The United States of America
Formerly populated by Amerindians, the territory of the United States has only been independent since 1776. Since then, the country has undergone impressive growth to become the world's leading economic power, thanks in particular to agriculture, industry and technological innovation. Its culture has spread throughout the world, and we consume American products on a daily basis all over the globe. This success attracts many people, leading to strong migratory movements and the quest for the “American dream”, making the United States a highly diverse country. Its landscapes are extremely varied, from large metropolises with their high-rise buildings to wilder, more natural regions - something for everyone!
Capital
Washington DC
Spoken Language
English
Currency
$ - Dollar
1 $ = 0,93 €
Area Code
+ 1
Currency
Retrouvez la communauté américaine d’emlyon et tous ses ambassadeurs qui l'animent :
https://emlyon-alumni.com/fr/group/etats-unis-united-states/40
Visa
While the ESTA is sufficient for travel, a visa is required if you wish to join a company for an internship or to study. There are many types of visa, but you should be aware that you will certainly be issued a J visa if you are on an academic exchange, and an H visa if you wish to work temporarily in the USA. This usually costs $160.
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And don't forget that to clear customs, you'll need to give your fingerprints and answer a few questions.
Missteps
In the U.S., it's best to avoid doubling up in line, smoking in the street and kissing (the famous “hug” is preferred). Unlike in France, tipping is strongly recommended in restaurants. Finally, Americans are very patriotic, so we avoid criticizing their country.
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Crime levels are fairly high, notably due to the carrying of weapons, but the most dangerous cities are Memphis, Detroit and Saint Louis in terms of the number of crimes.
A pint of beer costs
5,50€
(8% cheaper than in France!)
The cost of living is
17%
more expensive than in France.
(70% more expensive in New York than in France)
+8%
+3%
+45%
A McDonald's menu costs
9,20€
(8% cheaper than in France!)
Local Expressions
What’s up ? / Wassup? / ’sup?
Hi, how are you / What's up?
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Plastered / sloshed / smashed / wasted
Drunk
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Raincheck
Let's do it later
In major cities: the Capitol, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Walk of Fame, the Lincoln Memorial...
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Natural sites: Grand Canyon, Everglades, Monument Valley, Route 66, Niagara Falls...
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And don't miss national holidays like the 4th of July and Thanksgiving.
Impossible to be exhaustive, there's so much to do!
Lieux à visiter
Spécialités culinaires
Salted: Burger, hot dog, potato salad, mac and cheese...
Sweet: apple pie, cheesecake...
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Clearly, the United States is best known for its fast food, so it's going to be tricky for the diet!
An anecdote
Everything is in XXL: cars, dishes, roads, buildings, parking spaces, bottles...
A must-have
A Black Card to cover all these expenses.
Attention
If you're not a fan of the red tape involved in travelling, don't go to this country.
Transports
Car: The car is the most common form of transport in the USA, especially in less densely populated areas or where public transport is not as well developed. You can rent a car or use your own vehicle to get around.
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Public transportation in New York :
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Subway: New Yorkers spend a lot of time on public transport, especially on the subway, which is very safe and quiet. The network is extensive and efficient, operating 24 hours a day. How does it work? With magnetic cards (MetroCard) that you swipe at automatic turnstiles.
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Bus: Buses operate in the same way as the metro - 24 hours a day - and follow the streets from east to west and the avenues from north to south, stopping roughly every 2 blocks - easy! More pleasant than the metro, but much slower too, and not very frequent.
Plane: For travel between certain cities, the plane can be a fast and sometimes less expensive option, especially if you're traveling from California to Florida or other remote areas.
Nice neighborhoods : Morningside Heights, East Village, Williamsburg, Astoria.
Neighborhoods to avoid : Le South Bronx, Mott Haven, Hunts Point, Fordham.
Housing Budget : Entre 600 $ et 1500 $ / mois dans une colocation
How to find your housing?
Logement
Climate
Continental climate in the Midwest and Northeast: hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Mediterranean climate on California's west coast: hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
Subtropical climate in the southeast, such as in Florida, Louisiana and Georgia.
Temperate climate in Oregon and Washington, with mild summers and rainy winters.
Bank account
It's quite difficult to open a bank account as a foreigner. Applicants must provide proof of identity (identity card, passport, residence permit), proof of address less than 3 months old and a specimen signature.
Recommendations: Revolut, Wise
Clothing
Don't forget to dress in total American flag style: t-shirts, socks and even underwear are all available and proudly worn.
Souvenirs to bring back
The United States is home to many iconic brands and entertainment franchises. You can bring back souvenirs linked to famous films, TV series, sports teams or musicians.