15 NORMAL American things that may SHOCK New Zealanders! Americans living in New Zealand 🇳🇿
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- Опубліковано 18 чер 2024
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- There are so many normal things that Americans do, that would absolutely SHOCK Kiwis. From going between the USA to NZ over the last 6 years, I've seen a lot of these differences first hand, while for a lot of New Zealanders who haven't been to America yet - they have a lot to learn...
So in today's video, I'm going to share the 15 normal things that Americans do, that will shock Kiwis. Whether its the way we shop, travel, or do things politically... there's a lot to unpack here 👀
Here we go 🍿
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Thinking about moving to NZ. Single, male, 52, reasonably secure financially. One of my relatives on Dad’s side was in NZ politics many years ago. Much of what you describe in your videos applies in my small town here in the US. You don’t have to lock your doors, honor system for some things. I don’t mind living away from town if it’s reasonable.
I think people in Aus/NZ understand this. They just don't want it. We don't want the massive jars of peanut butter. It's about quality over quantity.
You realise you don't quite get it as she was saying ...bulk does not mean jumbo sized items. 👁️👄👁️ You can get big packs of donuts, sweets, snacks etc or bulk meat packages, frozen food which is great for big families or people wanting to stock up. Like she said, moore Wilson's is not the same, totally different
@@Hiswordandme not going through it all again, but I'm pretty sure there was a mention of giant jars of peanut butter or some such.
@@aab222 we also have giant jars of pb in NZ. Most of the bulk she was talking about isn't jumbo sized stuff like many kiwis think, I spent the last 3 months there and it was surprising. She never said "things kiwis would like" she said "things that may shock nzers"
The problem stems from the fact that America is so used to having an easy way to get things. It's incredibly easy and simple for the US to have access to anything anytime anywhere. Here in New Zealand, we aren't like that. That means that we've become more about the quality rather than the quantity as it was always going to be expensive here because we ae so out of the way shipping-wise and still are in many ways. We would rather have decent quality if its going to expensive anyway.
We are also less likely to be accepting of heavily processed foods in such a large number like the US is. Dont get me wrong, we have processed food here but nowhere near to the extent that the US does.
We are also more likely to be self-sustaining and have vegetable gardens and such then the United States and have the ideals of only use and eat what you need.
There are many reasons why we are so different to the US. I personally don't think we need to be like that. Who NEEDS that much food! All it does is help compound eating more than you need which contribute to higher obesity levels which is something New Zealand is horriblefor. Obesity is a large problem here as well as the US and mauch of it has stemmed form thefact that we are eating more processed food and ready meals and have a more “Americanised” diet.
Agreed!!!! I understand it we just don't want it.
As a born Kiwi I'd like to speak on the politics issue. We don't see politics as fundamental to a person's identity. There's no "us" and "them", there is only "we". You cannot move forward if you pit people against each other. You can't have a harmonious society when one group feels they're taken advantage of by another. Governments can't improve people's lives if another party opposes progress for the sake of opposing. People first, political views second.
As an American, I couldn’t agree more!!
Well said!
I want to come to NZ. 😊
@@deborahdavis8632 I have friends on both sides of the political spectrum, it's not an issue, you don't have to agree on everything to be friends.
I think it's probably pretty well known here, but I think one of the more shocking things for us kiwis is the pledge of allegiance in schools and hyper patriotism.
Patriotism or brainwashing?
We haven't done the pledge of allegiance for many years in my state but some parents want to bring it back. They say It gets the kids ready for a day of obedience.
in America coffee and donuts is breakfast
in New Zealand and Australia
coffee is a culture
and donuts is a treat
The nice thing about growing up where you can't just buy everything cheaply, is that you have to be creative and thrifty, like if you needed a costume you would never buy one, you would spent the afternoon putting something fun together. My dad once actually fashioned no.8 wire around my head so my plaits would stick out straight just like Pippy Longstocking. Maybe that is why we are a land of inventors.
That's cool!
When I first went to the States with my parents in the 80's, One of the things that shocked us was the pictures of missing childen on milk cartons, just couldn't get over it.
Oh Fiona yes - that was a really big thing especially in the 80's.
also seeing the cops carrying guns was scary as well… this was back when NZ cops didn’t even have them in their cars. That said I never saw civilians carrying them. I know it’s strict in NY but we did go to Arizona as well.
@@boomertuxx Don't have to go the US to see that. It's the norm in Australia too.
@@shaunmckenzie5509 cops with guns? Yep unfortunately like that here now I've seen more machine guns being brandished by police in the last 3 years than I did in my time overseas.... and that included Hong Kong where cops on points duty had uzis in plain view
@@boomertuxx Back then in New Zealand only the Armed Offenders Squad (AOS) normally carried guns and then only on a callout.
Honestly, I find kiwis are well traveled and have grown up seeing American culture in movies and TV, so I don't think anything you mention is that shocking. I think it's more the other way around (Americans shocked at small portions, shops closing early, slow pace of work, less ads, etc.)
The funniest thing I ever heard about the pace of life difference between the US and Australia was a conversation I had with an ex-Chicago African-American. He'd lived in Australia for some time. I said to him 'I guess when you go back home they think your accent sounds more Australian'. He laughed and said 'No! They think I talk like a white guy'!
I don't get it ?
@@iggyblitz8739I don't get it either
I doubt that Americans, or anyone else for that matter, really need all the stuff that they purchase endlessly from Amazon and those huge warehouse-style shops. When I hear people complaining about the stress in their life I do tend to roll my eyes a little. So much of the stress is self-imposed.
Robert - you could not be more correct!! It is very easy to get pulled in. I have really noticed with my kids how they rarely ask for things or need anything. Glad they are growing up here.
@@almostyummymummy and you are in the states? Impressive
Hi Tara, I absolutely love Amazon - I started buying from Amazon in the 90's. I only started shopping on there because the cost of Reeboks were prohibitive - I refused to pay $300 for a pair of sneakers. When I saw how much they were on Amazon I was sold. So I buy things that are too expensive here - but since 2020 I have curbed how much I go on there and buy things. I do binge on e-books though.
Living in NZ helps you curb your consumerism and I appreciate that. TBH I don’t really want to get into Amazon so I’m glad it’s crap here. I do agree about the shops closing early though, in the town I used to live in most shops we closed by 5 weekdays and by 1pm on Saturday. Meaning as a full time working mum I didn’t have much opportunity to shop!
loll, do you know any online shopping website thats popular in nz?, like what do yall have instead of amazon
Interestingly, or perhaps embarrassingly, New Zealand is the only country other than the US where drug ads are legal. On the other hand, it's restricted to over-the-counter medications only, so there's no disclaimers and people don't hassle doctors because of ads they saw. And the ads are not actually that common, because most drugs have generic versions that are subsidised and cost only $5 when prescribed by a doctor, so you rarely buy over-the-counter anyway.
Yes, even things that are sold openly on shelves are worth getting on prescription such as eczema cream, antihistamines, etc
My theory on why NZ doesn't have a divisive political environment is because it's so small, ex-politicians don't live in their own bubble. So they know that someone will come up to them in the supermarket 5 or so years later and ask them why they did this or that. This probably has a tendency to cause them to moderate their behaviour.
Not that that stops all of them... or the nutters who don't run for office in the first place...
Everytime I tried to buy from Amazon it doesn't deliver to NZ or the shipping cost more than the item. Also, and this is a personal thing....I don't like the practices and treatment of Amazon staff that has been on the News especially the treatment by the person who started Amazon and don't want to support them.
Fair enough! The main seller of your product may no ship to NZ but if you look on the right side of the screen it will say "other sellers" and lot of times there will be someone that will ship here.
Thanks, these videos are very interesting.
You've brought up many different points (interesting)
Thank you GL ❤️
Thanks for watching!
haha yea we noticed in America ppl were stressed out big time… real edgy and angry over there. But then again it was in New York we lived… where stress and fast paced hustle is part of the NY culture. We noticed things were much more relaxed in the more rural areas. Also NZ is much more stressed out now than what it used to be.
Think one of the most shocking things I hear from America is how heavily imbedded religion is, here it doesn't matter what your beliefs are nobody cares, at least if your not trying to proselytize to everyone. It seems like in America its imbedded into relationships, communities, the government, churches everywhere etc, I might be wrong but from someone on the outside looking in that's how it appears. I learnt a little about religion in public schools growing up but it was never anything I really ever thought about throughout my whole life.
I sent 7 years in the US and for the first 3 years it was fun and exciting. My girlfriend, now my wife, would laugh at me because I couldn't get over the size of "everything". But the stress and pace of life started to take a toll so I convinced my girlfriend to come to NZ with me and she did. For the first 3 years she found it hard getting use to the quiet pace of life compared to NY. In 2016 we returned to NY to visit friends and family it was a great trip but when we got back to NZ we both just ….relaxed.
Lou - that is so my experience as well. When we visit the states we have a great time but always ready to go by the end :)
I'm so sorry I missed the live stream. But that was very enjoyable.
Awe thanks!
Everything you say makes me glad to be in NZ! Apart from prices which have other flow on effects like how much stuff gets wasted, I feel much better off.
Went to the outlet mall Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon and they were pulling the shutters down right on 5pm. One store the assistant came to tell me that the tills automatically switch off at 5pm so I need to get my purchase completed before that happens.
Ian - I am assuming you are talking about NZ. Wow the till shuts down...
The problem with cheap food or cheap restaurants is that someone is getting paid below what they should 😢
Vicki - yes that has been eye opening moving to NZ and that difference in particular.
Not really. Most waiters don't want higher wages because they get more in tips if they do good at pleasing their customers. Sometimes they get an extraordinary tip. It's mostly people eating at the restaurants that don't want to leave a tip that are complaining.
we as kiwi's arent as obsessed with material goods as Americans
One thing I would say about after the airport processing and your free to go after arriving at a new country and their driving rules. Be careful when you're at the roadside. I was at LAX, but really tired. Exhausted. I told myself: "Look right! Look right, but I still looked left (ha,ha! Got that wrong)- Look left! Look left, but I looked right and started to step out and phewlll.. a car whizzed by in the direction I wasn't looking. That woke me up!
Oh man good point! The jet lag is real when you land in the USA. Glad you were safe.
That whole Amazon thing 1 kinda picks up when youre watching content creators from the US on youtube lol. Interesting vid, tysm for sharing 🙂
You are very welcome Jessica - thanks for watching :)
Highly recommend trying out different fish n chip shops around your area especially ones that do chinese smorgasbord... Once you find a good one it becomes a weekly or fortnightly thing. You can find reasonable family value packs.. my husband and I used to get 2 fish burgers with chips for $8. We loved it. Pizza in NZ is also an affordable option. Always keep an eye out for cheap deals and specials.
Thanks for watching!
I have to say that the lack of access to products is either non existent or price prohibitive. My sister lives in the UK and I love buying my neice and nephew things on Amazon UK. When I stayed in the UK I once spent three hours in the supermarket because of how huge it was and all the other non food items it had. I can imagine the massive difference it would be to someone moving here after using Amazon. In fact it wasn't until covid hit that I ever ordered anything online. I love watching grocery hauls on UA-cam because of how incredible it is in terms of what you can get at a grocery store and how cheap it is. You must find that the cost of food is so high here in New Zealand. X
I've been to Costco both in Chicago and also in Brisbane.
I dunno if you get different sizes of Costco store but quite honestly there didn't seem to be too much size difference between the two. What was different were the vendors hawking their wares.
In NZ if you encounter someone demonstrating or promoting a new product, generally you just get a taste. In the US, you get a small cup of popcorn not just a few pieces or a small cup of the newest drink flavour etc. It's literally possible to replace a whole meal just by walking around Costco.
The other thing that caught me off guard was when my Chicago cousin said "Its a little while until lunch, lets get a snack". That snack turned out to be a bagel with a "shmear". Turns out that a "shmear" is a wipe of cream cheese... although wipe isn't the right word... in NZ, that wipe would easily have filled another 5 bagels!
The other thing that puzzles kiwis is the American liking for mixing sweet & savoury foods. Examples being eggs & bacon with pancakes & maple syrup. Or how about chicken & waffles. I've recently learned about another more stomache churning combo apple pie with a side of cheddar cheese. I'm sorry but that's just wrong.
As an American, I think Apple pie and a slice of cheese is just wrong too 😂.
I laughed so hard at the "smear" that is sooooo true!!! I used to ask for it on the side as I hated how much they put on. Apple pie and cheddar cheese...what????
@@Kiwiamericans A common sweet/savory food that I missed was of course the famous Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich.
Kiwis don't really understand this as all of our jams are conserves and we don't have true jelly
Once long ago, I accidentally put jam on my cheese scone. Once my taste buds stopped trying leap out of my mouth, I found that I actually liked it.
That said, I've never tried to do it again.
Speaking for myself, I prioritise supporting quality local products and services, making mindful decisions about what I need vs I would like. Quality of life overall, rather than consumerism.
Hands down the BEST thing about the states is their thrift shops. If I lived there I’d never buy anything new. Shop secondhand here and you have to look again and again. Lots of wasteful consumerism makes for great second hand shopping- good in the UK too
That is sooooo true! I did buy everything second hand
That's what I miss the most from the US too! Other than Mexican food and family. I would love to move home just to furnish a house from thrifted items. My house here is so small if I buy one item, another has to go!
Second hand shops were pretty good decades ago, but with the internet /trademe it's pretty much dead. Some things are good at charity shops like St John etc though
But that is what I like about other countries, not seeing the same chain brands everywhere. Seeing their brands not the fast food tat global stuff.
Yes don't get me wrong - it is nice. I think I would prefer a bit of both:)
I don't like the Jeff Bezos ethics of poor wages and conditions.
I vowed never to buy anything from Amazon, that a trillion dollar industry can treat it's employees like crap discussed me...
Kiwis don’t realize how appallingly Amazon treats it’s employees. I never need anything so desperately that I will ignore that exploitation. Kiwis wouldn’t stand for that, especially while Bezos gets obscenely wealthy.
But you know, that’s another difference about Kiwis and Americans - those in the middle class don’t care about others, so long as they get what they want right now.
Thanks for this. Surprising to hear cafes aren't more common excluding chains like Starbucks. Australia is like NZ in that cafes are not hard to find. Shop opening hours are similar too, with large supermarket chains being open till about 8 or 9. Some Countdown stores in NZ used to be open round the clock, but aren't any more e.g. one that used to be in Christchurch as an after effect of Covid.
The pace of life (in QLD, at least) is similar to NZ and again Amazon isn't used much.
We didn't have the big Toys R Us gift wish book in NZ
I love how New Zealand puts family first. I was working for the post office and they wouldn’t let me take time off to go with my partner to Salt Lake to meet with his liver doctor. I’m in Montana. I do have a new job where I will be having Good Friday off, I don’t remember the last time I had that day off.
I don’t care for crowds either. I grew up in Ohio and moved to Montana in 2003. Montana just have over a million people, it is really nice.
When we go to Salt Lake, it is 4-5 lanes of traffic going 80mph😬😬 with white knuckles.
I love shopping on Amazon, it’s so easy at Christmas and send it to my family back east…..I also love shopping at Costco but it’s a hour away so don’t go that often.
I think I was born in the wrong country because New Zealand sounds so peaceful and beautiful!!!
Stacie - I love Montana! Yes I think New Zealand would suit you :) Thanks for watching.
Montana sounds amazing
That’s crazy! It’s almost impossible to work on Good Friday in NZ because it’s illegal for most things to be open. I only found out recently you guys aren’t legally required to have paid time off. Here we get 4 weeks paid leave per year (plus public holidays and 10 paid sick days) and if you don’t use it it rolls into the next year and if you leave that job they pay you out the cash equivalent.
I haven't been to the States for twenty years. Even back then the biggest thing for me was how cheap the food is in America. Compared to just about anywhere.
I can go into a political rant for it, but will try not to.
Undocumented workers: For all the talk about stopping illegal immigration, its just hot air by politicians. The system wants it to occur.
As they don't get benefits, lower wages than otherwise = higher profits etc. And cheaper food. The old Roman adage: Feed the masses and keep them entertained.
The system could stop it easily, by cracking down on the employers, but they don't.
Ahh true - thanks for watching ;)
Your observations are all very true. Could you please mention how really large American is and how many people live there. That huge economy of scale results in all those low cost goods. Happily and sadly NZ is tiny, at the bottom end of the world and our economy literally has no scale. NZ Treasury said back in the 90s that NZ needed a populational of least 8.5 million to improve the economy. We all shuddered at the thought. Always enjoy your videos. Thank you.
Oh that is an interesting statistic that I have not heard before....
no slab cities in NZ either… Slab city sounds amazing…. No laws.
@@boomertuxx Slab city is extremely dangerous, without going into the gory details. There are many homeless people in LA that won’t go there, ever. It’s not like they’re trying to portray it as on vice or whatever goofy news. Really best to avoid all the lawless areas in CA altogether and I’m speaking as someone that wishes there were less laws in the U.S., the reason being because your life could depend on it. Less laws in general sounds great, but no laws, no help and sometimes no cell service around a concentrated number of some of the hardest criminals, druggies and who knows what else, is not
no laws means no self defence laws.... criminals are thriving in NZ cos ppl aren't allowed to defend themselves.
I don't trust the laws in NZ cos I've had to call the police before and they always say they are too busy. criminals don't obey laws.... so laws don't protect me. Maybe Slab city isn't the best example.... maybe the ocean is a better one that isn't full of ppl living in poverty. Poverty is what causes crime etc, not lack of laws.
Re Amazon ,I believe that NZPost operates a receiving and forwarding address in the USA. Amazon therefore charges a very low local delivery cost and then NZ Post bulk ships at quite a reasonable charge. Needless to say it is slower
Peter- tell me more about this...very interested.
It's called Youpost .. register online and you get a customer number and address in Portland, Oregon.
Amazon will ship there (free or relevant USA service), then you pay for shipping and duties to NZ. Shipping quite high at the moment due to COVID.
I think you might have to pay GST now when the goods come in though
@@SlapHappySewing isn't that only if it is over $400
Oh boy, "everything shuts early", you have no idea! When I was a kid in the 90's everything was open 9-5, mon-fri ONLY. I remember my mother rushing to get to the supermarket with me after school on a friday because we had to get food for the weekend. I remember adult having to leave work early to get to the bank before it closed
Oh man I can totally understand that and picture that happening in NZ.
It did happen the only place to get bread butter milk news paper ciggies etc when every where else was closed was your local diary week ends were busiest people wanting their lottery tickets and the 8oclock on a Saturday night the 8 o'clock was a Saturday night news paper that was delivered to diaries on every Saturday night at 8 o'clock we had people waiting for it to arrive and buy a packet of winfield red lottery ticket and the 8 o'clock lol those were the days then petrol stations decided to start selling these things and other places opened on weekends
About 15 years ago, Amazon UK offered free shipping to NZ. Not sure what that was about. It seemed to last about a year or two before it ended. Stuff arrived WAY faster from the UK than if ordered from the US. This was all before Amazon Aus.
Great vid.
I do believe that many of the differences can be put down to size. The US is 66x the population of NZ.
NY city is 1.6 the size of the whole of NZ.
Thanks - yes that is true!
Oh girrrllll... when I was growing up EVERYTHING closed at 1pm on Saturday and NOTHING was open on Sundays lol and forgot about public holidays. So to us our opening hours these days are practically luxurious 😂😂😂 and compared to Australia we have much friendlier opening hours for our supermarkets etc
I remember when Saturday / Sunday trading became a thing for the first time. So many thought it would be a bad thing.
We have/had one NZ chain restaurant, Cobb & Co.
I have seen your channel and I really like it. I live in Upper Hutt
Thanks for watching!
Is the food prices different in the chain stores and restaurants depending on the state or town your in?
That is a great question. There is a bit a of difference in some of them but nothing to significant to really notice.
Some US foods I love - Prime Rib, Texas BBQ, Mexican. Have you found any good or similar substitutes in NZ?
I pay for Amazon Prime here in Aussie
My sister's birthday is on the 23rd & she lives on the Kapiti Coast back home
I bought her a gift of something I bought myself and was here the following morning, it was about 3 or 4 in the afternoon when I bought mine
I bought her gift on Friday afternoon & the expected delivery is on her birthday
I hope it arrives on time and I hope she likes it as much as I do
Amazon Prime is great, free shipping, fast delivery times, streaming TV, movies & music included
If its not available back home it is one thing I'm really going to miss when I return
Yes Amazon prime is amazing!!
It depends what you're buying from Amazon ; Shipping can be $10 for some things, and $200 for other things. It would be hard to adjust to the limited variety of products that Aotearoa has compared to America, though if you've always lived here then it doesn't even feel like you're missing out on much.
Yes exactly! That is what I love about living here. You really don't miss it and you don't need all of these things!!
@@Kiwiamericans Exactly! I would constantly be broke if I had more access to Amazon ; I would be purchasing things that I don't actually need, frequently. Aotearoa has just enough limitations to suppress my addiction to shopping.
Did you see the goodnight Kiwi ad?
Love your vidéos, from Wisconsin too, I cañ agree with everything you say in the U.S. would be interested in moving to New Zealand.
Awesome - I am here to help!
The big stores are a pain to get around tho and hard for an elderly.
Oh, New Zealand is expensive for food.
I listened to someone say that they make a point of waking up in the morning and saying to themselves... I have everything I need.
You see the rest is just wants. It is a privilege in to be able to make that statement.
Hmmm interesting perspective
Thanks for watching!
I’m surprised you didn’t add in the gun culture (and 2nd Amendment rights issues). Shopping is far cheaper in the US compared to NZ, and the service was also better. Veterans have access to so many discounts or free stuff, which you don’t get here in NZ. I found domestic air lines service was terrible compared to AirNZ, Delta was the worst by far.
Yes the list was long but did not want to make the video too long. Also you get blocked sometimes on UA-cam for talking a about guns.💁♀️
Everyone already knows about that, so it's not really surprising or shocking
I'm a kiwi married to an American and yep totally surprised by the cheap bulk items especially the average size of things. Half a gallon(1.8L) of almond milk is $2 here compared to $3 for 1L in NZ it's a huge difference. Bananas I can find for 80 cents per lb but in NZ it's around $3 per kg, again huge difference.
I'd still rather live in NZ though because I find the quality is far better and I like shopping smaller stores it's an overall better experience just not the prices unfortunately. I think while NZers would be surprised they'd also miss the simplicity of life back home. Life is super stressful here despite the convenience and cheaper prices.
I love Aldi's, dislike Walmart though and most big corporate stores as that's not my thing and I think many kiwis would agree there's excessive consumption here plus all the plastic! I love the thrift stores here though much better than NZ but I think that's because of the excess consumption ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Totally agree with you! Kiwis would miss the simplicity. I love Aldi and I don't like Walmart either. Where in the USA are you?
@@Kiwiamericans I was in Missouri :)
I'm back home now. The main place I was looking forward to going to was Walmart lol turns out it's not that great. Aldi's is great, not only cheaper but better quality items too!
It's interesting about the advertising that you mentioned the drugs - because reportedly New Zealand is the ONLY other country (along with the US) that allows drugs to be advertised directly to consumers. I'd love to verify that but it's an interesting thing...
On the perpetual convenience, a massive downside for workers is dynamic between revenue per hour and cost per hour. This incentives employers to keep wages low.
I've been enjoying these videos. But one observation is that you seem to enjoy the chain restaurants in the U.S. I live in LA, and always avoid those places. There's nothing unique, local, or seasonal about them. It's so easy to read a few yelp reviews when exploring where to eat, and support the mom & pop places. New Zealand is the perfect place to explore the food culture. When I visit, I sort of laugh when I see McDonalds, KFC, Subway. It's SO much better to try the local cafes and restaurants. That's my 2 cents. Love this channel!
I know you said that you can buy lots of things like food cheaper and in bulk like fruit and vegetables, isn't there are wastage in food though? I don't like to waste food so only get what I need for about 4 days or does the food in America last longer?
The more I listen, the more stuff I pick up on. Good though! You've opened a can, or is it a tin(?) of worms in my head. Take Amazon delivering by dinner time. I think that we non-Americans might be a little more casual with what dinner-time means and it isn't always late. Yet all the while, the meaning is never lost. When I was at school (UK), we had school dinners at your, and most other folks', lunch-time. And I think you mentioned elsewhere, cups of tea on offer. "You'll have had your tea?" might be a questioning statement from the older folks in Dunedin with WeeFree links. Depending on how it's said, it can be a statement meaning something like, "I'm having my meal but I won't be offering you (unwelcome visitor) any." Tea can mean dinner. It might mean a full meal. But it equally might mean tea and Rich-Tea biscuits at any time of the day. Neat as? High tea anyone? And if you get invited in for tea at 6pm it might mean dinner. Help, supper too.
I invited a couple of friends from Boston, MA over for tea at the back of six, They had no clue... And then, how about eating your tea?
Do they sell various medicine in pharmacies or just toothbrushes and band-ids?
I would like to know an honest review of travel options in America. Like buses or bus passes between states.
I’m a kiwi in the US. I don’t use bus or train travel here (I have used in Europe). I wouldn’t personally plan any travel around public transportation unless you really want an adventure. Most large cities have bus and train depots in the shittiest parts of town. Americas built for car travel.
@@brianh8484 thanks Brian
Rebecca - I agree with Brian. Plan on driving...buses and trains can be quite dangerous.
If you're traveling long distances and are not concerned about seeing sights as you travel then airplane is the way to go. If you want to see sights along the way and want to take time to enjoy them then you should rent a car. But be warned, gas prices are on the rise and they are going up pretty fast. Here in Arkansas where I live the gas at the store where I normally buy gas jumped up by .40/gallon in only two days. I think they had been trying to keep the price down for as long as they could and just had to give in to it.
Moving to NZ in October. I'll miss the convenience of Amazon for sure but that's about it lol
Charnice - that is awesome and exciting. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any help or advice ")
@Kiwiamericans Omg I went searching for seafood the other day in Auckland and almost had a breakdown when I realised that isn't really a thing here. I have never missed a chain restaurant more. But I still won't trade living in NZ for anything. I'm also on the hunt for a specific coffee and it's about to break me that I can't find it. Also thanks for the reminder about doing my taxes. Thanks for the link.
I know - being trapped for a few years you start to feel it a bit more. I love NZ and so appreciate living here - but some things... So glad the Tax thing is helpful as it is annoying but I think this company will work well. I am meeting my CPA this week. He is in Seattle and knows all NZ laws :)
You go to the sea and get the seafood. Most kiwis do that.
@@gissyb1 🤣🥰🤣yep head to the beach.
I can walk to a good Mexican restaurant from my house and if we hit happy hour we can a house margarita, glass of wine, get all you can eat chips n salsa and my wife and I will split a shrimp fajita meal between the two of us, get as many tortillas as we want for the fajitas for about $30 and I’ll leave a $10 tip because the staff are awesome.
I am literally drooling right now!!!
MY NIECE WENT TO LOS ANGELES FOR A HOLIDAY. SHE WAS SAYING THE PLATE OF FOOD OVER THERE IS HUGE.
WENDY IS AN EXAMPLE THE SIZE DRINK IS BIG. I LIKE THEIR FRIES ASWELL,
I ALWAYS WANTED TO GO USA FOR A HOLIDAY. NEW YORK, TALL BUILDINGS, FULL ON LIFESTYLE, CALIFORNIA FOR THE BEACHES, ARIZONA FOR THE CANYONS AND VEGAS FOR THE GAMING MACHINES LOL.
That is exactly right! The food portions are very large :). I hope you get to visit soon :)
Not sure if someone else mentioned it. But NZ and the USA are the only two countries that allow "direct-to-consumer" advertising of drugs/prescription medicine. I'm sure it's done a hell of a lot more in the US (and I never really see it here) because people pay an arm and a leg for their stuff but still we are the only other country in the world other than the USA that allows it.
I am in California and we can get anything at any time. Amazon delivery can be 2 hours or more. My groceries are delivered within two hours. I think we are the shopping Mecca. Some stores are huge and full of shoppers. The lines can be crazy at Costco but if you have a large family, it is the best way to shop. I just went to a two story target that had a much better selection than I could find in smaller states. I am curious, do you have to sign releases (saying you are not going to sue employer’s if you are injured) in New Zealand?
Maria - no there are no releases to sign as "suing" is not happening here at all in New Zealand - not really a thing at all. If you are injured (even if you caused the injury) you get to claim what is called ACC and they will pay your medical bills and give you 80% of your salary until you are recovered.
You actually cannot legally sue your employer for accident and injury related matters in New Zealand without a specific exemption from one of the highest ranking individuals in the judiciary branch granting you permission (this basically doesn't happen). The employer (and vehicle owners) are legally obligated to pay into a state insurance plan that covers such incidents (ACC). It's pretty good about paying out, too. Well... for most things. Maybe don't count on them for long term treatment of any consequences they could possibly pin on a pre-existing condition (such as being over 25 years old
@@laurencefraser thank you! That information is very helpful.
@@laurencefraser Health and Safety Act 2015 cleaned up a lot of glaring holes in NZ H & S Law
That's interesting about Amazon - and amazing! I think I watched something else of yours about writing cheques being still a thing in the US, yet Amazon can do all these technological things. It's incredible! I don't know how I feel about the idea that you can get whatever you want at any time....does it affect the way people feel about the things they own? Does it feed feelings of impatience etc. when things are not available? Do you miss it?
New Zealand is the only other country along with the USA that allows drug advertising.
It didn't used to be. I don't remember when it changed
It's very limited though... whether that be directly due to regulation or due to knock on effects. Mostly painkillers, allergy meds, a couple of other things. Helps that 'ask your doctor if X is right for you' usually results in a 'no' because the pharma companies can't buy off the doctors here anything like as easily/consistently as they can in much of the USA.
Do we want Amazon or something like it taking over all retail? Is saving a few pennies supporting a foreign company known for poor employment conditions worth the sacrifice?
What if the stores do stay open late like in the U.S & you don't get any customers coming after a certain time let's say 7.00pm isn't that a waste of time staying open they'll still have to pay the staff wages.
Imagine that you have a farmhouse to rest and leave the stress of the big city like this is how Kiwis like Aotearoa to be a calm and peaceful place! Here in Portugal it's the same thing in every city you go to there are different restaurants, why does this happen? So if you preserve the local culture, it helps the local commerce and you can always have a different experience, very different from what happens at Mc, which is always the same food. Anyway I love your videos!!
Sorry for my poor English skill..
I got the idea! Thanks for watching
@@Kiwiamericans Sweet as!!
New Zealand and the USA are the only countries that allow pharmaceutical drug advertising on TV. However drug advertising in NZ is rather pointless because of the Pharmac system which means most kiwi's are not going to be wanting a brand name drug when they can get the generic one for almost free due to the governments bulk buying system.
Ray - that is good to know! Thanks for watching.
I’m a Kiwi who came to California in 1984 - so the reverse of you, but everything you say in this video is absolutely true. The only store I ever go to is Home Depot (because I love hardware stores), but everything else is Amazon. Just, everything. Because I was only 20 when I came to the US all those years ago, I didn’t really have a working life until I came to California. So whatever our stress level is - well, that’s what I grew up with while working. However, I think this has gotten so much worse as every year passes. I became a dual citizen, Kiwi/American. So stupid. Now I will always have to pay American taxes no matter where I live. ANYWAY, a truly accurate summary. Btw, we don’t use cheques any more. We are way behind NZ coz we don’t have much touch credit card, but cheques are phased out here in California. Also, a posted speed limit of 50 (mph) means you drive at 65mph. Re: politics - if Trump gets back in, I’m outta here and back to EnZed. Dems don’t really have Repub friends, and vice versa. I mean, we all used to, but today, absolutely no way. Very sad. That may be a California thing, but I don’t think so. So, thanks so much for the video. Just so on the money and very well put together. Tyvm.
Does nz still have moore Wilson 🤔 just curious
China wholesale stores were around before Amazon so we are familiar with the system
Forgot to tell you. When I was travelling in USA flying from New York to LA talking to an American who thought NZ was tropical like Hawaii. Told him we’re not because we are further from the equator. He was probably around 30 and I did him a disservice by stating our Capital city was the closest one to Antartica lol I was trying to give him an answer to a trivial pursuit question ha ha so sorry. I was travelling on my own too so he thought I was Craaaaazzzzzy lol
Being a kiwi I can't wait for cosco we need it in nz competition and I live in Auckland Costco bring it on
That is a good point - the competition will be good.
This is so true, anything that introduces competition in to the supermarket duopoly is much needed.
Definitely agree Mark.
Definitely need more competition... but I'm not at all convinced a large American chain store is the best way to get it. (especially if they follow the practice of certain other businesses of using their profit in other countries to pay for a 'race to the bottom' strategy to drive out local competition. For anyone considering it: Doing this by just Eating the Taxes your're supposed to pass on to the customer is illegal in and of itself in New Zealand.)
I'm a specials buyer, and even now the kids have left home, you could live out of my pantry for months, but I would question the desirability of buying in the kind of bulk that Americans do. I don't want my house filled with enough toilet paper to last a year. With foodstuffs the wastage must be huge so are they saving money?
Costco blew my mind when i went to Hawaii lol
I know right!! Quite big but sooo good
@@Kiwiamericans soooo good
Fruit and vegetables are very expensive in NZ.
Yes, true
It's about the population. America is huge in people, that keeps it cheaper.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAttttttt i am from nz. I never knew any of this i am shocked! Prices are kinda expensive now
Thanks for watching
@@Kiwiamericans :) Keep up the good work!
If Costco is going to be in New Zealand, Wal-Mart will soon follow.
Oh boy…
I hope NZ stays the way it is please don’t try and change NZ .
A good thing for Amazon they don't have any of their warehouse/distribution centres in New Zealand because if they did they'd very quickly run afoul of New Zealand's labour laws (We take a dim view of employers who ruthlessly exploit and use their employees).
I do agree on the unavailable bulk food purchases however, the majority of produce being veg, fruit and meat is organic and lacks preservatives and GMO so food turns quickly. Buying what will be eaten minimises cost and waste. Could freeze it I guess but seasonal is freshest.
The pay cycles are different too. Most kiwis are paid weekly and shop weekly. From what I understand most Americans are paid monthly so try to do one big shop when they get paid.
NZ produce is definitely not organic and GMO free. In fact, most of our supermarket produce like fruit contains chemicals that are banned in the UK! I think NZ has suffered a bit of green washing over the years that hasn’t stacked up with reality.
@@Ferretgal200 Having to meet EU standards has saved us, pretty much. What chemicals are in NZ fruit that are not in Brit fruit. Lol, glyphosate?
@@Ferretgal200 What? Name your greenwash debbie downer. Do you taste the food consumed in NZ? Do you understand the difference in taste? Have you shopped, cooked and consumed foods in another country as an expat? NZ food IS organic compared to other countries and it tastes bloody marvelous ask any Michelin star restaurateur, fine diners and five star establishments. It's an international fact and has been since the early 80's. That isn't happenstance my jolly friend. It's quality. It's volcanic dirt and pride. Not everyone's Fonterra. Shop local and pay more for quality. Shop at farmers markets or grocery stores? Do you cook or prefer plastic prepackaged? Local or international products? Imported or export quality? If you choose to buy food at a supermarket then that's your bad. You choose. Supermarkets for me outside chemical cleaning agents, toilet and laundry is far too expensive. Choose local, seasonal and support the small businesses. I suggest you read the labels sweetie and have a joy filled day.
@@AilsaPehi 🤣🥰🤣
Tara….Kia Ora…..that was So interesting …..life is way less complex here in NZ. Great “tell all’ session. Looking forward to going to the USA very soon……tip…never turn the TV on in America….causes instant insanity. X Beau
Thank Beau and I could not agree more - instant anxiety. My parents (whom we stay with when we visit) have it on all the time and I beg them to turn it off!!!
I live in Arkansas and I haven't watched tv in three years. I don't miss it. If I want to watch a movie I have alot of DVDs but I haven't really been very interested in that either.
You know what shocks me when I go to the US:
1.) People down travel outside of the US.
2.) People don’t get kiwi dry humour (taking the piss) they are literally very literal.
#2 is unfortunately true
Me listening to the first 5 points: "Wow that all sounds super stressful! I would hate it" point number 6 "Americans are stressed out"...yeah that checks out 😂
Well, I found that very interesting especially the tax bit 🤨 made my eyebrow raise, I think that's shocking you still have to pay American taxes 🤷🏽♀️ I reckon that should be squashed..Does that also apply for Americans married to Kiwi's?...the cost of living is outrageous, gas has gone up, food is a rip off, supermarkets are profiting big time from us, I wish we had prices like that here for our Kai in Whanau size 😂 'you know the big stuff'..
Honestly don't know how you afford the NZ prices these days. It is sad to think about what is happening.
@@rebeccamoran3332 It outrageous, I don't know how the heck we manage but we do, it's a case of having too, almost everything shot up in price due to the war, it's Putin's fault 😂
@@rebeccamoran3332 hopefully Cosco will get a foot in the door in New zealand and create some competition between foodstuffs And progressive they have monopoly on prices I will definitely be giving Cosco a go
I don't use Amazon,. because of the way they treat their workers.
I wonder how many American tourists get speeding tickets in New Zealand.
I know Americans don't give out their bank details but they don't seem to realize that their bank details are on their cheques.
Carol - well there you have it - that is very true!!!!
Most people don't use checks anymore. I did see someone using one about a month ago and was a little surprised by it.
You can get fish n chips just about anywhere 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
America imo far more in consumerism, freeways / motorways, chain stores, drive thrus, theme parks, pay for every last thing.
NZ more like, go to beach, boogie board the sand dunes, fish n chips from a non chain store, more free stuff imo
I love Aotearoa
America sound like new Zealand on steroids, x10.
I'm a people person but I love my space, America sounds really good in some things but I probably prefer little old NZ, cause crowds for me are nice, but wide open space and a quiet spot on the beach is totally me .
But id love to go see what you actually mean.
Love your video thank for telling me about America and how it's different.
You are very welcome! I will be able to show you when I head to USA in July :)
@@Kiwiamericans enjoy your trip and stay safe.
There are lots of places that are wide open. Arkansas is wide open as far as population is concerned. The nearest sizeable city near me is 60 miles away. The largest city near me is about 130 miles but because of the mountainous terrain it might as well be 1000 miles away. I never go there. Of course, the further west you go (without going into California) and north (staying toward the west) the less populated it gets. Wyoming is the least populated state.