01-29-2018, 11:25 AM | #243 |
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I really want to visit Des Moines but it's a tight fit into our schedule. We'll see how much we have to play with after we get to Chicago.
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01-29-2018, 11:58 AM | #244 |
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One thing that is often a problem when first arriving, is building your credit. Anything you can do to start that process early will help you in the future.
I don't know how it is for non-Canadians but I was able to open a bank account without an SSN at first. I added it later. Then you'll want to try to get a credit card, If you already have an American Express, they have a really great program called Global Card Transfer where if you've been with them for a while, they will give you a card in the country you are moving to fairly easy. If you have a mailing address (mailbox rental or friends address) you can use, I recommend you trying to do as much as possible beforehand, even making sure you are able to transfer funds so that when you arrive it won't be a problem can come in handy. I had one Canadian bank tell me I couldn't wire money into my US bank account unless I walked into a branch in Canada which was a problem because I was already in Florida. I had to find a bank that allowed me to do wire transfers online or via telephone banking as I wasn't going to be able to fly back to Canada every-time I needed to transfer money. Then the good thing with Amex is once I added my SSN to my card, they started reporting my credit history from when I first got the card, which was a few months before I moved. It took over 1 year for me to get approved for a credit card from a US Bank, so having that credit card (I had 1 more from a Canadian bank that gave me credit based on my Canadian credit history) was extremely handy for me. Expect credit to be a problem opening a new utility account (Electricity, Water/Sewage, etc), post-paid cell phone, internet, tv account, etc. They will all want you to give deposits for them to hold. Hopefully if you are renting and your utilities are included this won't be a problem, but it can be an unexpected hassle if you aren't expecting it. EDIT: In summary, don't under estimate how big a role credit plays in the USA. There was another guy that moved recently didn't have a good experience because he was used to not using credit and relied on cash/debit.
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01-29-2018, 12:34 PM | #245 | |
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I'm a bit anxious about this, but prepared. I do have an Amex card and also a friend who is letting me use her adress which is super helpful. I haven't received my SSN yet, but I am at least going to try to open a bank account on my trip now. If that fails I hope to get along with my Amex and cash. And in a shared apartment so I don't have to open utility accounts and such until I can build my credit score up. Thank you for taking the time to help me, appreciate it! Last edited by Senilsson; 01-29-2018 at 12:39 PM.. |
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01-29-2018, 12:35 PM | #246 |
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If you do end up making it and would like a tour guide let me know.
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01-29-2018, 12:47 PM | #247 |
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01-29-2018, 02:01 PM | #248 | ||
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If you're looking for reasons to say no, that is. If you aren't, then, well, ignore the above and bring lipstick. |
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01-29-2018, 04:17 PM | #249 |
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So all of a sudden wearing eye black and smearing lipstick across my face is weird?
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03-01-2018, 04:00 AM | #250 |
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Hello everybody!
I'm back from the trip and it has been awesome! (Sorry I couldn't make it to Iowa) There were two cities that I liked a lot. Two cities very different from each other, but great in their own way! The first one being Greenville, SC - this place is truly awesome. So clean and tidy, nice people and superb downtown area for it's size. My only issue with the place is that it might be on the small side for a 25 year old, it's definitely more family oriented. Which is fine, but perhaps not for me right now. The other place is Chicago. I know that this city has it's issues and there's no need to discuss them but most places north of the loop is simply put amazing. This city literally has everything. And it's much nicer than I ever expected it to be, both in regard to the cleanliness of the streets to the people. Needless to say that I will start my new life in Illinois! I have a one way plane ticket going to O'Hare in late May this year. |
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03-01-2018, 09:07 AM | #251 | |
YouTube.com/TvTara
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03-01-2018, 02:01 PM | #252 | |
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03-01-2018, 02:17 PM | #253 | |
fuck this field
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BMW family... for now.
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03-01-2018, 08:39 PM | #254 |
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03-01-2018, 08:50 PM | #255 | |
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03-02-2018, 01:37 AM | #256 | ||
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Thank you!
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/d...htmlstory.html |
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03-02-2018, 10:52 AM | #257 |
fight me bro
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03-02-2018, 11:34 AM | #258 |
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In Chicago homicides are down 22%, and shooting incidents have decreased by 28% through the first two months of 2018 compared with the same point last year, according to police department data released yesterday...
Good luck in Murica...you need to buy some American flag pants now. You should be safe wearing those.
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03-02-2018, 03:03 PM | #259 | |
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03-04-2018, 10:34 PM | #261 |
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03-06-2018, 12:15 PM | #262 |
i'm just saying
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03-06-2018, 03:03 PM | #263 |
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Chicago?
Cold as hell for 4-5 months a year, lots of snow. Crime, in some areas, is the highest in the country. Cost of living is not very low. People are OK, again depending on the area. Good thing is, you are not tied down. Try it. If you like it stay. If not, move somewhere else. Welcome to America!
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