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.