27 Things You Should Know Before Moving to the USA

Anyone who’s considering moving to the United States has a lot to think about – and that’s before you even start packing. Moving to a new country is a huge undertaking, and there are bound to be some things that take you by surprise.

To help you hit the ground running (or at least avoid some common pitfalls), we’ve put together a list of 27 things you should know before moving to the USA.

1. You’ll need a visa – and it’s not always easy to get one.

If you’re not a US citizen or green card holder, you’ll need a visa to enter the country. And while some visas (like the student visa) are relatively easy to obtain, others (like the work visa) can be much more difficult.

2. The cost of living is high – but so are salaries.

compared to many other countries, the cost of living in the US can be quite high. But while your rent and grocery bills might be higher than you’re used to, salaries are generally much higher as well. So, while you may have to tighten your belt a bit, you’ll also be bringing home a lot more money.

3. Patriotism is BIG in the USA.

If you’re not used to being around a lot of patriotism, the United States can be a bit of a culture shock. From the flags flying everywhere to the national anthem being played at sporting events, patriotism is alive and well in America.

4. You’ll need your own health insurance.

Unlike many other countries, the United States does not have a national health care system. That means that unless you have your own health insurance, you’ll be responsible for paying all of your medical bills out of pocket.

5. Guns are a BIG DEAL to Americans.

Whether you’re for or against gun ownership, it’s important to understand that guns are a big deal in America. More than half of all households in the US have at least one gun, and the issue is highly politicized. So, if you’re moving to the US from a country with stricter gun laws, be prepared for a bit of a culture shock.

6. American homes are BIG – but not always well-built.

If you’re used to living in smaller apartments, houses in the US can seem gigantic. And while there are some beautifully built homes out there, many American homes are unfortunately quite poorly constructed. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality home, be prepared to pay a bit more.

7. You’ll need your own car.

Public transportation in the United States is not nearly as developed as it is in other countries. So, unless you’re planning on living in a major city with good public transit, you’ll probably need your own car. And that means getting a driver’s license and insurance.

8. It’s Work, Work and more Work.

The United States is a very work-oriented society, and people are expected to work long hours. So, if you’re used to a more relaxed approach to work, be prepared for a bit of an adjustment.

9. Most Americans don’t speak much English.

While English is the official language of the United States, it’s estimated that only about 20% of the population actually speaks it fluently. So, if you’re moving to the USA from a country where English is not the primary language, you may find yourself feeling a bit isolated.

10. American food can be… interesting.

From strange combinations (like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches) to processed and fast foods, the American diet can be quite different from what you’re used to. But while some of it may seem strange at first, you might be surprised at how much you end up liking it.

12. American TV is Mindless Entertainment.

If you’re used to watching high-quality, thought-provoking television, you may be in for a bit of a shock when you turn on the TV in America. With its endless stream of reality shows and sitcoms, American TV can seem quite mindless.

13. Car Drive on the Right Hand Side of the Road.

If you’re from a country where cars drive on the left side of the road, be prepared for a bit of an adjustment when you start driving in the US. It can be confusing at first, but you’ll get used to it.

14. Education is Important – But Not Always Affordable.

While education is highly valued in the United States, it can be quite expensive. College tuition has been rising steadily for years, and many people end up with a significant amount of student loan debt.

15. There are a Lot of Rules and Regulations.

From fire codes to building regulations, there are a lot of rules and regulations in the United States. This can be frustrating for people used to a more relaxed approach, but it’s just something you’ll have to get used to.

16. Taxes are high in the United States.

If you’re moving to the US from a country with lower taxes, be prepared for a bit of a shock. Taxes in the United States can be quite high, especially if you’re earning a good salary.

17. Americans Still Use the Imperial System.

While most of the world has switched to the metric system, the United States still uses the imperial system for things like measuring distance and temperature. So, if you’re used to using kilometers or Celsius, you’ll need to get used to miles and Fahrenheit.

18. There’s a Lot of Paperwork involved in Moving to the USA.

If you’re not used to dealing with a lot of bureaucracy, be prepared for a bit of a shock when you start the process of moving to the United States. There’s a lot of paperwork involved, and it can be quite confusing.

19. College Sport is HUGE in the United States.

If you’re not into sports, you may find yourself feeling a bit left out in the United States. College sport is huge in the US, and many people are passionate about it.

20. Soccer isn’t Big in the USA.

If you’re a big soccer fan, you may be disappointed to learn that soccer isn’t nearly as popular in the United States as it is in other parts of the world. In fact, American football is by far the most popular sport in the US.

21. Cricket is not Known in the United States.

Like soccer, cricket is not a sport that is widely played or followed in the United States. So, if you’re a cricket fan, you may have to find other ways to get your fix.

22. Thanksgiving Is BIG in the USA.

Thanksgiving is a very important holiday in the United States, and it’s one that is celebrated with a lot of food and family. So, if you’re moving to the US from a country where Thanksgiving is not celebrated, be prepared for a bit of culture shock.

23. American Holidays are Different.

In addition to Thanksgiving, there are a number of other holidays that are celebrated in the United States that may be unfamiliar to you. These include Independence Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day.

24. The Pace of Life is Faster in the USA.

If you’re used to a slower pace of life, you may find that the United States feels quite fast-paced. People here tend to move quickly and multi-task a lot. This can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll get used to it.

25. There is a Lot of Crime in the United States.

Unfortunately, crime is a reality in the United States. While it’s not as bad as it is in some other countries, there are still a lot of areas where crime is a problem. So, be sure to research the area you’ll be living in before you make the move.

26.American Culture is Diverse.

The United States is a very diverse country, and this is reflected in its culture. There are many different ethnic and racial groups represented in the US, and each has its own customs and traditions.

27. You’ll Need Credit to Buy Almost Anything.

If you’re used to living in a cash-based society, you may be surprised to learn that credit is very important in the United States. In order to buy almost anything here, you’ll need to have good credit. So, if you don’t have any credit history, you may need to start building some before you move.

From the above list, it’s evident that there are quite a few things to consider before moving to the United States. But, if you’re prepared for the challenges, you’ll be able to make a successful transition and enjoy all that the US has to offer.