London immigrant reveals how America makes him pay twice for every service

Culture shocks have really been getting the better of tourists and those who have crossed borders, especially in the US. Foreigners are unable to cope with the rising costs of the American system. A Londoner named Lemuel (@tegatoken) shared 5 of the “most annoying” hidden costs he’s had to pay only after moving to America. He mentioned that as a European, he was baffled by the daily expenses coupled with hidden surcharges on each of his purchases. He described the country as the "greediest" one he’s ever lived in and added that fellow Europeans would go into a “psychosis” if they lived in this reality. 

The first hidden cost he mentioned was processing fees on rent. The man revealed that he pays an additional $6 as a processing fee. “Why am I paying you money to take my money?” he asked in disappointed confusion. The next factor he noted was healthcare. Recalling an experience, Lemuel mentioned how he made the rookie “mistake” of going into the emergency room when he had a bad toothache. After giving his insurance details, he was made to wait in a queue only to be told that the doctors couldn’t help him and he had to see a dentist. 

The bill he received for this simple interaction was $600. “Luckily, I had my insurance, so I had to pay $120,” he noted, adding how bizarre it was that someone had to pay that much just to be told a doctor “can’t help.” Thirdly, Lemuel mentioned how hidden costs get the better of you without even realizing it. Having stayed at a $200-per-night hotel for two nights, with payment for valet parking, the bills still seemed odd. In addition to the taxes that he had already paid, he had a $32 per night “resort fee” on his bill. “When I asked the receptionist what a resort fee was, uh uh, no one could tell me,” he remarked. 

The fourth factor was towing. After having his car towed, he received a whopping bill of $350 to pay. “Pro tip: Do not leave your car there overnight,” the man cautioned. Lastly, Lemuel mentioned an aspect that even has Americans in a stir — the tipping culture. Ever since he started living in America, he has paid nothing less than a 10% tip after his experience with the culture. However, to him, it was a ridiculous expense. “Imagine, your boss is so greedy he can’t pay you a survivable wage and then guilt-trips customers into covering the rest of your wages for you,” he noted.

The man’s list could go on, he said, but it only showed the increasing expenses that have people struggling. A report from Groundwork Collaborative revealed that the “annoyance” or hidden fees Americans pay every year costs them $165 billion. Even something as simple as cancelling a subscription or waiting for a doctor comes with a price, a hefty one at that. The report noted that “junk fees” added on every regular expense, like hotels, concert tickets, and even food, amounted to $90 billion. The 2025 Cash Poor report noted that 40% of people who are cash poor are employed with full-time jobs.

Yet, they struggle with affording everyday expenses. A majority are under the “cash poor” or “paycheck-to-paycheck” living category and have to deal with unplanned expenses that cost around $1,825 every year. Without knowing it, thousands of dollars are stripped from households to cover these unexpected costs in addition to bills. @zuristarrlive wrote, “As an American, I feel the same way you do.” @nathanieltseng1 remarked, “That processing fee to pay your rent is hilarious. I have a processing fee for my water bill.”

You can follow  Lemuel (@tegatoken)on TikTok for more content on lifestyle. 

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