The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/230349
Stuart's Financial Tips for People Moving to the U.S. Get an American Express card well in advance of moving to the U.S. They will recognize your foreign credit history and give you a credit card in the U.S. when other institutions won't. Apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). You will need it for just about everything, including getting electricity connected. Even though you have to provide it to just about everyone, keep it safe. There is a lot of identity theft in the U.S., and it can start with disclosure of your SSN. Open a bank account ASAP. If you come from a place that no longer uses checks, it will seem bizarre getting a checking account, but get one anyway. There are things that are easier to pay by check. Bring a copy of your police driving record with you. You will need it if you want to sign up for Zipcar, which has cars rentable by the hour. Very handy! Credit history is important for a lot of things. The easiest way to get a good credit rating is to get a store card (e.g., Macy's). Buy a small amount of stuff with it, and pay it off a little at a time. Do not pay the whole amount; they want to see that you can pay off long-term debts. It might seem silly, but that's how it works. Sean: Be very clear why you are moving and what benefits it will bring you. Take the time to make the necessary mental preparation. Your life and lifestyle will never be the same, and you will feel like a fish out of water for years — especially if the culture is very different from what you know. Being homesick is very real for many people. Seek out expatriates, but don't immerse yourself so deeply in the expatriate community that you never integrate into your new society. This is especially important if you have children who must integrate. Embrace your accent. It becomes a wonderful talking point when you meet new people you carry a natural ice breaker into — every new conversation. More broadly, embrace your difference and the perspective you bring. However, be respectful of your new society. This is crucial if you experience homesickness and start projecting negativity onto the people around you. Phil: Moving halfway around the world is a big job, but it can go smoothly if you are prepared. Using technology to remain in close contact with family and friends can help a great deal. Getting out socially is very important to help assimilate with the locals. Say yes to invitations, no matter what they are. People are very friendly and helpful if they know you are a foreigner. Use this to your advantage. 54 Peer to Peer Try to move during summertime. Arriving in winter when it's well below zero Celsius is not advised, at least not if you come from a warmer climate (although we enjoyed making a snow kangaroo in the front garden). Spread word of your departure and arrival among your friends and professional contacts. Ellen: A big move takes planning and focus, but it's a project like any other, and it can be done! Start the process early on both ends of the move; spread word of your departure and arrival among your friends and professional contacts. You might be pleasantly surprised at the level of support and advice available to you! Allow yourself plenty of slack for culture shock and the adjustment process as you settle in. It will feel strange, and it will be fatiguing in unexpected ways (this is equally true when returning "home").