* Social Security Number/Card (SSN)
* US Driving License
* Bank Account
* Credit Card
* Credit Rating / Score
* Electricity in the USA
* Telephone Services
* US Essentials

Social Security Number/Card (SSN)
Your SSN is very important - without it you cannot work in the US. Your SSN is used by the Social Security Administration for recording your earnings, for taxation and for a number of other purposes. It is also used for reference when obtaining services such as health care and is commonly required by private organizations for financial transactions such as opening a bank account or obtaining a loan or lease.

You can apply for your Social Security Number/Card in person or use the online form (SS-5). You need to go to, or mail your documents (originals or certified copies) & form SS-5 to the Social Security office in your city. They will check your visa, passport & documents and issue you a temporary SSN card and mail an original to you (if you mail your documents they will return them to you right away).
~ For complete details and how to apply for your SS Card, click here
~ If you need to 'replace' or 'change the details' on your SS Card, click here
~ To use the 'online' application form (SS-5), click here

US Driving License
It is best to obtain a Driving License as soon as possible. You have to go to your local DMV - Department of Motor vehicle Agency and apply for a driving license. You need to write a written test to obtain a learner permit, after that you have to get an appointment for your road test. Your driving license will be treated as a valid identity card (just like your passport). If you need to Rent a Car - Click Here --- OR --- to Research, Buy or Lease a Car - Click Here

Bank Account
There are two types of bank accounts 1. Checking Account(with NO interest) 2. Savings Account(with Interest).
A checking account does not require any minimum balance. Savings account might have some minimum balance. Once you open the account you will get a Check card/Debit card from your bank. A debit card will deduct the amount of your purchase directly from your savings or checking account.
To find out what you need and how to open an account - Click Here

Credit Card
VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS are the most widely accepted credit cards. If you are new to the USA, obtaining a credit card might take some time because you do not have enough Credit History in US. Some credit unions will not check the history and they will issue a credit card based on your pay slip. (Your Credit History will start building up from the day you start using/paying your credit card. You can choose the credit cards based on their Interest rates, annual fees etc.
To find out all about credit card terms, compare the best ones and apply online - Click Here

Your Credit rating / Score
Your US credit rating only starts when you arrive and is not carried forward from your existing Country. One of the challenges you face when relocating to the United States is the lack of a credit history in the country. It is particularly important that during your first year that your personal bills are paid in full and on time to establish a good credit record.
To find out more information and view your score Click Here

Electricity in the USA
The US domestic electrical supply is 110-120V/60hz and you should only use electrical equipment designed to operate at his voltage and frequency. The electrical system in many countries, particularly most European countries, is 220-240V/50hz, which is NOT compatible with the US supply. If you have electrical equipment designed to be used on a 220-240v supply then you will need to convert them for use in the US. The good news is that power supplies on some modern equipment are capable of automatically adjusting to the correct input voltage and are; therefore, usable in both Europe and the US without modification, you will probably just need to replace the cable or use a cable adapter.

Telephone Service
For a regular wired phone service to your home you will first need to contact a Local Service Provider.

The local service provider supplies the facilities to your home such as cabling, equipment etc. They will also connect local telephone calls. These companies are ILEC's (Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers). Depending on the area and type of home, there may be a choice of other local service providers or CLEC's (Competitive Local Exchange Carriers) offering different rates and services. When you order you local service, the service provider should ask you which long distance provider you would like to use. There are several long distance service providers in the US; those providing service to residential customers are most commonly AT&T, MCI and Sprint. The local service provider will usually include the bill for long distance services with their own bill and you will only need to make one payment. When you decide which service provider to use you can call them up to arrange service. You will need to provide them with some information such as the address and start date for service, additional services you require e.g. Caller ID, and the long distance service provider you wish to use. If you do not have a Social Security Number or credit history they may ask for a deposit

TO CHECK OUT SOME OF THE ESSENTIAL GOODS AND SERVICES YOU WILL NEED IN THE USA Click Here