Moving to the US from the UK

[seanjoe 1]

Thanks once again for all these wonderful posts. Happy New Year to all!!! You are all helping with great info. Some of you say the economy is not good, some say its better, and the variety is great. I am always thinking the worst case scenario so I am prepared for anything. I have lost my contracting job here last month, so for me, things can only get better. I consider this an opportune time in my life and I sure hope that I can meet some of you after crossing the pond.

And what a pleasure to see some MK people as well; I hope to meet you too.

So, it looks good so far; all these posts. I'm so amazed at the electric/gas bills. I was just doing my annual bills and mine comes to about £750-£850 per year on both; which works to about $1300 per year; the UK is really cheap in some ways...

One thing I was reading is a window of 3 months (happening now) for registering for Obamacare? Why is no one mentioning this? Its not like in the UK where only people on benefits get it right? I mean, would I be eligible for it? I mean at least, I am covered from a legal point of view right? I'm not trying to be stingy, but just wanting to know why this is not mentioned? Any ideas?

With regards to TV, I'm not too interested in that; I will have a laptop and probably stream stuff; so am I able to just get cable internet without a landline? Here in MK now, I'm on fibre so getting 30mb/s, what do we get there?

Also, can anyone suggest a mobile tariff which is rich in mainly internet? Like I would need about 5gb per month? Not really into minutes and all: but just in case, is the minutes for each state or easy to get nationally? Also, can anyone advise if you have to pay from your minutes to receive calls on a US mobile? I have heard this and it sound very back dated?

Thanks

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Obamacare. The Affordable Care Act. Don't even get me started. It is not free healthcare. If you are poor, then you may get help with the monthly premiums. I have considered divorcing my husband so he could qualify. It may be peachy for you. We will basically be out over $12,000 every year before my husband's insurance will pay a penny. But if he has a heart attack or gets cancer, then it will be useful.

Yes you can get internet separate.

My husband said cable in our area is about 50mb/s.

Fiber is any speed you want to pay for. It is tiered.

Mobile. Yes you pay for incoming and outgoing calls. Most deals are nationwide plans with unlimited talk and text. Look up providers Verizon, ATT, T-Mobile, Sprint as the major providers. Other off-beat providers run off those networks I think. Data packages are tiered. Want more, then pick a plan with more data. Many, many variables.

Electric $1300 a year. You obviously don't have central air conditioning. Can't speak on the rest of the nation, but it's the way of life where I live. Hot and humid and not particularly beautiful to look at. But extremely friendly my husband says. He loves it here. He is suddenly one of the popular kids...probably because of the British accent . How about you, Owen? Are you finding yourself a super star in TX?

Now if I moved to somewhere with a fab climate like Southern California, maybe I wouldn't need air conditioning so much, but my house would cost 10 times what it did here. Swings and roundabouts. Again, many variables. It's a big nation. Did you know the whole of the UK could fit inside my state?

Economy. My comment on Houston was based on reading how cities fared in the recession of a few years back. Houston was slower to be hit and faster to recover than many major cities. Don't really know the outlook. Ask Owen.

[Owen_London 65]

So, it looks good so far; all these posts. I'm so amazed at the electric/gas bills. I was just doing my annual bills and mine comes to about £750-£850 per year on both; which works to about $1300 per year; the UK is really cheap in some ways...

One thing I was reading is a window of 3 months (happening now) for registering for Obamacare? Why is no one mentioning this? Its not like in the UK where only people on benefits get it right? I mean, would I be eligible for it? I mean at least, I am covered from a legal point of view right? I'm not trying to be stingy, but just wanting to know why this is not mentioned? Any ideas?

With regards to TV, I'm not too interested in that; I will have a laptop and probably stream stuff; so am I able to just get cable internet without a landline? Here in MK now, I'm on fibre so getting 30mb/s, what do we get there?

Also, can anyone suggest a mobile tariff which is rich in mainly internet? Like I would need about 5gb per month? Not really into minutes and all: but just in case, is the minutes for each state or easy to get nationally? Also, can anyone advise if you have to pay from your minutes to receive calls on a US mobile? I have heard this and it sound very back dated?

Thanks

Electric - the big difference is climate. We have a new-build house that is very well insulated, but when it's 100F (38C) outside, your air conditioning will always be active.

Internet - it depends where you live. The big cities can often get high speeds, but it's more expensive than the UK. Outside the big cities, speeds are usually worse.

Mobile phones - this is one area where the US is much more expensive, plus the US mostly uses different frequency bands compared to Europe for data, so using your UK phone is usually a poor option. To explore your options, go to the T-mobile site and see how much it comes to. I recommend T-mobile for this exercise, because their pricing is more transparent. The different companies all charge roughly the same. There are cheaper pay-as-you-go companies, but if you want 5GB/m, I don't imagine this option will be better for you.

My comment about the economy was specifically about the oil and gas industry. Until two months ago, the US economy as a whole was doing OK, maybe not booming, while the oil and gas industry really was booming. Now, the economy as a whole is still doing OK, but the oil industry has seen layoffs, with most likely many more to come. I'm afraid that the same reasons you lost your contracting job last month are also affecting all the contractors doing the same job here. The US may be the land of opportunity, but it is also a land with very little social safety net. You are in difficult catch-22 situation, because you will most likely not be able to even be called for job interviews before you have moved to the US, but if you do move here and still fail to find a job, your situation will be much worse than it would have been in the UK.

[Owen_London 65]

But extremely friendly my husband says. He loves it here. He is suddenly one of the popular kids...probably because of the British accent . How about you, Owen? Are you finding yourself a super star in TX?

My eldest step-daughter claims she hates it, but that's more part of the pre-teen authority battle, and it's OK.

Other than that, yes, many people tell me how much they love my accent: High school kids who have never left Texas tell me they really want to visit London while they pack my groceries; All the admins at work fawn over me. The other staff not so much - there are a lot of Brits in Houston, and a lot of different nationalities in our office; Our Cajun friend who hosted the New Year party we went to last night enjoyed introducing me as Mexican and Bolivian at various stages of the evening.

[yuna628 9,676]

Thanks once again for all these wonderful posts. Happy New Year to all!!! You are all helping with great info. Some of you say the economy is not good, some say its better, and the variety is great. I am always thinking the worst case scenario so I am prepared for anything. I have lost my contracting job here last month, so for me, things can only get better. I consider this an opportune time in my life and I sure hope that I can meet some of you after crossing the pond.

And what a pleasure to see some MK people as well; I hope to meet you too.

So, it looks good so far; all these posts. I'm so amazed at the electric/gas bills. I was just doing my annual bills and mine comes to about £750-£850 per year on both; which works to about $1300 per year; the UK is really cheap in some ways...

One thing I was reading is a window of 3 months (happening now) for registering for Obamacare? Why is no one mentioning this? Its not like in the UK where only people on benefits get it right? I mean, would I be eligible for it? I mean at least, I am covered from a legal point of view right? I'm not trying to be stingy, but just wanting to know why this is not mentioned? Any ideas?

With regards to TV, I'm not too interested in that; I will have a laptop and probably stream stuff; so am I able to just get cable internet without a landline? Here in MK now, I'm on fibre so getting 30mb/s, what do we get there?

Also, can anyone suggest a mobile tariff which is rich in mainly internet? Like I would need about 5gb per month? Not really into minutes and all: but just in case, is the minutes for each state or easy to get nationally? Also, can anyone advise if you have to pay from your minutes to receive calls on a US mobile? I have heard this and it sound very back dated?

Thanks

English heat is not like American heat. Because when you walk outside in the summer and intense heat hits you in the face, with humidity so thick you break out into a sweat by just standing there and you can't breathe -- you want a nice cool place to retreat to and fast. Growing up poor of course, air conditioning was a luxury. We had big fans in every room and had to leave the windows and doors open at night, and often sleep with ice packs. Those were the days... Our air conditioning broke down last year during a stretch of tremendously hot weather and was not fixed for two weeks. It got to about 90F in the upper rooms of the house, even with the ceiling fans running. You can save money in the springtime for sure with windows and fans, making sure you have energy efficient windows and appliances helps too.

Look at Obamacare this way. Every American and new immigrant should know they can google a healthcare provider and purchase a plan on their own without even having to run over to the federal or state exchanges. I mean, they can, maybe there will be a small savings. I think of Obamacare as a glorified search aggregator that pools available plans for your state and offers at a small discount (or in some cases not at all). Now, even during the periods where there is no open enrolment there are things called 'qualifying life' events. That means you can be eligible to enroll past the main period. Gaining an immigration status will be your qualifying event. Either way, and whatever option you choose, you are still going to have to pay for it until it is offered by an employer, or you elect to go without and pay the fine. The cost of a plan here will totally be unique to you and your situation. You can have a plan that has a high deductible and low monthly premium, or a low deductible and a high monthly premium. In either case when visiting a doctor or getting a needed prescription you will still most likely have some kind of co-pay. The co-pay can be anywhere from $20-60 depending on your plan, the type of drug needed, and if it is specialist care.

Internet, well that all depends on what you want. Don't expect to be doing cartwheels over the level of options or service. My fiancé's UK internet is far superior to mine. We just don't have those kinds of speeds. I use DSL at a pathetic 3MB/s unlimited and that varies. Being out in the country, I know some people that don't have access to internet at all. ;-) . This is worked into the phone plan at a fixed rate. I suppose that's about $60 a month. Some companies offer package deals. Yes you can also choose to use cable internet if it is available in your area. This is usually a bit more expensive. I notice these days a lot of people don't use landlines anymore and opt for cellphones. ATT currently runs a $160 per month mobile plan that is pretty much unlimited everything at 30GB shareable (this would be a multi phone deal) but you can also build a custom sort of plan as you can see here. http://www.att.com/att/planner/#fbid=r7Owo6-Oz1B 5GB would run you about $95 per month on a smartphone with contract.

[Pheebs1201 269]

Interesting thread, I will be watching what else people have to say! I'll also be moving from the UK imminently (fingers crossed, as long as my K1 is approved!)

[seanjoe 1]

Right, DV approved and awaiting passport, am so excited, have posted on 2 separate threads on forum.

Now to apply for the job: Can I start applying right now from the UK or just wait till I LAND there? I can give a US address as I have family in NJ, but cannot give a US cell number.

I hope the SSN gets approved soon?

I intend to travel first, and once I get something then ask the mrs and child to come; one person at the embassy said I need to travel with them, the other said as long as I travel in first, they can go separately; I tend to go with the second guy (the american).

So ......Houston????? here I come????

[Owen_London 65]

Right, DV approved and awaiting passport, am so excited, have posted on 2 separate threads on forum.

Now to apply for the job: Can I start applying right now from the UK or just wait till I LAND there? I can give a US address as I have family in NJ, but cannot give a US cell number.

I hope the SSN gets approved soon?

I intend to travel first, and once I get something then ask the mrs and child to come; one person at the embassy said I need to travel with them, the other said as long as I travel in first, they can go separately; I tend to go with the second guy (the american).

So ......Houston????? here I come????

Congratulations!

Your SSN will not be processed until after you enter the US using the visa. You should receive it within three weeks. I tried to point that out earlier in the thread, but perhaps I wasn't clear enough.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnvisa/whatyou_need.htm

As I pointed out earlier in the thread, most people's experience is that you are unlikely to get a job until you are resident in the US. You can try, though, and you can also make contact with recruiters.

Also, I don't want to poop your party, but remember that the oil price has dropped by more than half in the last six months. What is your back-up plan if you are unable to get a job that uses your previous experience? How long can you afford to support yourself in the US without any income?

[seanjoe 1]

Hi Owen,

Thanks for your help on the SSN link.

How long am I in it for?

I'm in it for the long run, I'll do any job to survive. Clean floors, wash cars, wait at restaurants. I'll sofa surf if I have to.

I'm gonna make it work!

Of course I'm prepared to jump industry as I have 2 masters and a bachelor's.

But what the heck right, land up and give it a chance. At least, I'm thankful to you for giving me the bleakest picture.

Any ideas for cheap cars (that don;t stop) and cheap accommodation?

Thanks Owen

[Owen_London 65]

Hi Owen,

Thanks for your help on the SSN link.

How long am I in it for?

I'm in it for the long run, I'll do any job to survive. Clean floors, wash cars, wait at restaurants. I'll sofa surf if I have to.

I'm gonna make it work!

Of course I'm prepared to jump industry as I have 2 masters and a bachelor's.

But what the heck right, land up and give it a chance. At least, I'm thankful to you for giving me the bleakest picture.

Any ideas for cheap cars (that don;t stop) and cheap accommodation?

Thanks Owen

OK, good luck!

I don't really know too much to answer your questions, but I can add a couple of things:

- I don't recommend Carmax for second-hand cars. Their prices prices for recent cars are often more expensive than buying new.

- Cheap accommodation is cheap for a reason. In the big US cities, this can sometimes be because the area is violent and dangerous. Be careful.

[ExPatty 502]

Knowing little about specifics, I can quite confidently say in general your cost of living in the US will be appreciably cheaper than in England. There are exceptions obviously based on where you are/were and where you're going to. I have never lived there as an adult, but I know housing is very expensive, as are other things.

As a case in point, my 4 bedroom house is currently worth about $200k. New York has egregious property taxes, though, so I pay $6k/year on that house in those. My mortgage is under 5% locked in for 30 years and house was bought with $0 down. I bought it new. It is in the suburbs of an area with 1 M people, great schools, and a large yard. Unemployment is approx national average, maybe a smidgen lower. I'd be interested to know if you can think of anywhere in England that has a 4 bedroom house well over 2000 square feet, with a large yard, 20 minute drive to the center of a 1 M population area, very low crime (in immediate area; it's high in the city!), and costs no more than £150,000. The last car I leased cost me not much more than $200 US/month without any money down (midsize sedan). I two new vehicles for under $100/month. I have above average (nationally) gas prices, but currently am paying $.68 USD per liter, which is under 50 P per liter.

Those are the lower costs. Health insurance is tricky. Mine is covered by work, but I do have some co-pays and things. All that junk and deductibles are maybe another $150/month for a family with kids. I pay $50/month for internet. A smart phone with a data plan will cost you between $30-100+. Most people are paying probably $90/month for a single phone with its data plan if they are not doing a pre-buy.

I've made no consideration above to retirement funding, though. Not familiar with how it works in the UK.

Edited January 7, 2015 by ExPatty

[jjbandero 39]

This is a real interesting thread, I'll jump in with a few comments (based on my own experience and the experience of some friends):

• Do not expect it will be easy to transfer your credit history, in my case, I had an American Express card for 5+ years in Australia, but I was told flat out that I could not use the history there, my argument that they are a global company fell on deaf ears, same thing when I tried to carry across my HSBC account. In the end I applied for a department store card (Macy's) 6 months after arrival and was given only $200 limit, after I started using the card, and paying it off, after about another 6 months, I was able to get my first credit card. You can get a secured credit card (basically a debit card, since you have to put the cash in) but you will be able build history, or you can use one of the international banks, I think my friends used Citi to get an "expat" card, they only kept it for a short while since the interest and fees were terrible. Since I was planning for potentially buying a home here, I ended up getting a car loan that I did not need in order to build credit history, I got a small loan with low interest and slowly paid it back, all of the on-time payments were reported to the credit bureaus, and about 3 years later, when I started to look for homes to buy, I was able to get a reasonable interest rate on the mortgage
• Another catch is that when you buy a home with another person, in my case, my husband who had better a better credit score, the lender will always base the interest rate on the lower score, hence my obsession with building my credit
• Car insurance is based on your age, car type, location and other random factors such as marital status - people who are single, under 25, live in a high crime area and driving a decent car will pay the most, my husband and I got a premium reduction simply by proving that we got married. I initially found it difficult to get reasonably priced insurance here, especially since you have no driving history, so I provided proof from my Australian insurer and the state traffic authority (DMV-equivalent) that I have not had any traffic citations or claims and was able to get a discount. I also found a broker who helped me argue that since I am a chartered accountant, that is like the US CPA, and got a discount there - basically, be creative, ask for special treatment, there are a lot of "hidden" discounts and depending on your circumstances, you might be able to get the costs down
• I agree with everyone's points about living in major cities on the East Coast is more expensive real estate-wise and potentially higher taxes e.g. living in New York City means that there is a federal, state and city taxes. I am in LA, which is one of the most expensive places on the West Coast. There are state taxes in California and the final take home pay is dependent on the number of dependents, deductions you can claim (e.g. if you are single with no kids and no mortgage, you won't be able to claim much)
• In terms of job searching, people in the US use LinkedIn quite a lot, I would get requests from recruiters all the time regarding open positions. I suggest you set up a profile and take time to make it a really good one, then start contacting some of the recruiters and see what they can help you with. Recruiters do not charge for their service, they get paid by the employer, so no harm in trying
• Health insurance is too tricky here. I have coverage through work and have never attempted to purchase private insurance as it is typically more expensive and/or have less coverage. Some people I know who find it difficult to afford good health care plans purchase catastrophic coverage, that is something you might wish to consider for the short-term. My insurance is fairly expensive even with subsidization from my employer (>$3000 a year), it covers both myself and my husband (being a non-employee, he is allowed to be on my plan but is subsidized at a much lower rate), but the coverage is decent since it includes things like vision, dental and a bunch of other services
• Phone - you should consider packages offered, if you bundle your phone and internet, usually you will get a discount; the internet speeds are pretty never as they are advertised (not horrendous in my experience), I believe this is because the lack of willingness to invest in infrastructure (granted setting up infrastructure for a country this size is not easy)

Cheers

[ExPatty 502]

"You can get a secured credit card (basically a debit card, since you have to put the cash in) but you will be able build histor"

Good advice. Unfortunately in my case I couldn't even get a $200 secured credit card when I got here. It was very irritating because nobody was able to look at my Canadian credit history. I did finally get the bank of america to do it and they finally gave me a card, but the initial build of credit is very frustrating and annoying, because you'll get treated financially the same as a dead beat who never pays bills. The good news is if you do it right you can build the credit history very quickly. Two years after coming here I went from nothing to buying a house.

[seanjoe 1]

Thanks for the above feedback.

How did you get the $200/month lease car - that sounds like an awesome deal; I know its in NY, but would TX have any similar deals? I would grab that deal any day? Does it come with a 12 month contract or something or is it month to month?

Also, when I talk about internet, is the phone line really required? Is there no such thing as cable in Texas?

With regards to credit history, I intend to use my UK credit card (which has no fees on foreign transactions) so use that and then apply for a "debit" card like you said as a secondary, to build up the credit. I think this would be a good idea?

Initially, I'm just going to sofa surf till I know where I am going to be jobwise, and then start renting for at least 2 years. I made a mistake of jumping into ownership in the UK, won't do that again.

[Owen_London 65]

Cable is everywhere in the big cities. Many people use their cell phone and don't have a landline. This is particularly reliable if you get a cell phone that can make calls over wifi.

Secured credit cards and debit cards are not the same thing, even if they kind of act like it. Your plan sounds reasonable, but you should work on your credit score as much as you can. However, once you have income in the US to rely on, you should be pay

I wouldn't make any definite decision about renting vs buying property until you have a better idea of the property situation where you eventually end up. In Houston, for example, renting is pretty expensive compared to buying. This is due to the number of expats on non-immigrant visas, often with rents paid by their company.