Everything You Need for Your Next Chapter: Relocating Overseas to the Land of Opportunity
After two years and 90+ articles documenting our expat journey, I've created the ultimate guide to help you navigate everything from DMV visits to credit scores in your US relocation.
Moving to the US as an expat is one of the most exciting and exhausting things I have ever done. Our family relocated from Singapore a couple of years ago, and I have to admit, the learning curve was steep. Over the past two years, I have written more than 90 articles documenting our personal experiences — from the excitement of exploring US national parks to the nuances of everyday life, such as renting an apartment, getting a driver's license, and understanding credit systems. Hopefully, this resource can help ease your own transition.
Personal Stories
Each article is peppered with personal anecdotes – like the time I navigated the DMV for my driver's license, or our family's first thrilling road trip to Yellowstone. These stories aim to give you more than just facts; they offer a glimpse into the real-life experiences of an expat. For example, you can get a sense of what living in Foster City is like via this article and the video about my morning run.
Cultural Insights
Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging. From my experience, things like workplace norms on the West Coast vs East Coast, social etiquette, and even simple things like tipping culture took time to get used to. I have written about many of these observations, hoping they help you integrate more smoothly.
Practical Checklists
I am a big fan of checklists :) Throughout these articles, you will find practical checklists for tasks like relocation, setting up your first home, and dealing with administrative formalities. I wish I had something like this when we first moved — it would have saved us a lot of headaches.
Resource Links
Throughout each article, you will find links to relevant external resources, official government websites, and expat forums. I always try to link to the source so you can do your own research too.
Interactive Chatbot
Have a question? Don't want to read through each article?
Our chatbot is here to help! Simply type in your query – be it about finding the best schools or understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSA) – and get instant assistance. (Please allow a few seconds for a response.)
Community and Feedback
Your experiences and insights are valuable! Feel free to share them in the comments section or join our Facebook group, “Asian Expats in the US.” Let's learn from each other and build a supportive community.
Ongoing Updates
The world is always changing, and so are the rules and norms of living in a new country. I will try to keep this guide updated, ensuring you always have access to the latest information.
Are you planning to relocate to the US, or have you recently moved? What has been the hardest part for you? I'd love to hear your story.
Cheers,
Chandler
