Social Security Number

All residents of the United States are identified by a social security number. This is required for almost all paperwork and applications, and it is practically impossible to accomplish certain tasks without one. Your
Passport USA representative will transport you to the social security office closest to your home so you can
apply for your social security number as soon as possible.

In some states you will receive a social security number the same day that you apply. In other states, such as California, it may take up to six weeks to receive the actual card. In the meantime, you will receive a receipt stating that you have applied for your social security number, which will suffice in the interim for most tasks.

Each member of your family who applies for a social security number will need to show a copy of his or her birth certificate and passport. There is no charge involved with applying for a social security number.

Bank Account

Your representative, who will be very familiar with various bank facilities and their practices, will take you to a bank that is known for offering the best service to their customers. In most cases you will need a minimum of $100 to open a checking account and a minimum of $25 to open a savings account.

Utilities

Once in your new home, you will need to set up your electrical, water, phone and cable services. The process involves transferring all accounts into your name and paying initial deposits. Your representative will help you accomplish this within the first few days of your arrival.

Grocery and Household Shopping

Your representative will take you to a convenient grocery store in your neighborhood. All stores accept travelers cheques with a form of photo identification, such as a passport. You will find most foods relatively inexpensive, with a wide range of products to choose from.

No doubt you will want to buy some household items for your new home. Your representative will take you to a "one-stop-shopping" chain store, such as Target or Wal-Mart. These stores are ideal for purchasing electrical equipment, crockery, pots, pans and other everyday items for your apartment at very reasonable prices.

Department of Motor Vehicles

An international driver's license, obtained in your home country before you leave, will allow you to legally drive in the U.S. for at least 30 days. However, to continue driving in your resident state, you will need a state-issued driver's license.

Your representative will take you to your local Department of Motor Vehicles office where you will apply for a license. Testing requirements differ from state to state, but you may be required to take a written exam and driving test. For the written exam, you can obtain a free booklet from the DMV that covers road signs, rules and driving information-all the material you will need for your written test. License fees vary from state to state-anywhere from $25 to $60.

Purchasing a Car

While a few cities in the United States have reliable public transportation systems, you will likely need a car to get to and from your workplace. Your Passport USA representative will offer guidance and advice to help you find the right car for your needs.

Used cars in America are relatively inexpensive compared to many other countries. Due to the fact that you will probably not be able to obtain credit in the United States right away (even if your credit is well established at home, it does not count in America), you should plan on buying a used vehicle and have the full cash amount for the purchase. Your local representative will take you to a reputable dealer where you can test drive and shop for the right car.

Another option is to buy a car through Passport USA's car purchase partner, International AutoSource. This reputable company is accustomed to working with international clients and can help you find the right car for your needs, while staying within your budget. If you choose this option, you will need to make purchase arrangements for your car a few months before arriving in the United States. Your car will be available at a local area car dealer for you to pick up when you arrive in your new home.

If you prefer, you can rent a car for a few weeks using your overseas credit card. This will allow you time to become familiar with the car-buying process and to find the best deal.