Relocating to the United States for a healthcare role comes with more than a new job title and a new address. It also means stepping into a culture that can feel familiar in some ways and completely unexpected in others.
If you asked friends, family, and coworkers what makes living in the U.S. different, the debate would surely be loud and might go on forever.
We made a list of what we think makes living in the U.S. unique.
Local and Professional Pride
Across the U.S., pride often shows up in practical and familiar ways. People tend to talk about where they live, where they work, or their communities.
For healthcare professionals, this is commonly reflected in strong ties to hospitals, medical groups, and specialties.
Inches, Miles, and Fahrenheit
The U.S. uses inches, feet, miles, pounds, and Fahrenheit instead of the metric system. For many newcomers, this takes some getting used to.
While healthcare professionals usually adapt quickly at work, everyday situations like checking the weather, cooking, or grocery shopping are often where the differences stand out.
Pets Are Treated Like Family
Pets play a huge role in many American households. Dogs and cats are often treated like family members, with regular veterinary care, specialty food, birthday, and “Gotcha Day” celebrations
It’s common to hear coworkers talk about their pets. Pet-friendly housing and neighborhoods are widely available.
Vacation Time Isn’t Always Used
Paid time off is common in the U.S., but many people don’t use all of it. Work schedules, staffing needs, and workplace expectations can make extended time away difficult.
For those coming from countries where longer leave is standard, this can take some adjustment. We hope you get all the Paid Time Off (PTO) you’ve accrued.
Convenience Is Part of Daily Life
Convenience is built into many parts of everyday life in the U.S. Many stores stay open late, deliveries arrive quickly, and many errands can be managed online.
From 7-11 convenience stores to 24-hour laundromats, gas stations, and food delivery services, we work hard and often need to take advantage of convenience. Just be mindful; many people are shocked when they review their expenses to find out how much they spent on DoorDash deliveries.
Driving Everywhere
In most of the U.S., driving is simply part of daily life. Outside of a handful of large cities, public transportation can be limited, and even short trips often require a car. Going to work, running errands, or meeting friends usually means getting behind the wheel.
For many new arrivals, this takes some getting used to. Distances are longer, parking is part of the routine, and a car quickly becomes less of a convenience and more of a necessity.
Paying Sales Tax
Unlike many countries, prices in the U.S. are shown before tax. So, the price you see is rarely the price you’ll pay. Sales tax varies by state and sometimes by city, so the final price is almost always higher than the sticker price. This catches many people off guard at first.
There’s also categories of items that are taxed and those that are not. Examples include not taxing groceries in general but taxing prepared food (think sandwiches) and beer, wine, candy, and soda.
Tipping Is Expected
Tipping is customary in the U.S. for many service roles, including restaurants, rideshares, salons, and delivery services. A tip of 15 to 20 percent is typical, depending on the service.
It may feel unfamiliar at first, but it becomes routine fairly quickly.
Sports, Sports, and More Sports
You do not need to love American football or baseball, but you will hear about them.
Americans are obsessed with sports. It’s the topic of often spirited conversation with your colleagues, patients, and neighbors. Break rooms, hospital cafeterias, and team meetings frequently include discussions about last night’s game or the upcoming season.
Powered by Coffee
Coffee is part of daily life in the U.S. Coffee shops, drive-throughs, and to-go cups are everywhere, especially during the work week. Many people start their day with coffee in hand and carry it with them from one stop to the next.
Whether it’s a quick stop on the way to work or a mid-shift refill, coffee is less of a treat and more of a routine.
The List Goes On…
There’s no shortage of small details that stand out once you’ve spent some time living in the United States.
Many of them don’t make a top ten list, but they’re the kinds of things people tend to notice and talk about once daily life settles in.
A few of these include:
- Mailboxes on houses rather than centralized mail delivery
- The amount of ice that shows up in nearly every drink
- Yellow school buses as a near-universal sight
- Direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising on television
- Kitchen sinks with built-in garbage disposals
- Portion sizes that run large, from restaurant meals to bulk household items
About International AutoSource
International AutoSource provides vehicle financing for international nurses, doctors, medical technicians, and many other healthcare professionals with no U.S. credit history. The IAS Healthcare Advantage Program provides exclusive protections, privileged pricing, and dedicated full-service support that is not available anywhere else.
International Healthcare professionals can take advantage of savings, convenience, and full-service support all in one place. Our dedicated healthcare product specialists work one-on-one with each customer to provide full-service support before, during, and after delivery. We also assist with all documentation needed for vehicle financing, licensing, and registration as our customers have more important things to worry about.
Get tips and learn what to expect to make your move as seamless as possible.
