Canadian travelling to the UK. Don't want to be mistaken?

Question

Don't want to be mistaken for an American...what can I do? I'm not interested in wearing 'Canada' shirts because I think it's absolutely ridiculous to show off my country in a different country with different cultures.

Can the British tell the difference between an American and a Canadian?

Answer 1

Tell everyone that you are going "out and about"

Answer 2

Just tell them you're from Canada. People will probably think you're from America, simply because the US has a far bigger impact on the UK than Canada, and (sorry) the accents are similar.

Answer 3

yes i can some cant maybe as they dont meet many

Answer 4

I had a friend from Calgary with the same problem, he had come to live here for a while. I remember being out with him and he heard a group of America's and said oh I had best shut up, I dont want people to think I'm american too!

I'm sorry I dont think their is a great deal you can do apart from maybe when you introduce yourself also tell them where your from EG Hi, I'm Jordan from BC?

Answer 5

I can sometimes tell the difference, not so much from the accent but because the Canadians tend to be more softly spoken and reserved, not so brash

yes you're going to be mistaken for American but the best thing is to smile nicely and just say you're from Canada - most people will immediately apologise and re-evaluate you

Answer 6

whats wrong with being american? i like americans.

and maybe they get offended when people call them canadian.

jerk. youre lucky the US dont roll over and crush you

Answer 7

Be your nice Canadian self. Don't drink to excess, if you do, don't drive, and if you do drive, try not to plow into a group of bicyclists.

Don't try to make the guards in front of Buckingham move or talk.

Generally avoid wearing obnoxious tropical print shirts and/or socks with sandals.

Oh, and speak of world affairs-- that will definately separate you from your neighbors to the south.

Answer 8

I actually can't tell the difference (sorry!) but if you're friendly and come to England with the view that not all english people are posh and s****. (you'll get beaten up if you say that too loudly in a club at 11pm on a saturday night) then you're fine.

i dont like americans very much but i cant see anything wrong with canada. if people mistake you, just tell them, they'll find it funny :)

x

Answer 9

I meet quite a few Canadians and Americans and sorry, I can't usually tell.  But don't worry about it, people in the UK might ask if you're from the USA but all you have to say is no, that you're Canadian and job done.  

New Zealanders get people thinking that they're Australian all the time, so you're not alone :)