mbhep27

Hi guys,

I'm moving from the UK to North Virginia / Washington D.C., under an O-1 visa, for at least three years, and wanted to see if you have any advice, recommendations or watch outs?

There's so much I still need to do, for example:

• Apply for a social security number
• Find accommodation
• Open a US bank account
• Transfer money from UK to US bank account
• Purchase a mobile phone (and contract)
• Hire a rental car (until I buy a car)
• Get a US driver's license
• Buy a car
• Arrange healthcare insurance through work
• Register with local GP
• Register with local dentist

This list goes on...!

Fortunately, I have a friend that I can stay with until I find my feet. However, I do need to drive for work, as the office is quite far out. I'm hoping I can just get a rental car using an international driving permit (IDP), as a temporary solution; until I get a US drivers license and credit to buy a car. Please tell me if that sounds like a crazy idea?

Appreciate any help you might have here, or more things to add to my list.

Thanks!

lansbury

You can rent a car with your UK driving licence.

Carabonara

Getting a driving license over here was one of my biggest worries, even though I'd been driving in the UK for 6 years. But it was SO easy.

I got my US license about 2 months ago in MD, so it might be a little different than in VA. I needed to do a Drug and Alcohol class, a theory test like in the UK and a road skills test. I did not need to get a learners permit or provisional license or anything like that. I just took the class, took the tests and came out with a full license. I was able to take both tests on the same day. The road test took 10 minutes, if that.

You can drive a rental on a UK license for a limited amount of time, and getting a US license is so easy, there's no point getting an international driving permit.

lansbury

Just a thought in the absence of Pulaski. Go to the International Autosource web site, if there is time before you leave you may be able to order your car before you leave the UK for delivery when you get here.

tom169

For money check transferwise.

For Dr and dentist figure out your insurance details first. Will make financial sense to go "in network". Basically use a Dr the insurance company has deals with.

ottotheboar

Could you give a more exact location as Northern Virginia (NOVA is the usual term) and Washington DC covers a huge area.

Ecto17

We used them and they were great. They also paid for our rental cars whilst we waited for delivery of our new ones. Give them a call and make sure you negotiate with them!

Guindalf

Do not wast money on an IDP. It is totally unnecessary. THe only time you would ever actually need this document is if you are in a country that doesn't recognize English and needs a translated version of your licence.

Depending on the state (you'll need to check with the DMV - try online), you usually have up to 30 days to get your licence and your UK one will suffice until then.

Cell phones can be bought just about anywhere, including Walmart! Pre-paid is probably the way to go these days and you can find unlimited service for as little as around $35+. Which one to get depends on your actual work and home location and the commute as well as anywhere you're likely to visit regularly. Generally, be prepared to give up coverage for price!

penguinsix

You don't 'register with a GP' per say over here. Your insurance will give you a preferred provider network of doctors and dentists and you'll ring one up when sick and go see them if needed. It's not quite as formal as registering in the UK and certainly not something you need to worry about right away.

Getting insurance cover right away is a different matter. You don't want to be without insurance so get that sorted with your company HR as soon as possible.

As for your list, I'd break it into groups.

Fresh off the plane / Day 1 I would:

Apply for an SSN
Hire a rental car (actually I'd do this at the airport as it is cheaper)
Get a prepaid SIM card for your phone (not a full contract--just a prepay for the first month)
Arrange healthcare through work.

Then I'd go house hunting. You see, having an address is rather important for opening a bank account, getting a drivers license, getting a full phone contract, and whatnot. You don't' want to rush those things only to have to redo all the paperwork when you move.

A bit after that, look at buying a car and your medical items.

Amie06

One thing to be aware of is the fact that your credit rating will be zero when you get here in the US, unless you have an Amex card and can get it transferred to a US account, your UK credit rating will not count over here.