Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Packing Checklist


The following checklist will help you make sure you haven't missed anything important.

* Money, credit cards, checkbook, traveler's checks, financial records (copy of bank statements and list of account numbers), PIN codes for your bank cards
* Emergency Money (keep US$100 hidden somewhere on your person in the event of an emergency)
* Clothing, including shoes, coats, cold weather clothing, and rain gear
* Official academic transcripts and English translations
* Medical and dental records, including immunization and vaccination records and prescriptions, eyeglasses, insurance records
* Marriage certificate and birth certificates for all family members
* Passport and plane tickets, Forms and Visa
* National and international driver's licenses
* A list of the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of key contacts, both in the US and at home, including the contact information for friends and family who live in the US
* Books, including a dictionary and phrase book
* Business cards


You should bring enough money with you to cover your first month's expenses until you are able to transfer funds from abroad. This will be at least US $1,500, but probably more (look at your budget to be sure).

Make two photocopies of any important document. Leave one copy at home, and bring one copy with you, but keep it separate from the originals. It might be worthwhile to bring several spare sets of passport photographs in case you need to get a new passport or visa.

The following items may seem inconsequential, but you will find them very useful: pen and pad of paper, safety pins, paper clips, sewing kit, extra buttons, nylon cord, first aid kit, alarm clock or watch, calculator, flashlight, spare batteries, plastic bags, and duct tape. Also a small lock for your luggage.

Label your luggage inside and out with your name and your university's name and address. If your luggage is lost in transit, this will help the airline return it to you. Needless to say, critical documents, medines, and other supplies should be carried in your carry-on luggage. Your carry-on bag should also include one change of clothing.

It can be very expensive to transport a lot of belongings. It is better to buy what you need in the US. If you decide to send your belongings separately, your main options are by boat and by air. Shipping items by boat takes longer, but is also about half the cost of sending them by air. Allow 8 weeks for items to arrive by boat, or one or two weeks for items shipped by air.


Adapted from: Edupass

Thursday, May 25, 2006

List of Wireless and Fixed Phone Operators in the USA

"What are the names of all the cell phone and fixed line phone operators in the USA? Including rural and urban operators, as well as head quarter location address, including contact phone numbers. Also, what markets are they working in (cities?), and what technology do their networks use? For example, Cingular uses GSM, GPRS and EDGE technology in New York City."


Google Answers gives the long list.

Best Way to Send Money to the Philippines


There are many ways to send money to our loved ones back home. Here's an article from Google Answers. It provides many options and is very informative.

Prepaid Phone Cards

They come in thousands of different flavors and denominations, available for both domestic and international use. Some focus on a specific country, like the Philippines, while others are more "general purpose." These cards are typically sold by companies that do not own lines and are not carriers - instead, the companies have purchased calling time from a carrier at "wholesale" prices. This means two things: you often get very cheap rates, and you often get very poor service. Connections vary according to what carrier the card vendor did business with.

There are two types of phone cards on the market today: Physical cards and Virtual cards.

Physical cards . A physical card is made of paper, has a slick surface with some pretty artwork on it, and can usually be purchased from a store or gas station or even a vending machine. On the back of the card, toward the bottom, is thin rectangle of film that you can scratch off with your fingernail or a coin. Underneath that film is a unique PIN that allows you to place a phone call. We'll discuss PINs in a moment.

Virtual cards. These types of cards are quickly replacing Physical cards in the marketplace. Remember, when you buy a phone card, the only thing of real value is the PIN. The paper and pretty designs are worthless, and once you've used up your allowed time, you'll throw the physical card in the trash. Well, a PIN is just a number, and the Internet is really good at delivering numbers - they're emailed to you! This means that you can order your "card" on the Internet, then have the PIN emailed to you directly. There's no paper card to scratch or throw away and you don't have to make a trip to the store. Once your PIN arrives in your Inbox, you just write it down (or print it out) and then use the dialing instructions that you'll be sent to place your calls.

Other terms you should understand:

PINs: To use a prepaid calling card, you will normally dial a 1-800 number to get to an automated voice prompt. The voice will tell you to enter your PIN (sometimes referred to as an "authentication code"). PIN is an acronym for "Personal Identification Number." Once you enter your PIN, the automated voice will usually tell you how many minutes or credits you have left on the card, and the voice will usually come back and warn you when you have 1-3 minutes remaining in your current call. The specifics depend on the carrier and the card.

Connection Fees: Some cards charge connection fees, which is a dollar amount subtracted from your card for each call after the first. To offset the connection fee, such cards usually offer more minutes upfront. So if you like long calls of 45 minutes or more, the connection fee is not a burden, and the extra minutes you get with most connection-fee cards will offset the one or two connection fees you may pay. However, if you were to place multiple calls (three or more) with a connection-fee card, and that connection fee were, say, $2.50, you would eat up half of your calling time with connection fees alone. For that reason, if you like short calls, you should stick to a no-connection fee card.

Rounding: Cards are usually "rounded up" to a certain preset level of minutes. For example, if you purchased a card with 3 minute rounding, a 3 minute call would deduct 3 minutes from your card, but a 4 minute or 5 minute call would deduct 6 minutes from your card. This is because the card "counts" by 3's - 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, etc. Some cards use up to 5 minute increments, while a few use as low as 1 minute increments. Obviously, you want to have the lowest number possible.


The Pros:

The absolute cheapest method of calling the Philippines.

Also the cheapest way to call the States from the Philippines.

Travel-ready: take them with you and call from anywhere.

Keeps you on your budget by forcing you to limit your time on the phone.

You can send a card to a loved one in the Philippines for emergency use in contacting you in the States.


The Cons:

Quality varies according to carrier - can be good or bad. Occasional busy signals during peak hours.

If the vendor does not provide virtual or emailed PINs, you have to wait for the card to arrive in the mail to place a call. Note that all my PINs are delivered by email very quickly.

Connection fees can eat up most of a card's available calling time if you make more than two calls per card. For that reason, I recommend you only buy "no connection fee" cards, or cards in $5 denominations, unless you make very long phone calls.

Advertised # of minutes for many cards is almost always inaccurate; for example you may only get 58 minutes out of a card the advertises 70. Why? Because sellers of phone cards, like sellers of everything, advertise "best case" scenarios. The rate most phone card vendors provide is the rate you'd get IF there were no domestic or international taxes, tariffs, or fees. By way of comparison, a furniture or appliance store might advertise a washing machine at $10 a month. This sounds great, but then you have to consider the possibility that you'll be paying 8% interest, that you'll be making dozens of payments over several years, that you'll have to pay taxes and delivery charges, and that you might have to file a rebate claim. Caveat emptor, friend. My general rule of thumb is this: Whatever a phone card's per minute rate is advertised at, multiply that figure by 1.25. For example, if you're told that a phone card provides 10 cents a minute to the Philippines, 10x1.25 = 12.5 cents per minute. This isn't a guarantee, it's just a technique you can use to get a better idea of what a card might REALLY give you as opposed to what the ADVERTISED rate implies.

Vendor service for cards is often very bad, sometimes non-existent; the support number on the back of the card is of dubious value. However, if you have any problems with any SpeedyPin card offered through this site, you can contact me personally, bobukhan@yahoo.com, and I'll work on your behalf to get the problem solved. I'm happy to report that this is almost never required of me. I chose SpeedyPin because of the company's reputation and reliability, which means that problems are very, very rare.

Minutes are often rounded in large increments, like 5 minutes. Be careful. I personally wouldn't recommend a card that rounds higher than 3 minutes.

Saturday night calling is not always successful because of an unusually high volume of calls into the Philippines at that time. Saturday night in the U.S. is Sunday morning in Asia, and thousands of Filipino workers in Hong Kong get Sunday off from work. They use it to call home, jamming the communication lines. Some patience is required; or better yet, call another time.

If the person in the Philippines is using a cell phone, it is very possible that your per minute rate will be much higher than the standard per minute rate.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

Language Problems


Speaking a foreign language in a classroom is one thing, but living in a society where you have to use this language on a daily basis is completely different. Here are some language problems you may encounter while in the United States:

*You might not understand the local accent right away. Regional accents vary greatly in the United States. In a group of people from all corners of the United States, Americans can usually easily pick out who is from Boston, New York, the Midwest, or the South, just by the way they speak. Give yourself time to get used to the local accent, and in time you will probably find yourself speaking in the same way.

*Americans might not understand you right away. You will also have your own accent and you might use a different vocabulary. Try to speak slowly at first to make sure you are understood. Do not be shy to ask others to speak slowly if you have trouble understanding them.

*Americans use a lot of slang and jargon in their speech. Their language is very colorful and full of imagery and it might take some time to completely understand it.

*Humor, wit, and sarcasm are an integral part of American English. Some international students have trouble adapting to this informal style of conversation or understanding whether the person they are speaking with is being serious or not. This, however, should be interpreted as a mark of friendliness rather than a show of disrespect.

*You might not know all of the abbreviations and technical terms used in your study program or workplace. Terms such as "poli sci" for political science, "dorms" for dormitories, or "TA" for teaching assistant, are just a few examples of campus slang you will encounter. The abbreviation is often the first syllable of the word or, if two or more words are together, their initials. If you do not understand a word or an abbreviation, simply ask the meaning.

Give yourself time to adapt to the language and do not hesitate to ask people to repeat what they have said, speak slowly, or explain what they mean. It would be wise to carry a small dictionary with you in case of emergency. Most importantly, do not be afraid to make mistakes. This will all be part of your learning experience.


Adapted from Education USA

If an Emergency Occurs at Home


Although it is not probable, it is possible that while you are in the United States, a medical, financial, or family problem could arise at home, and you will need to decide how to respond to it.

Fortunately, e-mail and the telephone usually make communications with home relatively easy. Consult with your family or friends to find out the seriousness of the problem before you decide too hastily what you should do. Here are a few things to consider in such situations:

Work Issues: If you decide to leave, make sure your career will not suffer.

Financial Issues: First of all, a trip back home might be expensive and could seriously impact your budget, especially if it is during peak seasons. If you need to depart for an extended period, make sure to communicate with your boss to discuss your situation.

Reentry Into the United States: Whenever you leave the country, you should make sure you have the appropriate visa and documents to reenter the United States. If your visa expires while you are gone, if you had a single-entry visa, or if you are away for an extended period, you might need to reapply at your local U.S. embassy for a valid visa.

Family Issues: Sometimes families are reluctant to inform workers living abroad of emergencies at home in order not to burden them. But not knowing fully what is going on at home can be frustrating for an OFW. You and your family should discuss this issue before you leave to define what you will expect from each other during your stay in the United States.

You Are Not Alone: If an emergency situation does arise, you can expect to receive support from your workplace, colleagues, and friends. They are there to listen to you, and they can be helpful as you decide what to do.


Adapted from Education USA

Culture Shock


Culture shock is the process of adjusting to a new country and a new culture, which may be dramatically different from your own. You no longer see the familiar signs and faces of home. Climate, food, and landscapes, as well as people and their ways all seem strange to you. Your English may not be as good as you expected. You may suffer, to an unexpected degree, from the pressures of U.S. academic life and the fast pace of life.

If you feel this way, do not panic. Culture shock is a normal reaction. As you become adjusted to U.S. culture and attitudes and begin to know your way around, you will start to adapt to and understand your new surroundings and way of life.

Filipinos experience culture shock in varying degrees; some hardly notice it at all, while others find it terribly difficult to adapt. There are usually four stages of culture shock that you will experience.

The "Honeymoon" Stage
The first few weeks in your new home will be very exciting. Everything will be new and interesting, and you will likely be so busy getting settled and starting work that you may hardly notice that you miss home.

Irritability and Hostility
As you begin to realize that you are not on vacation and that this is where you live, you might experience anger and hostility. Sometimes you may feel hostile toward Americans and their way of doing things, and even trivial irritations may cause hostility to flare.

Understanding and Adjustment
In time you will come to better understand your new environment and will find, maybe even unconsciously, that you are adjusting to your new home. You will experience less frequent feelings of hostility and irritability.

Integration and Acceptance
Finally, you will find that you have come to feel that, at least on some level, you consider your workplace and your new town, your home. You will have made friends and will feel that your community accepts you just as you have accepted it.

The length and intensity of each stage depends upon the individual, but no one escapes it completely. The important thing to remember is that you are not the only one experiencing these feelings. Many others before you have gone through it, and there are others all around you who are dealing with culture shock. Below are some of the common symptoms of culture shock and some suggestions to help you get over these hurdles.

Homesickness
You miss your homeland, your family, and your friends. You frequently think of home, call or write letters to your family and friends often, and maybe even cry a lot.

It is good to keep in contact with home, but do not let this get in the way of meeting new friends and enjoying your new home. Make an effort to meet new people. You might also want to join a committee, interest group, or sports team on campus or in your city. Find one thing with which you are comfortable — for example, music, food, or an activity — and make this the starting point toward making yourself feel at home in America.

Hostility
Minor irritations make you unusually angry, and you feel life in the United States is the cause of your problem. You feel your expectations have not been met.

It takes time to get used to life in a foreign country and many things need to be relearned. Be patient and ask questions when you feel you do not understand. Maybe your expectations were too high or too low, and you need to readjust your perception of what it means to live and study in the United States. Talk to your fellow Filipino friends and try to find ways around the problems that are angering you.

Dependence
You become dependent on fellow nationals, friends, or your realtives and feel you cannot achieve anything by yourself. You are scared of doing things by yourself without somebody else's help or approval.

It is good to have people you can depend on for the first few days. However, at the same time, you should gradually take on the challenges and "do it yourself." It is all right to make mistakes and to learn from them. You should also try to make various types of friends, not just your fellow nationals, to fully take advantage of your American experience.

Loss of self-confidence
You feel everything you do is wrong, that nobody understands you, that you have trouble making friends. You start to question the way you dress and think because you are afraid not to fit in.

If you feel everything you do is wrong, ask for feedback from someone you can trust, such as a friend. What may be wrong is not how others perceive you, but how you perceive yourself. You should not be worried about the way you look, act, or think. The United States is a very diverse country and Americans are used to people with different looks or ways of behaving. Most important, do not lose your sense of humor.

Values shock
You might find yourself facing situations that are not accepted in your culture and have trouble getting accustomed to them. For example, relationships between men and women, the informality of American life, political or religious attitudes, or the social behavior of Americans may seem amoral or unacceptable to you.

Look for information on the things that surprise you or make you feel uncomfortable, and try to remain flexible, respectful, and open-minded. This can be a great occasion to learn more about topics that might be less popular or taboo in your country. Try to enjoy the new cultural diversity and the various cultural points of view. It might be helpful to talk to someone from the same culture or religion who has been living in the United States for a while to discuss how this person has dealt with values shock.

Other strategies to cope with the stress of culture shock include:

*Make sure you know what to expect before you arrive. Carefully read this guide and other books and magazines on the United States to find out more about American life and customs. It would be a good idea also to read up a bit on U.S. history to find out more about American people, their government, their national heroes, their holidays, and so on. This will help you orient yourself physically and mentally when you arrive in the United States.

*Eat well, sleep well, and take good care of yourself.

*Exercise is a great way to alleviate stress and tension. Join a sports club or pursue some outdoor activities.

*Find some time to walk around your new neighborhood. This might help you develop a sense of home as you find the local stores, parks, activity centers, and so on. Try to carry a small map of the city with you so you will not get needlessly lost very often.

*Keep in touch with family and friends to tell them about your experiences.

*Take some time to relax. Listen to music, read a book not related to your studies, and go to bed early once in a while.

*Do not lose your sense of humor. Laugh at your mistakes rather than getting depressed about them.


Source: Education USA

Jet Lag


Depending upon where you are coming from, one of the first adjustments you will have to face after your arrival in the United States is "jet lag." Jet lag is the physical shock of your body adjusting to a new time zone. Its intensity will depend upon how many time zones you have crossed during your travel to the United States. While your body is adjusting to a new daily rhythm, you may experience headaches, disorientation, sleeplessness, or sleepiness. Many people find that for every hour of time difference, it takes one day to completely overcome the effects of jet lag. However, you may find that you are through the worst of it in about half that time. After this period of adjustment, you should be able to function normally and follow a regular daily schedule.

There are a number of things you can do to help yourself through the transition. Attempt, as much as possible, to follow the normal eating and sleeping patterns of your new time zone. Resist taking naps in the middle of the day since it will make it more difficult to sleep at night and will only serve to prolong your jet lag. Instead, take a walk, exercise, or plan activities with friends during the day when you find you are tired. Exposure to sunlight or other light during the day can also help your body's clock to reset. Because of jet lag, it is recommended that you arrive in the United States at least a few days before the start of work/classes to permit your body to get adapted to a new time zone.


Source: Education USA

Global Data Center

Migration data from around the world - at your fingertips! Check out the site's interactive and expanding database gives you easy access to migration data and generates instant charts along the way.

Please click the header for access to more statistical info.

US Census Data on the Foreign Born

If you need to access the statistics on foreign-borns in the US, here is a site where you can click on a particular state to get the specifics. This is a helpful tool especially if you know which state you are going to live/work, and want to know more about the percentage of foreign-borns in the area.

Here's the site from Migration Information.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Financial Issues To Consider

Before embarking on a new journey to careerdom, prepare your finances. Just because you're going to earn in dollars, it doesn't mean you'll be expense-free on the first day of settling in the US. Here are tips from EducationUSA that can help you.

This article covers the following:
> Budgeting for Your Stay
> Arrangements With Your Bank
> Travel and Settling-In Costs
> Using Traveler's Checks
> Monetary Restrictions

Budgeting for Your Stay
Living Costs: Living costs vary widely and depend on geographic location and individual lifestyles. If you are bringing family members with you, this will, of course, increase your monthly expenses. Living expenses are highest in the large cities, in California, and in the Northeast. Costs can be much lower in the South, the Midwest, and other areas. Be sure to take into account the extra expenses of vacation periods. Vacations are a good time to travel, but there are considerable expenses involved.

Travel Insurance and Health Insurance: You will need travel insurance to cover your trip from home to your work location. You will also need health insurance for the duration of your stay in the United States. Health insurance plans vary in cost.

Baggage Insurance: Baggage insurance protects you against loss, damage, or theft of your baggage. The cost of this insurance is reasonable. It can be purchased at travel agencies and airport kiosks. If a piece of your luggage is lost, file a claim immediately at the airline's desk at the airport. It is a good idea to write down the name of the person who helps you and the work address and telephone number where this person can be reached later. The airline will try to locate the baggage (which may simply have been routed to the wrong destination) and will send it to you at your U.S. address when it is found. If it has not been found after a certain length of time, arrangements will be made to pay you to replace it.

Transportation: Be sure that your annual budget includes expenses for return travel between your home country and your school. If you plan to commute to your workplace, you should add in your commuting expenses.

Communications: Budget carefully for communications, such as telephone calls and postage.

Personal Expenses: Personal expenses include items such as clothing, toiletries, and other basic goods and services. If you have dependents — a spouse and/or children — or if you have special medical needs, substantial additional funds will be needed to meet your living expenses.

Incidentals: Incidental costs can add up quickly and, of course, vary from person to person. Consider your personal needs such as laundry, stationery, photos, dining out, entertainment, and clothing for a climate different than your own.

Recreation and Travel: If you intend to travel, you need to factor in those costs.

Taxes: Make sure you also know whether any income or awards from your home country are taxable.



Arrangements With Your Bank
International exchange rates fluctuate frequently, sometimes daily. Before you travel to the United States, contact a major bank in your home city, preferably a bank with a foreign exchange department, to learn the current exchange rate. Ask the banker to estimate the degree of fluctuation; that is, what did it average in the past year? This will help you to determine more effectively your financial requirements while in the United States. If your bank does not have a foreign exchange department, consider opening an account with a bank that does.

Find out how you can have additional money sent to you while you are in the United States. It is usually safest to have money sent electronically from your home country bank to your U.S. bank once you have opened a U.S. account. Please see "Money Matters" for information on obtaining a U.S. bank account. Ask what the fees will be for transferring money and how long it might take for the money to reach you. If you need fax, telex, or account numbers from your home country bank to request the transfer of funds, bring that information with you.

Sometimes large banks in your home country allow you to purchase foreign currency ahead of time for travel purposes. Ask your travel agent to review your travel plans and advise you on how much money you may require for expenses while you travel. Long-range needs vary with the individual situation and the location, as discussed above.



Travel and Settling-in Costs
Before you leave, you should determine how much money you will require within the first few weeks of your stay in the United States. As you may need several weeks to open a bank account and receive funds from your home country bank, this will be money you will need to carry with you. It is probably safest to carry it in the form of traveler's checks.

You will likely need funds to pay your first semester tuition fees and room and board, if you plan to live in a dormitory. If you plan to live off-campus, you will need money for apartment and, possibly, utility deposits, living expenses while you look for housing, and for transportation.

You may need $800 to $1,000 in traveler's checks to cover other miscellaneous initial expenses and to provide for emergencies until you receive your transfer of funds.

For personal use on your journey and after your arrival in the United States — for taxis, meals, and telephone calls — you should have $100 to $200 in small cash denominations: $20, $10, $5, $1. You can change U.S. paper money into smaller denominations and coins at almost any store. However, small stores and vendors may have difficulty changing bills larger than $20. Do not carry large amounts of cash — it can be lost or stolen. Thieves may view international students as easy victims, because they often do not know or understand the local customs. Be very careful with your cash.

In some cases, you can use your automatic teller card from your home country in U.S. automatic teller machines (ATMs). Inquire with your home bank on the validity of your card in the United States. This could save you the worry of carrying large sums of money in cash or traveler's checks. Note, however, that many banks limit the amount of cash you can take from an ATM on a daily basis.



Using Traveler's Checks
When you travel to the United States, you should carry most of your funds in traveler's checks. If these are not available to you in your home country, buy them at the airport in the United States as soon as you arrive. Traveler's checks provide a safe way to carry money while traveling. They are insured against theft, loss, and damage. With proper identification, you can cash them easily in most places in the United States.

Traveler's checks can also be purchased in most banks. A small fee is added for each check. At the time of purchase you will be asked to sign your name on each traveler's check. Sign each check only once as you are directed. As you cash each check, you will be asked to sign it a second time to verify that you are the person to whom the check was issued. Sign your name "in English" (that is, the way you will be writing your signature in the United States) in the presence of the person to whom you are giving the check.

Be sure you keep a record of your traveler's checks. The bank clerk will give you a form on which to write the numbers of all the checks issued in your name. On this form, alongside each check number, is a space for the date and place you cash the check. Keep this list with you and record data as you use the checks. However, do not keep the list with your traveler's checks. This is for your records, and the information is important in case your checks are lost or stolen and you need to file a claim for reimbursement.



Monetary Restrictions
The U.S. government does not restrict the amount of U.S. currency a nonresident, noncitizen (like yourself) can take or send to the United States for educational expenses. The U.S. government does require, however, that individuals — whether U.S. citizens or not — report the transfer (into or out of the country) of cash or other financial instruments valued at $10,000 or more. Consult with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country for more information about this requirement.

Many countries do have currency exchange restrictions. If your country has such restrictions, you may have to submit certain documents allowing you to take currency out of the country. For more information, contact the government office that issues passports in your home country.

See more detailed information on money matters and banking in the United States.

Understanding Insurance


When you live and work in the US, it is necessary to have health insurance and more. This entry generated from EducationUSA gives a primer on what to learn about insurance.

This entry covers the following:
> Health Insurance
> Health Insurance Plan Exclusions

No one ever intends to have an automobile accident, lose valuable possessions through theft or damage, or become seriously ill, but sometimes through no fault of our own, these things do happen. The list below gives you an idea of what kinds of insurance you should have while in the United States. Ask your international student adviser where you can find out more about the various types of insurance.

Health insurance provides coverage for medical care in the United States. A more detailed look at health insurance, including the types of insurance available, can be found below.

Travel insurance covers you during your journey from your home country to the United States.

Life insurance insures your life. If you should die, benefits are paid to the person you name as your beneficiary.

Personal belongings insurance insures those items you bring to the United States with you against loss, theft, or damage. It is not advisable to bring expensive jewelry or other valuable personal belongings with you to the United States.

Automobile insurance covers your automobile and injuries to persons in the event of an accident. If you are going to have an automobile in the United States, most states require that you carry automobile and liability insurance. If you rent a car, the fee generally includes insurance coverage.

Health Insurance
The United States does not have a government medical plan or health care service that covers the whole population. Instead, most people have private health insurance.

The U.S. Department of State requires students on J-1 exchange visitor visas to have insurance coverage that includes health and accident, medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. The U.S. government has no specific health insurance requirements for students on F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant visas. However, most educational institutions have set their own mandatory health insurance requirements to ensure that international students do not become a "public charge" — that is, they do not become dependent on the U.S. government to take care of them. International students usually are required to prove they have a certain amount of health insurance (determined by the university) before they will be allowed to enroll in classes.

If a health premium seems too high for your budget or if, as a healthy young person, you think that health insurance is an unnecessary expense, consider the costs that could be incurred in the United States as outlined below.

Hospitals, doctors, and other medical costs vary throughout the country, but emergency room care averages about $200 per visit. Hospital rooms vary in price depending on the hospital and the region of the country, but currently one overnight stay in a hospital room averages $200 to $1,000 per day, not including charges for doctors and other medical services. Maternity care and delivery cost between $5,000 and $8,000. Overall, national figures indicate that the average cost for a one-week stay in a U.S. hospital is often as much as $8,000. In other words, this is about half the cost of attending some U.S. colleges or universities for an entire year.

Health Insurance Plans: Although health insurance covering your stay in the United States can be purchased in your home country, experience has shown that many of these plans do not adequately cover your health care needs during your U.S. stay. In addition, many U.S. health care providers are reluctant to bill foreign insurance companies for health care charges. They prefer to receive payment directly from the patient and to let the patient seek reimbursement from the foreign insurance company. Unless you are certain that the policy is equal to or better than the policies of U.S. health care insurance companies, and that your home-country health insurance policy can be billed in the United States, you should probably purchase health insurance when you arrive in the United States.

Major medical insurance: This insurance is designed to take care of expenses resulting from a prolonged illness or serious injury. These policies generally involve a "deductible" clause — that is, you pay a certain amount, and the insurance company pays any additional charges or, sometimes, only the major percentage of those charges. Typically, the deductible is $500 to $1000, depending on the policy and the type of coverage. Maximum benefits (the limit the insurance company will pay) vary greatly and generally range from a low of $5,000 (which is not enough coverage) to $1 million or more (which is usually more than most healthy international students need). You should purchase insurance that provides at least $25,000 in major medical coverage. It would be advisable, however, to purchase $50,000, $75,000, or even $100,000 worth of coverage, especially if you plan on bringing your spouse or other dependents with you.

Most basic health and medical insurance policies specify certain limits, that is, a certain maximum amount the insurance company will pay for certain services. The patient must pay charges in excess of the stated limits.



Health Insurance Plan Exclusions
It is important to read your health insurance policy carefully, especially the section that deals with "exclusions," so that you will know in advance what the insurance company will pay for and what it will not pay for. Below are some areas that are generally not covered by basic health insurance plans:

Maternity care: You must purchase insurance for maternity care separately and, generally, before pregnancy occurs. Most maternity insurance policies allow only two days' hospital stay.

Dental services: If you need dental work done, it is a good idea to have it taken care of before coming to the United States.

Eyeglasses: If you wear eyeglasses, have your eyes examined before you leave home and bring an extra pair of glasses and the prescription (written in English) with you. Except in the case of injury to the eye, eye care is generally not covered by health insurance.

Existing conditions: Most insurance companies will not reimburse you for treatment of a condition that existed prior to the effective date of your insurance policy. If you require care for an ongoing medical condition, look closely at any insurance policies you are considering. Medical care in the United States can be very expensive without insurance.

Prescription medications: Many insurance companies do not provide coverage for prescription medications, which can be very expensive in the United States. Even if they do provide some coverage, a "copayment" or standard fee (often $10 to $15) is usually required from you for each prescription on a monthly basis.

Health and Wellness


Your health is most important especially if you're in another country. EducationUSA gives us tips on how to adjust most comfortably in the US.

This article covers the following:
> Adjusting to Your New Home
> Family Medical Care

Adjusting to Your New Home
When traveling abroad, you always have to be ready for extreme or unfamiliar conditions. You might have an upset stomach or other digestive problems in the first few days as your body gets adapted to the climate and the food. It is even common to catch a cold. You may also have trouble adapting to the altitude if you are going to a mountainous area. Even the most seasoned travelers and the fittest athletes have to deal with these problems when they leave their country. These discomforts can, however, be controlled. Here are a few tips to help you adjust.

*Take it easy for the first few days or a week. Your body will need to rest if it is to adapt to local conditions.
*Get enough sleep.
*Wash your hands often and avoid rubbing your eyes in order not to come in contact and be infected with various viruses.
*Medication for headaches, colds, upset stomach, minor injuries, and other ailments is readily available in the United States. It is not always advisable to bring medication from home into the United States since some restrictions apply. The pharmacist at any drugstore can assist you in finding medication for your needs.
*If you are going to a warm area, wear a hat on sunny days to avoid sunstroke, use sunscreen to protect your skin against sunburn, and drink a lot of liquids (nonalcoholic and without caffeine) to prevent dehydration.



Family Medical Care
If you are traveling with your spouse and/or family, you will need to find another source for medical care. Care for the family is available from doctors in private medical practice or through community medical clinics. It is a good idea to establish a relationship with a doctor shortly after you arrive in the United States so you will have ready access to medical care if you, your spouse, or your children should become ill.

Family doctors (also called "primary care physicians" or "general practitioners") provide medical care for the whole family, as well as deliver babies. Many doctors specialize in family-related areas. For example, obstetricians specialize in prenatal care and deliver babies. Often, an obstetrician is also a gynecologist, a specialist who treats women. Pediatricians care for infants and children. Family doctors often refer patients to specialists for treatment of particular conditions. Ask friends, the student health service, or the international student adviser for recommendations of doctors in your community. When you telephone for an appointment, ask how much the doctor charges for services. Make sure you know which medical services your health insurance covers and which it does not. For more information on types of health care plans and health insurance, read the next entry on "Health Insurance."

Using the US Postal Service


Living and working in the US offers you to use the postal service. Here are tips from EducationUSA.

This article covers the following:
> Mailing Address
> Post Offices
> Post Office Boxes
> Postal Rates
> Postal Money Orders

Mailing Address
Before you leave home, give your correct mailing address in the United States to family and friends who will be writing to you. If you do not know the address of your American residence before you leave home, have letters sent in care of your international student adviser. Inform people of your permanent address as soon as you can. Be sure to include the "zip code." A zip code is a five-digit number identifying the postal zone in which the address lies. Some private citizens, businesses, and organizations use more precise, nine-digit zip codes. For example, the zip code for the U.S. immigration service district office in Helena, Montana, is 59626-0036.

Whenever you change addresses while you are in the United States, you should go to the nearest post office and fill out the following:

Immigration Service Address Report: Each time you change your address, report your new address to the U.S. Immigration service on form AR-11 within 10 days from the date you move. This form can be downloaded from the World Wide Web at http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/ar-11.htm. Also report all changes of address to your international student adviser.
Change of Address Card: The post office has change of address cards for the forwarding of your mail if you move. The post office will forward (send) to your new address all mail addressed to your old address and will continue this service for 12 months after the date the change of address card is filed. This service is free.


Post Offices
Telephone numbers of post offices are listed in the blue pages of the telephone directory under "United States Government — U.S. Postal Service." Some city directories also list local post offices under a separate number for "Information" or "Customer Service."

Every city has a main post office, and larger cities have several full-service branch post offices and small, minimum-service substations, as well. Substations often are located in drugstores or other places of business. Many universities also have substations or other small, minimum-service post offices on campus. These facilities sell stamps and provide basic services like mailing packages to addresses in the United States. Although you cannot send a registered letter or mail packages to foreign countries from these small substations, you can go to a full-service post office or branch office off-campus to do these things. Regular post office hours are usually from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday. Substations have the same hours as the business in which they are located. Most post offices deliver mail once a day, except on Sundays and federal holidays.



Post Office Boxes
Most post offices have small combination lock boxes that can be rented to receive your mail. There is a nominal charge for rental, which varies from city to city. To apply for a post office box (usually called a "P.O. Box"), go to the nearest regular post office; bring with you some piece of identification that has your address on it, such as a state driver's license. If there are no post office boxes available, your name will be put on a waiting list. When you are assigned a post office box, you will be given the combination of the lock. Mail can then be sent to you at the post office where your PO box is located. Be sure to tell correspondents to address letters to your name, PO Box number, station (if needed), city, state, and zip code. Mail is delivered to post office boxes as it is sorted. Post office lobbies (where boxes are located) usually are open 24 hours a day, every day of the week; however, some lobbies are closed on Sundays. If you rent a PO box, you will be given complete information by the post office where the box is located.



Postal Rates
Postal rates for mailing letters and packages change occasionally and changes are well advertised. Rate sheets can be obtained from local post offices, or you can access the U.S. Postal Service's rates calculator web page at http://postcalc.usps.gov/. There are a number of options and types of services available.

Airmail: Delivery by air usually is recommended for mail going across the country and outside the United States. Letters and postcards to overseas addresses can be sent by surface mail for less, but it takes much longer (for example, six to eight weeks to Europe), and the cost difference is so small that airmail is always recommended.

Aerogrammes: These are special, prestamped letter sheets that fold for addressing and mailing. They are made especially for correspondence to other countries. They are inexpensive and convenient.

Certified Mail: This service ensures that the recipient receives your letter; it requires that you pay an extra fee. If you want a return card signed by the recipient as proof that it has been received, there is an additional charge. It is a good idea to send applications and other important papers to U.S. addresses by certified mail. Certified mail cannot be sent abroad.

Registered Mail: This service is the most secure means of delivering valuable mail both in the United States and abroad. You receive proof of mailing, and the handling of the registered material is closely controlled from the point of mailing to the point of delivery. The cost varies with the value of the article being sent. For an additional fee, a return receipt can be obtained, showing proof of delivery. Insurance may be purchased for up to $25,000 coverage against loss or damage. Registered mail service is available to most foreign countries.

Book Rate: You can send books in the United States and to most countries at a reduced rate as long as the package contains only books.

Direct Mail Sack: This is an even cheaper way to send a large number of books. The books are put into a large canvas mailbag and the bag is tagged and sent.

There are size and weight limitations for sending packages through the U.S. mail. Ask at the post office about rates and regulations. Use boxes or padded mailing envelopes for packing, and seal them well with a good packing tape. Do not wrap packages in paper and do not tie them with twine.

If you wish to send packages to foreign countries, fill out customs forms that the postal clerk will give to you. Be prepared to list the contents and to give the value of each item. If the package weighs less than two pounds (0.9 kilos), ask about a special, cheaper "small package" airmail rate.

Many private or commercial firms offer normal or express mailing services through a variety of delivery options. Usually these firms will prepare packages for mailing for an additional fee. Prices and services offered vary greatly, so it is worth doing a bit of research before choosing one firm over another.



Postal Money Orders
Money orders (a safe way to send money through the mail) can be purchased at the post office. There is a small fee, depending on the value of the money order.

For more information on the postal service in the United States, consult the U.S. Postal Service's Web site at http://www.usps.gov.

Transportation in the US


To go where you want to go, there are options other than driving your own car. Here are the other modes of transportation in the US. The following article was generated from EducationUSA.

This article covers the following:
> Public Transportation
> Automobiles
> Bicycles
> Motorcycles
> Leisure Travel
> Airlines
> Trains
> Buses

Public Transportation
Public transportation in the United States varies significantly from city to city. Several of the major U.S. cities have a dependable, comprehensive system. Others have very little public transport. Make sure you get acquainted with your area's most convenient form of public transportation. You can usually get a map of the transit network at bus stops, at subway or tramway stops, at the public transportation office, at some gas stations, or from your university's information bureau. Many cities also have public transportation information available on the Internet.

If you plan to live off-campus and will not have access to a car, make sure you know how frequently your street or area is served by public transportation, the times of scheduled stops, and the price of travel. Take the price of transportation into account when deciding where to live since it can affect your budget considerably. If you need to take public transportation daily, it is recommended that you get a monthly pass to save on transport expenses. These passes are available at the public transportation office in your city and often in other locations such as drugstores or post offices.



Automobiles
It may seem to you that everyone in the United States has a car and that everyone needs one. Certainly, cars can be convenient, but they can also be very expensive to buy and maintain. Some things about them can be inconvenient, such as parking and upkeep.

If you decide to buy a car, take your time and look for deals on good cars for less money. Research the cars you are considering to be certain they are safe and reliable. You can purchase magazines that will assist you with your research. When shopping for a car, bring along someone who is knowledgeable about cars and how they are sold in the United States. Most car dealers will negotiate prices with the customer, so this will be a good time to practice your bargaining skills or show your expertise.

The total cost of the car will depend on: the age of the car; the options you choose (air conditioning, automatic or manual transmission, power brakes and steering, and so on); and on the brand or "make." Look at different brands and models, and compare prices and the cost of options.

Used cars are less expensive than new cars. Of course, if the car is older there is a risk of problems and repair costs. Used cars are sometimes advertised on bulletin boards on campus and in newspapers, or you can go to a used car lot. Even though the cost is almost always higher, many people prefer to buy a used car from a dealer because there is usually a 30- to 90-day "warranty" on the car. A warranty is a guarantee to repair any problems that arise within the warranty period.

To get a better idea of what you should pay for certain used car models, consult with the Kelley Blue Book on-line at http://www.kbb.com.

When buying a used car, you should be able to obtain the owner's permission to take the car to a garage (one not associated with the seller) to be thoroughly checked before you decide to buy it. Mechanics usually charge for this service, but this is a good investment if it saves you from buying a car in bad condition. If you purchase the car from a dealer, there should be a warranty on the car and, therefore, no reason to take it to a mechanic.

When you complete the purchase of a used car, be sure that you get from the previous owner the documents ("title" or transfer of ownership papers, antismog certification, and so on) required by the department of motor vehicles in the state where you buy the car. Before you buy any car, contact the department of motor vehicles in your state to find out about state requirements for owning a car.

You can either pay the total cost of a car when you purchase it or you can sometimes finance it ("buy it on time" or "buy it on credit"). Financing costs vary greatly, but they can add 20 to 30 percent to the purchase price. Before signing any papers committing you to buy the car, be sure that you understand all the details of the sale.

Getting a Driver's License and Obeying Traffic Laws: If you plan to drive in the United States, you must have a valid driver's license. It is a good idea to get a driver's license issued in the state where you will live, since some states do not recognize an international driver's license. Even those that do recognize an international license will accept it for only one year after you arrive in the United States. Check with the local office of the state motor vehicles department to get information on obtaining a state driver's license.

It is important to learn and obey traffic laws and to understand that they are enforced. People who break these laws can receive fines, jail sentences, and/or the loss of driving privileges. All laws that govern driver's licenses and all traffic laws are made by each state. There are variations from state to state. When you apply for a driver's license, you will be given a book with all the traffic laws of the state in it. Learn these laws and obey them. In fact, you will be required to pass a written test on these laws to get a license. You also may be required to pass a driving, or "road," test before you are granted a license.

Automobile Insurance: In most of the United States, automobile insurance is mandatory, but the amount of coverage required varies from state to state. If a car is not insured, the owner of the car is financially responsible for any accidents or damage connected with the car. Also, legal problems resulting from an accident can be complicated and very costly. Therefore, it is very important to have at least the minimum amount of insurance coverage. Ask your international student adviser about state requirements and for advice on purchasing automobile insurance.

Renting a Car: There are certain requirements and restrictions connected with renting a car. For example, many agencies require that individuals be at least 25 years old to rent a car. Some will allow drivers who are younger, but for an additional fee. If you want to rent a car, telephone or visit a rental car agency. Most agencies are listed in the telephone directory's yellow pages. Ask for information, procedures, and rates.



Bicycles
On many U.S. campuses and in many communities, bicycles provide useful, inexpensive, and convenient transportation. Many communities also have bicycle clubs that schedule group outings and competitive races. Bicycle shops often sell new and used bicycles. Notices of used bicycles for sale sometimes are posted by students on bulletin boards and in classified advertising sections in the school or community newspaper.

Some universities and some city police departments require that bicycles be licensed. Ask your international student adviser about regulations and traffic rules for bicycles on campus and in the community.

Always lock your bicycle when you leave it, even for a few minutes, as, unfortunately, it can be a popular target for thieves. You can get advice on a secure locking system and on safety precautions from a bicycle shop.



Motorcycles
Motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles with motors are another relatively inexpensive form of transportation. Most states require that these vehicles be registered and that their drivers be licensed. Most states also require drivers to wear protective helmets.

In addition, many universities and colleges require that motorcycles and similar vehicles be registered with the campus security office. Some institutions require that motorcycles have effective devices to muffle the loud engine noise. Motorcycles usually must be parked in spaces designated for two-wheeled vehicles.



Leisure Travel
The United States is a large country, the fourth largest in the world. Different regions of the United States can almost seem like different countries, with their varied climates, landscapes, people, and customs. There are countless things to see, but distances can be great and travel can be expensive.



Airlines
The United States has several major national airlines as well as many regional carriers. Because of the competition between airlines, you may find that airfares are surprisingly low, particularly when airlines offer sales. You can book tickets directly with the airlines, through a travel agent, or through the Internet. There are several popular websites that can help you find the lowest fare for the trip you wish to make. Try http://www.expedia.com or http://www.travelocity.com.



Trains
Amtrak, the U.S. national rail carrier, offers a USA Rail Pass to permanent residents of foreign countries, but it must be purchased outside the United States. The pass entitles you to unlimited travel for one predetermined price for a specified number of days. For information, contact a travel agency.



Buses
Bus travel is often the least expensive way to travel in the United States and provides excellent opportunities for seeing the country. Reservations are not required, but if you are considering traveling or touring by bus, you should try to make arrangements with a travel agent before you leave home. The major bus company serving the United States is the Greyhound Bus Company. Greyhound sometimes has special fares for touring the United States and it also has a special touring fare called Ameripass, available for travel anywhere in the United States. It may be purchased in the United States. Contact a travel agency for more information.

Also consider the possibilities below when planning leisure travel:

Most American transport companies (airlines, buses, and trains) offer special travel deals for foreigners. The offer is usually for travel anywhere in the country for a set fee and a certain number of days. Usually, the ticket must be bought before entering the United States. Contact your travel agent before leaving home to find out about these special tickets.

Your new American friends might invite you to visit their family during vacation times. Again, for your security and comfort, make sure you know the person well. This might be an ideal way to see another part of the country, save money on accommodations, and see how American families live on a daily basis and celebrate certain holidays.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Telecommunications in the US


Telecommunications is important especially if we plan to keep in touch with our loved ones back home. Again, from EducationUSA, here are some information that may be helpful for our Pinoy Workers.

This entry covers the following:
> Telephones
> Emergency Numbers
> Long Distance Telephone Calls
> Calls to Foreign Countries
> Cellular or Mobile Phones
> Public ("Pay") Phones
> Internet and E-mail Services
> Telegraph

Telephones
For convenience and privacy, most students will want to have their own telephones. Almost all dormitories have at least a dorm or a "floor" telephone, which students share. Other dormitories have telephones already installed in the rooms. If there is no room phone, it is permissible to have one installed. Remember that you will be responsible for the telephone bills. If you decide to have a telephone installed in your room, ask the residence adviser of your dormitory for advice. If you live off-campus, you will need a telephone not only for convenience but also for safety.

When you get a phone line installed, you will have to buy your own phone and pay for installation charges and perhaps a deposit (to ensure that you will pay your telephone bills). You will be billed monthly for use of the telephone, usually a flat fee for local service (depending on the kind of service you have) plus extra charges for long distance calls. These costs vary from area to area in the United States.

Every telephone customer receives a copy of the telephone directory for the area and a new copy each time the directory is revised and updated. There are usually three parts to the telephone directory, named after the color of their pages:

The white pages are in front of the telephone book. Listed here, alphabetically by last name, are the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all subscribers, both individuals and businesses, in the immediate telephone area, except for those subscribers who do not wish to have such information listed. Some large cities divide the white pages in two sections, one for residence listings and one for business listings.

The yellow pages are in the back part of the phone book or, in large cities, in a separate book. The yellow pages list companies, organizations, and services, alphabetically and by category. There is an index of categories in the yellow pages. Under each category are listings of firms that provide that service. The yellow pages can be very useful if you are looking for a particular business or service.
Some larger cities also have blue pages for city, county, state, and federal government listings.

Telephone numbers in the United States have 10 digits, including a seven-digit set of numbers that is the prime telephone number. Preceding the seven-digit number is the three-digit "area code." The area code serves a wide region, often a large part of a state. Usually you need to dial the area code only if the number is in an area with a code different than your own. However, some more populated areas now have more than one area code and require you to dial both the area code and prime telephone number even if you live in the same city.

If you need a telephone number and you cannot find it in the telephone book, you can call "directory assistance" by dialing the number given in the front part of the phone book. In most areas, the number is "411." If the number you want is an "unlisted" number, the directory assistance operator is not allowed to give it to you. Most telephone companies allow each customer to make a certain number of free directory assistance calls per month. After that number is reached, you will be charged a fee for each additional call.



Emergency Numbers
It is very important to write down emergency numbers (fire, police, doctors, paramedics, campus emergency numbers, and so on) and to keep them near your telephone. Emergency numbers are given in the front part of the telephone book, though sometimes there are several districts for fire, police, and paramedic services (often called the rescue squad). Be sure that you have the correct emergency numbers to serve you if you need help, and keep these numbers posted near or taped to your telephone.

In many communities in the United States, when you need police, the fire department, or paramedics in an emergency situation, you simply dial "911." Once you have dialed 911, the operator will ask you what the emergency is, ask for your address, and then summon the appropriate help. Most of the time, the operator will stay on the line and give you support or advice until help arrives. It is very important to call 911 only in an emergency situation, and it is illegal to use it otherwise.

Some people believe that if you dial "0" in an emergency, the operator will call for help. This is not true. Often the telephone operator who processes your calls is kilometers — perhaps several hundred kilometers — away. In an emergency, you need local help and should contact 911 for help as quickly as possible.



Long Distance Telephone Calls
There are several types of long distance telephone calls. Generally, when you call someone long distance in the United States, you dial "1," the area code, and then the seven-digit telephone number. Various rates are charged for long distance calls, depending on the time of day, length of call, the type of call, and the long distance company you use. Be sure to note when rates are lowest, usually weekends, holidays, and at night. You can find information on long distance costs and procedures in the front part of the telephone book.

Long distance service is a big business in the United States. When you connect with the local telephone company, you will be automatically connected to their long distance service or you may be given a choice of companies. You will likely also get calls from representatives of private long distance companies offering you all types of deals, rebates, or special packages. Depending on your needs, sometimes these private long distance companies can save you considerable amounts of money. Take into consideration what these companies offer you, compare it to what your local phone company offers, and take your long distance calling needs into consideration. Ask your international student adviser for advice on private long distance companies if you are not sure which would be best for you.

Below are some of the types of long distance calls you can make in the United States.

Direct-Dialed Call: A call dialed directly, without operator assistance. It is the least expensive and most common type of long distance call.

Person-to-Person Call: An operator-assisted call in which the operator connects you directly with the person with whom you wish to speak. Charges are per minute and begin when the operator puts the person you want to speak with on the line. This service is more expensive than a direct-dialed call, but it might be necessary if you need to contact people who are difficult to reach or if you are calling a country where telephone service is sporadic. The extent to which some countries accept person-to-person calls from the United States may depend on the availability of telephone services, on the telecommunications technology, or on the governmental regime in place.

Collect Call: An operator-assisted call for which the charges are billed to the person you are calling. If you place a collect call, the operator will ask you your name and then ask the person you are calling whether he or she will "accept the charges," that is, allow the cost of the call to be put on his or her telephone bill.

Third-Party Call: A call made from a telephone other than your own for which the operator transfers the charges from the telephone you are using to your own phone number. If, however, the telephone you are using is a pay telephone rather than a personal phone, the operator must verbally verify the charges, so someone must be at your home to answer the telephone. The operator will call your phone number and someone will have to answer your phone and verbally accept the charges for the third-party call to be completed. The charges will then be billed to your home phone number. Most telephone companies now issue "calling cards" for their users. With a special identification number, you can have all long distance calls you make from telephones other than your own charged automatically to your bill, without having the operator call home for confirmation.

"800," "866," "877," or "888" Calls: These are calls made to toll-free numbers. When you call a number that begins with either of these area codes, the charges are paid by the business you are calling as a courtesy to its customers.



Calls to Foreign Countries
It is possible to dial direct to almost all foreign countries from the United States, and direct dialing is less expensive than placing calls through the operator. To get an international line, you must first dial "011," then the country code, city code, and telephone number you wish to reach. International country and city codes, rates to some countries, time differences, and further directions for placing international calls are given in the front part of the telephone book. You can also make operator-assisted calls, person-to-person calls, and collect calls to foreign countries by dialing "0" for the operator. Dial the operator if you:

need a country or city code not listed in the telephone book under "international direct dialing";
need help in completing an international call;
have reached a wrong number or have a poor connection in the country you are trying to contact and do not want to be charged for that call.


Cellular or Mobile Phones
Cellular phones are widely available in the United States, and most mobile phones purchased in other countries will not work in the United States. If you wish to have a cellular phone, it is best to get one after you arrive. Many types of phones and a number of service providers are available in most places, so investigate to find those that best suit your needs. Many cell phone companies provide free long distance.



Public ("Pay") Phones
These telephones can be found in many locations in commercial areas. Directions for making calls are printed on the telephone. You usually need to insert 35 to 50 cents to make a local call. Most telephone companies now sell debit cards. When you buy the card, you pay a certain amount that is recorded into the card's computer chip or magnetic strip. Afterwards, you can use this card in public telephones until the balance is depleted.



Phone Cards
Many supermarkets and convenience stores sell pre-paid phone cards for specific dollar amounts ($5, $10, $20) that charge a small connection fee, then provide inexpensive long distance service. Prices vary by provider, but it is possible to call other countries for as little as 4 cents per minute; choose the card that provides the best rate for the country you wish to call.



Internet and E-mail Services
Generally, U.S. colleges and universities have several computer rooms where you can check your e-mail, use the Internet, or use various software programs. Because of the popularity of these services, you might have to stand in line to get access to a computer terminal.

If you want Internet and e-mail services to be connected to your home computer, there are many possible alternatives. As a student, you can get a dial-up connection from your home computer to your university's server at a discount or, possibly, for free. Some universities even have network connections available in all dorm rooms. Contact your university's Information Technology (IT) Services Office for more information. Private computer service companies, local telephone companies, and some television cable companies also offer home Internet connections. These private Internet suppliers can be more expensive to use, but their services and connection quality might be better. If you are unsure what to do, ask your international student adviser for advice on home Internet connections.



Telegraph
With the Internet and the ever-increasing computerization of telecommunications, older methods of communication such as telegraph and telegram are less and less accessible in the United States. If you do want to send a telegram or a telex message, look in the yellow pages of the phone book for "Telegraph Service." Once you select a company, call and tell the operator the name and address (including the country) of the person to whom you are sending the telegram; then, dictate the message. The number of words in the message and the distance it must be sent will determine the charges. Telegrams or telexes can be charged to your telephone number or you can ask the operator to send you a bill.

Money Matters in the US


Handling money in the United States is a different scenario. Here are some tips I find helpful, taken from the site, EducationUSA. Although this site caters to foreign students planning to study in the US, their website is full of general information for foreigners.

This entry covers the following:
> U.S. Currency
> Establishing a Bank Account
> Checking Accounts
> Automatic Tellers and 24-Hour Banking
> Personal Checks
> Two-Party Checks
> Cashier's Checks
> Overdrafts
> Savings Accounts
> Safety Deposit Boxes
> Credit Cards and "Buying on Credit"
> Tipping

U.S. Currency
The basic unit of exchange in the United States is the dollar ($), which is divided into 100 cents (¢). One dollar is commonly written as $1 or $1.00. There are four denominations of commonly used coins: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, and 25 cents. Americans usually refer to coins, not by their value in cents, but by their names. A one-cent coin is a penny, a five-cent coin is a nickel, a ten-cent coin is a dime, and a 25-cent coin is a quarter. There are also one-dollar coins and half-dollar (50-cent) coins but they are seldom found in circulation.

U.S. paper money (often called bills: for example, a "one-dollar bill") comes in single-bill denominations of one dollar ($1.00), two dollars ($2.00, but these are rare), five dollars ($5.00), ten dollars ($10.00), twenty dollars ($20.00), fifty dollars ($50.00), and one hundred dollars ($100.00). You will immediately notice that, unlike in most other countries, U.S. bills are all the same size and all the same color. They are differentiated from each other by the number value and with the portrait of a different U.S. historical figure on each denomination. At first, you may find this confusing and you will need to watch which bills you use carefully. However, you will become accustomed to the currency and will soon be able to differentiate easily between the denominations. U.S. coins also are marked with the coin's value and each denomination is a different size.



Establishing a Bank Account
One of the first things you should do after you arrive in the United States is establish a bank account. It is not a good idea to carry large sums of cash or to keep it in your room. Most banks have main offices in the center of a city or town. Smaller offices, called "branches," are usually found in other parts of a city or town and in the suburbs. Even if your bank does not have a branch nearby, you often can find automated bank machines to serve your needs. Banks generally are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. On Fridays, many banks stay open a few hours later. Many banks, but not all, are also open on Saturdays, often from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Remember that banks are private businesses. They are all different and each one wants to get your business. You should check with several banks to determine which bank offers the best services for your needs. When you are ready to open a bank account, go to the "New Accounts" department at the bank you have chosen. A bank officer will help you to open an account by explaining the different kinds of accounts available and the costs and services of each one. You should plan to open both a savings account and a checking (current) account at the same bank, simply because it will be more convenient for you. For example, if you have a savings account and a checking account in the same bank, you can easily transfer funds from one to the other. Interest rates on savings and checking accounts vary from bank to bank. Investigate and compare various banks and their rates of interests on checking and savings accounts before you decide where to open an account. Internet banks are an alternative option to traditional banks and are another possibility to explore. The best source of information for these will be on the Internet itself.



Checking Accounts
Checking accounts (called current accounts in many countries) are a way to keep your money safe and still allow easy access to it. Checks are an easy way to pay bills, especially by mail. Never send cash through the mail.



Automatic Tellers and 24-Hour Banking
Almost all American banks now offer banking privileges 24 hours a day through "automatic teller machines" or ATMs. When you open an account at a bank, you will be issued a bankcard and a personal identification number (PIN). You will be able to use this card in your bank's ATM to access your account and make transactions. This will enable you to do such things as withdraw and deposit money, transfer funds, and obtain your balance 24 hours a day. Generally, you can also use your bankcard in other banks' ATMs for a small service fee charged against your account, but only for cash withdrawals. Banks often impose limits on amounts that can be withdrawn from the ATM in one day, usually between $200 and $400.

It is now possible in the United States to conduct most of your monetary transactions using only your bankcard. Many stores have systems that permit you to use your bankcard instead of cash to pay for merchandise. In this way, the money is deducted directly from your bank account. Since you are not using cash when paying with your bankcard, however, you should keep track of your account to make sure you are not overspending. It is a good idea to carry a small amount of cash with you at all times anyway, since the automated banking system can break down.

Having a bankcard is very convenient, since it can be used all over the United States and even in other countries connected to the same banking system. Bankcards from other countries can also be used in the United States as long as they function on one of the banking networks used in the United States. Before leaving home, ask your bank if you can use your home country's bankcard in the United States. This is especially useful if, in case of emergency, you need to rapidly get money from home.

Most ATMs also accept credit cards. If you have a credit card but do not use it in ATMs yet, ask the bank that has issued your credit card to allocate a PIN to it. Then you will be able to use your credit card in ATMs. Note, however, that this transaction may be considered a "cash advance" and therefore your credit card company may immediately begin to charge you interest. In some cases, the interest rates for a cash advance may be higher than for credit card purchases.



Personal Checks
Checks that you write are called "personal" checks. You can use checks instead of money in most stores or businesses in the United States. Usually, you will be asked to present two pieces of identification, including at least one with a photo, before you can use a personal check to make purchases or to obtain cash.



Two-party Checks
Checks written by someone else in payment to you are called "two-party" checks. To cash or deposit such a check, you must first endorse (sign) it. Only endorse the check when you are ready to use it since it becomes negotiable — that is, it can be redeemed for cash — as soon as it is signed. To endorse a check, turn it over and, on the back across the narrow width, write your name exactly as it is written on the check. This is the bank's or merchant's way of making sure that you really are the person to whom the check was written and the person who should receive the money, either in cash or deposited to your bank account.



Cashier's Checks
A cashier's check is a check written for you by your bank. You give the bank the money (or it is taken from your account), and the clerk prepares a cashier's check. Your bank will probably charge a small fee for this service. Usually, cashier's checks are written for large amounts to transfer money from one place to another. A cashier's check is easier to cash than a personal check, and it is safer than carrying a large amount of cash. You do not have to cash a cashier's check at a branch of your bank; it can be cashed at any bank or business that will accept it.



Overdrafts
When you write a check for more money than you have in the bank, you create an "overdraft." For each overdrawn check, the bank will charge you a fine of $10 to $25 or more. The bank will also return your check, unpaid, to the person or business to which you wrote the check. If the payee is a store or business, that payee may also charge you $5 to $20 for the trouble the bad check has caused — and they may not accept your checks again. It can be very expensive if you fail to keep an accurate, check-by-check record of your account. It is also illegal to issue a "bad" check (a check for which there is not sufficient money in the checking account) on purpose.



Savings Accounts
If you plan on bringing enough money with you for the entire school year, or even most of the money you will need, you should consider opening a savings account. A savings account usually offers a higher rate of interest than an interest-bearing checking account and allows you to make withdrawals to cover your living expenses. You can withdraw the money in cash or, especially for large amounts, in the form of a "certified" (bank) check. Compare rates offered by several banks to find the best terms and benefits for the type of account you will hold.



Safety Deposit Boxes
Most banks maintain small locked boxes that may be rented by the month or by the year. The contents of the box are known only to the person who holds the key; the bank does not have access, except in case of death. A safety deposit box is a good place to keep valuables such as passports, jewelry, foreign currency you do not want to exchange, and legal papers.



Credit Cards and "Buying on Credit"
The use of credit cards is widespread in the United States. Banks, credit card companies, gas companies, department stores, and other organizations issue credit cards, which can be used to make purchases. Statements are mailed to credit card holders once a month. If the amount due is not paid within a specified number of days, a "finance charge" is added to the bill. Applications for credit cards are available in many banks and stores. Information requested includes the applicant's source and amount of income, length of residence at the present address, and bank information. Many companies that issue credit cards require applicants to have a specific minimum income.

Not having a credit card can make daily life somewhat more difficult. For example, if you are on a trip and need cash, you can obtain a cash advance from any bank that honors the specific type of credit card you hold. Finance charges, however, often begin from the day you receive the cash advance.

Whether you use a credit card or sign a contract to purchase something on credit, be careful not to build up too much debt. Credit buying is often necessary — for example, for the purchase of a car — but be sure you understand the terms of the loan agreement. You may have to pay high interest rates, sometimes as much as 21 percent.

One way to avoid building up too much debt is to delay obtaining a credit card or making large purchases involving long-term debt for the first few months you are in the United States. Instead, make your initial purchases by cash or by check. At the same time, keep careful records of your expenditures. Do this the first two or three months you are in the United States. By doing so, you will know exactly how much it costs to live and study in your city. You will then be in a good position to know when to use or not to use a credit card and how much debt you can actually support. Every four or five months thereafter, you should monitor your expenditures again to make sure that you are not spending too much or building up too much debt.



Tipping
In the United States, tips (gratuities) are not automatically added to bills, as is customary in some other countries. Even if tipping remains a personal choice, it is usually expected when certain services are provided. You should be aware that the people who commonly receive tips are paid a wage that is lower than those who do not receive tips. They depend upon tips for a significant part, sometimes the majority, of their income. The average tip is usually 15 percent, but it can vary depending on the extent and the quality of the service provided.

Eating Out: The expected tip in a restaurant is 15 or 20 percent in a good restaurant with excellent service. You should leave your tip on the table for the waiter or waitress as you leave. If you pay with a credit card, you can add the tip to the credit card charges before you total the bill. The restaurant then gives that amount in cash to your server. If you sit at a counter in a restaurant, the tip is usually smaller; 10 to 15 percent is sufficient. In a fast-food restaurant, the bill is paid when the food is ordered and no tip is expected. In a cafeteria or a self-service restaurant, you pay the cashier after having chosen your meal and, again, no tip is expected.

Taxi Drivers: It is customary to give 10 to 15 percent of the total fare.

Airport and Hotel Porters: It is customary to give $1.00 for each bag.

Barbers, Hairdressers, and Beauticians: They usually are tipped 10 to 15 percent of the bill.

Valet Parking: The attendant should usually receive $1.00 to $2.00.

NEVER OFFER A TIP to public officials, police officers, or government employees. This is against the law in the United States. There is no need to tip hotel desk clerks, bus drivers, theater ushers, salespeople, flight attendants, or gas station attendants.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Map of the USA


Click on the link to access an online map that can be zoned in to your desired state. The map is user-friendly and very easy to navigate. Map here.

You can also study the country's geography and the 50 states individually through the same portal. You can click on the header too. Enjoy!

Monday, May 01, 2006

Welcome, Pinoy Hero!


Hi. It's nice to see you here.

This blog is created for Filipinos wanting to know more about living and working in North America. This is my attempt to prepare Filipino professionals, especially in the healthcare sector, to be familiar with how life is "up there".

I had the same predicament. While I waited for my H1B as a physical therapist, I looked for articles and books over the internet and in local bookstores that would help me prepare working and living in the US. I did find related information in different sites. Unless you are an avid internet junkie, researching becomes pretty tedious when you don't know what to google. This fascination (and obsession) to know "everything" about the continent was sparked by the thought of having my small family coming with me. I had to acquaint and adjust this new life for them.

And so, I spawned this blog to let other pinoy workers be guided. If you have your own tale to tell and want to be posted, just contact me. I'd gladly post it for the benefit of many.

This is the first step of fulfilling our dreams. Fellow pinoys, I hope you prepare yourself well in advance before you leave our motherland and step on the soil of much promise!