Differences: US vs UK

[morri]

That a bit a bit over the top to have to tip even if you don't want. takes the voluntary part out of it really.

 

[hakunamatata]

Yeah if it's truly horrible service, I don't tip. You know, snotty attitude or forgetting stuff or being unbelievably slow. But that's pretty rare. I always tip if the service is good and because food servers are paid below minimum wage. I waitressed a while ago and only made 2.50/hour not including the tips so it's not even a living wage. That's just the US though, don't know about other places.

 

[morri]

Wow that really ridiculous. The least wage one can expect for a part time job or less is at least 8 euro and hour but often more. 1500 to 2800 a months on full time and for a full time job you get more (at restaurants especially.) The lowest pay would be at fast food chains such as mc d but there you don't give a tip anyway(and there it is about 7 euro I think)

 

[hakunamatata]

Yup, pretty rotten, though depending on the restaurant, the tips can be decent (like if there is alcohol served, which automatically raises the price of the check, or fancier, more expensive restaurants).

Glad to hear Europe pays better per hour.

 

[sequeena]

Does America not have a national minimum wage?

 

[hakunamatata]

We do, but it doesn't apply to food servers.

 

[hakunamatata]

There is a federal minimum, and it also varies state by state.

Wiki

 

[sequeena]

Well that's a bit daft isn't it Everyone here gets national minimum wage or above. It depends on your age though, NMW for 18 year olds is less than NMW for 21 year olds and over.

 

[hakunamatata]

I agree, it's quite daft. I love that word. Going to start using it more often!

 

[lulu61388]

not all states in the US have a server's wage though. in california servers get minimum wage plus tips.

 

[morri]

We also have 400 euro jobs which are jobs for unemployed people, if you get a certain type of benefit called hartz IV you are allowed to earn 400 euro(thats also the limit for tax free jobs) to it. the pity is that there are jobs which after deduction of income tax etc hardly leave more than thath left but they aren't allowed to have unemployment benefits for that if they have a full time job.

Not every job has minimum wages, but people like postmen/women have for example.

 

[hakunamatata]

Lulu - Oooh really? Too bad it isn't a nationwide thing.

 

[sequeena]

Oh tax... the bane of my life. I think we pay the most tax in the world our VAT is 20%

 

[morri]

Many jobs are regulated by tariffs though because Germany has actually still a working system of unions and some (like for the public sector or for the steel related sector) are quite big.

 

[morri]

Don't forget that all the public services and roads and hospitals, fire fighter police administration are paid by tax. wouldnt have all of that if it wasnt for it. (Germany has a vat of 19% and 7 for print media and also 7 or so for hygiene articles)
The difference is too that here and in the uk too I think that tax is already in the price where as in the US I think they only tell you the price without tax.

 

[Ozzieshunni]

I was watching something called diners drive ins and dives. OMG the portion sizes were immense!! I would like to try an American lemon meringue pie though, so much yummy cream lol!!

I watch this show, lmao! Makes me hungry afterwards.

 

[Blah11]

Oh tax... the bane of my life. I think we pay the most tax in the world our VAT is 20%

The US pays a huge amount of tax considering they have no NHS and have to pay HUGE amounts for university educations.

 

[sequeena]

I was watching something called diners drive ins and dives. OMG the portion sizes were immense!! I would like to try an American lemon meringue pie though, so much yummy cream lol!!

I watch this show, lmao! Makes me hungry afterwards.

No Ozzie

Oh tax... the bane of my life. I think we pay the most tax in the world our VAT is 20%

The US pays a huge amount of tax considering they have no NHS and have to pay HUGE amounts for university educations.

That is very true, I am very thankful for our NHS and don't really understand why America doesn't have one

 

[Ozzieshunni]

I know they have probably already been said, but here are the things I miss from the USA:

corn dogs
https://orangebloss.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/corn_dogs.jpg
tater tots
https://hudsonvalleyparentblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/29198-tater_tots3.jpg
Mexican food
Pot stickers
https://www.schwansfoodservice.com/images/products/69399.jpg
Jamba Juice (smoothie place)
Deli sandwiches from this one grocery store near my grandma's
The weather in California
Cold Stone Creamery ice cream

That's all I can think of for now. I'm hungry, lol!

 

[morri]

https://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/05/18/102-things-not-to-do-if-you-hate-taxes/

Americans pay less taxes today since 1958 and is ranked 32nd out of 34 of the top tax paying countries. Chile and Mexico are 33rd and 34th. The Republicans are lying when they say that we pay the highest taxes in the world and are only attacking taxes to reward corporations and the wealthy and to weaken our infrastructure and way of life. So next time you object to paying taxes or fight to abolish taxes for corporations and the wealthy, keep this quote in mind…

not further investigated but not too ahrd to believe