Moving to the US as an Expat: Full Guide (2026)

Q: How much money should I bring to the US?

Plan for 2-3 months of total living expenses in accessible funds. For a single person moving to a mid-cost city, that's roughly $8,000-$15,000. For expensive cities like SF or NYC, budget $15,000-$25,000. This covers security deposit, first month's rent, furniture, transportation, and daily expenses before your first paycheck.

Q: How long does it take to get an SSN?

Typically 2-4 weeks after applying in person at a Social Security Administration office. Some visa categories (like H-1B) allow your employer to initiate the process before you arrive, which can speed things up. You'll receive the card by mail — make sure your mailing address is correct when you apply.

Q: Do I need a car in the US?

In most cities, yes. The US is designed around cars, and outside of NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, DC, and Boston, public transit is limited or unreliable. If you're in a car-dependent city, budget $600-$1,000/month for car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance (based on AAA's annual driving cost estimates). If you're in NYC or SF, you can get by without one. Moving to the US is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. It's exciting, scary, and confusing — often all at the same time. But four years in, I can tell you: it gets easier. The system starts to make sense (well, mostly), you find your people, and eventually the US starts to feel like home. If you're about to make the move or you've just arrived and feeling overwhelmed — hang in there. Every expat has been through it. And if you want to connect with others who understand, join our Asian Expats in the US Facebook group. We share tips, vent about bureaucracy, and celebrate the small wins together. Good luck with your move! Chandler

When I moved from Singapore to the US, I thought I'd researched everything. I hadn't. Not even close.

The first month was a blur of things I didn't expect: needing a credit history to rent an apartment (but needing an address to build credit — classic chicken-and-egg problem), waiting weeks for my SSN while feeling like a ghost in the system, and discovering that "furnished apartment" in the US means something very different from Singapore. (Spoiler: it usually means a couch and a bed frame. Maybe.)

I also didn't expect how big everything would be — the grocery stores, the parking lots, the portion sizes. Or how different tipping culture would feel after years in Asia. Or that I'd need to file taxes in both countries. The learning curve was steep, and honestly, some days were rough.

Moving to the US as an expat requires careful preparation across visa paperwork, temporary housing, banking setup, SSN applications, and understanding cultural differences — most of which need to happen in a specific order during your first 30 days. This guide covers the complete timeline from pre-departure to fully settled.

Over the years, I've written individual guides on relocation tips, moving to California, cost of living, and best cities for expats. This guide consolidates everything into a single, updated resource — the one I wish existed when I was packing my bags.

Before You Arrive: Pre-Move Checklist

Documents to Prepare

Visa documents: Make copies (physical and digital) of your visa approval, I-797, passport, and any employment authorization
SSN application: You can apply at your nearest Social Security Administration office after arriving. Some visa types (like H-1B) allow your employer to apply on your behalf before you arrive
International Driving Permit (IDP): Get this in your home country before you leave. It lets you drive legally in most US states for 30 days to 1 year while you get your US license. Apply through your country's automobile association
Medical records: Bring vaccination records, prescription documentation, and any medical history you might need. US doctors may not accept overseas records easily
Academic transcripts: If you plan to continue education or need credentials verified

Financial Prep

Bring enough cash or accessible funds for 2-3 months of expenses. I cannot stress this enough. You won't have a US bank account on day one, and some things require immediate payment. The security deposit alone can be a shock — I wasn't expecting to hand over two months' rent before I'd even unpacked.

Rough estimates for the first 2-3 months:

Security deposit on apartment: 1-2 months' rent
First month's rent
Furniture and essentials: $1,000-$3,000
Car deposit or transportation costs
Food and daily expenses

Tip: Some international banks (like HSBC and Citibank) let you open a US account before arriving. Check if your home-country bank has a US presence.

Research Your Destination

Housing costs: Check Zillow, Apartments.com, and Redfin for current rental prices
Climate: The US is huge. California and Texas have wildly different weather
Public transit vs car dependency: Only a few cities (NYC, SF, Chicago, DC) have reliable public transit. Most US cities require a car
Community: Search Facebook groups for expats from your country in your destination city

First Week: The Essentials

Get Your SSN

Apply at the Social Security Administration office near you. You'll need your passport, visa, I-94 (arrival record), and work authorization.

Timeline: Typically 2-4 weeks to receive your SSN card by mail. Some employers can start the process before you arrive.

Why it matters: You need an SSN for almost everything — opening bank accounts, getting a phone plan, applying for credit, filing taxes. Until you have one, you'll feel like you're in limbo. I spent those waiting weeks feeling oddly invisible in the system. It passes — but the sooner you apply, the sooner you can actually start setting up your life.

Open a Bank Account

Most major banks will open an account with your passport and a US address (even a temporary one). Recommended for expats:

Chase: Largest branch network, widely accepted, many credit card options later
Bank of America: Similar to Chase, strong presence nationwide
HSBC: If you already bank with HSBC internationally, they can help with account transfers

Tip: Open both a checking and savings account. Move your savings into a high-yield savings account once you're settled — the rate difference is enormous.

Get a US Phone Number

You'll need a US number for bank verification, job applications, and daily life. Options:

Postpaid plans (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon): Better coverage, but may require a credit check or deposit
Prepaid plans (Mint Mobile, Google Fi, Visible): No credit check, available immediately
Google Fi: Works internationally and in the US — useful if you travel back to Asia

Set Up Transportation

Here's a reality check that many Asian expats aren't prepared for: in most US cities, you'll need a car. Coming from Singapore (where public transit is excellent and car ownership costs a fortune), this was a big adjustment. Public transit is reliable only in NYC, SF/Bay Area, Chicago, DC, and Boston.

If you need a car:

Used cars: Check CarMax, Carvana, and AutoTrader
Financing as an expat: Without US credit, you may need a larger down payment (20-30%) or co-signer. Some dealers work with international buyers
Insurance: Get quotes from Progressive, GEICO, and State Farm. Without a US driving record, expect higher premiums for the first 1-2 years

Finding Housing

Renting as an expat with no US credit history is one of the biggest challenges — and one of the most frustrating. You have money, you have a job, but the system doesn't "see" you yet. Here's what actually works (I've tried most of these):

Renting Without Credit History

Pay upfront: Offer to pay several months' rent in advance. Some landlords accept this in lieu of a credit check
Larger security deposit: Offer 2-3 months instead of the standard 1 month
Employer letter: A letter from your employer stating your salary and employment dates can help
Corporate housing: Some employers provide temporary housing for the first 1-3 months. Ask your relocation coordinator
Co-signer service: Services like Insurent act as a guarantor for a fee

Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease

I covered this in detail in my lease questions guide, but the key ones:

What's included in rent? (Water, gas, electricity, internet, parking — varies widely)
What's the lease break penalty? (Usually 1-2 months' rent)
Is renters insurance required? (Often yes — costs $15-$30/month)
When is rent due and what's the late fee?
Can I sublease if I need to relocate?
What's the noise policy? (Important in apartments)
Who handles maintenance and how quickly?
Is the neighborhood safe? (Check CrimeMapping and NeighborhoodScout)

Understanding US Lease Terms

Standard lease: 12 months (some areas offer 6-month or month-to-month at higher rent)
Security deposit: Usually 1 month's rent, refundable at move-out minus damages
Renters insurance: Protects your belongings — required by many landlords
Utilities: Often NOT included — this was a surprise for me coming from Asia where utilities were typically bundled. Budget $100-$300/month for electricity, gas, water, internet

Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

Cost of living varies dramatically by city. Here's a rough comparison based on data from Numbeo and BLS:

City	1BR Rent (City Center)	Groceries (Monthly)	Transit Pass	Overall
San Francisco	$2,800-$3,500	$500-$700	$86	Very High
New York City	$3,500-$5,000	$500-$700	$132	Very High
Los Angeles	$2,200-$3,000	$400-$600	~$72/wk cap	High
Seattle	$2,000-$2,800	$400-$550	$108	High
Austin	$1,200-$1,800	$350-$500	$46.50	Moderate-High
Raleigh-Durham	$1,200-$1,800	$300-$450	Limited	Moderate

Ranges reflect typical variation within each metro area. Actual costs depend on neighborhood, lifestyle, and household size.

For a deeper dive, see my cost of living guide.

Getting Around

US Driver's License

Each state has its own process. Generally:

Study the state driver's handbook (available free online from your state's DMV)
Pass the written test (knowledge test — book an appointment, don't walk in)
Pass the driving test (bring a registered, insured vehicle)
Your international license/IDP: Valid temporarily (30 days to 1 year depending on state)

Tip: Most states require both a written and behind-the-wheel test regardless of your foreign license. A few states may waive the driving test for holders of licenses from specific countries — check your state's DMV website for the latest rules. California, for example, generally requires all new applicants to take both the written knowledge test and a driving test.

Car Insurance Without US History

Without a US driving record, insurance premiums will be higher. To get the best rate:

Get quotes from 3+ companies: Rates vary significantly
Ask about international driving record discounts: Some insurers (Progressive, GEICO) consider your overseas driving history
Consider a higher deductible: Lowers monthly premiums if you're a safe driver
Bundle with renters insurance: Often saves 5-15%

State ID

Even if you don't drive, get a state ID. It's accepted as identification everywhere and is easier to carry than your passport.

Setting Up Your Financial Life

Once you're settled (and you will settle — it took me about 3-4 months to stop feeling like a tourist), start building your financial foundation. This is where the real magic happens:

Build your credit score: This is priority one. See my complete credit building guide
Enroll in healthcare: Understand HSA, FSA, and your plan options. See my healthcare benefits guide
Optimize your savings: Move cash to a HYSA or T-bills. See my savings and investing guide
Start earning rewards: Once your credit is established, see my credit card rewards guide
Enroll your kids in school: If you have children, check out my guide on enrolling in US schools — the system is very different from Asia

Best Cities for Expats (2026)

Based on my experience, community feedback, and conversations with other expats in our Asian Expats in the US Facebook group, here are quick profiles of top expat destinations:

San Francisco / Bay Area

Job market: Strong in tech, biotech, finance
Diversity: Very high — large Asian community
Cost: Very expensive (plan for $3,000+ rent for a 1BR)
Transit: BART and Muni are decent; car helpful outside SF
Climate: Mild year-round, microclimates, little rain in summer
Nearby: Yosemite, Pinnacles, and Joshua Tree national parks are all within driving distance — one of the best perks of living in California. I wrote about living in Foster City specifically if you're looking at the Bay Area

New York City

Job market: Finance, media, tech, healthcare — extremely diverse
Diversity: The most diverse city in the US
Cost: Very expensive (Manhattan and Brooklyn especially)
Transit: Best public transit in the US — you don't need a car
Climate: Four seasons; cold winters, hot summers

Austin, TX

Job market: Growing tech hub (Tesla, Apple, Google offices)
Diversity: Growing, especially in tech community
Cost: Moderate-high, but no state income tax
Transit: Car-dependent
Climate: Hot summers (100F+), mild winters — but close to Utah's incredible national parks for weekend road trips

Seattle, WA

Job market: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing — strong in tech
Diversity: Large Asian community
Cost: High but less than SF/NYC
Transit: Light rail expanding; car helpful
Climate: Rainy and overcast much of the year; mild temperatures

Raleigh-Durham, NC (Research Triangle)

Job market: Tech, biotech, universities (Duke, UNC, NC State)
Diversity: Growing
Cost: Moderate — one of the best value metros
Transit: Car required
Climate: Four seasons, moderate winters, humid summers

For a deeper comparison, see my top cities guide. And for a California-specific perspective, see From Asia to California.

One thing I'll say: wherever you land, make time to explore. The US has some of the most stunning natural landscapes I've ever seen. My family has visited Yellowstone, Zion, Yosemite, and many more — and we've done some epic road trips along the way. It's one of the best parts of living here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should I bring to the US?

Plan for 2-3 months of total living expenses in accessible funds. For a single person moving to a mid-cost city, that's roughly $8,000-$15,000. For expensive cities like SF or NYC, budget $15,000-$25,000. This covers security deposit, first month's rent, furniture, transportation, and daily expenses before your first paycheck.

Can I rent an apartment without a US credit score?

Yes, but it's harder. Strategies that work: offering several months' rent upfront, providing an employer letter confirming salary, using a larger security deposit (2-3 months instead of 1), or using a guarantor service like Insurent. Corporate housing or short-term furnished rentals (Airbnb, Furnished Finder) can bridge the gap while you build credit.

How long does it take to get an SSN?

Typically 2-4 weeks after applying in person at a Social Security Administration office. Some visa categories (like H-1B) allow your employer to initiate the process before you arrive, which can speed things up. You'll receive the card by mail — make sure your mailing address is correct when you apply.

What's the best city for Asian expats?

The San Francisco Bay Area has one of the largest and most established Asian communities in the US, with strong cultural infrastructure (Asian supermarkets, restaurants, community organizations). The New York City metro area is similarly diverse. For lower cost of living with growing Asian communities, consider the Seattle area, Austin, or the Raleigh-Durham region. The "best" city depends on your industry, budget, and lifestyle preferences.

Do I need a car in the US?

In most cities, yes. The US is designed around cars, and outside of NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, DC, and Boston, public transit is limited or unreliable. If you're in a car-dependent city, budget $600-$1,000/month for car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance (based on AAA's annual driving cost estimates). If you're in NYC or SF, you can get by without one.

Moving to the US is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. It's exciting, scary, and confusing — often all at the same time. But four years in, I can tell you: it gets easier. The system starts to make sense (well, mostly), you find your people, and eventually the US starts to feel like home.

If you're about to make the move or you've just arrived and feeling overwhelmed — hang in there. Every expat has been through it. And if you want to connect with others who understand, join our Asian Expats in the US Facebook group. We share tips, vent about bureaucracy, and celebrate the small wins together.

Good luck with your move!

Chandler