Moving to the USA - quickfire tips?

[andrewjohnporter]

Hi all,

My wife and I will be moving to the US soon and I am looking for general help on cutting future expenses. I from the UK but was living in Australia and after time I've got to know a lot of the short cuts to saving on costs and I would like to get a head start before we arrive there.

For example, which comparison websites to use to save on utilities, mortgages and car insurance. What's the cheapest mobile/cellphone company to go with. All the general things that a person from the US would (should) know but but someone from another country wouldn't. In the U.K. there is a website called moneysavingexpert which covers a lot of this stuff, not sure if there's something similar in the US.

We'll be moving to Houston, Texas in case there are certain location specific things.

Thanks in advance everyone.

Andrew

[daverobev]

Long or short term?

Check in with an accountant if you have an ISA; the US may not recognise it and you'll have to pay tax on it. Honestly, depending on what you have (pension aside), it might be simpler selling everything when you move.

You have to file a tax return! Your company doesn't do it all for you.

I'm in Canada, but I have some knowledge of the US (I actually own a couple, soon to be one, rentals in TX).

There is https://www.fatwallet.com/forums for a lot of good stuff.

If you have an Amex, do a Global Transfer. If you don't have an Amex and it'll be 6 months (I think) before you move, get an Amex.

Not sure, but Barclays exist in the US; you may be able to get some kind of jumpstart on credit there. Worth a try, if you have a Barclaycard. Oh, or HSBC - HSBC Premier is good for country hoppers.

Check IP Daley's thread on cell stuff for cheap phone plans. GSM phones will work on some networks (AT&T) but not others (TMobile), I believe. In certain areas, there IS no alternative internet provider. Often no different electricity/gas provider, either.

Remember to drive on the wrong side of the road :)

[Paul der Krake]

In the U.K. there is a website called moneysavingexpert which covers a lot of this stuff, not sure if there's something similar in the US.

Yes. You're currently on it. :)

[haschen]

Hi,

We've moved from Perth to Houston in 2015, so I know exactly what it feels like
 
The biggest frustration in US was to do with credit rating. We were able to get pretty sweet deal on Mortgage (2,75%) and even better deal on car loan (0.9% with 0 down payment) but were refused to get credit card for the first 6 moths, and they even refused us for the cable TV. Not that I miss it, but it was stupid.

First thing to do here is to get secured credit card ( you pay 500$ deposit, and they will give you 500$ credit card, stupid thing, but it will help with establishing credit store)

Another tip about the car - check out premium dealerships. They have special programs for foreigners and will give you much better deal then Toyota etc.
good luck!

[Dicey]

HaaaaaaaaHaHa. You're moving to Texas after navigating successfully through the UK and AUS? You're going to think you've died and gone to heaven. Just wait until you go house hunting and grocery shopping.

[KirstyB]

Um sadly as a Brit living in Texas, while housing is reasonably priced, groceries are far higher than the U.K. Petrol cheap though, so swings and roundabouts. 
Setting up utilities will be expensive as you have no credit history, but once you have a year under your belt, you may get some of the deposits that various companies hold back.
Gas and water provided by only one provider. Electricity you can shop around for (can't remember site but will look and let you know.
 Topcasback.com exists for USA (with similar payouts to U.K. Site).

[Bmayzing]

Gas and water provided by only one provider. Electricity you can shop around for (can't remember site but will look and let you know.
 Topcasback.com exists for USA (with similar payouts to U.K. Site).

This is a pretty good start for electricity hunters.
http://www.powertochoose.org/ 
 

Also, try this website out for activities and events here in Houston. Awesome info!
http://www.houstononthecheap.com/