Electricity in USA for Expats

Expat Life - Electrical appliances

The power supply in the US is 110-120v @60hz.

That voltage is half that of the UK so if you are moving to USA from UK your appliances may not work as efficiently as you want them to, if at all.

So when you hairdryer is taking an hour to dry your locks and when your stereo is playing the CD at half speed you may wish that you had ditched those machines at home and just invested in some new ones here!  My sister still insists on bringing her hair dryer and complains every time that it is so slow! I have a spare one here for her, but I guess old habits die hard and she packs her own every time! What a waste of space that should have been filled with Cadburys chocolate, I feel!!

While we are on the subject of hair I feel I should tell you about 'Having a Blow Out'. This is a major thing here and Blow Bars are popping up all over NYC and even in my commuter village! They wash and blow dry your hair so you feel absolutely fabulous as you step out on the town at night! We also have three nail salons in town. Fabulous indeed! Thankfully it costs  half of what it does in the UK so when I feel like a treat I can splurge with less guilt!

Most small appliances are relatively inexpensive and easy to get in the USA - hairdryers, toasters, irons. Target is a huge store with all such equipment and everything else to set up a home, except large furniture items.

Your computer or laptop possibly has a voltage choice - look for a switch on the rear. You'll need a new powercord or charger in the USA. Back up all your data before you move! Just in case!

Also every socket is live and doesn't have an on-off switch to turn it off. If you have kids you should get some toddler covers so they don't stick their fingers in a live socket!

Gift Ideas - When your mother in law is asking what you want for your birthday - remind her that DVDs from UK will not work in a US machine, but CDs will. So ask for music not movies! UK DVDs and videos won't work in the machines bought in the USA. However, UK CDS will work!

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Expats - Credit score

EXPAT LIFE -  Credit Score

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In the United States, your Credit Score here is the all important number leading to more freedom with your finances, better interest rates etc. 

A credit score is a number based on an analysis of a person's credit history, which shows the likelihood that people will pay their bills. Income is generally not considered. 

There are various ways of calculating credit scores. FICO score is the most widely known type of credit score. It is used by many mortgage lenders to decide whether the borrower may default on financial obligations to the mortgage lender. 

For Expats that have just arrived in USA it can seem difficult to get a credit score - whether you need certain types of bank accounts, mortgages or credit cards, you have to be patient to build up a credit history here. 

MORTGAGES

In order to get a mortgage you're going to need a credit score and employment in the USA.  There are a couple of sorts of loans, and you should talk to a mortgage professional about your options: FHA loan - Conventional loan - etc

You may want to use a Mortgage Lender, Mortgage Broker, or a Bank such as a high street bank. We have a Mortgage Lender affiliated with our real estate office who provides great service, and is my first call with any queries: Justin Messing, Eagle Home Mortgage.

RENTING

It is not unusual for Expats to rent before they buy unless they have previously resided in USA and are returning. This gives time to build up credit history. Renting locally usually requires initial payments of 1 month advance rent, 1.5 month security deposit and 1 month agent commission. 

CREDIT BUREAUS 

There are 3 different credit bureaus in US that provide these scores. However don't enquire after your score too often as that act alone can lower your score.  The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. 

Your Credit Score is based on the types of account you have. Loans, cellphones, bank accounts, store cards, credit cards, some utility bills, all count. They will look at your balances, upper limits, how long you've had them and whether you pay them off in full every month. 

MANAGING CREDIT 

On arrival in USA it is important to manage your credit limits to build up a credit score. You need to prove you are reliable and not high risk. One or two pre-paid credit cards or store cards, and a utility bill in your name can start you off. Manage them for a while, show a positive credit history, pay them off monthly. It's important to keep track of your reports.


Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Expats - Know before you go

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued some wise advise for British expats before they move abroad.

Check it all out here :

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/before-you-go/


It basically covers:

1) Research your destination i.e. do your homework!

2) Consider your housing options. Rent Vs Buy

3) Know local laws!

4) Get legal advice. Visas are tricky things.

5) Think about your health and what coverage you need.

6) Consider your finances, living costs, how will pensions be affected?

7) Taxes? Ugh.

8) How will exchange rates affect your standard of living if they change?

9) Tell the right people in UK government you are leaving. Customs, Pensions etc

10) Integrate with the local people. Expats groups are wonderful support, but to really live in a country, you have to get to know the natives.

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

American Beds

Expat Life - Bed sizes

Once upon a time, ten years ago, a lovely English lass moved to America with her English King sized sheets. She ordered a King sized bed on next day delivery and was looking forward to a decent nights sleep far from home, but in familiar bedding.

Would you believe that an American King is bigger than an English King? Ofcourse you would. Everything is super sized over here!!!

So although the English lass was delighted with her oversized sleeping arrangement she had to go out and buy all new bedding for her new bigger bed!

Look here for details: Mattress size dimension chart


Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed

Driving in NJ for Expats

Expat Life - Driving in NJ

Firstly as a friendly reminder to my fellow Brits out there ...KEEP RIGHT! Americans drive on the right side of the road,

Here's some new signs you should know....

STOP - it means stop. Not yield, no rolling stops here. This is not like a UK 'Give Way' sign.

At a 4-way stop sign, you stop and give way to the right if you arrive simultaneously or to whoever arrives first. Ofcourse nobody really knows the rules so proceed with caution.

STOP when a school bus stops ahead of you, whatever side of the road. You may not pass a school bus on any side as the children disembark.

YIELD - Slow right down, look, and proceed with caution. Like a UK 'Give way' sign

NO TURN ON RED - don't turn right on a red light here. In many instances  you can turn right on a red light so long as you stop first. But check that this sign isn't there before you do. Some junctions have time restrictions on when you can or can't turn on a red light.


SPEED restrictions. Keep an eye out for the allowed speed signs. Will be in MILES per hour. Local roads are 25 MPH.

Speed cameras don't really exist, but they will put a police car on some routes. Police in NJ are quite serious. No joking around. Treat them nicely. Don't get out of your vehicle if they stop you. Roll down your window and do as they ask. Ideally keep car insurance and registration papers in glove compartment. Always have your driving license on you.

PEDESTRIANS have the right of way - so stop for them if they are about to cross a road.

LIGHTS ON - In NJ you must have your lights on if its raining, snowy, icy etc. As well as in the dark!

PARKING - Yellow painted curb means no parking. Don't park within 10 ft of a fire hydrant. No parking near a STOP sign either.


If you plan to stay here you need to apply for a US driving license.
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Foreign-Visitors-Driving.shtml
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/



Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed

About Me

Hi! Welcome to my Blog.

My name is Karen Westwood.  

I was born in England and relocated to New Jersey in 2003. 

I am now a US citizen and I love living in Maplewood NJ with my family. 

As an Expat who has lived in NJ for over 10 years, I now work as a licensed Realtor and share my knowledge to assist anyone, from Brooklyn or abroad,  moving to the New Jersey suburbs. Here we are a quick commute 30-35 minute from Manhattan and a 15 minute drive from Newark International Airport. 

TRAILING SPOUSE

In 2001 I became an Expat in America. I was recently married, had finished my business degree and was succeeding in my own career in marketing.  I moved to Miami, Florida to support my husband's career. I speak Spanish so there was a world of opportunity for me to discover.

We were a young couple living on Miami Beach which was fun, but far from reality! I had to start a new life. I volunteered with young professional groups and at a hospital. I soon worked in the HR department, as the hospital sponsored my work visa.  

EXPAT FAMILY

We have two children and moved to New Jersey in 2003. They attend the local public schools. I had previously lived in the mega cities of London and  Miami and now found myself in suburban New Jersey! New York is a short train ride away and the peace and space of my neighborhood with its charming downtown is perfect for us to raise our family.

NEW CAREER

Once upon a time I was a marketing manager for the third largest law firm in the world. I  have also worked in recruitment/HR and as a preschool teacher. I am as happy negotiating a win-win deal with Partners at a boardroom table, as with toddlers over a toy on the classroom rug! I have always had a passion both for helping people settle in to town through our Expat group, and for the beautiful homes locally. Real Estate was the perfect fit for the next chapter.

"Mind the gap!" 
Expat life and relocation has it's challenges. Would I do it all again? Absolutely.