Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Hi all

My company wishes for me to move to Vegas and I had a few questions.

They will be giving me a pretty low relocation package and I was wondering what is the minimum I should hold out for on that.

My main concern is my credit however, I dont have any in the US. How easy is it to get a car loan/lease in vegas with zero history of credit. Are any banks likely to give me a credit card of any kind? Will I have to pay more to get utility's such as water and gas connected?

Thanks

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Having no credit, you will not a credit card in the US - unless you bank with someone in the UK who will transfer what you already have, or you are with American Express.

You may well have to pay a connection fee to get utilities.

As for driving, I would be more concerned about haveing to take the Nevada State Driving Test, as a foreigner you can only dive on your GB license for a certain period of time, so I'd look in to that. Check out International Autosource with regards to leasing/buying a car - they can help to get a car on credit using your GB credit rating.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

I'm not sure if utilities in NV charge a connection fee (I have never paid one), but you will probably have to pay a security deposit, which will be large enough to cover one month's typical/ estimated usage of water/ electricity, as applicable. Different utilities have different policies, with some returning the deposit after one year, but others holding it longer, or until you leave. I suspect that a lot of it depends on what the state utility regulator allows.

For a car, take a look at International Autosource, and search for the numerous other threads here on the subject. IA will lease or finance a car for new immigrants with no US credit history, but you MUST sign up before you arrive in the US. I used IA, and they are reliable and every bit as good as they seem. :)

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Thanks for the replies

You mentioned that they use the UK credit score. I have not been in the UK very long Ireland before so I dont have much of a UK credit history. Would that be an issue?

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Use your current cards in the US, it is a global world.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

They DON'T use your UK credit score (EDIT: see my post below, I may have misunderstood the point/ question, specifically who "they" are? :unsure: ). A small number of card issuers (Amex, HSBC, possibly Capital One) can often be persuaded to issue a card based on your UK credit history, but generally speaking you UK (and Irish) credit history is worthless in the US.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

I thought IA did use your UK score Pulaski, otherwise how do they know you're credit worthy?

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Sorry, there's been a crossed wire. I thought we were talking about use of someone's UK score generally in the US. I do not know how IA works, or on what basis they approve credit applications. Commonsense says that it would involve your UK credit score, but I do not know that to be the case (it may be, I honestly don't know either way.)

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Off topic I know...just curious...but why Vegas? What's the nature of the business?

The problems of the housing boom and bust, and also the lack of water, had a very detrimental effect there. Kinda horrible place, although the surrounding geography, mountains, Death Valley etc is very different from the UK and you might find that a refreshing change for a while.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

The OP can get a secured credit card, that is what I did in order to build a credit score. After about 10 months my card was turned in to a regular credit card.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Beware the CC company may levy a hefty percentage in charges...also a crap exchange rate.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Not impossible. You will pay through the nose for it. The predatory lenders offering "No credit history, no problem" loans will gladly sign you up.


A secured credit card should not be a problem.


You may be required to pay a security deposit, which is typically returned after a period of paying your bills on time.


Everyone's circumstances are different. Your relocation package should at the very least cover your costs.
If they are unwilling to provide all you need, you could ask they also include the utility and accommodation security deposits, which are loans rather than given to you.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Typical californian response take no notice. They like to trash vegas because of the crazy costs of living in the california cesspool it somehow justifies them I lived in Huntington beach and could not wait to get out. As California takes 10 times more water out of lake mead than vegas then the water shortage is going to effect them a lot sooner than us also we can return used water to the lake and pump out that extra. You can get a mansion with pool for half the cost of california in a much more desirable area. I absolutely love the lifestyle of low taxes and world class hotels, restaurants and entertainment on my doorstep. If california is so great then why has every other car on the strip got a california plate.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

I'd still rather see the sea :D

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Wiki here has good info on building credit, getting cars an relocation packages... Would suggest reading through that and then coming back with any other questions you might have.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Nicer as in sky high taxes, little boxes for homes, cold weather, bad air, overcrowding and traffic jams and crime. For many years the lie has been told that california is the best place to live. That is no longer true unless you are poor or a millionaire. For the middle class it is a very poor standard of living.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

I loved the climate in California. You are pretty much on the nose with everything else. You forgot to mention the abundance of bleeding-heart liberals that call it home :p

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

'World class' doesn't just mean sticking a replica of the Eiffel Tower on top.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

I wouldn't worry about the driving test in Vegas. I did it 2 years ago and it scary how easy it was. I had to do a reverse park between two containers. The gap was so big that I could have parked TWO mini buses between them.

You pay aprox $100 deposit on each utility that they usually keep for a year. The TV/cable is really expensive and they charge a connection fee. I would recommend not automatically getting cable TV. We did and after a month of the worst and most expensive TV ever, we got rid and now just use the internet and netflix, you can also pick up a few free channels with a cheap TV ariel.

I would fight for a good relocation package as it cost us much more than we expected coming over.

I'm living in Vegas at the moment, ask away and I'll try to help.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Thanks for all the replies.

May I ask how much the connection fee was for cable? For my wife if will be a must.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Cox is the only real choice for internet in vegas. $50 per month for 25/5. Directv has the best dvr system for tv at about $90 per month with no premium channels.
A very good forum for Vegas info is

http://www.city-data.com/forum/las-vegas/

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

From what I remember, it cost more depending on how many cable points you had put in. I think asked for 3 cable points and it cost over $300, thats with cox. I do believe as Vegas said that Direct TV is cheaper all round.

I also ment to mention mobile phones, if you go on a contract they ask for a deposit as well. But you can now get non contract with no deposit just pay every month for the same package. Also, when getting a mobile check that the provide works in the area you will be. My husband works just outside Vegas and TMobile doesn't work there. Pay as you go in the US doesn't exist the same as the UK. Don't bother with a Sat Nav as a good mobile will have it on already.

One thing that shocked us when we arrived was the price of second hand cars. Its not like the UK where you can pick up a shed under a grand, that shed here would cost double and have about 175,000 miles on.

We managed for over a year while building up credit, but we did have $5,000 in the bank and payed cash for two cheap cars.

We rent here, will you be renting, as I have a few tips on that as well. Also, I have two kids that are in public school, if you need any info.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Still curious...what type of business and why Vegas particularly for the business?

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Electric and gas you don't need credit but they will request a deposit, in Reno I know if we had not had good credit it was going to be $180 to connect us :)

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

We are looking at Summerlin area of Vegas for one of our retirement homes. Lovely area and I do observe many MANY Californians moving their permanent residences there to escape the taxes. Love that Nevada has no state tax. Always welcome the suckers that come in and plonk their dosh in those guzzling machines as those taxes pay for much of what is needed in the state. Not only that, it is close enough to the coastal area by road or to surrounding states. Loads of friends in Arizona and New Mexico so really a drive away. I am retired now but hubby wants to work another 5 years as he is having fun doing what he is doing. I am heading back to Ayr soon as we are looking at another wee place for my Scotsman that wants a bit of home every now and again.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

I live in Summerlin, close to Sun City area, which is the retirement sub division. Vegas doesn't make enough tax from the casinos, the police force have had to take massive cuts and are now asking for sales tax to rise. The school class sizes are at 40+ and schools are overflowing. Theres not enough money for a new school and NVs voted no to extra schools in the last election. Which won't worry you, but Vegas is not rolling in it. Vegas has no tax to encourage people here, why else would anyone live in the middle of the desert miles from everywhere.

House prices are now on the rise as there is very short supply especially Summerlin. So if you are thinking of buying here do so soon.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Thanks for all the info.

I cant say which company etc I am with at the moment.

Any advise on Renting would be great. We are told that henserson and sunnerlin are the places to look?

Any good sites so I can get an idea of what is out there.

Moving from the UK so would they ask for more of a deposit?

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

You have no credit history, that's why you'll be asked for deposits, on a rental they might want more as it would be easier and safer from to do with someone who has history.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

I live in Summerlin but Henderson is also nice, it really depends where you are working for location. Without saying the company, do you know whereabouts you are working.

You will need a deposit we paid $2000 deposit and a months rent upfront of $1500 for a house. Summerlin is a very good area with a mixture of big houses, middle size houses and apartments. Lots of shops close by. I hate saying this but its a very white middle class area. There are other good areas, not just Summerlin, but its the one everyone knows about.

We pay $1500 for a 3 bedroomed, 2.5 bath detached house, no pool. But Summerlin has community pools. Most the housing in Vegas is in sub divisions, think group of houses surrounded by a wall, some with gates, some with guards. If you are looking at a apartment they are usually in a complex that has gates and have swimming pools on the complex.

The sub divisions with gates are no safer that the ones without (expect the ones with armed guards).

Try and rent a house that has an alarm installed, you usually pay monthly for it to a security company. I don't want to scare you but the peace of mind it gives you when your in a country where EVERYONE is armed, is priceless.

Other areas to consider are if schooling isn't an issue are Desert Shores, Centennial Hills (cheaper area because very far out from centre of Vegas and most things) and Peccole Ranch. I can't comment on Henderson as I don't know it well. North Las Vegas/Nellis area is the place people say not to go to.

I would point out that Vegas does get cold so pools are needed to be heated at least 6/7 months of the year. It is REALLY expensive to heat a pool and not that many houses have them. I would recommend getting a house/apartment in a complex or sub division that has one for owners/renters use only.

Also, renting here you need to contact a realtor that will then show you around rental houses.

Rental contacts are not standard here so be careful what you are signing. If you can look for the following points.

1. Garden upkeep, palm trees are expensive to keep on top of so if you can get a garden upkeep included in the rental.

2. If you have a pool, include the pool man as its usually about $100 a month.

3. Washer/dryer are normally included in the rent. Check who fixes them and other appliances.

4. Aircon is the same, check who pays if broken.

5. Also what the cover is fixing things, eg. anything under $100 to pay we have to cover the costs and they don't fix windows:huh:

I just wanted to point out that in the US the rental agreements are not the same as in the UK and little things can catch you out. Also, your realtor can negotiate for you.

Depending on the time of year you move, rental availability changes. Its always a little harder in Summer, Jun, Jul and Aug

Sites to look at realtor.com, homes.com and rentlasvegashomes.com

Hope this helps a little:)

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Homeiswheretheheart is "A country where everyone is armed" :blink: plus my corporate office is in Vegas and I asked them about the gun situation before and they laughed at me!

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Please adjust your tinfoil hat, I think the paranoia is clouding your judgement :eek:

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

:nod::goodpost:

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

I shouldn't have said everyone, but it was a long post and I was just typing away. But I live in a very white middle class area (so some paranoid US people), my husband works with the US Armed Forces. So lots of NRA stickers here, and shocked expressions from the military people when they find out we don't own guns. My kids having to monthly lock downs at school and practice crocodile crawl on the playing fields it case there's a shooter, doesn't help.

To explain it a little better, would be to say that as in the UK you are not used to TV reports of very regular shooting and general talk about guns. It can shock you. In my estate nearly every house is alarmed and some with armed response. So if you can rent with an alarm it would be a good idea, as you won't be the only house not alarmed in the street and it will help with peace of mind.

Plus the houses in Vegas are build rubbish without strong windows and doors, my 12 year old could kick in our front door and I don't think it would be hard for my 10 year old to kick out the windows, most the houses are the same in Vegas. Thats why I think an alarm is a good idea, even just as a deterrent.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

An armed society is a polite society.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Off Topic a but but I was watching "Sister Wives" and they constructed 4 homes and nice looking within weeks, it does make you wonder about the craftmanship or rather lack of it in Vegas.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Yes they are rubbish, outside the house the pillars around the pouch that are made of polystyrene, covered in cement to look solid:blink:

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

:lol: I will be there in a few days might go take a peek.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

I love Vegas, loved living there, and cried when I left.

The nature of the business the OP is going to has nothing to do with it. Even pole dancers relocate.

What a great opportunity to move to the USA to a great city and area! We had to come to Houston, and it's not for us.

Vegas is an easy town to live in IF you can drop the mindset that it's all the Strip or ignorant Californians messing up the place. The people, the locals, all look out for each other and there are tons of cultural and community-minded things to do.

Don't worry about credit. In Vegas most Americans have rotten credit! But Vegas is forgiving to those new or starting anew. No or little credit score simply means a security deposit on utilities and you get that back of course.

Due to it's economic nature, Vegas is among the last areas of the USA to start recovering. But is is now.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

Hence the "off topic, just curious", statement that I prefaced my question with.

Re: Moving to Vegas and Credit
 

'er bcs you can drive there from Ca if you want? I concur. Las Vegas, truly vile. To the OP, hold out for a better deal, without a very good financial incentive for moving there I really would reconsider your options.