You were inspired, got the visa, the PRC, then your SSC, now what? What are some of the things that you've learned since settling in the US? Could be small, could be big, in anycase I'm sure it's useful for anyone wanting to move to a new country, in a totally different environment - visiting is one thing, living here, well that's a whole other kettle of fish.
So I'll get the ball rolling from some key points I've learnt (ok is learn't' or 'learn-ed' well I'm gonna use both now and then, gimme a break ok? - I'm originally from Australia
- we use the Queen's English afterall):Credit Cards
If you had them in your home country originally, the bank may initially offer you one. Checking accounts are still very big here and used as the main transactional account and usually offered with a debit card to access your funds at ATMs or POS (grocery stores, retail stores, etc). Otherwise a store card from Macy's may be an alternative to initially create a credit history that will develop a credit score (when accounts are paid on time) and perhaps a membership to gym or other organization that has monthly payments (that are met without late payment penalties).
Groceries
Whilst beef is relatively expensive, chicken is exceptionally cheap - usually on sale for 99c/lb for thighs/legs/wings or $1.97/lb for boneless skinless chicken breasts.
I recommend the 99c Store though, as they usually will have fresh vegetables for... you guessed it 99c! Anything from lb of tomatoes to watermelon, cucumbers, lettuce, carrots, etc plus many other items like cookies, cereal, etc, etc way cheaper than the grocery store - but still you need to know your prices as occasionally on some items Ralphs (in SoCal) will be cheaper.
Driver's Licence
It may depend on your experience, but I only had to show my home country licence then sit the written test in NJ and when I moved to FL I just had to hand over my NJ licence, then when I moved to CA sit the written again - no practical driving test.
Cars
In CA they are subject to smog test (unless new), even when bringing and registering from out of state. New cars are offed with $0 down and 0% int on loans, but you'll need a credit score in excess of somewhere around 740 (at the dealer's discretion). Used can be a good deal, but remember the odometer reading is in miles so a 50k miles reading is 80k kms.
Car Insurance
Can come with:
Property Damage Liability (to others)
Bodily Injury Liability (to others)
Unisured/Underinsured Motorist
Comprehensive
Collision
Rental Re-imbursement
Roadside Assistance
You may have to look a policy that takes into account how long you've had your licence in your home country, as some insurance companies only accept history in the US.
Health Insurance
Tough one - your employer (for F/T positions) will most likely offer you this and is deducted from your paycheck, but not to be confused with medicare that is for old age pensioners. Otherwise you will need private insurance (unless you would want to risk paying a fortune for basic treatment - ERs will treat you but will charge you for any treatment in an emergency. Private Insurance will tend to include, with your monthly payments:
a Deductible
Co-insurance (how much % of the bill you pay - up to the maximum out-of-pocket for the year)
Co-payment (usually a smaller fee for doctor visits e.g. like $35 for each visit up to 4 per year)
Maximum Out-of-Pocket (how much you will be required to pay in total per year until the Ins. Coy. will pay the total of any further bills over this amount.
Many online sites will give you quotes based on the info you provide. Obama's healthcare eliminated lifetime maximum payout limits, so the ins. coys must now pay regardless of the total bills incurred over a lifetime of medial services used (in my understanding). However I believe the coys can still increase policy premiums based on your age and thereby increase premiums yearly.
Clothes & Electronics
Very Cheap - go to factory outlets and even cheaper, though Old Navy, H&M are good too, Macy's always has big sales - 99c stores sell ties and socks too! Best Buy is a large electronics retailer (there used to be Circuit City too, but the recession), though a great deal of online retailers, depending on which state you live in, don't charge tax and have free delivery a lot of the time as well.
Wi-fi - Internet - Libraries
Libraries (the first free libraries started by Benjamin Franklin) are a great resources for using free wifi and even borrowing DVDs (free)! Generally though, starbucks, McDonalds, Apple stores all supply free wifi and most malls too, so almost anywhere you go out to, providing you have a laptop, tablet or ereader, you should be able to find internet access.
A lot of little things are different here though, from street crossings to the language used, but this is also a regional thing - Bostonians will be more familiar with english terms (the Queen's english) than Angelenos or Texans...
In the spirit of this forum and caring for my fellow human, if I can offer a word of advice, first time when/if you go to Las Vegas, go and be in awe of the magnificence of the man-made creations, enjoy a buffet or two (Wynn is fantastic, Paris is good value), maybe a show (I really like the Cirque de Soleil Elvis), but don't let the machines take a hold on you...
Cheers
