8 Tips You Should Learn Before Moving to the USA

Thinking about moving to the USA? Whether you're in the research phase or have recently made the move stateside, these tips aim to help master your transition to life in the USA. These tips will help you be organised and also set realistic expectations on starting a new life in the USA. Our tips aim to help you to plan ahead so to save you a lot of effort later on as well as offer a glimpse into the interesting aspects of American culture. Ready to dive into your new life in the USA? Let's get started.

1. Apply for your visa

In the United States, there are about 21 types of temporary work visas. One of the most common ones is called H-1B. The main idea behind H-1B is to help employers who can't find the right talents in the USA so they can bring in skilled workers from other countries. To get an H-1B, you need at least a Bachelor’s degree and specialized knowledge in a specific area.

When you get an H-1B, you can work in the USA for up to three years. If needed, this time can be extended, but it usually can't go beyond six years. To start working, your potential employer has to submit a special request to USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).

Once USCIS approves this request, you need to fill out a form called DS-160. Next up, set up an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. If everything goes well, you'll be allowed to work temporarily in the USA.

2. Get a job in the USA

Looking for a job that's open to hiring foreigners? Step one: always check if the role is up for sponsoring your work visa. Most online job boards like Linkedin or Indeed have useful job hunting filters for relevant opportunities, so use them wisely.

Next up, get ready to talk about your professional journey from your home country when you're introducing yourself to American companies. Make sure your CV is good to go. If it's in your local language, like Spanish, make sure to translate it into English. You can even get a little help from ChatGPT.

And hey, don't stress about interviews. Watch some tutorial videos from career coaches. They will help you out. Your professional experience from back home is totally transferable in the USA. You just need to show the employers why you're the one for the job.

3. Master the American Slang

Learning a language isn't just about nailing tests or sitting in classrooms reading English books—it's a longer process. Especially when you dive into everyday conversations. The challenges can be subtle, like differences in pronunciation. For instance, Americans often drop the 't' in words. This makes it tricky to distinguish between 'can' and 'can't' without knowing the context.

Confusion might also arise from common expressions people are used to. For instance, you might wonder why Americans use longer phrases like "reach out to" instead of shorter and direct words like "contact," "call," or "message." Additionally, cultural differences can play a role. For example, some might initially think "football" in the American context refers to soccer. Yet, it actually means the NFL or the very popular college American Football.

There are several ways to get better at the local language. Ask your local friends to teach you some phrases that are unique to the area. Watch fun TV shows like The Tonight Show or Friends to get a hang of the language in a relaxed way. Another option is to use a language learning app like Duolingo to stay consistent. Just keep in mind, progress takes time and effort.

4. Explore American Cuisine

The USA is known for having big portions at restaurants. The average fast-food meal today is about four times larger than it was back in the 1950s. Another cool thing about American food is that it's a mix of different cultures. It's a melting pot. So, if you look closely, you can often trace American dishes back to their roots in other cultures.

For example, Mexican Tacos. They became super popular, thanks to the fast food chain Taco Bell. Tacos are the perfect handheld fast food. American-style tacos often use local ingredients. Yellow cheese and beef, with spices like cumin.

Certainly, American food has been influenced a lot by European immigrants. Funny enough, even though they're called French fries, they likely didn't come from France. Belgium might be their true origin. Interestingly, when fries arrived in the US over 200 years ago, they weren't the fries we know today. Back then, they were either flat rounds or curly shapes. Absolutely, there's a lot of fusion going on in American cuisine, even at Thanksgiving.

5. Familiarize Yourself with American Holidays

Here are some holidays you might not know about if you're not from the USA

• Super Bowl Sunday (second Sunday in February)

The NFL (National Football League) championship game turns into a major cultural event. It's a day for gatherings, parties, and watching the game. The halftime show and commercials are the real highlights, especially iconic moments like Rihanna's performance. Stay tuned for more American holidays in our blog.

• Memorial Day (May 25–31)

A day to remember those who died in U.S. military service. Americans honour them by visiting cemeteries, attending services, and spending time with family.

• Labor Day (September 2, 2024)

Honouring American workers and the labour movement, it's a day recognizing their contributions. Many treat it as the unofficial end of summer with barbecues and picnics.

• Thanksgiving (Last Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving is a day when people get together for a special meal, usually with a roasted turkey. Families and friends gather to say thanks for the good things in their lives.

• Black Friday (Following Thanksgiving, Last Friday in November)

Black Friday happens right after Thanksgiving. It's a day when stores offer big discounts, kicking off the Christmas shopping season. Lots of people rush to stores for great deals and sales.

6. Open a Bank Account in the USA

To open a bank account in the US, you usually need to give banks some personal info like your ID, proof of where you live, and some deposits to start with. Your ID can be things like a passport, driver's license, or social security card. By the way, an SSN stands for Social Security Number—it's like a unique ID number in the US.

Most banks in the USA would like you to have a Social Security Number to open an account, but if you don't have it yet, don't worry. There are other ways to do it without a SSN. You could also start to apply for SSN in your home country when you're applying for a US visa.

To prove where you live, you can use a rental agreement, utility bill, or a bank statement with your name and address. In terms of deposit, some online banks need only $0 to start with. And they don't need you to keep a minimum amount in the account.

7. Get a Prepaid SIM Card

Getting a prepaid SIM card in the USA is super easy. As soon as you land in the USA, you can buy one at the airport, convenience stores, or even supermarkets. Local mobile providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Lycamobile also offer them.

When you're thinking about getting a local number, there are a few things to consider. Check out the data package. And see if they offer unlimited texting and calling. Find out if 5G is included. And see if your data coverage extends to Canada and Mexico.

If you're all about saving some money, think about joining a family plan with your friends or family. Usually, people in family plans get a nice discount. Also, chat with your employer—sometimes they have special deals with the phone companies that could save you some cash.

8. Embrace Must-Have Apps for Immigrants

Mobile apps can be really handy when you're dealing with new challenges or big life changes. Take Eventbrite, for example—it's great for checking out local events. Getting involved in the local scene is a key way to make cool new friends.

If you're all about managing your money, a budgeting app like Buddy can help you manage your finances. And then there's Artifact, which keeps you in the loop with news from back home or your industry. Sure, you can get updates from your co-workers, classmates, or friends, but these apps give you an extra source of reliable info. It's like having an alternative way to figure things out.

Fed up with all the relocation research? Ding is here to help you settle into a new culture, making you feel at home and instantly connected with your family. Staying in touch is simple—send a top-up and start chatting in seconds.