City Life
Known for its welcoming and embracing culture, the US is home to many, many immigrants, especially in the urban centers of New York, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. From youngsters are born in US to professionals who leave behind their homes to fulfill their realistic( or unrealistic dreams), the US is the desired destination of a huge world populace.
Transportation
The road network in the U.S. is well developed and well maintained. For those who of you who drive, the roads will be a smooth ride and those that don't want to drive or simply can't, in most areas there is a decent public transportation system. In addition, many colleges and universities offer reduced rates to their students for public transportation. The available options for moving around are:
-
Bicycles: Since campuses of universities often cover very large areas, many students find a bicycle an easy, and expensive, way to commute to and from classes.
-
Buses:
Bus services all over the U.S. are reliable, affordable and accessible.
-
Trains and Subways:
These are the most frequent used modes of transportation in urban areas.
-
Taxis:
Taxis are available in most urban areas and at airports and train stations, but can be quite expensive. Always ask how much a ride will cost before you go somewhere.
-
Plane: There are many airlines in the U.S. that offer flights to most locations. Be sure to check the Internet for fares as they tend to be cheaper online.
Money and Banking
The basic unit of exchange in the United States is the dollar ($), which is divided into 100 cents . There are four denominations of commonly used coins: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, and 25 cents. A one-cent coin is a penny; a five-cent coin is a nickel; a ten-cent coin is a dime; and a 25-cent coin is a quarter. U.S. paper money (often called bills: for example, a "one-dollar bill") comes in single-bill denominations of one dollar ($1.00), two dollars ($2.00, but these are rare), five dollars ($5.00), ten dollars ($10.00), twenty dollars ($20.00), fifty dollars ($50.00), and one hundred dollars ($100.00). You will immediately notice that, unlike in most other countries, U.S. bills of are all the same size and all the same color. They are differentiated from each other by the number value and by a portrait of a different U.S. historical figure on each denomination.
Almost all American banks now offer banking privileges 24 hours a day through "Automatic Teller Machines" or ATMs. When you open an account at a bank, you will be issued an ATM card and a personal identification number (PIN). You will be able to use this card in your bank's ATM to access your account and make transactions henceforth.
Food
In regard to the multinational culture in America, the cuisine is also as varied and as multicultural. You will find anything you want to eat in the big cities of America. For those of you who love experimenting with different cuisines, America is the place to be in. In addition, being the huge place that it is, each region of America will have its own distinct regional specialties to whet your appetite. From fast food outlets and coffee shops to formal five-course meals at plush restaurants, Americans are very fond of eating out.
Miscellaneous
Driving: If you have a valid Driver's License from your own country you can drive with that in the US temporarily, but it would be very helpful to get an International Driving Permit from the authorities in your country as it stands as a kind of your verification card. If you are in the U.S. for more than 6 months, you will be required to apply for a U.S. driver's license; you can contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state where you are living for more information. If you want to drive or learn to drive in the US you would be required to apply for a Learner's Permit at one of the DMV offices.
Cellular phones: Cellular phones are widely available in the United States, and most mobile phones purchased in other countries will not work in the United States. If you wish to have a cellular phone, it is best to get one after you arrive.
E-mail: At most U.S. colleges and universities, you will be assigned a free e-mail address. In some cases, Internet services are also free. Generally, U.S. colleges and universities have several computer rooms where you can check your e-mail, use the Internet, or use various software programs .In addition, most campuses these days are wireless so that you can access the Internet from anywhere on campus..
Shopping: Unlike other places where people shop daily, people in the U.S. generally shop over weekends as a leisure activity and that too from supermarkets. You will find that a distinct difference from India will be that the prices at shops will be fixed, there is no bargaining here!
Click for USA - Geography |