Guide to Settling in the US as an Expatriate
When the opportunity to move to the US comes along, it’s exciting. At the same time, though, it can be scary and overwhelming. But not to worry, we’ve put together a guide that can help you comfortably settle down in the US as an expatriate.
Guide to Settling in the US as an Expatriate
America is widely regarded as the land of opportunities, a place where anyone can make it with hard work and the right attitude. This idea alone is enough to attract people from all over the world. Who doesn’t want the American dream?
And when the opportunity to move there comes along, it’s exciting. At the same time, though, it can be scary and overwhelming. Particularly when you're not sure of what actions to take on arrival.
But not to worry, we’ve put together a guide that can help you comfortably settle down in the US as an expatriate.
List of Important Things to do Upon Arrival in the US
#1. Organize your move
Few months before departure it’s time to move your belongings to your new city/country.
This can be a stressful aspect of relocating. But Expat US can assist you with your move by coordinating all aspects of the move and request quotations from different movers.
#2. Get Temporary accommodation
Once you arrive newly in the US, you’ll need to check into a hotel, a corporate temporary housing or stay with a relative or friend until you can figure out where you will be residing permanently.
This gives you time to check out apartments in person and pick the best permanent residence for you. Don't make the mistake of buying or renting accommodation you didn't check out physically.
#3. Find permanent accommodation
In choosing a permanent residence, you should consider the proximity of the apartment to your school or workplace.
Getting an apartment in the US will require a bit of money. You can expect to pay an average monthly rent of $2400 for a one-bedroom apartment. In more populated areas like New York, a one-bedroom apartment may go for as high as $3500.
These prices vary from state to state. You’ll need to find out the price range for the state you want to reside in.
In some states you’ll have to pay for broker fees it can go up to 15% of the annual rent
The security deposit can be up to 3 months in some states.
#4. Set up your utilities
After getting an apartment, you’ll need to set up utilities, depending on your agreement with your landlord.
As such, you will need to go through the terms of your lease to discover the utilities you are responsible for. These utilities include:
Water and sewer
Cable and internet
Natural gas
Electricity
Trash disposal
Home insurance
After discovering the utilities, you'll need to identify and contact each utility supplier to set up these utilities. If you're not interested in a utility, you can also contact them to cancel.
Most of the utilities companies will need a SSN in order to open an account.
#5. Apply for SSN (Social Security Number)
Applying for a Social Security Number is very important. Without applying for it, you can't get paid by an employer.
You can check out the SSN website to gather all the necessary documents for registration. After doing this, you’ll need to take the documents to their office to get Expat US can assist in getting a SSN
#6. Open a bank account
Another vital thing to do immediately when you arrive is to open a bank account. And there are several banks you can open an account with. But to save you some stress in the future, you should open an account with your employer's bank.
Each bank has a set of requirements an account opener must meet. Some require that you have a Social Security Number, others a permanent residence address, a valid driver's license, and the likes.
#7. Apply for a secured credit card
After opening an account, the next thing on the line is to apply for a secured security card. Without a secured credit card, you'll experience some difficulties booking a hotel, buying a car, or phone.
Applying for a credit card is easy. All you need is to provide some information to ascertain your identity and monthly income.
#8. Have a health insurance plan in place
The organization you’re working for usually handles your health insurance. This might not always be the case. And the organization may have some exceptions embedded in the health care insurance provided.
It's better to ask your employer if they plan to provide you with a health care insurance plan. If they don't, you should register for a comprehensive health insurance plan. This insurance offers an extensive health coverage than the basic health insurance plans. Ask Expat US to get different quotes.
#9. Learn how to drive and get a driver's license
Driving is one of the easiest means of getting around in the US., and if you don't know how to drive, you should learn how to. After learning, you can apply for a driver's license.
When applying, you’ll need to meet some requirements. These include submitting documents such as your form of identification, social security number, and proof of lawful presence in the country.
After providing the necessary documents, you’ll need to pay a certain amount which is dependent on the particular state. Thereafter you’ll take a driving and vision test.
Finally, after meeting these requirements, the state will issue you an original driving license. You will need to renew this driving license from time to time. The state you reside in will determine the period of renewal.
#10. You need to learn the law of the state
There are general and specific laws for the states in America. You should learn the dos and don'ts of the particular state you are living in. This will help you to live in the state without breaking the rules unknowingly.
What to Expect as an Expatriate in the US?
#1. Cultural shock
There might be some contrast between the society you grew up in and the US. Some of the practices might shock you, but you’ll get used to them over time.
#2. Language barrier
You may experience a bit of a language problem. Even if you’ve taken some lessons in English, you may still have some difficulties communicating with native speakers.
But with time, you'll be able to blend in and become as proficient as a native. And you'll likely pick up on some of the slang commonly used.
#3. You might begin to feel you are losing your identity
You'll likely experience this as you start to become a part of the community you're in. This can be tough as you may begin to feel like you don't truly belong to any country.
This feeling might intensify when you visit home as you may feel like you also don't belong there either. But with time, you'll be able to balance it all.
#5. Opportunity to meet and connect with various people from different backgrounds
This helps you to have a rich experience. You get to experience life differently. You’ll be able to make friends and travel to different places in the country. This can be a fulfilling and fun experience. This is one of the positive aspects of being an expatriate.
Contact Expat US to Help You Settle in the US
Moving from your home country can be tedious. There are a lot of things you'll need to do to fully settle.
Expat US specializes in helping expatriates to relocate in the US conveniently. We provide several valuable services like:
Look and see trip
Short term accommodation
Home search and real estate services
Household goods relocation
Health insurance
Schooling
We can also help you with opening a bank account, getting a social security number registering for health and home insurance. Expat US also enables you to carry out some government registrations and other concierge services.
All the services we render will help you ease into your new environment without any stress. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for any assistance you might need.