Arrival in US -- what to expect, what to do

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Now that many of you that were affected by the retrogression have now received green cards and will be arriving in the US soon, I think that we should now have a thread focusing on that. As well as for all of the others from different countries.

Where to go to purchase initial items that will be needed. What to expect the first weeks of being a new resident in the US, etc. Many of us have are special places to find things.

Then your book was $25 in your area, depends on what the cost is. They do vary between city to city. I bought mine for $30, which was $5 of off the rate in my area as I got it at the hospital. The highest rate is actually $40 per book.

They offer a $5 discount when you purchase it thru a fund-raising organization.

I have been using them sine they were first published and that was many, mant years ago............to many to count.

Later on in the season, you may be able to find one at Sam's Club or Costco for even cheaper.

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Depending on where you will be living, many areas offer what they call Farmer's Markets, where fresh, organic produce is sold. Fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the farm. There are also road stands in many areas where individual farmers sell their own produce.

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SUZANE,

Very good ideea with the tips. Maybe you can tell us something about cars insurance.

Since I moved to Ca , I saw how expensive are thiese, for the new drivers in the US.

Do you know where to get the information which car insurance inexpensive is.

I bought a car last week, and the dealer has called the broker who told me he has the best price : it was high: 250$ broker fee,and 96 dollars monthly. I am wondering what happened if I would by a car by the privat , when there is no broker. How can I drive the car home ( if there is no is no insurance).??

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Click this link and it will give you a $5 Target Gift Card and Free Shipping on 2006 Year Book.

http://www.entertainment.com/save/home?affiliateID=10370081|1240034&orcustom=&linkName=06AFF_TGT&AID=10370081&PID=1240034

These deals will become more sweeter if you can wait for some more time. Last time they were selling this for $10 around February. Its still a great deal for $10, in February even though 4 months would have already 'expired' by then.

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SUZANE,

Very good ideea with the tips. Maybe you can tell us something about cars insurance.

Since I moved to Ca , I saw how expensive are thiese, for the new drivers in the US.

Do you know where to get the information which car insurance inexpensive is.

I bought a car last week, and the dealer has called the broker who told me he has the best price : it was high: 250$ broker fee,and 96 dollars monthly. I am wondering what happened if I would by a car by the privat , when there is no broker. How can I drive the car home ( if there is no is no insurance).??

You must make arrangements for insurance before you drive the car away, whether from the car dealer or from a private individual. You can get what they call a binder that will cover you when you drive it off of the lot.

It is actually against the law to drive the car without any insurance. Cehck with the company that does your home insurance and see what the rates are, they may be cheaper because you will have multiple policies with the same company. Let me know if you need any more help with this.

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I already have signed up for the car insurance for 6 month, because it was cheaper than for 3 month. I didn't know I could make arangements with the insurance company before I buy the car . They told me The broker will have the best price for me. I didn't trust them, but I had no choise. I need a car and I do not know anything about insurance in the US.

I can change it again in 6 month if is not fair. Should I look on the INTERNET about?

Thanks Suzanne for your answer!

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Right now, get situated, there is nothing that you can do for the next few months about it.............

Where in CA are you?

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in california, deductions include social sec,medicare,fed, st tax, st disab insurance, union if u belong to one. so roughly, deductions ranges 31 to 33 percent of your gross income. but you need not worry because u will still have a lot to spend. it is really expensive upon starting because u start anew, u will be purchasing many new necessities but after the first few months to a year, all will be well. another thing is that being new in this country, you wont have a credit history so it is a little more difficult to get credit cards. when starting, applying for gas, public utilities, electricity etc, i had to go to their offices when normally they can do it by phone. so a piece of advice, once you get here, go to dept of motor vehicle, get a ca ID and drivers license if applicable. also prioritize your ss number. everything you fill up in here needs an ss number. welcome to california

Hi Suzanne,

How about taxes in California? Especially in Sta Clara county?

Ray,

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I am in Sacramento, close to you Suzanne! you told me you are living not too far away from here, and have invited me for a caffe... ha , ha..... I love coffee.

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I actually may be moving in the next week or two, further south. Not sure yet.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical.
in california, deductions include social sec,medicare,fed, st tax, st disab insurance, union if u belong to one. so roughly, deductions ranges 31 to 33 percent of your gross income. but you need not worry because u will still have a lot to spend. it is really expensive upon starting because u start anew, u will be purchasing many new necessities but after the first few months to a year, all will be well. another thing is that being new in this country, you wont have a credit history so it is a little more difficult to get credit cards. when starting, applying for gas, public utilities, electricity etc, i had to go to their offices when normally they can do it by phone. so a piece of advice, once you get here, go to dept of motor vehicle, get a ca ID and drivers license if applicable. also prioritize your ss number. everything you fill up in here needs an ss number. welcome to california

Hello Carvanaragon,

Thank you for the info.

Ray

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Suzanne, since you are in Sacramento, how is it like there in regards to car insurance, types of taxes to pay, I will be working in Sutter Medical Centre, i hope you can comment on this, thanks

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