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- October 19, 20269ยฐ
- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269ยฐ
10
Daily Life
Practical steps for a new life in the USA: a checklist for the first 30 days, driver's license, banking, renting and buying a home, bills, vehicles, and travel.
Topics in this section
- 10.0 New arrivals: first 30 days checklistThose newly arriving in the USA should complete I-94, registration, address reporting, SSN, banking, health insurance, and other important procedures in order during the first 30 days. Most steps are not required for short-term tourists; checking the I-94 is important.
- 10.1 Driver's LicenseU.S. driver's licenses are obtained from state DMVs or similar agencies, and rules vary by state. Check your state's official requirements for Turkish licenses, IDPs, tests, and REAL ID.
- 10.2 Opening a bank account; building a credit scoreYou may need identification and some additional documents to open a bank account in the United States. To build a credit history, make payments on time, limit your credit utilization, and check your free credit reports.
- 10.3 Renting a homeWhen renting a home in the United States, verify the listing, read the lease, and review security deposit and credit check rules according to your state. You can complain to the relevant agencies in cases of discrimination or fraud.
- 10.4 Buying a home: mortgages for foreignersForeigners who want to buy a home in the U.S. should compare mortgage offers and plan for the down payment and closing costs. Property-tax exemptions are not automatic; FIRPTA withholding may apply upon sale.
- 10.5 Telephone service, internet, and billsLearn about number porting, price labels, the Lifeline discount, and complaint options when starting telephone, internet, electricity, and natural gas service in the United States. ACP has ended.
- 10.6 Buying a vehicle, insuranceBefore buying a vehicle in the U.S., check the VIN, title history, and have an independent mechanic inspect it; registration and mandatory insurance rules vary by state. After an accident, stop, call 911 if there are injuries, and share the required information.
- 10.7 Leaving and returning to the U.S.Before leaving the U.S., determine the return document appropriate for your status. Traveling without checking the rules for green cards, travel authorization, reentry permits, visas, and I-94s may cause your application to be considered abandoned or create problems when you return.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. This content is general information, not legal advice.