Moving to the US from the UK

[ExPatty 502]

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.

A major car dealer in my area, like many across the country, has the "weekly deals" on their website. For years I've simply visited the weekly ad every once in a while and they often post these deals. I'm not sure how the prices of cars in NY compare to TX and it required Tier 1 credit, but it's not like it was a once in a lifetime deal, either. It was 36 months no balloon payment or anything else weird. First car I got in the US was an eight year old econobox I bought with cash for $2300. I did find a place willing to sell me a new car, but at a double digit interest rate, which is egregious. 16 months after I got here I had the credit necessary to buy a $15k car at a low interest rate. It was just getting that one business at first to trust me enough to give me a card, and my credit shot up very quickly.

You don't need phone line for internet unless you get DSL, which most people don't get. Most get internet through their cable tv line, but many of us like me pay for internet through that but do not subscribe to TV. This is very common.

Edited January 8, 2015 by ExPatty

[Wooderz 314]

Two things:

My numbers are similar to Nich-nick's. My bills are a little bit lower since I live alone and my health insurance is only $70 a month since I get it through work.

Also second Nich-Nick that Houston is where you should be for oil. Hiring will be slow right now, but that doesn't mean there aren't jobs out there for experienced people, just not as many as there were last year. I work in the industry at a large oil company's HQ north of Houston. Not Exxon.

Overall Houston is an inexpensive place to live that is frequently ranking as a top city to live. Low cost of living and high wages.

If you decide you do want to look into Houston, you've got a few locals here who I'm sure will be happy to give you more info.

[Niceb 2]

This is a great thread. Congrats on the DV win. I'm in the same boat, and just got approved on Tuesday My husband and I, like you, are going to start applying for jobs/making connections before we move.

I am most interested in the health insurance issue, as I am pregnant. Travel insurance is not going to work for immigrants. Obamacare may take a month or two to get set up. What are the options for insurance coverage during that waiting period? Do insurers have a waiting period after approval?

Edited January 11, 2015 by Niceb

[seanjoe 1]

Thanks April.

Its good to know that there is help out there.

I'm expecting some news this week from the DXS office. so hopefully by the end of the month. I have also started looking at other companies in Houston as well, but yeah, like you say, I'm sticking with Houston for now.

With regards to the health insurance, I'm struggling on my options whilst I'm looking for a job; ie. the first couple of weeks. If I do go for Healthcare.gov, I realise I have only got a few days left?

[yuna628 9,676]

Thanks April.

Its good to know that there is help out there.

I'm expecting some news this week from the DXS office. so hopefully by the end of the month. I have also started looking at other companies in Houston as well, but yeah, like you say, I'm sticking with Houston for now.

With regards to the health insurance, I'm struggling on my options whilst I'm looking for a job; ie. the first couple of weeks. If I do go for Healthcare.gov, I realise I have only got a few days left?

You can enroll in the marketplace once arriving in the US regardless of if you are in the standard enrolment period or not because you have a qualifying life event. Being a new immigrant should be enough.

[seanjoe 1]

Thanks Yuna for the info on the "life qualifying event". In that case, I shall wait till I land and have a temporary address.