New to the United States

Scroll down to find information regarding:

• Bank Accounts
• Social Security Number/Card
• Cell Phones
• Mail/Post System
• English Language Assistance
• Healthcare Overview
• Cultural Adjustment
• Other Resources

Bank Accounts

It is typically not necessary to make an appointment to open a bank account; one can usually go to the bank during normal business hours and ask to open an account.  Many banks have extended hours during the week and some are open for some period of time on Saturdays.

Banks usually require at least 2 forms of identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, immigration documentation, etc. and an initial deposit into the account.  A Social Security Number (SSN) is not required to open a bank account.

Many banks and credit unions offer their members a debit card with a major credit card logo. This can be helpful if you do not yet have a credit card in the United States but need one to open utility accounts or begin basic services.

Social Security Number/Card

Academic Services will provide information and instructions to J-1 Exchange Visitors and H-1B employees on how to obtain a Social Security Number/Card on your first day during your initial meeting in Human Resources. Note: J-1s cannot apply for a Social Security Number/Card until after they have had their initial meeting at Salk Human Resources, at which time their SEVIS record will be validated.

Cell Phones

Selecting a phone plan may require some research.  Some newcomers to the U.S. may keep their current phone and insert a SIM card. Others may choose to purchase a new phone here in the U.S. It is also important to consider if a contract plan or a pre-paid plan is right for you. Some examples of cell phone companies in the U.S. are Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, U.S. Cellular and more. Most of these companies offer contract and pre-paid options. Some additional companies that may only offer pre-paid options are Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Cricket, and more.

Suggested questions to ask when speaking with a cell phone company:

• Are pre-paid plans available? Is this a good option for the duration of my stay in the U.S.?
• What are the rates for calls, text messages (SMS), data transfers, and multimedia messages (MMS)?
• Is a deposit required to sign a contract? Will it be returned in full at the end of the contract?
• If I don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN) yet, what are my options? Can I pay a deposit in order to be eligible for a contract?
  Some cell phone companies require a large deposit (up to $400-$500) for customers who don’t have an SSN but who want to sign a contract.
• If there is a contract, is there a penalty or loss of deposit if the plan is terminated early?
• Can I use a phone I already own?
  If you plan to use your own phone, be sure to obtain the code needed to “unlock” your phone for use abroad.
• Does the new plan require a new phone?  Is there a fee or monthly charge for a new phone?
  Some plans in the U.S. offer phones for $0 USD down, but may charge a monthly fee for the duration of the plan.
• Will my phone be compatible with other international networks (GSM or CDMA)?

Mail/Post System

The U.S. Postal Service delivers mail to residences and businesses Monday through Saturday. Mail is not delivered on Sundays or on the holidays posted on the USPS site. Information about current postal rates, post office locations, and USPS services can be found here.

For shipping and tracking packages or documents, some other services are FedEx, UPS, and DHL.

English Language Assistance

The San Diego Community College District offers free classes through its Centers for Education and Technology. The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program offers English classes for non-native speakers of English. There are 7 levels of instruction, ranging from classes to serve those with no English skills to classes for those with advanced skills. The classes are free of charge and classes of all levels are offered in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

The English Language Institute, located within the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), offers several programs to strengthen English language skills.

The UCSD Extension offers a wide range of academic and professional development courses to the public. These English courses are for non-native speakers who need to refine their fluency. Some of these courses are geared toward academic personnel and individuals working in scientific settings. Other courses are designed to improve the language skills of professionals and those in the American workplace.

Healthcare Overview

Please note:  This document is a glossary of common terms related to health insurance in the United States.  It should not be relied upon as advice. 

Most doctors and dentists in the United States require appointments for routine medical and dental care.  Missed appointments may result in a fee.

Health Insurance

Some people are eligible for a group health insurance plan through their employer, while others purchase an individual health insurance policy.   The policy outlines the scope of coverage, fees, and any restrictions.  Carrying your health insurance card and photo ID (such as a driver’s license) on your person is helpful in the event of an emergency.

Dental Insurance

Dental plans often may be purchased separately from a health plan or added on to an existing health plan at an additional cost.  Always ask the dentist what is covered if you have dental insurance.  Sometimes dentists may offer a discount for services if you inform them in advance that you do not have dental insurance.

Temporary Visitors

If you are a temporary visitor to the United States, certain visa categories require that you have health insurance while inside the U.S. If your visa category does not require health insurance, you may still wish to purchase some type of coverage, in case of an unforeseen illness or emergency 

• Purchasing Health Insurance: An internet search with the key words “individual health insurance California”, “short-term health insurance California”, or “visitor health insurance California” may help in finding individual or short-term health insurance plans for visitors.
• Non-U.S. Insurance: If you have purchased health insurance from a non-U.S. company (perhaps travel or business health insurance from your home country), you may have to pay for your doctor or hospital visit and get reimbursed later by the insurance company.  Always get an itemized bill from the doctor/hospital.

Common Insurance Plan Types

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): These plans generally allow choices of doctors and generally do not require referrals.  Confirm with the carrier since that is not always the case.  Many plans distinguish between “in-network” and “out-of-network” and set fees accordingly.
• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): These plans typically require designation of a primary care physician and a visit that doctor first for any medical problem.  Referrals to specialists are made by the primary care physician.
• Indemnity: These plans are “fee-for-service.”  You will be charged fees according to the policy. 
• Point of Service (POS):  These plans are a hybrid of an HMO and PPO.

Types of Healthcare Providers

• Primary Care Physician (PCP) – The primary physician administers basic medical services and coordinates referrals to specialists.  Some plans require that one be designated.
• Specialist – Specialists focus on a particular medical area or group of patients.  Examples include:
  • Pediatrician: Children’s specialist
  • Gynecologist: Women’s reproductive health doctor
  • Ophthalmologist: Eye specialist
  • Dermatologist: Skin specialist
  • Otolaryngologist: Ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist
  • Cardiologist: Heart specialist

Types of Healthcare Facilities

• Medical Offices:  The private office of a healthcare provider, for which an appointment is generally needed.  Care is provided by a particular individual.
• Urgent Care Centers: These facilities may or may not be located in a hospital and are typically used when your for issues that are not serious enough for an emergency room, but which can not wait for a doctor’s appointment. Care is provided by the medical staff on duty.  Urgent Care centers take walk-in clients but not all insurance companies cover the costs. Urgent care coverage varies by insurance plan.
• Emergency Rooms (ER): Emergency medical facilities located in a hospital.  Care is provided by the medical staff on duty.  Emergency services coverage varies by insurance plan.
• Hospitals: Hospitals are comprehensive medical centers that provide emergency and non-emergency services.  Hospital coverage varies by insurance plan.

Payments/charges

• Premium:  Fees paid for medical benefits coverage for the defined period of benefits. Premiums may be paid by employers or employees, or they can be shared by both the plan sponsor and the insured person depending on the plan.
• Deductible: An annual fixed dollar amount that may have to be met before an insurance company will make payments for covered medical services. Deductibles vary by plan.
• Copayment (Copay): A fixed dollar amount due to a healthcare provider or facility at the time a medical service is rendered. Co-pays vary by plan.

Cultural Adjustment

Living in a new country can be difficult for anyone. Most people will face a period of cultural adjustment, often referred to as “culture shock”. This is perfectly normal. For some tips on how to overcome culture shock, please see Adjusting to a New Culture from the U.S. Department of State.

 

Other Resources

Internations.org has specific guides, forums, and resources for individuals moving to the San Diego area, as well as other cities around the world.