Expat Guide to the USA

Diving into American Culture

Perhaps more than in any other country in the world, American culture is a global mishmash of customs, traditions, languages and beliefs. But the American culture still has unique attributes, and expats will likely find themselves already familiar with American fashions, entertainment, food and traditions.

Mastering Communication in the USA: Language

The USA is a real melting pot of cultures and there is no one official language. However, English is the most commonly spoken language, and is the language used for government and official purposes. Spanish and Chinese are the second and third most spoken languages, respectively.[6]

The American style of communication is generally very direct and honest. While this can come across as rude to some, locals rarely mean any harm, and are usually friendly and open.[7]

[6] https:/www.livescience.com/28945-american-culture.html
[7] http:/www.commisceo-global.com/country-guides/usa-guide

Avoiding Cultural Missteps: American Social Etiquette

Although much of the American cultural norms and etiquette may be familiar to expats, here are a few things to note to help ease the transition and avoid some common social blunders:

Americans value punctuality and find it disrespectful for people to arrive late to an appointment, whether at work or for social occasions.

A firm handshake is the preferred greeting for most Americans, although friends and family may hug or kiss each other.

Direct eye contact is the norm when talking to Americans.

Americans value free speech and healthy debate. But at the same time, political correctness is important and politics and religion are often contentious subjects in the USA, as are race and sexual orientation.

Americans like privacy and personal space so it’s a good idea to keep a respectable distance when in conversation.

Americans don’t have as many customs or taboos when it comes to gift giving as one may find in other cultures. While some companies have policies that discourage their staff from giving or receiving gifts, if invited to an American’s home, it’s a good idea to take a gift such as flowers, wine, chocolates or a small token from one’s home country.[8]

[8] http:/www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_us.htm

Dining in the USA: A Culinary Journey from Coast to Coast

Thanks to its multicultural population, American cuisine is a real mix of flavors from around the world. But there are those foods that expats will recognize as quintessentially American such as hamburgers, hot dogs and the family-favorite, mac and cheese.

A number of distinct styles of cooking have developed over the years. Southern-style cooking, often called American comfort food, is rich in spicy flavors and often deep fried. Good old-fashioned Southern cooking consists of dishes such as fried chicken, corn bread and collard greens. Tex-Mex is another style known for its spicy flavors, thanks to its Spanish and Mexican roots, and includes popular components like burritos, beans and chilli.[9]

Americans like to eat and expats may find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer variety of options and large portion sizes when it comes to food. Fast food is a way of life and there are plenty of restaurants and take-out venues for dining convenience.

[9] https:/www.livescience.com/28945-american-culture.html

Understanding Alcohol Laws and Culture in the USA

Each state has its own laws regarding alcohol, but the legal drinking age in the USA is generally 21. Drinking is part of American culture whether it’s a business meeting over drinks or a social gathering to celebrate a special occasion, but overindulging is frowned upon and consuming alcohol in public is illegal. Alcohol is served in restaurants and beer and wine can normally be purchased at grocery stores, but hard liquor is usually only available at specialty liquor stores.[10]

[10] http:/britishexpats.com/wiki/Alcohol_in_America

Celebrating in Style: Major Holidays in the USA

The USA enjoys a number of annual national holidays to commemorate significant and historic dates and people. Americans are very patriotic and this is widely displayed on national days such as Independence Day and Labor Day, while Thanksgiving and Christmas are traditionally a time when Americans travel to celebrate and be with their family. Although not a national holiday, Halloween, at the end of October, has also become a significant celebration across the country.

New Year’s Day – 1 January
Martin Luther King Day – Third Monday of January
President’s Day – Third Monday of February
Memorial Day – Last Monday of May
Independence Day – 4 July
Labor Day – First Monday of September
Columbus Day – Second Monday of October
Veterans Day – 11 November
Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday of November
Christmas Day – 25 December

Communication and Tech in the USA

Sophisticated technology is part of everyday life in the USA and with an advanced telecommunications infrastructure, expats will find it easy to keep in touch.

Telephone

Telephone services in the USA are provided by private companies, and it’s relatively easy to organize a phone line connection. Customers can choose from a range of different packages which may include unlimited calls for a monthly fee or per-minute billing options.

The USA has fast and reliable mobile telephone networks and the use of traditional landline phones is rapidly giving way to mobile technology. While there are many smaller and regional service providers, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and Sprint are the four largest service providers and expats can choose between various competitive pay-as-you-go and contract deals.[11]

[11] https:/www.immihelp.com/newcomer/telephone.html

Internet

Internet services are widely available and provided by private companies. Many Americans also access the Internet through their smartphones. Service providers vary by region, with some of the biggest including Xfinity, AT&T Internet, Verizon and Starlink.[12]

[12] http:/www.practicalecommerce.com/20-Top-Internet-Service-Providers

Postal Services

The United States Postal Service is responsible for providing postal services in the USA. Expats will find post offices in every town and city; they’re open weekdays and Saturday mornings, with some in large cities operational 24/7. Houses and apartments will have a mailbox which residents can use to both receive and post their mail. Mailboxes are also available at post offices to deposit mail. There are also a range of courier companies that provide fast and efficient services across the USA.[13]

[13] https:/www.immihelp.com/newcomer/postal-mail-services-usa.html

Navigating the USA Job Market

The job market

The American economy is comprised of many different industries that are largely driven by regional location. East Coast cities, such as New York and Boston, are strong financial players, the Midwest heartland lays claim to sectors relating to agriculture and natural resources, and the West Coast metropolises, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, are famous for technology and entertainment.

Over the last few decades, manufacturing has been increasingly outsourced abroad, and although there is now a move to reverse this trend, most work opportunities are in the service sector. The demand for employees in the medical profession is on the increase and there continues to be high demand for skilled professionals in the burgeoning IT sector.[14]

[14] http:/www.expatarrivals.com/the-usa/working-in-the-usa

Decoding the USA Tax System: What Expats Need to Know

Income tax in the USA is complex and it’s advisable to hire a tax planner specializing in expat taxes. Individuals are subject to federal tax at graduated tax rates that vary from 0 to 37% of the individual’s income. In addition, tax payers are also subject to Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes.[15]

The USA has a diverse tax landscape with different states having varying tax rates. Some states, such as California, Hawaii, Oregon, Minnesota, and New Jersey, have the highest taxation rates, including personal income tax. However, there are also states, like Florida, that do not impose a state personal income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax. Despite the absence of personal income tax in Florida, residents are still liable for other taxes such as sales and property taxes, some of which can be quite high.

The determination of tax residency is important as residents are subject to tax on their worldwide income in the same manner as US citizens. Individuals who are not considered residents for tax purposes are classified as “non-resident aliens” and are subject to tax only on income derived from sources within the United States. Non-resident expats may also be exempt from some forms of taxation such as Social Security and Medicare.[16]

[15] https:/www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/federal-income-tax-brackets
[16] https:/www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/determining-alien-tax-status

Retiring in the USA: Opportunities and Challenges

The USA is not typically a retirement destination for expats and there are no special visa options for those seeking to retire there. In fact, many Americans in search of a more affordable cost of living seek retirement opportunities abroad. But there are parts of the country that have become popular for foreign retirees, such as Florida, thanks to its more affordable housing market and warm climate.[17]

[17] https:/www.the-american-dream.com/retire-to-the-usa/

Mastering Business Etiquette in the USA

Business culture and practices vary dramatically across the US, and especially between the East and the West coasts, but there are a number of general traits to American business culture, regardless of where in the country one does business.

Business culture in the USA is incredibly individualistic. An entrepreneurial spirit is celebrated and the working world rewards go-getters, while those who lack independence and self-reliance lag behind. Status and age are largely obsolete, and instead, merit, experience and past achievement are the vehicles for advancement.

Management is somewhat egalitarian, but ultimately big decisions and the responsibility for failure and success fall onto the shoulders of “the boss”. Americans tend to be very direct in the way they communicate and value logical thinking. Those able to express their opinions clearly and in a straightforward manner will find they can command greater respect in American business circles. Much of the USA’s business culture is based on the notion that time is money and expats will find that business associates get annoyed with those who waste time and beat around the bush.

Punctuality is valued in the USA, so expats should ensure they are never late for business meetings. Arriving late to an appointment will be regarded as a sign of disrespect. While business meetings may appear somewhat relaxed at times, they are taken seriously. Business tends to be conducted quite quickly and Americans prefer to keep small talk to a minimum. In the USA, the focus tends to be on reaching an agreement and signing a contract as soon as possible rather than building a relationship.

It’s also common for business to be conducted in a more informal setting outside the office, over lunch or drinks. While it is always best to address business associates formally using their title and surname at an initial meeting, expats are likely to find that American business associates will insist on being called by their first names.[18]

[18] http:/www.expatarrivals.com/the-usa/doing-business-in-the-usa

Transport Options and Tips

Getting Around the USA

From the convenience of driving a personal vehicle to the many forms of affordable public transport, it’s easy to get around. A car may not be a necessity for those living in one of the larger metropolitan areas as they usually have extensive local and regional public transport networks consisting of trains and buses. Expats living in a smaller location are likely to need a car to do anything that isn’t within easy walking distance.

The country’s systems of roads and highways are relatively easy to navigate and gas prices are reasonable. Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Expats who already have a driver’s license from their home country are usually permitted to drive in the USA, as long as their driver’s license remains valid and they do not become a resident of the state they are driving in, in which case they will need to visit the local Department of Motor Vehicles in order to obtain a local licence.[19]

[19] http:/www.expatarrivals.com/the-usa/transport-and-driving-in-the-usa

Managing Finances in the USA

Currency

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents.

Money is available in the following denominations:[21]
Notes: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 USD
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, and 1 USD

[21] https:/www.uscurrency.gov/seven-denominations

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the U.S. varies a lot from city to city. Expats can expect major cities such as New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco to cost roughly the same—and they can be expensive.

Smaller cities and rural areas are much more affordable, but they offer fewer opportunities for employment. If you’re planning to move to a major city, here’s what you can expect to spend on the basic necessities.

According to MyNewPlace, the average one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $2,842 per month and the average two-bedroom apartment is around $3,600 per month. In San Francisco, the average one-bedroom apartment is $3,281 and the average two-bedroom apartment is around $4,431.

Monthly rent in major metro areas is high compared to other cities around the globe. For the same apartment in London, you would pay $2,178. Living in Sydney, Australia will cost you less than $2,000 a month.

These prices don’t include utilities, food, or basic living expenses. On average, you can expect to spend another $1,100 per month for that.

Food prices vary as well.

Lunch for two people at a mid-range restaurant in New York City or San Francisco will cost you $75. There is something for every budget, you just might not be able to live in certain areas if your budget is smaller.

One thing that people love about living in a major city is the ease with which you can get around. In New York City, a monthly transit pass costs $119 and offers unlimited access to subways and buses.

In San Francisco, the same monthly pass costs $73.50. Compared to other cities, this is quite affordable. A monthly pass in London will run you $170 each month.

Where you decide to live will dictate what your cost of living will be. Major cities cost the most, but if you consider moving just a few miles outside the center of a city, you’ll pay much less.

Smaller cities are typically more affordable and you can travel to bigger cities with ease.

For a more affordable cost of living, read our list of the best small cities in the US to immigrate to and consider other cities such as Seattle and Philadelphia. In most of these cities, you’ll be able to find a one-bedroom apartment well under $2,000 per month.

In Seattle and Philadelphia you can expect to spend about $60 for a mid-range lunch for two and under $100 for a monthly transit pass. As with large cities, these cities have excellent transit systems that make it easy to get around. [22]

[22] https://www.internationalcitizens.com/moving-abroad/to/immigrating-to-usa.php#visa-travel-documents

Banking

Banking in the USA is extremely competitive and an array of services and rates can make choosing where to open an account confusing. It’s often easier to maintain an overseas account, open a US-based account at the same bank and transfer money back and forth overseas. It is possible to relocate successfully without opening an American account, and expats on short stays usually choose to use their overseas account.[23]

Generally, to open a bank account in the USA, expats will need their passport, immigration information, Social Security number and proof of address.

[23] http:/www.expatarrivals.com/the-usa/banking-money-and-taxes-in-the-usa