How does the availability of melatonin differ between the US and the UK?

In the US, melatonin is available over-the-counter, but in the UK, it requires a prescription from a doctor.

How do sunset times vary between the US and the UK?

In late November, the sun sets around 4:30 PM in New York City, but in London, it sets as early as 4 PM, while in Los Angeles, it doesn't set until almost 5 PM.

Home / Lifestyle / Brits Baffle American Visitor with Quirky Customs and Traditions

Brits Baffle American Visitor with Quirky Customs and Traditions

Q: What surprised the American woman the most about living in the UK?

The woman was surprised to discover that Drury Lane, a location mentioned in the nursery rhyme "The Muffin Man," is an actual street in London.

16 Nov

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Summary

Ordering online differs, with parcels returned if no one home
Melatonin requires prescription in UK, unlike readily available in US
Sunset times vary significantly between US and UK

Brits Baffle American Visitor with Quirky Customs and Traditions

As of November 16th, 2025, an American woman has recounted the surprising cultural differences she experienced when she first moved to the UK for university a few years ago. In a TikTok video, Caroline described several aspects of British life that left her baffled and amused.

One of the biggest shocks was the process of ordering items online. In the US, it's common for parcels to be left on someone's porch if they're not home, but in the UK, packages are typically sent back to the delivery depot instead. This led Caroline to rely on Amazon Locker and other click-and-collect services to ensure she could retrieve her deliveries.

Another notable difference was the availability of melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone that is readily available over-the-counter in the US but requires a prescription in the UK. Caroline warned fellow Americans visiting the UK that they may need to go without this supplement.

The woman also noted significant variations in sunset times between the two countries. While New York City sees the sun set around 4:30 PM in late November, London experiences dusk as early as 4 PM, and Los Angeles doesn't see sunset until nearly 5 PM.

One of the most surprising discoveries for Caroline was that Drury Lane, a location mentioned in the nursery rhyme "The Muffin Man," is an actual street in London. She was delighted to find that she could visit the real-life Drury Lane and enjoy a muffin at a local café.

Overall, Caroline's experiences highlight the cultural differences that can surprise American visitors to the UK, from the quirks of online shopping to the unique rhythms of daily life.

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