How much money should I have saved before moving to the US?

For NYC: $15,000–$25,000 minimum (first/last month rent, broker fee, security deposit, living expenses for 2 months). For Miami or other cities: $10,000–$18,000. This covers housing setup, initial expenses, and a buffer before your first paycheck. If your employer provides relocation assistance ($5K–$15K is common), you can reduce this accordingly.

Can I drive in the US with my foreign license?

Yes, temporarily. Most states accept a foreign driver's license for 30–90 days. After that, you must obtain a state driver's license by passing a written test and road test at the DMV. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended as a supplement but is not a substitute for a state license long-term.

How long does it take to feel settled in the US?

Most expats report feeling functionally settled within 2–4 weeks (bank account, housing, daily routines) and socially settled within 3–6 months (friendships, community, understanding local culture). The US is generally welcoming to newcomers, especially in diverse cities like NYC and Miami. Active participation in social groups dramatically speeds up the integration process.

Should I ship my furniture or buy new in the US?

Buy new in the US in most cases. Shipping a 20ft container costs $3,000–$6,000+ and takes 4–8 weeks. US furniture from IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace is affordable and available immediately. Ship only sentimental items, important documents, and specialty items you can't replace.

What vaccinations do I need for the US?

No vaccinations are required for entry as an adult on a work visa. However, if applying for a Green Card, USCIS requires proof of vaccination against measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, hepatitis B, varicella, influenza, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 (current CDC schedule). Bring your vaccination records — getting re-vaccinated in the US is expensive.

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🇺🇸 United States

Moving Guide

Moving to the US requires careful planning across visas, housing, finances, healthcare, and logistics. This guide covers the practical steps from decision to settling in — including what to do before you leave, your first week in the US, and the critical tasks for your first 90 days..

$5,000–$15,000

Avg. Relocation Cost

International move

4–8 weeks

Shipping Time

Depending on origin

$8,000–$15,000

First Month Costs

NYC, all-in

2–4 weeks

Setup Time

To feel functional

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🗽New York City 🌴Miami

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Key Takeaways

Visa: ensure your visa is stamped in your passport; carry your I-797 approval notice and employment documents
Day 1: Arrive, settle into temporary housing, get a US SIM card or eSIM (T-Mobile, Mint Mobile)
Secure a permanent apartment — sign a 12-month lease and set up utilities
Full container (20ft): $3,000–$6,000+ depending on origin; 4–8 week transit time
Dogs: rabies vaccination required (at least 30 days before entry); health certificate from licensed vet within 10 days of travel

Before You Leave — Preparation Checklist

The months before your US move are critical for documentation, financial preparation, and logistics. Starting early on these tasks prevents costly delays after arrival.

Visa: ensure your visa is stamped in your passport; carry your I-797 approval notice and employment documents
Housing: book corporate housing or Airbnb for the first 1–2 months; start apartment search remotely
Finances: notify your home bank of relocation; set up a Wise or Revolut account for transfers; bring $5,000–$10,000 accessible cash/debit
Insurance: confirm you have health coverage from day 1 — employer plan or temporary international insurance
Documents: bring originals — birth certificate, marriage certificate, university diplomas, professional certifications, immunization records
Driver's license: obtain an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive immediately; apply for state license within 30–90 days
Shipping: international movers (Crown, Allied, UniGroup) take 4–8 weeks; ship only essentials — US furniture and electronics are affordable
Phone: unlock your phone before leaving; buy a US SIM or activate eSIM on arrival

Your First Week in the US

The first week is about establishing your basic infrastructure — bank account, phone, Social Security Number application, and orientation to your new city. Don't try to do everything at once; prioritize these essentials.

Day 1: Arrive, settle into temporary housing, get a US SIM card or eSIM (T-Mobile, Mint Mobile)
Day 2: Open a bank account — Chase, Bank of America, or Citi; bring passport, visa, lease/address proof
Day 3: Visit Social Security Administration (SSA) office to apply for SSN — bring passport, visa, I-94
Day 4: Start apartment hunting in person; visit neighborhoods at different times of day
Day 5: Enroll in employer health insurance; complete all HR onboarding paperwork
Day 6: Set up Venmo, Zelle, and Apple Pay; download essential apps (Uber, DoorDash, Google Maps)
Day 7: Explore your neighborhood, find your nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and laundromat

Your First Month — Getting Settled

The first month is when you transition from tourist to resident. Focus on securing permanent housing, building routines, and starting to build your professional and social network.

Secure a permanent apartment — sign a 12-month lease and set up utilities
Receive your SSN — use it to apply for a secured credit card to start building credit
Register for a state driver's license if you need to drive (DMV appointment)
Set up auto-pay for rent, utilities, and credit card to build payment history
Join Meetup groups, expat communities, and professional networking events
Find your doctor: register with a primary care physician (PCP) through your insurance network
Open a 401(k) or IRA retirement account if your employer offers matching

Shipping & What to Bring

International shipping to the US is expensive — typically $3,000–$8,000 for a full container. Most expats find it more cost-effective to ship only sentimental items and buy furniture, electronics, and household goods in the US, where retail prices are competitive.

Full container (20ft): $3,000–$6,000+ depending on origin; 4–8 week transit time
Shared container / less-than-container (LCL): $1,500–$3,000 for a smaller shipment
Air freight: $5–$10/kg — fast (3–7 days) but expensive; best for essential items only
Electronics: US uses 120V/60Hz — bring universal adapters; most modern laptops/phones work globally
Furniture: IKEA, Wayfair, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace offer affordable US furniture — often cheaper than shipping
Clothing: the US has every brand at competitive prices; bring favorites but don't over-pack
Customs: personal belongings are duty-free for new immigrants; declare everything on CBP Form 6059B
Prohibited items: fresh food, certain plant products, and items varying by state — check CBP.gov before packing

Moving with Pets

Bringing pets to the US is manageable with proper planning. Requirements vary by state and animal type, but dogs and cats are generally straightforward with updated vaccinations and a health certificate.

Dogs: rabies vaccination required (at least 30 days before entry); health certificate from licensed vet within 10 days of travel
Cats: no federal vaccination requirements, but airlines and states may require rabies vaccination
CDC requirements: as of 2024, dogs entering the US must meet updated CDC requirements including proof of rabies vaccination and a CDC Dog Import Form
Airline policies: most major airlines allow small pets in-cabin ($100–$200) or cargo ($200–$500); book early
Pet-friendly housing: many US apartments allow pets with a pet deposit ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$100)
Pet relocation services: companies like PetRelocation or Air Animal handle all logistics — $2,000–$5,000+
Microchip: ISO 15-digit microchip recommended (not required by US but helpful for identification)

FAQs