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Moving to America – What You Need to Know

So, you are moving to America!

Whether you are emigrating, taking a short term assignment or joining family in America we have put together the information you will need to make your move to the USA a smooth one.

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Moving To The US – A Useful Guide For A New Beginning

The USA is a country rich in opportunity. For many, it is the land of dreams, where anything is possible. However, moving to the US can also be a daunting prospect. There are many things to consider, from finding a place to live and getting a job to learning about a new culture and…

Choosing A School In America – Top Issues For Expats

The business of choosing a school in America is of primary importance to expatriate families planning their move there. The US educational system offers enormous choice: provision varies from state to state, with both public and private schools as well as international schools to choose from. This article was written exclusively for Expat Network by…

Getting Connected In America

Getting connected – organising mobile phones (cellphones) for yourself and your family members, together with broadband for your new home – will be one of your first and most important tasks when arriving in the US. Standards America as an enormous market in its own right has generally followed its own standards. The United States…

Driving in America

In the USA driving is an essential part of the culture. This is partly driven by the practicality of getting around in a country so large and partly a function of the lifestyle. In some of the major cities there is an extensive public transport system, but the cities are all served by extensive multi-lane…

Banking in America

When opening a bank account in America, you will want to consider the wide range of options with different variations on basic checking and savings accounts, and the ability to link accounts. Terms and services may vary widely between the different providers. According to Forbes Americas largest banks are: JP Morgan Chase Bank of America…

Most Underrated Cities For Expats In New Jersey

New Jersey, the Garden State, often stands in the shadow of its towering neighbor, New York. While Newark, Jersey City, and Princeton frequently top the lists of popular expat destinations, they are merely the tip of the iceberg. This article seeks to shine a spotlight on a few hidden gems, the underrated cities for expats…

Finding Schools in America

When considering your options for schools in America, assuming you have decided against a boarding school back home, you will need to decide between American public and private schools and international and foreign-language schools. International Schools International schools generally teach in English and focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) examination and diploma. The advantage of…

Taking Your Pet To America

There is a lot to consider when taking your pet to America. In the US, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for the regulations that govern the importation of animals and animal products that might cause human disease. The CDC does not require certificates of health for pets that enter America. However, they may…

7 Ways To Prepare For A Big Move To A Different State

Moving to a different state is exciting. However, it requires an overwhelming amount of preparation. The thought of starting a new adventure may be thrilling. However, packing up your life and relocating can be daunting. With proper planning and preparation, you can make your big move a stress-free and successful experience. This article will discuss…

Insider’s Guide To Living In Virginia As An Expat

If you’re thinking about moving abroad to Virginia, there are some things you should know first! And we strive to cover them all in our insider’s guide to living in Virginia as an expat! What you need to know about Virginia as a state Getting to know Virginia is an exciting first step to living…

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.