Moving to the States – the Land of Opportunity – is a dream like no other. For many, it represents a bigger, bolder and better life. Whether you’re thinking of relocating to America for a job, for tertiary education or simply to change your life, you absolutely can’t go wrong with this decision.
In America, there is so much to do, so much to see and so much to become, there truly is a place for everyone. However, there are a few important things you might want to know, just so that they don’t come as a shock to you when once you’ve made the move. Here are seven things every American-to-be needs to understand.
You’ll Need Medical Insurance
When it comes to health insurance, USA operates a little differently than some other places like the UK and Australia where healthcare is sponsored or subsidised. In the US, medical procedures, prescriptions and even just appointments with your general practitioner could be way more expensive than you’re used to, and you’ll need comprehensive insurance to help you along.
However, obtaining that health insurance isn’t a simple process either, especially as a foreigner or expat. This is why it’s important to understand your options ahead of time and consider medical expenses as a major part of your budget when relocating.
Every State Is A Little Different
Another thing to be aware of is that pretty much everything will depend on what state you live in. In each state, laws differ, taxes differ, real estate regulations differ, and even schooling differs.
This is not to mention the weather and landscapes, religious and political views, lifestyle and even the types of food you’ll find are all dependent on which state you choose to make your home. Try to do some research before making a final decision so you can have a clear idea of whether a state is a good fit for you and your family – each one is almost like its own country.
They Don’t Use the Metric System
America is one of the only countries in the world that doesn’t use the metric system, which means you’ll suddenly be measuring things in pounds and feet. Where most people find this the most tricky and confusing is in the kitchen, or figuring out the measurements of a piece of furniture before you buy it. Avid gym goers might be spending a large portion of their daily workouts converting the kilograms they usually lift into pounds.
While this might boggle your brain for a while, there are plenty of websites and apps that will make converting measurements quick and easy for you, and soon it will become second nature.
The Legal Drinking Age is 21
For some, this is no change, but for people coming from countries where the legal drinking age is 18, this might be a shock, especially if you haven’t reached 21 yet. More than this, some states even ban the purchasing of alcohol on Sundays – which means you’ll need to stock up the day before if you had plans.
If you’re well into your adult life, this won’t affect you, but if you’re a student or even in high school and relocating with your family, remember that until you hit the big 21, you’ll be sticking to non-alcoholic drinks and sodas.
Gaining Access Isn’t Always Easy
While not typically considered mission impossible, getting your green card isn’t the easiest process in the world. A green card is an immigrant visa and while there are many ways to skin a cat, there are a lot of requirements and criteria you’ll need to meet before you can get in for good.
You could get in with a student visa through an acceptance at a school, a job offer and an employer willing to sponsor you and help you through the process, or even try your luck at the Green Card Lottery – yes, it’s a thing. Also look at the companies that specialize in moving overseas to the USA.
Their Hustle Culture Is Serious
Americans value hard work and the hustle culture is real in the US of A. Depending on where you’re coming from, the amount of hard work might come as a bit of a shock to you – since it’s one of the only places in the world where employers are legally obligated to give their staff paid leave and not many holidays mean a day off work.
Fortunately, most companies do allow holiday time, but this is typically only 21 days annually, aside from sick leave, maternity leave and other types of time off (which of course, will differ from state to state).
You Need Good Credit
Finally, having good credit in the USA is important. It’s your ticket to good business, saving and investing your money, and of course, owning anything. However, when you move to the US, you’ll have no credit score and you might need to jump through hoops to obtain a credit card and build that much-needed credit.