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As a visiting New Zealander, the one thing I've noticed about the American price structure is that food is reasonably expensive, while superfluous goods aren't.
by frio 12y ago
As a visiting New Zealander, the one thing I've noticed about the American price structure is that food is reasonably expensive, while superfluous goods aren't. A decent-ish pair of shoes is $50USD; a board game off Amazon $35, (which I'll admit to blitzing while visiting!). Both would probably set you back a minimum of $120NZD back home. Comparatively, our food is cheaper, and generally healthier (Whole Foods feels the closest to a New Zealand supermarket; lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, bulk bins).
The other surprising thing is that debit cards are new-ish here; credit cards are prevalent. Couple the accompanying fees (?) with pricing structures that are less declarative (food advertised sans tax; tipping expected), and it's more difficult to budget. Further, having/using credit means it's always tempting to dip further into it. In comparison, we've had EFTPOS (debit) for decades, sales tax is included in the advertised price, and there isn't a tipping culture.
NZ has its own problems with growing inequality which need addressing, and this is anecdata at best, but I can see why avoiding temptation and sticking to a good budget might be more troublesome.
- bpodgursky 12y agoWhere are you shopping? While the average american supermarket (Kroger, Gerbes, Safeway, Wal-Mart) has a lot of unhealthy food available, there are also a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables. Whole foods is a REALLY bad example of the average cost of food in the US--it's well known for being expensive and catering to the organic/locally grown/whatever crowd. You're not going to get an accurate idea of US food prices shopping there.
- frio 12y agoSure, I'm aware that costs are higher at Whole Foods :). Sorry, I shouldn't have left that unqualified. I've been elsewhere too; they just had a selection which reminded me the most of a supermarket at home (partly because this particular one wasn't massively oversized like the Wal-Mart I visited -- everything here is bigger!). I'm also staying in an area (Downtown in an nice city) where food would be more expensive anyway, which may be influencing my perception. So, again -- it's just an anecdote, but the area I'm in back home is generally regarded as an expensive one too.
- cpeterso 12y ago> Whole foods is a REALLY bad example of the average cost of food in the US--it's well known for being expensive ... Thus the nickname "Whole Paycheck". :)
- cpwright 12y agoUnprepared food like fruits, vegetables, meat, etc. is tax free in most states. Prepared food is usually taxed. Tipping is only expected at a sit-down restaurant, and those are generally expensive enough that if you are genuinely starving you should probably be allocating the money spent on that one meal on several cheaper meals. Credit cards vs. debit cards typically have no difference in fees for the end consumer; the one notable exception in suburban NY being gas stations.
- frio 12y ago> Credit cards vs. debit cards typically have no difference in fees for the end consumer; the one notable exception in suburban NY being gas stations. Thanks for clearing that up; I'd wondered if that was the case. > Tipping is only expected at a sit-down restaurant It's interesting; that's what I was led to believe. However, even takeaway/fast food places have tip jars at the front, and I feel pretty rude not biffing a dollar or so in. Which is probably a perception thing; I'm in a position that I can do so freely, and I'm more than willing to accept that those who aren't may be less obliged.
- EpicEng 12y agoIt depends on where you are in the country. For example, I grew up in Illinois outside Chicago. I had never seen a tip jar at a freaking subway until I moved to California. I don't tip for that kind of service and I don't feel bad about it on the slightest.
- aianus 12y agoUsing a credit card in the US is cheaper and more convenient than using a debit card, especially for poor people who may not have enough cash until payday for what they need to buy today. Of course, it requires the discipline not to spend more than you can pay back at the end of the month which some people seem to have difficulty with.