Do I need a car in the US?

In NYC, you don't — public transit and walking handle everything. In San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and DC, a car is helpful but not essential. In every other US city — including Miami, LA, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, and Phoenix — a car is effectively required for daily life. Uber/Lyft can substitute short-term but gets expensive as a daily transport mode.

How does tipping work exactly?

At sit-down restaurants: 18–25% of the pre-tax bill (20% is standard). At bars: $1–$2 per drink. For delivery: 15–20%. For rideshare: $2–$5 or 15–20%. For hotel housekeeping: $3–$5/night. At hair salons/spas: 15–20%. Tips are a major portion of service workers' income — the federal minimum wage for tipped workers is only $2.13/hour. Not tipping is considered extremely rude.

Is it safe to walk around US cities at night?

This varies enormously by city and neighborhood. Manhattan, downtown Chicago, and most tourist areas are safe at night. However, even in generally safe cities, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates. Use common sense: stay on well-lit streets, avoid isolated areas late at night, and check local safety information. Apps like Citizen provide real-time safety alerts.

What cell phone plan should I get?

Major carriers: T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon — plans start at $50–$70/month for unlimited data. Budget options: Mint Mobile ($15–$30/month, uses T-Mobile network), Visible ($25–$45/month, uses Verizon). Most plans include unlimited talk, text, and data. Bring an unlocked phone or buy one in the US. eSIM activation is available for most carriers.

How do I get a Social Security Number (SSN)?

If you're on an employment visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1), apply for an SSN at your local Social Security Administration office within 10 days of starting work. Bring your passport, visa, I-94 arrival record, and employment authorization. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. If not eligible for an SSN, apply for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for tax purposes.

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🇺🇸 United States

Daily Life

Daily life in the US offers extraordinary convenience, diversity, and choice — from 24/7 grocery delivery to world-class dining in every cuisine imaginable. Understanding American customs, tipping, transportation, and social norms will help you feel at home faster..

350+

Languages Spoken

Across the US

18–25%

Tipping Standard

Restaurants

16 years

Driving Age

Most states

0–10.25%

Sales Tax

Varies by state/city

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🗽New York City 🌴Miami

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Stores open early: grocery stores 6am–10pm or 24/7; pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) often open until midnight
Driving: primary transport mode for 85%+ of Americans; right-hand traffic; speed limits in mph
Supermarkets: Whole Foods (premium), Trader Joe's (affordable organic), Walmart/Target (budget), Costco (bulk)
Meetup.com: the go-to platform for finding groups based on interests, hobbies, and expat communities
Emergency number: 911 for police, fire, and ambulance — works from any phone, including without a SIM

A Typical Day in the US

American daily life revolves around convenience and efficiency. Grocery delivery, online banking, cashless payments, and app-based services make errands effortless. Cities like NYC offer 24/7 services, while suburban areas follow more traditional schedules. Most Americans drive — only NYC, San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago have truly functional public transit.

Stores open early: grocery stores 6am–10pm or 24/7; pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) often open until midnight
Delivery culture: Instacart (groceries), DoorDash/UberEats (food), Amazon Prime (everything) — same-day delivery standard
Cashless: credit/debit cards and Apple Pay accepted virtually everywhere; carry minimal cash
Meal sizes: American portions are famously large — restaurants often provide enough food for two meals
Social tipping: 18–25% at restaurants, bars, salons, rideshare; see it as mandatory, not optional
Weekend culture: brunch is a major social activity; farmers markets, sports events, and outdoor activities
Work-life rhythm: 9-to-5 office culture is loosening; many professionals work 8am–6pm with flexible hours

Getting Around the US

The United States is a car-dependent country. Outside of NYC and a handful of other cities, owning or leasing a car is essentially required. Interstate highways connect cities, and domestic flights are frequent and affordable for longer distances. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) fills the gap in urban areas.

Driving: primary transport mode for 85%+ of Americans; right-hand traffic; speed limits in mph
Driver's license: required for driving; most states accept international licenses for 30–90 days, then require a state license
Car costs: new car $30K–$50K average; used $15K–$25K; insurance $150–$300/month; gas $3.50–$5/gallon
NYC subway: only true 24/7 mass transit system in the US; $2.90/ride or $132/month unlimited
Chicago L, DC Metro, Boston T, SF BART: functional transit systems but don't cover entire metro areas
Domestic flights: frequent and competitive; NYC to Miami from $100–$200 on budget carriers
Amtrak: national rail network — scenic but slow; Northeast Corridor (NYC–DC–Boston) is the only fast service
Uber/Lyft: available in every US city; typical ride $10–$30

Food & Dining Culture

The US offers arguably the most diverse food scene in the world. Every major city has authentic cuisine from every corner of the globe, from Michelin-starred restaurants to legendary street food. Grocery shopping offers overwhelming choice, and meal prep/delivery services have transformed home cooking.

Supermarkets: Whole Foods (premium), Trader Joe's (affordable organic), Walmart/Target (budget), Costco (bulk)
Ethnic grocery stores: H Mart (Korean/Asian), Mercados (Latin), Middle Eastern markets — found in every city
Restaurant tipping: 18–25% is expected; calculate on pre-tax total; mandatory for sit-down service
Happy hour: bars and restaurants offer discounted drinks and food 4–7pm on weekdays — great value
Food trucks: thriving culture in most cities — diverse, affordable, often excellent quality
Meal kits: HelloFresh, Blue Apron — convenient for busy professionals learning American cooking
Dietary options: vegan, gluten-free, organic, keto — the US accommodates every dietary preference

Safety & Practical Tips

The US is generally safe for expats, though safety varies significantly by neighborhood and city. Understanding local dynamics and basic precautions will keep you safe and help you navigate daily life confidently.

Emergency number: 911 for police, fire, and ambulance — works from any phone, including without a SIM
Non-emergency police: 311 in most cities for noise complaints, non-urgent issues
Neighborhood safety varies dramatically — research specific areas before moving
Gun culture: the US has more civilian firearms than any country — understand local laws and norms
Natural disasters: hurricanes (FL, Gulf Coast), earthquakes (CA), tornadoes (Midwest), blizzards (Northeast) — know your area's risks
Identity theft: protect your SSN, use credit monitoring (Credit Karma is free), freeze credit bureaus if needed
Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid are everywhere and offer walk-in vaccinations, prescriptions, and basic healthcare

FAQs