Moving to America?

Moving to America?

The USA was built by migrants chasing religious freedom and a dream of a better life.  In 2015 this statement remains true about a better life but religious freedom, not so much. America is still renowned for being the land of opportunity and is still a hotspot for people looking for a change for the better.

So presumably if you are reading this, you are considering moving to the USA?

Moving to USA can be both an exciting and daunting process. The United States is one of the most powerful countries in the world in terms of politics and trade and can live up to the appeal of the American Dream. The cost of living in most places is relatively low and the majority of people who are based there find that they have a very comfortable standard of life…. The sheer size of the USA in comparison to its population means that there is an abundance of land which if you live outside of the big cities mean bigger houses than you are used to and are very affordable!

But it’s not all big steaks and cold beer……out of the million or so people who do manage to achieve permanent residency in the United States each year, there are many, many more who fail to make the move a success and return home.  Good for us being an International mover, bad though for you and your bank account!

Therefore, to make sure you are fully prepared for your new life in the States, it is well worth taking time to research and find as much information as you can from our web site and blog as well as many others. Investigate the costs of housing, health care insurance, taxes and possibly child care as well as looking at a good school districts, the climate in summer as well as winter, crime rates and much more.

Here are 15 “Know Before You Go” tips from UPakWeShip

You will always be confused writing the date in America

You might as well start liking Country Music

You can’t buy alcohol until you Are 21, but you can buy a gun and join the military at 18 and drive at 16!

Get used to tipping

America is religious and people actually go to church.

You will need Health Insurance and it’s expensive. (And probably still won’t cover all your heath bills if you get sick)

They drink tea cold n sweet

You need a credit score if you are buying a car, house or anything on finance. I have no idea how the score is calculated but you need it to get a loan…however, in order to get a credit score, you need to get a loan e.g. car financing to prove you are a good person and pay on time. In order to get a loan though… you need a credit score (notice the vicious circle 🙂 ). Your credit score can also be created by using credit card. You just need a credit score to apply for a credit card, lol, but if you can bring an Amex card with you and transfer the address when you get here, that will start you on the ladder.

People still use checks in America and credit cards often do not have pins and will get taken away for processing in a restaurant.

You will have to repeat yourself often, not because they don’t understand you, more like they just love the way you speak! After a while most people will think you are from Australia for some odd reason.

Get used to hugging the same sex as a greeting!

Most of them own guns!

Most people seem to think the constitution written hundreds of years ago provides written guidance to any issue the USA might be faced with.

The Americans are very friendly, confident, polite and lead fairly private lives.

Make sure you research and apply for the right type of visa to enter the USA. A good immigration lawyer is worth it, but like any other profession, check for references and beware of frauds.

If you need an International Moving Quote, don’t forget to visit upakweship.com or talk to one of our professionals for great advice about what to bring and what to leave behind. If you have a question, “ask The Moving Doctor” our online Relocation Surgery and don’t forget to check out our recent references and 5 star reviews here.

Pipp Pipp Cherio and have a nice day!

Follow Mark on Twitter @UPAKWESHIP