Everything you need
to land ready
in America.

Many essential US apps are unavailable on Chinese app stores. Download them before you leave: Google Maps, Uber, Venmo, your bank's app, WhatsApp, and a VPN app. Once in the US, you can download anything.

Once you're in the US, you won't need a VPN for most things — Google, YouTube, Instagram all work freely. But you'll still want one to access Chinese apps and websites from the US. Set it up while you're still in China where VPN apps are accessible.

Bring $200–$500 USD cash for your first days. Most places accept cards but some early expenses (tips, small stores, campus vending) need cash. Your Visa/Mastercard works everywhere in the US — no need to carry much cash after the first week.

US prescriptions are expensive and require a US doctor. If you take any regular medication, bring enough to last until you're settled and have healthcare set up. Bring original packaging and a doctor's note if possible.

Pack originals and copies of: Passport, F-1/J-1 visa, I-20 or DS-2019, university acceptance letter, health insurance card, vaccination records. Store digital copies in Google Drive. Do not check your documents in luggage.

You don't need an SSN to open an account. Bring your passport and university enrollment letter. Best options for international students: Wise (no SSN, works globally), Chase Student Account, or Bank of America (both accept passport + I-20). Avoid keeping large amounts in your home country account — transfer fees add up.

Americans pay each other digitally. Venmo is social (you see friends' payments). Zelle is bank-to-bank (faster, for rent and larger amounts). You'll need both. Connect them to your new US bank account. Your US phone number (from MeiSIM USA) is used for verification.

Register with the International Student Office. Get your student ID. Set up university email and wifi. Most universities require you to report your local address within the first week. This is important for your visa compliance.

Most universities include health insurance in tuition. Find out what your plan covers before you need it. Locate the nearest campus health center. For emergencies, go to Urgent Care (cheaper than the ER). Prescription medications require a US doctor's prescription.

Walmart and Target are the cheapest options. Trader Joe's is popular with students for quality and price. Whole Foods is expensive. Near universities in major cities, you'll often find Asian grocery stores (H Mart, 99 Ranch) — essential for cooking familiar food.

Tipping is not optional in the US — it's expected. Restaurant servers: 18–20%. Food delivery: 15–20%. Rideshare: 10–15%. Tipping is built into service workers' expected income. Not tipping is considered rude and can cause awkward situations.

US credit history is invisible when you arrive. The earlier you start, the better. Options: Discover Student Card (no credit history needed), secured credit cards (you deposit money as collateral), or Deserve EDU Mastercard (designed for international students). Use it for small purchases and pay the full balance monthly.

Even if you earn no income, you must file a tax return (Form 8843) every year. If you have income (scholarship, work), you'll file Form 1040NR. Tax season is January–April. Your university's international student office usually holds free tax filing workshops. Use Sprintax for international student tax filing.

You can drive on your home country license for a limited time (varies by state, usually 1 year). To get a US license, visit your local DMV with passport, visa, I-20, and proof of address. You'll take a written test and driving test. Having a US license also serves as official US photo ID.

Your MeiSIM USA plan includes WiFi calling — you can call US numbers over WiFi, which also works internationally. For calling home: WhatsApp and FaceTime are free. WeChat works well for China. For texting, iMessage is free between iPhones. Your US number stays with you as long as your plan is active.

Every university has cultural student organizations — Chinese Student Association, Korean Student Association, Japanese Cultural Club, etc. These are invaluable for practical advice, friendship, and belonging. Join your university's international student Facebook group and WeChat groups. The network you build here will last decades.