So, you’re packing your bags for a move to the United States; whether you’re chasing dreams of skyscrapers or sunsets in wide-open spaces, the journey ahead is likely to be equal parts thrilling and daunting. The U.S. isn’t just a new place; it’s practically a whole new planet; its 50 states are home to an overwhelming variety of cultures, climates, and quirks – plenty to keep you entertained and plenty to adapt to! A little preparation, therefore, would be ideal to help you to adjust to life in America.
Before you dive headfirst into the land of liberty and limitless refills, here are 9 essential things to keep in mind.
1. Paperwork Galore: Immigration and Visas
First things first, you’ll need a visa. The U.S. isn’t one of those countries where you can just show up, smile at the customs officer, and expect an all-access pass. Whether it’s a work visa, student visa, or that all-elusive green card, getting your paperwork in order can feel (almost) as arduous as assembling an IKEA bookshelf, with instructions that seem to have been written in hieroglyphs.
Pro tip: Hire an immigration lawyer if needed; it truly can be an overwhelming process and this is one area you most want to have running smoothly.
2. Healthcare: It’s Not Free, and It’s Not Cheap
In the U.S., healthcare isn’t just a system – it’s a lifestyle. Without insurance, a simple trip to the ER can cost as much as a down payment on a car. The good news is that most employers offer health plans. The bad news? Understanding them is like deciphering the Rosetta Stone. Terms like “deductible,” “copay,” and “out-of-pocket maximum” will soon become part of your vocabulary.
Healthy choice: invest in a robust healthcare plan. One in four adult Americans have reported not getting the health care they need because they can’t afford it. Without your health, you have nothing – prioritizing the expense of a good plan above virtually all else (save for the basics, of course) is a shrewd move when living in the U.S.
3. Driving: Keep Right and Buckle Up
If you’re from a country where people drive on the left, you’ll have to unlearn that instinct fast. In the U.S., drivers keep to the right, and roads can range from bumper-to-bumper freeways to Route 66-style stretches where the tumbleweeds outnumber the cars.
Pro tip: Don’t even think about skipping car insurance – not only is it illegal in virtually every state to drive without it, but you might find yourself paying for damages out of your own pocket on top of fines. Many states will also suspend your license for months – it’s just not worth it.
4. Cultural Nuances: More Than Just “Have a Nice Day”
Americans are friendly – almost suspiciously so, if you’re coming from a less overtly warm culture! Any American in the service industry is likely to ask you how your day is going in a most enthusiastic fashion – but they don’t expect a full rundown; ‘good’ or ‘great’ will suffice.
Tipping tip: Beware – tipping is not considered optional in America. In restaurants, plan to leave 18-25% of the bill, and yes, even if the service wasn’t award-worthy. It’s an unspoken rule, like not talking politics at Thanksgiving dinner (and for goodness sake, don’t do that!)
It’s important to note that this custom does not end at the restaurant – tipping is the norm across all services, be it coffee (round the bill up or add a dollar), in bars (a dollar a drink is acceptable), for hotel staff ($3-5 a day is respectable), and so the list goes on. You will quickly get used to how much to tip because you’ll be doing it so often – in the meantime, make it your business to find out to avoid offending anyone.
5. Food Portions and Grocery Stores: Big Is an Understatement
Prepare for some serious portion distortion. American restaurant servings can often keep you fed for two meals – even three if you’re thrifty. Supermarkets, meanwhile, are the size of small cities, with endless aisles of everything from 27 brands of peanut butter to entire rows dedicated to cheese slices. Across 23 states, a recent survey found that 35% of adults were obese.
Warning: Watch your weight – it’s very easy to overeat in the U.S., everything is maxed and yummy.
6. Taxes: The Price of Freedom
If you think taxes are a drag in your home country, brace yourself. In the U.S., prices on tags and menus don’t include sales tax, so you’ll always have to pay more than what’s listed.
U.S. transfer tax? Income tax? Lets just call it a labyrinth and be done with it. State, federal, and sometimes even city taxes mean your paycheck might look significantly slimmer than expected. Sorry for the doom and gloom, but the most important takeaway is that the set up is likely very different to what you’re used to – the key is to know what to expect to avoid overextending yourself.
Hot tip: There are tons of great tax tools available. You can find income, withholding, and tax bracket calculators online, as well as many other helpful tools, tips, and resources. Another option would be to get an accountant, whether you think you need one or not – they’re worth their weight in gold when it comes to tax refunds (well, maybe not quite that much).
7. Seasons: From Sweltering Heat to Arctic Blasts
America’s climate is as diverse as its people. Moving to Florida? Pack sunscreen. Heading to Minnesota? Invest in thermal everything. If you’re not prepared, the weather will be quick to humble you; some states practically see all four seasons in one day, so layering isn’t just a fashion choice, it’s a survival tactic.
Hot tip, cold tip: Don’t underestimate the U.S. weather and plan accordingly.
8. Social Security Number: Your New Identity
A Social Security Number (SSN) is your golden ticket to American life. Without it, you can’t open a bank account, rent an apartment, or even get a cellphone plan.
Security tip: Protect this number like your life depends on it – identity theft is no joke.
9. Language and Slang: Same Language, Different Dictionary
Yes, Americans speak English. But don’t expect British-English or Australian-English. ‘Chips’ are crispy potato slices, not fries; ‘pants’ aren’t undergarments, and ‘fanny’ means something entirely different here (don’t Google it at work). Also, phrases like ‘pitching in’ or ‘run it by me’ might leave you scratching your head at first.
Prepare to Be Both Dazzled and Confused
The U.S. is as frustrating as it is fascinating. One moment you’re marveling at the Grand Canyon, the next you’re stuck in a DMV line that feels longer than Route 66. But that’s part of its charm – America is a place of extremes, and it’s all worth it.
Moving to the United States is no small feat, but it’s also an adventure unlike any other. So, embrace the chaos, learn as you go, and remember: the journey can be half the fun.
