Investment Immigration to the United States requires an adjustment period after successfully obtaining a U.S. Green Card. Understanding the lifestyle habits of Americans in advance will greatly assist in the immigrant experience. Below are some common situations that new Chinese immigrants or those preparing to move abroad may find useful!
1. Two for three dollars.
Many people have the same question when they first visit a supermarket in the United States: if it says "Two for three dollars," can I buy just one? The answer is yes. Will buying one be more expensive? Not at all; if it’s "Two for three dollars," then buying one costs one dollar and fifty cents. However, the situation is different at fast-food restaurants, where promotions like Arby’s "2 Sub for 4 dollars" do not allow for single purchases.
2. Buy one get one free.
This is a common promotional tactic in the United States, applicable to everything from everyday items to cars. However, since it is buy one get one free, the price for taking two is the same as taking one, which is different from the "Two for three dollars" scenario mentioned above.
3. Never buy beers without your pictured ID in hand.
U.S. law requires that anyone purchasing alcoholic products must present a picture ID (you must be of legal age to buy alcohol). Moreover, regulations vary by state and even by county. Some places allow the sale of liquor, while others do not. Some states have peculiar regulations, such as Georgia, which prohibits the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
4. Bring your I.D. to the bar, movies, and when you write a check.
Bars that allow dancing typically have age restrictions; some require you to be 18, while others require you to be 21. In places where the age limit is 18, if you are over 21, they will give you a bracelet indicating that you can purchase alcohol inside. As for movies, some theaters separate general and restricted films, and you cannot enter without an ID. Regarding checks, while we are generally less accustomed to using them, remember that you will also need to show your ID when using a check.
5. The malls close at 6pm on Sunday!
People coming from Asia often find it hard to understand why almost all businesses in the United States (and I believe in Europe as well) close at 6 PM on Sundays. So if you want to go shopping at the mall on Sunday, make sure to go early. On regular days, most businesses are open until 9 PM, and on Saturdays, they stay open until 10 PM.
6. Remember to renew your insurance.
When your insurance expires, remember to renew it yourself (renewal in English is called "renew"). Some insurance companies may forget to send you a notification, so you need to remember to renew it yourself. Medical expenses in the United States can be staggering, so do not gamble with your life and health. Additionally, the insurance fee is called a premium. Since the word "premium" can also mean "the best," you may see many products labeled as premium in supermarkets, such as orange juice and pizza. So do not confuse these two meanings. When discussing insurance, "premium" refers to the insurance fee.
7. Down payment and monthly payment.
There are generally two ways to pay for items: paying in full or making installment payments. Installment payments are divided into a down payment and the monthly payments thereafter. When purchasing larger items like cars or insurance, different payment options and amounts will be listed. Some promotional advertisements may state "No down payment," meaning no initial payment is required. However, if it is an installment plan, there is usually an additional finance charge (equivalent to interest). Is it worth it? You can calculate it yourself.
8. Pay your tag fee before your birthday.
The tag fee is the vehicle registration tax, paid once a year, typically ranging from $200 to $400. Due to varying state laws, the payment methods and amounts may differ. However, generally, you must prepay the next year's tag fee before your birthday; otherwise, you will incur a 10% penalty.
9. Get your emission test for your car every odd year.
State laws vary, but they are generally similar. Georgia law requires that vehicles undergo an emission test every two years, with a standard fee of $25. If you need detailed locations that provide emission testing services.
10. Left turn first if there is a turn-left sign there.
Driving in the United States is quite different; when the traffic light changes from red to green, if there is a left turn signal, it will turn green first, allowing left-turning vehicles to go first. Therefore, there is no such thing as waiting to turn left on a green light. Please do not show off. However, if there is no left turn signal, then straight-going vehicles will go first before left-turning vehicles.
11. Ten dollars rebate and ten dollars cash back.
Rebate and cash back are common promotional methods used in the United States. A rebate means that after purchasing an item, you fill out an application, attach the product's UPC barcode along with the receipt, and send it to the manufacturer, who will then send you a check. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. Cash back, on the other hand, is when cash is returned to you directly at checkout, but you still have to pay tax on that amount. For example, if you buy something for $20 and receive $10 cash back, the tax is still calculated based on the $20. You may not notice this with small items, but if you buy a car and get $2,000 cash back, you will see how significant the difference is.
12. Take advantage of the first courtesy.
The so-called first courtesy means that if you make a mistake for the first time, you can request forgiveness from others (usually from the bank). For example, if your check bounces and you are fined by the bank, or if your credit card payment is late and you are fined, or even if your car is towed, you can inquire whether there is a first courtesy policy. Each bank is different; some have it, some do not. If they do, you can save yourself a considerable fine.