Moving to the US with work.
Discussion
Myself and wife are due to relocate to Georgia in a couple of months from the UK, and basically we need some advice on the financial side in the UK.
I've had a quick look at financial advisors in the UK but they mostly seem to deal with mortgages & debt consolidation. What we really need is advice on tax payments in the UK (what we need to do prior to departure)as we plan to rent our house out and purchase another in the US.
Also, any other pointers regarding re-locating in general......would be appreciated.
Cheers
Neil
I've had a quick look at financial advisors in the UK but they mostly seem to deal with mortgages & debt consolidation. What we really need is advice on tax payments in the UK (what we need to do prior to departure)as we plan to rent our house out and purchase another in the US.
Also, any other pointers regarding re-locating in general......would be appreciated.
Cheers
Neil
First decide how long you intend staying.
That can of course change. Mine did.
If you become resident in the US your worldwide income will be taxable but there is reciprical tax arrangement so any UK tax paid appears as a tax credit on your US tax return.
That will be advantageous to any UK income as you will get the difference between 25% and the UK rate. Depends a bit on you total salary but that is generally true.
Your Domacile, different to residency, usually doesn't change.
Don't buy a house until you have had a good look round. So rent a decent Condo, most have a swimming pool and tennis courts, while you look. $1,200/month depending on area.
Go for a 6 month lease not a year if you are intending to buy a house. At present that is easy, it's a lessors market.
So what car do you intend to get?
That can of course change. Mine did.
If you become resident in the US your worldwide income will be taxable but there is reciprical tax arrangement so any UK tax paid appears as a tax credit on your US tax return.
That will be advantageous to any UK income as you will get the difference between 25% and the UK rate. Depends a bit on you total salary but that is generally true.
Your Domacile, different to residency, usually doesn't change.
Don't buy a house until you have had a good look round. So rent a decent Condo, most have a swimming pool and tennis courts, while you look. $1,200/month depending on area.
Go for a 6 month lease not a year if you are intending to buy a house. At present that is easy, it's a lessors market.
So what car do you intend to get?
jeff m said:
First decide how long you intend staying.
That can of course change. Mine did.
So what car do you intend to get?
Jeff,That can of course change. Mine did.
So what car do you intend to get?
Thanks for the reply, we had a look around a couple of weeks ago, and the firm is paying foran apartment/hotel for a month when we get out there, so it should give us a chance to look about.
The visa (L1-B) is for 5 years, but they advised if we wanted to stay to apply for a green card after two.
Car choice is a little difficult - open to suggestions, I was thinking of circa $10K ideally a SRT-8 Charger (but well out of my price range!) so I'm thinking about a Mustang GT (manual) or possibly (if I can scrape a bit more cash together) a RAM SRT-10......I did fancy a late 60's early 70's Camaro/Firebird/GTO but the prices have gone haywire since my last visit to the US and I can't think of any '80's stuff which "floats my boat" so to speak!
Neil,
Just checked your profile, you are giving up a Chim
Cobra replica
???
You will find most people have more than one car.
Early Cameros, Trans Ams are ok, but not sure you would want to use one everyday.
Convertable C4 Vettes are being given away at present, C5s are a little above 10K Sterling. C6 is nice
Note. The older cars use R12 in the AC, some convert ok to 134A, some don't. Going rate for R12 is $50 a can
You WILL need a good AC.
Don't totally rule out an auto for your daily driver.
House buying is easy, just remember an offer is an offer.
Give the broker your requirements, 3 bed 4 bed, pool, double garage, south facing yard, price range etc. He will find you some to look at within days.
Just checked your profile, you are giving up a Chim
Cobra replica
???You will find most people have more than one car.
Early Cameros, Trans Ams are ok, but not sure you would want to use one everyday.
Convertable C4 Vettes are being given away at present, C5s are a little above 10K Sterling. C6 is nice
Note. The older cars use R12 in the AC, some convert ok to 134A, some don't. Going rate for R12 is $50 a can
You WILL need a good AC.
Don't totally rule out an auto for your daily driver.
House buying is easy, just remember an offer is an offer.
Give the broker your requirements, 3 bed 4 bed, pool, double garage, south facing yard, price range etc. He will find you some to look at within days.
I would put your money offshore so you can optimise your tax position.
I would also avoid buying a house in the US right now. Prices are falling, and it makes a lot of sense to learn the area you live in to find the perfect place for you.
If you know the zip code of where you will live then I would look at Autotrader.com and cars.com to find you what you can get for your money.
I would also avoid buying a house in the US right now. Prices are falling, and it makes a lot of sense to learn the area you live in to find the perfect place for you.
If you know the zip code of where you will live then I would look at Autotrader.com and cars.com to find you what you can get for your money.
neejah said:
Myself and wife are due to relocate to Georgia in a couple of months from the UK, and basically we need some advice on the financial side in the UK.
I've had a quick look at financial advisors in the UK but they mostly seem to deal with mortgages & debt consolidation. What we really need is advice on tax payments in the UK (what we need to do prior to departure)as we plan to rent our house out and purchase another in the US.
Also, any other pointers regarding re-locating in general......would be appreciated.
Cheers
Neil
I did exactly what you are about to do, back in 2001. The company I worked for relocated me to Florida on an L1-A.I've had a quick look at financial advisors in the UK but they mostly seem to deal with mortgages & debt consolidation. What we really need is advice on tax payments in the UK (what we need to do prior to departure)as we plan to rent our house out and purchase another in the US.
Also, any other pointers regarding re-locating in general......would be appreciated.
Cheers
Neil
Based on my experiences (not all of them good), I would suggest:
A solid contract with your employer, in terms of relocation and repatriation if things don't go as planned. Remember that on any kind of work visa (L in particular) you place yourself completely in the hands of your employer. You cannot transfer your status to a new employer if things don't work out for any reason. If your employment with that company comes to an end for any reason, so does your status. So make sure you have all the bases covered ahead of your move, in this regard.
Will your company maintain your Employer NI contributions throughout the period of your visa coverage?
I maintained my property ownership in the UK (as was required by the L1 at that time - though I think that may have changed). Frankly, it was a pain in the arse. Absent landlords are very vulnerable to piss-taking by tenants - if I had to do it again, I would have used an agent - but even then, I've heard a few horror storys re. unpaid rent, unfixed damage and abandonment.
Your rental income is taxable in UK, so you will need to continue to file UK tax returns.
Your biggest challenge upon arrival will be lack of US credit history. Your UK creditworthiness means naff-all here - so establishing credit is a challenge. If you don't have one now, get an AmEx card immediately (like, TODAY). Getting a mortgage is going to be fretful, even with assurances of your position from your employer. You're also faced with a couple of points over base, due to your non-immigrant status, if you can find a lender willing to work with you.
I'm not certain, but I suspect that you can begin Green Card proceedings sooner than you have stated. Your employer is the driver here - not you. You are just a passenger in the process. L1-B means you (and your company) will have to satisfy Labor Certification criteria (long-winded, expensive and complex) and the process takes years, so persuade them to start as soon as possible.
I'm not sure I agree with Gavin re house purchase. Here in the south, prices are in the toilet, so you can get a lot of property for very little (unless you are looking at the up-scale parts of Atlanta). So if the opportunity to get on the ladder presents itself, I'd take it.
I sold my house in UK at the end of 2007, just before the UK market s
t it's pants - and because I'd been out of the UK more than 5 years I had no UK tax liability on the proceeds - less than 5 years it is taxable - good to know, I just got lucky.I won't try to advise on cars, because that is where I become reckless and irresponsible - suffice to say that the choices are endless.
GA is nice - a little 'country' but the folks are friendly (in the main) and the climate is agreeable. Atlanta is great, as long as you stay well away from the ghetto.
Good luck - and if there's anything I can do to help, I'd be happy to.
Sorry if I sound a little gloomy on some of this, but the excitement of a move like this can sometimes lead you to gloss-over some of the harsher reality.
Matt
Matt Harper said:
I did exactly what you are about to do, back in 2001. The company I worked for relocated me to Florida on an L1-A.
Based on my experiences (not all of them good), I would suggest:
A solid contract with your employer, in terms of relocation and repatriation if things don't go as planned. Remember that on any kind of work visa (L in particular) you place yourself completely in the hands of your employer. You cannot transfer your status to a new employer if things don't work out for any reason. If your employment with that company comes to an end for any reason, so does your status. So make sure you have all the bases covered ahead of your move, in this regard.
Will your company maintain your Employer NI contributions throughout the period of your visa coverage?
I maintained my property ownership in the UK (as was required by the L1 at that time - though I think that may have changed). Frankly, it was a pain in the arse. Absent landlords are very vulnerable to piss-taking by tenants - if I had to do it again, I would have used an agent - but even then, I've heard a few horror storys re. unpaid rent, unfixed damage and abandonment.
Your rental income is taxable in UK, so you will need to continue to file UK tax returns.
Your biggest challenge upon arrival will be lack of US credit history. Your UK creditworthiness means naff-all here - so establishing credit is a challenge. If you don't have one now, get an AmEx card immediately (like, TODAY). Getting a mortgage is going to be fretful, even with assurances of your position from your employer. You're also faced with a couple of points over base, due to your non-immigrant status, if you can find a lender willing to work with you.
I'm not certain, but I suspect that you can begin Green Card proceedings sooner than you have stated. Your employer is the driver here - not you. You are just a passenger in the process. L1-B means you (and your company) will have to satisfy Labor Certification criteria (long-winded, expensive and complex) and the process takes years, so persuade them to start as soon as possible.
I'm not sure I agree with Gavin re house purchase. Here in the south, prices are in the toilet, so you can get a lot of property for very little (unless you are looking at the up-scale parts of Atlanta). So if the opportunity to get on the ladder presents itself, I'd take it.
I sold my house in UK at the end of 2007, just before the UK market st it's pants - and because I'd been out of the UK more than 5 years I had no UK tax liability on the proceeds - less than 5 years it is taxable - good to know, I just got lucky.
I won't try to advise on cars, because that is where I become reckless and irresponsible - suffice to say that the choices are endless.
GA is nice - a little 'country' but the folks are friendly (in the main) and the climate is agreeable. Atlanta is great, as long as you stay well away from the ghetto.
Good luck - and if there's anything I can do to help, I'd be happy to.
Sorry if I sound a little gloomy on some of this, but the excitement of a move like this can sometimes lead you to gloss-over some of the harsher reality.
Matt
Thanks for the reply (to all), I know what you mean regarding keeping your eyes open on the pitfalls, one of the issues I'd raised was regarding repatriation if everything goes wrong - which hopefully it wouldn't.Based on my experiences (not all of them good), I would suggest:
A solid contract with your employer, in terms of relocation and repatriation if things don't go as planned. Remember that on any kind of work visa (L in particular) you place yourself completely in the hands of your employer. You cannot transfer your status to a new employer if things don't work out for any reason. If your employment with that company comes to an end for any reason, so does your status. So make sure you have all the bases covered ahead of your move, in this regard.
Will your company maintain your Employer NI contributions throughout the period of your visa coverage?
I maintained my property ownership in the UK (as was required by the L1 at that time - though I think that may have changed). Frankly, it was a pain in the arse. Absent landlords are very vulnerable to piss-taking by tenants - if I had to do it again, I would have used an agent - but even then, I've heard a few horror storys re. unpaid rent, unfixed damage and abandonment.
Your rental income is taxable in UK, so you will need to continue to file UK tax returns.
Your biggest challenge upon arrival will be lack of US credit history. Your UK creditworthiness means naff-all here - so establishing credit is a challenge. If you don't have one now, get an AmEx card immediately (like, TODAY). Getting a mortgage is going to be fretful, even with assurances of your position from your employer. You're also faced with a couple of points over base, due to your non-immigrant status, if you can find a lender willing to work with you.
I'm not certain, but I suspect that you can begin Green Card proceedings sooner than you have stated. Your employer is the driver here - not you. You are just a passenger in the process. L1-B means you (and your company) will have to satisfy Labor Certification criteria (long-winded, expensive and complex) and the process takes years, so persuade them to start as soon as possible.
I'm not sure I agree with Gavin re house purchase. Here in the south, prices are in the toilet, so you can get a lot of property for very little (unless you are looking at the up-scale parts of Atlanta). So if the opportunity to get on the ladder presents itself, I'd take it.
I sold my house in UK at the end of 2007, just before the UK market s
t it's pants - and because I'd been out of the UK more than 5 years I had no UK tax liability on the proceeds - less than 5 years it is taxable - good to know, I just got lucky.I won't try to advise on cars, because that is where I become reckless and irresponsible - suffice to say that the choices are endless.
GA is nice - a little 'country' but the folks are friendly (in the main) and the climate is agreeable. Atlanta is great, as long as you stay well away from the ghetto.
Good luck - and if there's anything I can do to help, I'd be happy to.
Sorry if I sound a little gloomy on some of this, but the excitement of a move like this can sometimes lead you to gloss-over some of the harsher reality.
Matt
The house in the UK we plan to rent out through an agent, I'm not sure my parents or the in-laws could cope with any issues which may arise if we asked them to be the landlord whilst we were absent from the country. It's good to know about the tax implications regarding a house sale in the UK if we're out of the country for 5 years - I'll have to look into it.
The NI contributions would stop with my employer in the UK, as it's essentially being treated as a new start with the US employer (within the organisation) essentially I believe it would be up to myself and wife to continue to pay the NI?
Regarding mortgages, the firm works with a few financial firms - so I'm hoping this may make things easier, but it is a bit of a concern. I'll take a look into the AmEx card.
Thanks Again
Neil
I have a feeling this may be "Coals to Newcastle" if you're a financial person.
But I established a credit history by getting a loan for a car, still very easy if you have a pulse. Then I got a loan from the Bank secured by a deposit. After two payments I went to the bank and asked if they would refinance the car loan. (And shorten the term)
They did, now I had two paid up loans, the original car loan paid off by my bank and the secured bank loan.
Along with an Amex card mentioned above. That enabled me to buy a house using a no doc loan. Since labled as sub prime
After two years I refinanced the house mort with a very competetive rate and shortened that too.
So with that in mind, you may want to consider a new car. (for the wife possibly)
But I established a credit history by getting a loan for a car, still very easy if you have a pulse. Then I got a loan from the Bank secured by a deposit. After two payments I went to the bank and asked if they would refinance the car loan. (And shorten the term)
They did, now I had two paid up loans, the original car loan paid off by my bank and the secured bank loan.
Along with an Amex card mentioned above. That enabled me to buy a house using a no doc loan. Since labled as sub prime
After two years I refinanced the house mort with a very competetive rate and shortened that too.
So with that in mind, you may want to consider a new car. (for the wife possibly)
Edited by jeff m on Wednesday 4th February 14:43
Matt Harper said:
I did exactly what you are about to do, back in 2001. The company I worked for relocated me to Florida on an L1-A.
Based on my experiences (not all of them good), I would suggest:
A solid contract with your employer, in terms of relocation and repatriation if things don't go as planned. Remember that on any kind of work visa (L in particular) you place yourself completely in the hands of your employer. You cannot transfer your status to a new employer if things don't work out for any reason. If your employment with that company comes to an end for any reason, so does your status. So make sure you have all the bases covered ahead of your move, in this regard.
Will your company maintain your Employer NI contributions throughout the period of your visa coverage?
I maintained my property ownership in the UK (as was required by the L1 at that time - though I think that may have changed). Frankly, it was a pain in the arse. Absent landlords are very vulnerable to piss-taking by tenants - if I had to do it again, I would have used an agent - but even then, I've heard a few horror storys re. unpaid rent, unfixed damage and abandonment.
Your rental income is taxable in UK, so you will need to continue to file UK tax returns.
Your biggest challenge upon arrival will be lack of US credit history. Your UK creditworthiness means naff-all here - so establishing credit is a challenge. If you don't have one now, get an AmEx card immediately (like, TODAY). Getting a mortgage is going to be fretful, even with assurances of your position from your employer. You're also faced with a couple of points over base, due to your non-immigrant status, if you can find a lender willing to work with you.
I'm not certain, but I suspect that you can begin Green Card proceedings sooner than you have stated. Your employer is the driver here - not you. You are just a passenger in the process. L1-B means you (and your company) will have to satisfy Labor Certification criteria (long-winded, expensive and complex) and the process takes years, so persuade them to start as soon as possible.
I'm not sure I agree with Gavin re house purchase. Here in the south, prices are in the toilet, so you can get a lot of property for very little (unless you are looking at the up-scale parts of Atlanta). So if the opportunity to get on the ladder presents itself, I'd take it.
I sold my house in UK at the end of 2007, just before the UK market st it's pants - and because I'd been out of the UK more than 5 years I had no UK tax liability on the proceeds - less than 5 years it is taxable - good to know, I just got lucky.
I won't try to advise on cars, because that is where I become reckless and irresponsible - suffice to say that the choices are endless.
GA is nice - a little 'country' but the folks are friendly (in the main) and the climate is agreeable. Atlanta is great, as long as you stay well away from the ghetto.
Good luck - and if there's anything I can do to help, I'd be happy to.
Sorry if I sound a little gloomy on some of this, but the excitement of a move like this can sometimes lead you to gloss-over some of the harsher reality.
Matt
A very good friend of mine did the same thing in 2001 - was relocated by his company to Atlanta (Norcross actually, but close enough!)Based on my experiences (not all of them good), I would suggest:
A solid contract with your employer, in terms of relocation and repatriation if things don't go as planned. Remember that on any kind of work visa (L in particular) you place yourself completely in the hands of your employer. You cannot transfer your status to a new employer if things don't work out for any reason. If your employment with that company comes to an end for any reason, so does your status. So make sure you have all the bases covered ahead of your move, in this regard.
Will your company maintain your Employer NI contributions throughout the period of your visa coverage?
I maintained my property ownership in the UK (as was required by the L1 at that time - though I think that may have changed). Frankly, it was a pain in the arse. Absent landlords are very vulnerable to piss-taking by tenants - if I had to do it again, I would have used an agent - but even then, I've heard a few horror storys re. unpaid rent, unfixed damage and abandonment.
Your rental income is taxable in UK, so you will need to continue to file UK tax returns.
Your biggest challenge upon arrival will be lack of US credit history. Your UK creditworthiness means naff-all here - so establishing credit is a challenge. If you don't have one now, get an AmEx card immediately (like, TODAY). Getting a mortgage is going to be fretful, even with assurances of your position from your employer. You're also faced with a couple of points over base, due to your non-immigrant status, if you can find a lender willing to work with you.
I'm not certain, but I suspect that you can begin Green Card proceedings sooner than you have stated. Your employer is the driver here - not you. You are just a passenger in the process. L1-B means you (and your company) will have to satisfy Labor Certification criteria (long-winded, expensive and complex) and the process takes years, so persuade them to start as soon as possible.
I'm not sure I agree with Gavin re house purchase. Here in the south, prices are in the toilet, so you can get a lot of property for very little (unless you are looking at the up-scale parts of Atlanta). So if the opportunity to get on the ladder presents itself, I'd take it.
I sold my house in UK at the end of 2007, just before the UK market s
t it's pants - and because I'd been out of the UK more than 5 years I had no UK tax liability on the proceeds - less than 5 years it is taxable - good to know, I just got lucky.I won't try to advise on cars, because that is where I become reckless and irresponsible - suffice to say that the choices are endless.
GA is nice - a little 'country' but the folks are friendly (in the main) and the climate is agreeable. Atlanta is great, as long as you stay well away from the ghetto.
Good luck - and if there's anything I can do to help, I'd be happy to.
Sorry if I sound a little gloomy on some of this, but the excitement of a move like this can sometimes lead you to gloss-over some of the harsher reality.
Matt
Every single one of your points rings true from his experiences as well - I know it took ages to sort out an apartment, his company had to rent the apartment, go guarantor on the car loan, insurance was a pain until he did a US license, getting a social security number took ages. bank account was impossible for a while after he arrived and as for getting services connected to the apartment...
8 years down the line he's now a full US citizen, but the process was finalised only recently and cost his company a packet.
Your biggest hurdle will be creating a credit history in the USA. There's no way around it, this WILL take time, regardless of what you are told. However.
1) Get a Capital One credit card while in the UK
2) As others have said, get an Amex card while in the UK
3) As soon as you get a Social Security # in the USA, get a secured Credit card in America. $300 deposit, $300 credit limit. Use this every month, carry a $0 Balance (Pay it off in full every month).
4) Get a copy of your driving history from the DVLA, showing a clean license history. Also get a copy of your claim record, if you have full NCB, get a copy of it from your insurer.
Car insurance in America is weighted differently than in the UK. Your driving record is the primary factor, at-fault accidents, tickets, etc. Comprehensive claims generally won't hurt your rates (A tree falls on your car, your car catches on fire, gets stolen, etc). Not all insurance companies will care, but some will and that will save you money on your rates, you can also show that there was no lapse in coverage in the past, that is very important, rate-wise, in some states.
As far as cars go, suggest you check www.autotrader.com for pricing, I am in the trade in America (Nowhere near GA and I only deal wholesale) and will be happy to give you advice if I can.
1) Get a Capital One credit card while in the UK
2) As others have said, get an Amex card while in the UK
3) As soon as you get a Social Security # in the USA, get a secured Credit card in America. $300 deposit, $300 credit limit. Use this every month, carry a $0 Balance (Pay it off in full every month).
4) Get a copy of your driving history from the DVLA, showing a clean license history. Also get a copy of your claim record, if you have full NCB, get a copy of it from your insurer.
Car insurance in America is weighted differently than in the UK. Your driving record is the primary factor, at-fault accidents, tickets, etc. Comprehensive claims generally won't hurt your rates (A tree falls on your car, your car catches on fire, gets stolen, etc). Not all insurance companies will care, but some will and that will save you money on your rates, you can also show that there was no lapse in coverage in the past, that is very important, rate-wise, in some states.
As far as cars go, suggest you check www.autotrader.com for pricing, I am in the trade in America (Nowhere near GA and I only deal wholesale) and will be happy to give you advice if I can.
Thanks for all the help, I'm planning on opening an AmEx card ASAP - I was also talking to my bank (HSBC) and they suggested that I could switch to an international account, but they didn't seem to know a great deal about them and just passed a telephone number to me. I'm pretty sure that they have branches in the US, but I'm getting the impression that credit history doesn't seem to carry over!
Do the experian credit checks count in the US, as it's possible to get a copy in the UK - I suppose it wouldn't hurt in the same manner as all of the details of no claims bonus etc. for insurance?
Regards
Neil
Do the experian credit checks count in the US, as it's possible to get a copy in the UK - I suppose it wouldn't hurt in the same manner as all of the details of no claims bonus etc. for insurance?
Regards
Neil
neejah said:
Thanks for all the help, I'm planning on opening an AmEx card ASAP - I was also talking to my bank (HSBC) and they suggested that I could switch to an international account, but they didn't seem to know a great deal about them and just passed a telephone number to me. I'm pretty sure that they have branches in the US, but I'm getting the impression that credit history doesn't seem to carry over!
Do the experian credit checks count in the US, as it's possible to get a copy in the UK - I suppose it wouldn't hurt in the same manner as all of the details of no claims bonus etc. for insurance?
Regards
Neil
NeilDo the experian credit checks count in the US, as it's possible to get a copy in the UK - I suppose it wouldn't hurt in the same manner as all of the details of no claims bonus etc. for insurance?
Regards
Neil
US credit rating agencies don't recognise non-US credit reporting - even from their own subsidiaries. It's insane, but that's the way it is. Very frustrating, but you are going to have to start from scratch here. No credit (what you will be deemed to have) is worse than bad credit, in some respects. You can get by - it just takes a while. Bill's advice about a secured credit card (I did this through Bank of America) will really accelerate your status from deadbeat nobody to responsible somebody much faster than through regular bill-paying etc.
Sadly your no claims bonus isn't worth a carrot here either. Anyone who tells you it's easy is deluded. Get used to jumping through hoops - it's a way of life for non USC's
neejah said:
Thanks for all the help, I'm planning on opening an AmEx card ASAP - I was also talking to my bank (HSBC) and they suggested that I could switch to an international account, but they didn't seem to know a great deal about them and just passed a telephone number to me. I'm pretty sure that they have branches in the US, but I'm getting the impression that credit history doesn't seem to carry over!
Do the experian credit checks count in the US, as it's possible to get a copy in the UK - I suppose it wouldn't hurt in the same manner as all of the details of no claims bonus etc. for insurance?
Regards
Neil
Neil,Do the experian credit checks count in the US, as it's possible to get a copy in the UK - I suppose it wouldn't hurt in the same manner as all of the details of no claims bonus etc. for insurance?
Regards
Neil
HSBC is all over the USA, except that here they don't sponsor airport walkways
Keep any European credit cards you have, you may still want to have them to use here as, again, you will land in America with NO credit. Period. This is, quite simply, going to cost you a bit of money as I'll explain.
A couple of US Insurers will look at your UK driving and No Claims record. I know UK expats who claim to have gotten a better rate because of this. When I insured cars in the UK, Direct Line gave me full NCB based on my US record, so it can work. Do bear in mind that most insurers will rate you as a new driver, so shop around, a lot. There's TONS of insurers out there.
You may very well need a Georgia Driver's License to register a car and insure it, so read the following..
My suggestion, since you'll have a Visa from Homeland Security is to do the following, as soon as humanly possible:
1) Make sure your employer provides health insurance and that you are covered from day 1, for you and your family.
2) As soon as you arrive, get a Social Security #
http://www.ssa.gov
3) As soon as possible get a driver's license. Follow this link for Georgia:
http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/DLdata.aspx?con=1747...
It appears that Georgia will require you to turn in your UK License. I suggest getting a duplicate UK license for this purpose.
Your UK License is valid in the USA for up to a year, but most states require you to get a license within 30 days.
Having a driver's license is something you'll really want to have for day-to-day transactions, ID is commonly required here and don't be shocked if a UK passport isn't accepted. It's really used for identifying you as a local resident.
All states now require what's basically 6 points of ID to get a driver's license.
You'll need proof of Residence (Lease or rental contract or Utility Bill), Proof of Identity (Passport with Visa, etc) and proof of legal status in the country as well as a social security #.
Now...
Mobile Phone: We have 2 basic systems in use in America, CDMA and GSM. You probably want a GSM phone so you can use it in the UK when you go back home, in this case you really want to go with AT&T, T-Mobile is here but their service isn't as good as AT&T. Since you have no credit, be prepared to pay up to a $500 deposit. Service here is cheaper but you will get less of a discount on your mobile. Typical contracts are for 2 years, with a $175 early termination fee. I suggest you look into a "Family Talk" plan. Nice thing about AT&T is that they have "Rollover" minutes, if your contract allows 800 minutes and you use 700, the extra 100 minutes go into a rollover bank so you won't get killed if you use a lot of minutes each month. Nights and weekends are usually free.
Utilities: Again, expect to pay deposit for phone service, electric service, etc. Get a land line home phone, this helps with credit.
American Express: Once you are settled here with a SS# and an address and employer, you can then transfer your AMEX account to America, this will be a HUGE help with your credit. This may also work with Credit Cards issued by US banks or banks that operate here, such as HSBC and Capital One.
I can think of more but don't want to totally bore you to death!
I moved to New York just under a year ago and agree with a lot of the points mentioned above.
Luckily part of my relocation assistance with my firm included setting me up with a bank account with Citibank and I automatically qualified for a Credit Card with a $7000 limit (not sure how). I have since also got a Capital One card with no issue at all. Getting the Social Security number was easy as well. Just have to wait a small amount of time before you can apply (4 weeks I think) and then fill in the form, head to the nearest office and wait for it to arrive in the post. Once you have that, you can provide it to your employer and start getting paid (and taxed) properly.
I would certainly look into the HSBC option. I was lucky enough to be able to get HSBC Premier through work for free and they set me up with both a US and UK account. Its so much better than Citi as you can easily transfer money internationally for no cost and immediately rather than having to wait 5-7 days for things to clear.
In terms of UK tax, I would look into the Non-resident Landlord form (NRL1 I think) that you send to HMRC and voila no tax on the rental income! However, this will affect your Tax status in the US as you will probably have to declare it and will undoubtedly have to pay US tax on it.
One thing I would certainly advise investing in is a decent webcam and getting all your family and friends in the UK set up on Skype. It has been an invaluable tool to keep in touch with the loved ones in the UK and makes the move abroad less scary!
Luckily part of my relocation assistance with my firm included setting me up with a bank account with Citibank and I automatically qualified for a Credit Card with a $7000 limit (not sure how). I have since also got a Capital One card with no issue at all. Getting the Social Security number was easy as well. Just have to wait a small amount of time before you can apply (4 weeks I think) and then fill in the form, head to the nearest office and wait for it to arrive in the post. Once you have that, you can provide it to your employer and start getting paid (and taxed) properly.
I would certainly look into the HSBC option. I was lucky enough to be able to get HSBC Premier through work for free and they set me up with both a US and UK account. Its so much better than Citi as you can easily transfer money internationally for no cost and immediately rather than having to wait 5-7 days for things to clear.
In terms of UK tax, I would look into the Non-resident Landlord form (NRL1 I think) that you send to HMRC and voila no tax on the rental income! However, this will affect your Tax status in the US as you will probably have to declare it and will undoubtedly have to pay US tax on it.
One thing I would certainly advise investing in is a decent webcam and getting all your family and friends in the UK set up on Skype. It has been an invaluable tool to keep in touch with the loved ones in the UK and makes the move abroad less scary!
Open a Nationwide account in the UK
There is no charge for using the card in the US and you also get the business exchange rate. which is usually favorable, this way you can access your money online and transfer bits over as you need extra money. Especially with the extremely crappy rate at the moment.
But this way you will be able to access your rent from your UK home, with ease and without having to pay transfer fees.
Bank of America will also set up an account on your passport while you are waiting to sort out your SSN
Hope this helps and good luck,
I am in South Carolina, so the next State over and just been given my permanent residence, it takes around 9 months at the moment from filing the paperwork to the actual interview.
There is no charge for using the card in the US and you also get the business exchange rate. which is usually favorable, this way you can access your money online and transfer bits over as you need extra money. Especially with the extremely crappy rate at the moment.
But this way you will be able to access your rent from your UK home, with ease and without having to pay transfer fees.
Bank of America will also set up an account on your passport while you are waiting to sort out your SSN
Hope this helps and good luck,
I am in South Carolina, so the next State over and just been given my permanent residence, it takes around 9 months at the moment from filing the paperwork to the actual interview.
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