Moving to America?
Get real guidance from real people!
Are you a new immigrant to the US? Or perhaps moving to America on a work visa? Either ways, settling-in is not easy. Most of your savings, your friends and contacts, and your family support structure are in your home country. You’re probably starting life afresh.
Well, here's the good news - you're not alone in this predicament. Every year, thousands of people are relocating to America. Most of them face exactly the same issues.
I did too!
Six years ago I was a project manager with an information technology firm in Delhi, India. Then my company transferred me to the US. It was an exciting time. I loved America at first sight, and its been my home ever since.
But I craved for guidance.
Don’t get me wrong. The United States of America is not the boondocks. I was a well-traveled, well-educated IT professional. I had no language problems, could easily figure things out, had company colleagues to assist, and was good at researching the web.
And yet I made mistakes. Some expensive, many avoidable.
Big Things like:
- What car should you buy? Should you go in for a pre-owned (second-hand) car? Should you buy or lease (what is leasing?)
- What kind of apartment should you rent?
- What credit card should you get? How do you build a credit history (and what is that?)
- What is insurance? How many 'types' of insurances are there? Medical? Car? Life? Do you need these? Where do you get them from?
- How do you open a bank account? Which bank offers the best interest rates?
- How much can you expect to save every month? How do you send money back to your parents?
- Should you invest in stocks? Property? How?
And Little Things like:
- What classy restaurant can you take your spouse to, on your anniversary?
- What else can you do on weekends, besides going to the movies?
- How can you get your flat tire fixed?
- Where on earth do you get your eyebrows threaded?
And therein lays the genesis of this website. It’s a compilation of all the little and big things I learnt, and all that other people like me learnt, when we first came to the US. Moving to America is, literally a life changing event. This Moving to America 'Guide' will hopefully equip you with knowledge and regularly updated, location-specific information that makes your move a whole lot more enjoyable with fewer hassles.
Remember, there's a smart way of doing things, and a slow way of doing things. The slow way is to make discoveries yourself, one by one. You'll spend time and energy. You'll make mistakes, get confused. You'll spend money, then regret it. The smart way is to stand on the shoulders of others who've been-there, done-that. You'll save money and avoid inconvenience. Most importantly, you'll feel secure that your decisions are based on the learnings of others like you who've tread the path of....Moving to America!
Social Security Number (SSN): Must-Have No. 1
What is a social security number? Why do you need it? How do you get one? A must-read for new immigrants and migrants moving to America
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Photo ID: Must-Have No. 2
What is a government-issued photo ID? Why do you need it? How do you get one? Another must-read for those moving to America
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Lodging Guide - tips and options when moving to America
Guidance, money-saving tips and proven options on lodging, apartments, accommodation, hotels and extended stay suites in different locations for new immigrants and migrants moving to America
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Credit History - a guide to credit cards, credit scores, the works
How to establish a credit history when moving to America? How to apply for a credit card, and which ones are the best? What is a credit score? Sound advice for immigrants and migrants
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Car Guide - Car-buying tips for immigrants and migrants moving to America
A comprehensive car guide that lists factors and reviews models an immigrant or migrant to America must consider, while purchasing or leasing a new or used car
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Banking Guide - Money management tips when moving to America
A banking guide that provides information and options on opening a bank account, maximizing interest earnings and managing personal investments for immigrants and migrants moving to America
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Phone Guide - the best calling cards, mobile & landline phones
This phone guide presents a list of calling cards, mobile and landline phone services - both prepaid and postpaid - for immigrants and migrants moving to America
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Entertainment Guide - a compendium of 'things to do'
This entertainment guide is a handbook of leisure ideas, especially useful for new immigrants and migrants to America
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Household Goods - advice on furnishing your home, when moving to America
Learn to 'shop smartly', when buying household goods and furnishings for your new home in America
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Visa Guide - advice on visa and immigration issues for travelers to America
Have questions on visa issues? Green Cards? Citizenship? Need recommendations on good immigration lawyers? This visa guide can point you in the right direction
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Small things you wanted to know but were too afraid to ask
Small things people moving to America want to know - but are too afraid to ask
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Coming Soon - exciting, new updates to the Moving-to-America-Guide site
Coming Soon - exciting, new updates to the Moving-to-America-Guide website, providing money-saving guidance and tips to new immigrants and migrants moving to America
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