6 Things You Need To Know Before Moving To The USA

[Calida Jenkins]

Each and every year, hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world emigrate to the United States of America to pursue their version of the American Dream. With immigration rates so high, this makes the USA a melting pot of different cultures, making it one of the most fascinating places in the world to live in. There aren’t very many places in the world where you can experience such a diverse array of cultures right on your doorstep.

Whether you’re thinking about starting a brand new chapter of your life in the USA for work, with your family, or whether you simply want to spend some time travelling and working across the 50 states - there are a few things you should know before you take the leap. From visas, to healthcare, to multiculturalism; we’ve narrowed it all down to some of the most important things worth taking note of before getting stuck in with your relocation planning.

1. Gaining the correct visa should be your top priority.

Like most countries, emigrating to America requires a visa, and this isn’t something you’ll want to leave until the last minute. In some cases, visa applications can take up to a year to be fully processed and accepted, so starting the process as early as you can should be one of your top priorities when it comes to planning your big move to the US. You will need to take time to research the type of visa you will be eligible for, based on your circumstances and on what you hope to do in America, as well as how long you plan on staying there.

Depending on the country you hail from, you may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program in the USA. This means that passport holders of eligible countries may enter the United States visa-free for up to 90 days or less. However, it should be noted that this is only valid for tourism and business. That said, it may be the perfect opportunity for you to spend some time in the country, getting a feel for the way of life, before committing to your final move.

2. Paid vacation is not a guaranteed right.

One thing that you may want to make yourself aware of when it inevitably comes to job hunting in the US, and one thing that you might be surprised to learn, is that the United States actually has one of the worst paid holiday allowance policies in the developed world. Generally speaking, workers are not actually legally entitled to any paid time off. Some employers will include a paid vacation allowance as part of a benefits package, however, this can vary between companies, and you may be required to negotiate this. In some cases, you can expect as few as nine paid holidays per year, which can come as a bit of a shock.

3. Tipping is an integral part of American culture.

Tipping for services is, without question, ingrained in American culture. Think waiting staff, bar staff, cab drivers, beauty parlour staff - you’ll likely be given the option to tip anyone who provides you with a service, and for good reason. Due to service worker’s wages remaining relatively low, tipping has become an increasingly important source of income for many. It is completely optional, however, leaving a tip of less than 15-20% can be frowned upon, and it is thoroughly recommended that you consider budgeting for tips no matter where you go,

4. The travel opportunities are endless.

It really goes without saying, but America is huge. It’s hard to even get a good sense of the sheer scale of the country just from looking at a map. Trying to drive from state to state can be a bit of a shock to the system, as more often than not, you’ll be looking at long days of driving. The good news, however, is that this means the travel opportunities across the US are essentially endless. Thanks to the country’s unparalleled mix of cultures and lifestyles, bustling cities and incredible natural beauty - you’ll never be short of things to see and do.

 

On the subject of travel within the United States, you may want to take note that the US public transport system actually isn’t as great as you might expect it to be. It’s easy to see why the majority of people in America choose to fly or drive across the country, as travelling by bus or train can be wildly unreliable and cost substantially more thanks to underfunding.

5. Health insurance is a must.

By now, it’s a well known fact that medical services in the United States are far from affordable. Without health insurance, you’ll pay out of your pocket for any medical attention you may seek, and the costs can be borderline terrifying. To put it into perspective, an ambulance journey alone could set you back almost $2,000 without insurance. One of the best things you can do when planning your move is to set your coverage in place before you even set foot on American soil, and one of the best ways to do so is through your employer.

6. No two states are the same.

You’re probably already well-aware that the USA is made up of 50 different states, though it’s worth noting just how different each state can be from the next, from laws and politics, to accents and dialects, to climates and ways of thinking. Some states, such as California on the west coast, tend to be more liberal, while others, such as Louisiana in the south, tends to be much more conservative. Each individual state is governed by its own state laws and constitutions, and so it’s a good idea to brush up on these and how they might affect you.