Transferring your international driver's license to the US: step-by-step
Your full guide to updating your foreign driver's license to the US.
To help those who've crossed the Atlantic to live in the U.S., Wise customers who’ve already made the move shared five valuable lessons that you’ll learn when relocating to the U.S.
While being direct and honest is valued in Dutch culture, it can come across as rude among Americans, who are used to toning down criticism, or “packaging it in a nice fluffy wrapper,” as Tim, a Dutch emigrant in New York said.
It can be a tad bit harder to detect authenticity too, as “How are you?” is commonly used for a greeting and “We should meet for a coffee sometime!” as code lingo for “It was nice to meet you,” whether or not the person actually wants to actually share a coffee later(!).
In the Netherlands, most people round up to tip, with a 10 percent tip only granted at the fanciest of restaurants with exceptional service.
Dutch servers are paid a minimum wage that they can live on, so much of their income doesn't depend solely on tips. Yet in America, where the federal minimum wage is just $2.13 an hour for people who recieve at least $30 a month in tips, it is important to always tip 15 to 25 percent of the bill. The total can run closer to 25 percent at fancier establishments or where an extra effort was made in the service.
It is also customary to tip for everyday services such as taxi rides or haircuts, and at the same rate (usually 20 percent) as a good restaurant meal.
In sharp contrast to the Netherlands, many people in the U.S. put their bikes on their cars to get somewhere “bike-able,” rather than using them to get from A to B.
Not all hope is lost in this car country however: many larger cities are expanding their bike lanes and biking culture.
While you may not be used to wearing a clunky helmut in the Netherlands, be sure to don one over in America, as drivers aren't as accustomed to share the lanes with their two-wheeled friends.
American food may be perceived as served only in large portions, on large plates, and lean a little towards the greasier side.
In the Netherlands (and much of the world), American food doesn’t get the best reputation. Sometimes, sadly, it's for good reason, with the “cheese” slathered on nachos and fries looking and tasting like some chemical experiment, and rubbery hot dogs of rather questionable meat content.
Yet with a growing farmers market trend in many cities, and a huge diversity of food from every corner of the globe, you can also find some of the tastiest options in the U.S. And several supermarkets such as Trader Joe’s bring you gourmet quality at downmarket prices.
Americans are big on finger food, and rarely will you catch them eating a hamburger, slice of pizza or burrito with anything but their hands.
When they do dine with utensils, they only use a knife if they really need to cut something, like a huge piece of steak. And when they do pick one up, they employ the ‘bait and switch’ method, passing the knife and fork back and forth like it’s a foot - ahem, soccer ball.
Your bank might say it's "free" or offer a "fixed fee" to send money home but they routinely hit you with as much as 3% on the exchange rate mark-up they use.
Wise: save up to 8x when sending money overseas
Unlike banks, with Wise you don't pay a markup in the exchange rate when your money is converted into another currency. And you'll save even more by avoiding the international Swift fees and the intermediary banks, when you send and receive money abroad.
Check here and check how much you'd get with Wise.
It's cheap, fast, and you know exactly how much you pay and how much reaches the destination. With no unpleasant surprises.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Your full guide to updating your foreign driver's license to the US.
Whatever your reason is for moving to the US, this guide aims to help you figure out the most important costs you'll face when you live there.
Find all you need to know about getting a personal loan for H-1B visa holders in this guide.
Everything you need to know about the US certificate of naturalization.
The US welcomes large numbers of new arrivals every year — and getting a great job to both gain experience and set down roots is a core part of the American...
Find everything you need to know about the US citizenship test, including the USCIS questions and answers.