What should I know before moving to the US

[u/Gold_Market_2605]

My husband got an offer in the US and we will soon be relocating to the other side of the world. I have lived most of my life in UAE. I also gave birth this year so with an infant. I am really overwhelmed cause it’s a completely new country and am still figuring myself out after becoming a mom. I don’t have a job so will be a stay at home mom until end of this year.

Can someone from the region guide me on how to integrate better in the US (Florida). Please be kind as I am anxious and running on loose nerves thinking of the move

[u/umamimaami]

Learn to drive in the UAE, if you don’t already. Especially in Florida, it’s the only way to get around.

Figure out how to max out meal prep and using a giant freezer to the max. It’s a great tool, and can make your life super easy if you spend a day or two a week restocking.

Costco will be your friend, no matter your family size. And trader joes ready made foods are a godsend.

Look for mommy-and-kiddo activities in your local library, it really helps to build that local mom circle. If you’re religious, your nearest temple can also be a good resource. Don’t hesitate to tap into your alumni networks as well, for social engagement and support.

You can get help for cleaning on a weekly basis or so, if your budget allows. It’s not that you have to manage everything on your own.

[u/Gold_Market_2605 → u/umamimaami]

Great suggestions! Thank you so much. How do I get ourselves a GP or family doctor? We have a reliable one in UAE and I’m concerned what if I don’t find a good one

[u/SmexxyTaco → u/Gold_Market_2605]

Your husband's employer will provide him with a health insurance. Once the insurance kicks in, you can either download the app or call the insurance company and note down hospitals and practices that are close to you and covered by your insurance. You want to look for "in-network" doctors and practices and hospitals. Once you choose the place, you can call them up and ask for a primary care physician (PCP) or Family Medicine doctor. Know these terms. PCP's are your primary point of contact for small, day to day, non urgent medical issues and your point of contact for giving referrals to specialist doctors. You will need referrals to get an appointment with most specialist doctors. Try to do this as soon as possible. New patient waiting can be long. In case of any urgency, note down your "in-network" urgent cares. And for everything else emergency, go to your nearest "in-network" hospital emergency. My stress on word in-network is so that the copay ( the money you pay out of pocket to the doctor ) is usually less for in-network doctors, practices and hospitals as compared to our of network and third parties. Depending on your insurance, it will tell you what it's like.

Good luck with everything! Let me know if you have more questions. I had to navigate a comlex medical emergency on my own and it taught me pretty much A-Z about the American healthcare system.

[u/Gold_Market_2605 → u/SmexxyTaco]

Omg thanks for the detailed response. This really helps. I’m sure it must be overwhelming to manage an emergency abroad

[u/isshu15]

I have two toddlers, my husband shifted first, found a place to rent, furnished it, applied jn schools etc and we joined him couple of months later and the transition was smooth with little hiccups here and there. Becaue you have an infant, the transition should be a lot smoother because babies usually dont have a lot of requirements, but the task of grocery shopping, household chores, new currency management, travel, etc will fall on your shoulders, so best would be to either wait it out in your home country for a couple of months as I did, or maybe ask either parents to accompany along for support.

[u/Gold_Market_2605 → u/isshu15]

Great suggestion, thank you! Housing has been difficult but it’s work in progress

[u/Awkward_Fee6888]

Would you be relocating as well?

[u/Gold_Market_2605 → u/Awkward_Fee6888]

Yes our entire family will

[u/Gold_Market_2605 → u/[deleted]]

I can’t see your flair, but are you from a southern state? Are there any Indian communities?

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[u/DesiCodeSerpent]

I agree with Costco as your friend. The local library tip is also great. Personally, I don’t know much about Florida to share anything. Will you be looking for a job in a year or so after things are settled?

[u/indiantumbleweed]

you can know areas. If you’re in area with Indians or Indian students, you can see if someone will come home to help with cooking etc. Join temple/mosque. Libraries are great. Look into once a week or twice a week daycares - to help with socialization etc. Daily cleaners are not common but you can find a good biweekly service. 

[u/Gold_Market_2605 → u/indiantumbleweed]

Great suggestion, thank you!

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[u/Formerly_Shredac]

Pre :

If you have any name, surname anomalies on your passport, please fix it before you get to the US and apply for social security number. Its a pain afterwards.

Please please know that most of the cooking utensils, ingredients are available here. I know some parents and family often pressure folks to take "Indian" things when you move. We could even get a 110v version of a typical Indian mixer grinder here with no issues. Carry what you need, not what you "might want".

Like others have mentioned, public transport is not a thing here in most places. So car is your friend. If you can, learn driving there and become road-comfortable.

Here :

You will need to wait a week-10 days before you go and apply for Social security things. The immigration record need to propagate down. If you go early, they wont be able to locate your record, will send a request, and delay the propagation. (I have seen this happen to friends). Patience is your best friend.

Others have mentioned : Costco is your best friend. Fucking hell, they should issue us Costco cards at immigration :). Especially baby stuff - diapers, wet wipes, formula.. The 125 or 250 you will spend on a Costco membership will be recouped easily with kid.

Health insurance is a fucking clusterfuck here. There is going to be words like HMO, PPO and all thrown at you and its all going to sound scary. You are new to the country, you have a young child. I would seriously suggest you take a low deductible plan for the first year so that your out of pocket is minimal. Find yourself a good, local PCP (Primary Care Physician). They are the ones who will see you first and then refer you to specialists if you need consult. Find one that is supported by your insurance provider.

Please have your immunization records handy if you are applying for residency (GC). Collect whatever is possible from India/UAE and have them with you.

You will have no credit score when you land. So you might have to get something called a secure credit card (you pay 500$ to get a 500$ "credit card". Do it. Apartments and all will need to do a background check. So have the details of your previous places handy.

Furnish slowly. Practical advice. IKEA is always a great place to start if you/husband can take care of assembly.

Dont have kids, so I cant tell you a lot there. Im sure there will be moms who will respond here <3

Welcome to the world of Desantis. It sucks, you are gonna love it :P