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The United States of America
achieved independence in 1776, and since then it has evolved
from a small agrarian nation into an industrial and agricultural
world leader. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean,
the United States is a land full of cultural diversity and
scenic beauty. It covers an area of more than 9million square
km and has a population of more than 250 million.
The information below is designed to answer any basic questions
you may have regarding your forthcoming move. Remember to
always ask your Removal Company or Consulate for any further
advice you may need.
Most American families
own their own homes, with single-family homes and condominiums
being the most popular. Rented accommodation is also widely
available and housing costs vary from one region to another.
Throughout the U.S.
there are various forms of travel options available. The country
has a multitude of inner roads and interstate highways –
however, air travel has mainly replaced surface transportation
for those individuals travelling long distances in the U.S.
Other forms of transport include: passenger rail service,
buses, trams, subways and of course the All – American
taxi cab.
To gain employment
in the U.S, a foreign national must enter the country with
a temporary employment visa or be a lawful permanent resident
and have a valid ‘Alien registration receipt card’
or ‘Green Card’ as it is more commonly known.
Employees also need to have a social security number, which
is obtainable from Government Offices, with proof of permission
to work.
the U.S Government
collects Federal Income Tax. All income is subject to tax,
which is usually paid through payroll withholding. State and
Social Security taxes are also collected in this way. Virtually
all employees are required to submit a Federal Tax Return
every year. There is no VAT or sales tax in the United States.
Anyone who is
not a U.S National must obtain a visa to enter the U.S, whether
they be a student, on a visit, work, or wish to reside permanently,
visa arrangements must be made before arrival.
Any Embassy or Consulate can provide information on visa issuance.
Required education
in the United States begins at Primary school aged 5 and concludes
in High School at 17 – 18 for most students. Graduating
from High School is not mandatory, but is considered a minimal
educational qualification for securing even the most basic
job.
The electric supply
is 110 – 115 volts at 60 cycles AC and a standard flat
2 pin plug is in general use. Appliances, which are brought
into the U.S, must have transformers (unless they are built
in) and plug adapters. T.V’s will not work unless they
have been designed to the North American transmission system
and Cable T.V requires a cable adapter (if it is not already
built in). Natural gas is available throughout most areas.
Appliances using gas must be adapted to accept the type of
gas available in each region.
7 days a week shopping
is available throughout most of the U.S., with large supermarkets
having extensive opening hours. These are usually supplemented
by smaller ‘convenience’ stores, where the ‘basics’
can be purchased 24 hrs a day.
The United States
uses the decimal system of currency, with 100 cents to each
U.S Dollar. Other monetary denominations are $2, $5, $10,
$20, $50 and $100. Coins include 1cent (penny) 5 cents (nickel)
10 cents (dime) 25 cents (quarter) and 50 cents (half dollar)
In most areas,
all emergency services can be obtained by dialling 911, however
it is strongly advised that you familiarise yourself with
the local numbers for these services.
There is no
free health service available in the U.S. It is strongly recommended
that anyone wishing to enter has their own comprehensive health
cover.
All
goods imported to the U.S.A are subject to customs duty. However,
there are certain concessions, which enable you to import
your personal and household effects with little or no charge.
Your removal company will be able to advise you in more detail
but please see below as a general rule of thumb.
Clothes and accessories, jewellery, toiletries, hunting
and fishing equipment and similar personal items are free
from customs duty, if owned and used by you before coming
to the U.S. However, any jewellery or similar items valued
at $300 or more, and have been imported duty free may not
be sold for 3 years unless duty is paid to a District Director
of Customs before the sale.
You may also import free of charge, furniture, carpets,
linens, clothes and other similar household effects, and any
professional equipment, which has been owned and used abroad,
such as professional books and tools of your trade. Exemptions
to this rule include stage props, costumes and theatrical
scenery.
Goods
prohibited from importation include: Lottery tickets, drugs
(except those prescribed), pornography, seditious and treasonable
materials, dangerous toys, toxic and poisonous substances
and products made by convicts and forced labour. It is essential
that you obtain advice regarding prohibition from your removal
company.
All motor
vehicles imported need to conform to the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) emissions standard and the Department of Transportation
(DOT) safety and theft prevention standards. Your Removal
Company and appropriate U.S. Consulate or Embassy will be
able to advise you of guidelines and procedures.
All pets
must be examined at the first port of entry for diseases that
may be passed onto humans. All dogs – except puppies
under 3 months old must be vaccinated against Rabies at least
30 days prior to entry - Contact your U.S Consulate for further
details.
The Embassy of the United States of America
24 Grosvenor Square
London
W1A 1AE
Telephone: 020 7499 9000
The information set out in this guide is
not law, but is our interpretation of various laws and regulations
as they pertain to individuals entering the country. All information
has been checked by us, so that as far as possible, all information
is correct at the time of printing. However the Lawlers Group
cannot accept liability for any inaccuracies in the information
given.
Always check with your local Embassy, High
Commission or Consulate who may provide you with further information
Sept 2002
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