing Melatonin in the United States is Costco. However, this applies only if you're a UK-based Costco member who shops online.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen seem to be excellent deals in the US, as they are available in 'large quantities.'
A user named 'Chrisevans1001' mentions that he purchased one 1,000-pack of each item, which set him back $7 (£5.62) per container.
None of these substances are classified as controlled drugs, so you don't require approval to ship them to the UK.
DESIGNER CLOTHES
The United States is renowned for its extensive shopping centers and retail complexes, where 'American designer labels such as DKNY, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein' can be found at very affordable prices, according to 'DiDiPLF'. Meanwhile, 'MKTurk1984' asserts that 'Tommy Hilfiger is considered a budget-friendly option in America.'
'YorkieLon' recommends purchasing extra clothing during your visit for this purpose.
They mention, "The last time I visited, I purchased a suitcase and had to pay an additional fee to bring it back because I bought so many things. The jeans and sneakers were particularly affordable."
'Furiousrichie' and 'zR_Peru' demonstrate this point, with the former mentioning they got two pairs of Levi’s jeans from a mall outlet for $80 (£64) (or $40 (£32) per pair), which is nearly half the regular price. Meanwhile, the latter shared that they purchased two pairs for less than the cost of one pair in the UK (approximately £100).
Just like when purchasing items abroad, if your spending exceeds £390 (or £270 if you land via private aircraft or vessel), you're required to report this to customs – and the clothing items should only be intended for your own use or as gifts, not for resale.
SWEET TREATS
The United States frequently faces mockery from British connoisseurs who adore Cadbury chocolate for its candy offerings. However, numerous people argue that America's snacks outshine those in the UK due to their wide range of flavor combinations, particularly praising M&M's.
'Search_ben' asserts that 'the finest type of M&Ms' are the peanut butter flavor ones, which 'are not sold in the UK', according to 'Ballbag94,' who also points out the 'Pretzel M&Ms.' Additionally, 'Jimoiseau' brings up that 'Peanut Butter and Jelly M&Ms' have lately hit stores in the United States.
TEETH WHITENING KITS
A number of users suggest purchasing teeth whitening strips or toothpaste when you're stateside, since they have higher levels of hydrogen peroxide compared to what's allowed in the UK.
'Tatwstato' mentions: 'In the UK, up to 0.1% peroxides are permitted in store-bought strips, or as high as 6% when used under dental supervision. Nevertheless, U.S. strips contain 10% and can be purchased without restrictions!'
SUN CREAM
'The_Salty_Red_Head' mentions that even SPF 50 sunscreen isn't always sufficient for them, even in the UK.
Nevertheless, sunscreen with factors up to 100 can be purchased in numerous stores throughout the United States.
'The_Salty_Red_Head' mentions: 'A friend of mine frequently visits Hawaii for family trips and consistently brings back high-factor sunscreen for me. These products perform far better compared to what’s available here in the UK.'
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