Welcome to our quick acclimation guide on easing into life in Edinburgh! Relocating to a new country is full of decisions—from picking a new shampoo brand to finding your preferred grocery store. To ease this transition, we've compiled a quick and dirty ‘Where Do I...?” guide of US to UK equivalents, drawing from my own journey to help you settle in faster. While this list isn't exhaustive and doesn't focus on LGBTQ+, Women, or POC-owned businesses, we aim to explore these important options in future posts.
Big Box Stores
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Sainsbury’s and Tesco while not a direct match, offer a diverse product range that echoes Target’s—from household essentials and electronics to clothing and groceries. FYI that Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Express cater to quick, essential shopping needs focus on essentials, ready meals, and basic household items, catering to quick shopping needs rather than full grocery hauls. | ||
Owned by Walmart, Asda is a large supermarket chain in the UK, offering groceries, clothing, and general merchandise. When inside you can feel the relationship. | ||
Both Argos and Currys offer a wide range of goods including kitchen appliances, televisions, computers, and other tech gadgets. | ||
They have one outside of Edinburgh, accessible by Bus or Car. It is connected to a huge strip mall/retail park that includes other stores you might want to visit if just moving to town. | ||
They have one in Edinburgh, not far from the Ikea. |
Grocery
In many Edinburgh neighborhoods, you'll find small grocery stores ranging from independent specialty grocers, such as European, or Asian marts, to smaller chains like Tesco Express or Sainsbury's Local, which provide essential groceries and ready meals. You may also come across the Co-op, reminiscent of a US small-town grocery store in both size and selection. For a more extensive shopping experience, larger supermarkets like Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose are also readily available if slightly further out from city center.
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Trader Joe’s fans will find a comforting similarity in Marks & Spencer Food Hall, known for its quality and unique food selections. While it has a more corporate feel than the laid-back vibe of TJ’s, it compensates with a sophisticated assortment of gourmet and specialty items. However, don't expect the quirky shirts at checkout! | ||
Both are supermarket brands known for their focus on quality, organic, and gourmet food products. Also, expect similar price tags. | ||
Both are here and in huge quantity. Who else is living for those middle aisle surprises? |
Pharmacy, Health & Beauty
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Superdrug/Independent Pharmacies | Superdrug and independent pharmacies across the UK mirror the services of Walgreens and CVS, offering prescription dispensing, health consultations, and a comprehensive range of beauty products. | |
Boots is the leading pharmacy and health & beauty retailer in the UK, offering a full pharmacy, health products, beauty products, and photo services. Boots feels almost the same as Ulta when inside. | ||
H Beauty, serves up a wide selection of upscale beauty products ranging from skincare and makeup to fragrances. Expect a premium shopping experience with exclusive brands and expert-led beauty masterclasses. | ||
For health supplements and natural remedies, Holland & Barrett, along with Real Foods, provide a comprehensive range of vitamins, minerals, and organic products catering to health-conscious consumers. |
Home Supply & Construction
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The go-to place for DIY, home improvement supplies, and gardening products in the UK. | ||
The other go-to place for DIY, home improvement supplies, and gardening products in the UK. You’ll note the branding looks very familiar. |
Office Supply
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Ryman provides office supplies and stationery. For some of the bigger pieces you might need to head to the big box stores. |
Retail
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Known as T.J. Maxx in the US, it operates as TK Maxx in the UK, offering discounted brand and designer goods. | ||
Toppings Books/Independent Bookstores throughout the city | Toppings Books and other independent bookstores in Edinburgh (the city if filled with them) offer a unique and wide range of new and used titles similar to what Barnes & Noble offers in the US. | |
John Lewis & Partners is a higher end and fashionable department store offering a wide range of clothing, household items, electronics, and more. | ||
Marks & Spencer offers a variety of clothing, household items, and more, serving as a cornerstone department store in the UK. It feels like everyone has at least one staple from M&S. | ||
These companies and more offer gear for camping, hiking, and outdoor sports. |
Entertainment
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Cineworld and Odeon are the UK's answers to AMC, offering a wide range of films in state-of-the-art theaters. For a more intimate and luxurious cinema experience, the Everyman Theater stands out with its plush seating and gourmet concessions served right to your seat. | ||
Affordable, no-frills gyms like Planet Fitness in the US. FYI If you are a University of Edinburgh student you have access to one of the best gyms in Edinburgh, I recommend going through the school. | ||
David Lloyd Clubs are known for their extensive facilities, high-quality equipment, and a wide array of fitness and wellness services. | ||
Mini-Golf | Crazy Golf | While "mini golf" is understood in the UK, it's often referred to as "crazy golf," especially when the courses are quirky or unusually themed. Edinburgh has a number of courses. |
Bowling Alley | Bowling is popular in the UK, and it is generally referred to simply as "bowling" or "ten-pin bowling." |
Grocery & Food Delivery Services
Postal Services
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The main postal service provider in the UK. | ||
DPD and Evri (formerly Hermes) are leading, private, parcel delivery services in the UK, known for their “efficient” and “reliable” package handling. |
Transportation
Edinburgh boasts a pedestrian-friendly layout not often seen in US cities. However, be cautious as vehicles here may not always yield to pedestrians as we might expect. The city's commitment to cycling infrastructure also makes bicycles a popular mode of transport—shout out to Dalry Bike Depot for setting me up with a 1989 MTB I love. With comprehensive public transport options like Lothian Buses and Trams, living without a car is not only feasible but often preferable.
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‘Your Area’ Bus System | Edinburgh’s major public bus service. As a person who has had bad experiences on US buses, I am so pleasantly surprised by how nice and safe these buses are. Highly recommend considering them even if you have been put off before. | |
‘Your Area’ Metro/Subway | Edinburgh’s major, local, public rail service. Love the tram, it’s quick but has a fairly narrow route. | |
For regular, fast, cheap, trains connecting to wider Scotland. | ||
‘Yellow Cab’ | These are ‘black cab’ companies in Edinburgh. Cabs are often more affordable and just as fast as ubers, but significantly nicer and more spacious. | |
It’s still here, but something to note is that all uber drivers must be registered taxi drivers, so they’re just driving their own cars. |
As you settle into your new life in Edinburgh, remember that every big move comes with its learning curve. We hope this “Where Do I...?” guide of US to UK equivalents helps you navigate the practical aspects of your transition with a bit more ease. Whether it's finding the right grocery store or choosing a gym that fits your lifestyle, getting accustomed to local offerings is part of the fun and challenge of moving abroad.
We understand that this list is just a starting point. As you explore Edinburgh, you'll undoubtedly discover your own favorites and hopefully those amazing local gems that aren’t mentioned here. If you have suggestions or personal favorites that have made your life easier in Edinburgh, please share them in the comments below. Your insights not only help us improve our resources but also support others in the community who are navigating similar transitions. Here's to new beginnings and making Edinburgh feel like home!
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