{"id":525200,"date":"2024-01-17T14:57:25","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T14:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/afrikagora.com\/seattle\/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-living-in-the-u-s\/"},"modified":"2024-01-17T15:17:52","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T15:17:52","slug":"10-things-you-didnt-know-about-living-in-the-u-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/afrikagora.com\/seattle\/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-living-in-the-u-s\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things You Didn\u2019t Know About Living in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"

Moving to the United States is a long process. As one of half a million immigrants from Nigeria<\/a>, you probably feel like you\u2019ve finally crossed the finish line. In fact, there\u2019s still a ton to learn as a new U.S. resident! Courtesy of Afrikagora<\/a>, here are 10 things you didn\u2019t know about living in the U.S.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

International Everything<\/em> is More Expensive<\/h2>\n

In other parts of the world, you can cross multiple national borders in a day\u2019s drive. Not here! The U.S. is huge and traveling outside the country is costly too.<\/p>\n

– The best way to save on flights to and from Nigeria is to be flexible<\/a>. Check nearby airports and compare prices across currencies. It may be cheaper to fly a relative to you than vice versa.<\/p>\n

– When it comes to sending care packages to Nigeria, choose the smallest parcel possible and use online tools to find the lowest rates<\/a>.<\/p>\n

– Even sending money is expensive, with transfer fees up to $50<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Some Amenities Aren\u2019t the Same<\/h2>\n

Things in the U.S. may work differently than in your home country. Here are three common issues that trip up new immigrants.<\/p>\n

– One frequent comment is how confusing our sales tax system<\/a> Tax isn\u2019t added until checkout and tax rates vary across states.<\/p>\n

– You\u2019ll have trouble catching a bus or train in many places. Public transportation is limited outside cities, so get a driver\u2019s license as soon as possible<\/a>.<\/p>\n

– Don\u2019t forget health insurance! If you don\u2019t have insurance through your job, apply for coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But the Opportunities Are Incredible!<\/h2>\n

Despite the challenges, there\u2019s a lot to love about living in the U.S.<\/p>\n

– Want to go back to school to start a new career? Eligible non-citizens qualify for federal student aid for college<\/a>.<\/p>\n

– Immigrant families qualify<\/a> for the same home loans as citizens too. That includes low down payment FHA loans.<\/p>\n

– Real estate is expensive but appreciates quickly. There are bargains<\/a> like \u201cas is\u201d properties that may be listed that way for reasons that come with minimal risk.<\/p>\n

– And there\u2019s lots of help along the way! Afrikagora<\/a> is the ultimate online directory for Africans living in the U.S, with directories, guides, and classifieds.<\/p>\n

The U.S. isn\u2019t the easiest to move to, but it\u2019s the #2 destination for Nigerians moving abroad. There\u2019s a learning curve when moving to the U.S, but don\u2019t let that deter you! Nothing worth doing is easy, and the rewards could make up for the work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Image via Pexels<\/a><\/p>\n

Joyce Wilson <\/strong>
\nA retired teacher who believes she can help save the Great Outdoors while also helping local economies recover<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Afrikagora<\/em><\/a> is the trusted Online Directory and Expat Guide catering to the specific needs of the African diaspora. We bring everything African in one place, in a structured and user-friendly manner. For more information, please visit our website or <\/em>contact us<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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