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12 1

expat gu ide U SAincludes san fr anc i s co c i ty g u i dethis guide offers information and advice if you are moving to the usa

click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights

You can also read our city guide to New York

Bupa International is the specialist international division of Bupa and we have operations in UK Denmark USA

Spain France Hong Kong Egypt UAE and AustraliaWe care for the lives in our hands and are dedicated to providing all the insurance services help and advice you need to keep yourself and your family in the best of health Our dedicated team respects everyonersquos individuality culture privacy and dignity and aims to provide a personal service you can rely on throughout your Bupa International membership

contact uscall us on

+44 (0) 1273 7 18 306

22 1

Moving to the USABelow you will find information about

bull Visas for the US

bull Shipping and removals

bull Getting a social security number

The United States has found success through immigration since its conception Now with its own distinct identity the

country is a melting pot of colours and flavour and continues to be a favourite expat destination

Expats moving to the US will be exposed to one of the worldrsquos largest economic and military powers supporting more

than 300 million people in 50 states across three time zones Such an immense land area does make it difficult to

generalise topics of expat consideration ndash like cost of living climate and lifestyle but there are certainly some clear cut

advantages to moving to the lsquoLand of Opportunityrsquo

The US benefits from high wages a safe child-friendly environment for the family-oriented expat There is a well-organised

and efficient infrastructure which makes systems like education and healthcare some of the best in the world ndash if you can

afford them

As a downside the US tends to have a thin safety net and limited aid for those in need of monetary assistance Since

the recession of 2008 competition for jobs in the US has been considerably more intense In continuation of this the

policy changes since 911 have resulted in a much more selective immigration allowance where more expats would like

to relocate than are accepted The group of people who are allowed into the US is by no means an exclusive group as

roughly a million people immigrate annually to America ndash still leaving the influx of foreigners as the leading cause of the

countryrsquos population growth

Visas for the USVisas are divided according to immigrant and non-immigrant categories Most expats in the US will want to obtain an

immigrant visa This is commonly referred to as the lsquogreen cardrsquo and is attainable through employment sponsorship

family ties and a visa lottery system

Non-immigrant visas are usually reserved for tourists or temporary residents but can be used in some scenarios for

temporary employment There are a huge number of ways to qualify for both types of visa Processing times vary

depending on the location applied but are usually less than six months To make options easier many expats hire an

immigration lawyer although these can be expensive

Go to the Working page for more information about visas and work permits

Shipping and removalsBoth coasts of the US have major ports making shipping to these regions less expensive than inland Regions without

ports will require a combination of sea and land transport Some shipping companies will arrange for the entire transport

while others will only offer one part of the delivery It is a good idea to buy cargo insurance from a company other than

the one used for shipping to ensure reliable coverage

Regulatory law for shipping pets is different depending on the state and port of entry A dog must be accompanied by

a certificate for rabies vaccination although this is not usually required for cats Travel through some states requires a

health certificate proving vaccinations Hawaii has stricter pet immigration policies than most mainland states

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32 1

Useful linksbull wwwintlmoverscomindexasp

bull wwwmovecorpcoukintlusahtml

bull wwwanglopacificcouk

Getting a social security numberExpats moving to the US will need a social security number before formally starting a job This is used by employers to

report your earnings to the government

If you are not a US citizen and do not want to work in the US you do not necessarily need a social security number It is

still recommended to apply for one in order to receive certain government services that you are entitled to as a resident

Some businesses such as credit companies and banks will ask for your social security number but most can identify you

by some other means You will not need a number in order to get a driverrsquos license or register children for schools

There are two ways to get a social security number

bull You can apply before you depart for the US when filing an application for an immigrant visa with the US State

Department

bull You can visit a social security office in person on arrival in the US

There are offices in all towns and cities You should wait at least ten days after arriving in the US before applying at a

social security office to allow time for your Department of Homeland Security documents to be available online There is

no charge for a social security number and it takes about two weeks to get one

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42 1

Working in the USBelow you will find information about

bull About working in the US

bull Business culture

bull Banking

bull Taxes

bull Public holidays

bull Work permits

About working in the USHard work is a virtue in the US and expats should expect working more than 40 hours a week Less vacation time than

what is given in Europe is normal with only two weeks annual leave in many positions

The American economy is comprised of many different industries that are largely driven by regional location East coast

cities such as New York and Boston are strong financial players The Midwest heartland lays claim to sectors relating to

agriculture and natural resources and the west coast metropolis such as Los Angeles and Seattle are famous for technol-

ogy and entertainment Production and manufacturing contracts are increasingly being outsourced to smaller economies

overseas

Despite the downward spiral of the recession there are still a number of employment areas that have plenty of job op-

portunities The demand for employees in the medical profession - such as nurses medical assistants and technicians ndash is

on the increase Jobs relating to care for the elderly are also increasing in availability as the baby-boomer generation is

reaching retirement

American companies can also apply for foreign workers if they can show that there is a lack of qualified US citizens capa-

ble of carrying out the job required The US is particularly interested in skilled professionals for areas in which it competes

for part of the global market such as the IT sector

Business cultureBeing such a vast and cosmopolitan country business etiquette varies from state to state in the US but social norms

can be applied throughout punctuality a smart appearance and a respectful attitude are good starting points A firm

handshake and the use of titles (Mr Mrs and Ms) are good for introductions and business cards may be offered before

parting The business week goes from Monday to Friday with business hours generally from 8am to 5pm including an

hour-long lunch In many business areas and positions the working hours can be considerably longer than the general

business hours suggest

BankingBanking in the US is very competitive and an array of services and rates can make choosing where to open an account

confusing It is often easier to maintain your overseas account open a US based account at the same bank and transfer

money back and forth It is possible to relocate successfully without opening an American account and expats on short

stays usually choose to use their overseas account

To open a checking account expats moving to the US should confirm with their bank what forms of identification are

required Passport immigration information social security number and proof of address are often expected

Credit histories can be transferred to the US although this is a hassle many expats choose to forego in favour of making

major purchases through their overseas account Property can be bought without a US bank account

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52 1

TaxesTax laws in the US are complex and made more so by expatriation There are both state and federal taxes on income

Property and sales taxes also differ by state State taxes differ considerably both in amount and regulation

Paying taxes as a resident in the US A resident alien (foreign national living in the US) is generally taxed in the same man-

ner as a US citizen Resident aliens can be classified in two ways either according to the lawful permanent residence test

(ldquogreen cardrdquo) or the substantial presence test

bull Green card test An alien who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States under US immigration laws (receives a

ldquogreen cardrdquo) will be considered a resident alien for federal tax purposes

bull Substantial presence test An alien will be considered a US resident if the individual is physically present in the United

States for at least 31 days during the calendar year and 183 days for the current and two preceding calendar years

US residents are required to file an annual individual tax return and to disclose the worldwide income received that given

tax year If you have income from another country while you are a US resident ndash from assets such as interest dividends

or rental income - and you pay taxes to the other country you may qualify to receive a foreign tax credit on your US tax

return Through this method it is possible to avoid double taxation on the same income

For the first and last year in the US as a resident you simultaneously may be considered a resident and non-resident and

consequently may still be required to disclose your worldwide income for the portion of the year that you are considered

a US resident

Paying taxes as a non-resident in the US Non-residents who are doing business in the US are taxed on the income they

received in the US if it is significant Expats in the US may be exempt from some forms of taxation such as social secu-

rity All of this is further complicated by tax treaties with other countries Professional tax advisers are widely used by US

citizens even with less complicated tax returns thus it is highly recommended that expats in the US hire a tax planner

specialising in expat taxes

Public holidays

2011 2012

New Yearrsquos Day 31 Dec 2 Jan Martin Luther King Day 17 Jan 15 JanWashingtonrsquos Birthday 21 Feb 20 FebMemorial Day 30 May 28 May Independence Day 4 Jul 4 Jul Labour Day 5 Sep 3 Sep Columbus Day 10 Oct 8 Oct Veterans Day 11 Nov 12 Nov Thanksgiving Day 24 Nov 22 Nov Christmas Day 26 Dec 25 DecPublic holidays in the US that fall on a SaturdaySunday are moved to the preceding Friday of the following Monday

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62 1

Work Permits

A ldquogreen cardrdquo is the official card issued by the US Immigration Service (USCIS) to foreign nationals granting them

permanent residency in the US A ldquogreen cardrdquo allows you to live and work in the US

Obtaining a ldquogreen cardrdquo

Generally the process takes three steps when applying through employment (1) the Labour Certification (2) the

Immigrant Petition (I-140 or I-526) and 3) the AdjustmentPermanent Residence Application

You can either live in the US under a non-immigrant visa while your immigrant visa is being processed or you can wait

in your home country until final approval The waiting period will depend on the skill level you are classified under A US

company must file the application petitioning you The company can be owned by you or not depending on the visa

classification

The ldquogreen cardrdquo can also be obtained through family members who are either US citizens or legal permanent residents

(ldquogreen cardrdquo holders) this includes a parent child sondaughter over 21 spouse sibling or fianceacute(e) These are generally

easier and sometimes faster than employment-based ldquogreen cardrdquo applications

The ldquoemployment basedrdquo Non-Immigrant Visas which allow you to reside in the US while processing your ldquogreen cardrdquo

include

L-1 Visa Available for companies that wish to expand operations into the US by opening a branch a warehouse or an

office It can lead to permanent residency and is relatively easy to obtain with the right documentation and presentation

You would be transferred from your companyrsquos offices in your home country to the new office in the US With your

US company sponsoring you for a ldquogreen cardrdquo you can skip the first step (Labour Certification) The waiting period is

relatively short from 8-15 months

EB-5 Visa This is probably the quickest way to obtain US residency but does require a direct financial investment into

a new or existing US business The minimum funds required for the investment is either $500000 or $1000000

depending on the geographic area Your US company can sponsor your ldquogreen cardrdquo application

E-2 Visa Service and trading companies may qualify for the E-2 treaty trader status Financial services companies

software companies attorneys accountants and the like along with companies trading goods may qualify for E-2 treaty

trader status You must buy or start up a company in the US with personal funds you must be the principal owner (at least

50) a ldquosignificant investmentrsquo is required - you must cover at least 50 of the funds required to start up or purchase the

business and the money needs to be at ldquoriskrdquo Though most countries are eligible for E visas there are some that are not

Your US company may not sponsor you for the ldquogreen cardrdquo You must find another company to sponsor you

H-1 Visa H-1 visas are for skilled international professionals who want to live and work in America on a long term basis

As these are non-immigrant visas they are often quicker to obtain than green cards thus they are ideal for those looking

to work in the US for a long duration but not permanently In order to qualify for this visa you must have a US company

sponsor or petition for your employment

Other possible visas include TN-1 Visa E-1 Visa E-3 Visa J-1 Visa and various study visas

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72 1

Living and accommodationBelow you will find information about

bull New in the US

bull Cost of living

bull Accommodation

New in the USAmerican culture is a mishmash of global customs traditions languages and beliefs

The many influences and integrated cultural characteristics are too long to list but each contributes to the national

ethos This is particularly apparent in the cities which are blends of many different cultures smaller towns often retain

characteristics of their founding nationalities

Despite its many inspirations US culture still has distinct attributes of its own In fact there are a number of differences

from other western cultures that may take expats living in the US by surprise This includes the geographical size of both

countries and big cities As a result long commutes and long drives are normal and a dependence on vehicles is a common

characteristic of American life It is illegal to drink before 21 years of age and although this law is routinely broken police

usually take it very seriously

Cost of livingThe cost of living in the US varies from region to region and from city to city

The major cosmopolitan centres such as New York San Francisco and Los Angeles are the most expensive places to live

The cost of living in a major city can be 50 more than that of the national average To compensate wages are increased

in cities but often not in proportion to the cost of living A large portion of the high cost of living is due to expensive prop-

erty prices Living outside city centres can make your cost of living markedly cheaper

On average expenses are less than in western European countries However expats may be unaccustomed to some

expenses For example you need a reliable vehicle for commuting in every area of the US except a very small group of big

cities Petrol is much cheaper than in Europe but more is consumed Heating and air-conditioning are also widely used

and can become very expensive

AccommodationExpats moving to the US will find a high standard of accommodation options available Whether you are looking to rent a

house or whether yoursquore looking to take advantage of the recovering property market by purchasing a prime plot of land

yoursquoll likely find a lovely home well-suited to your needs and your budget

Types of Accommodation in the US Accommodation in the US has its own unique terminology and is usually divided into

the following classifications

bull Apartments (self-contained units in larger buildings)

bull Single family homes (stand-alone houses usually on a small plot of land)

bull Duplex homes (when two or more living quarters are housed in the same building)

bull Condominiums (separate often similar-styled homes located close together)

bull Mansions (large extravagant expensive houses)

All these forms of housing are widespread throughout the US with apartments being the most popular to rent for expats

and single family homes being the most commonly purchased

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82 1

Renting Property in the US Finding a place to rent in the US is a relatively easy process First you should conduct some re-

search into the city you are relocating to in order to get some perspective on a neighbourhood that would best align with

your priorities From there you can use one of the following avenues to start investigating individual rental properties

bull There are plenty of websites ndash such as Craigrsquos List Rentcom and Apartmentscom ndash that carry both short- and long-term

rental listings You should be able to browse these sites for free without needing to register and to share any of your

personal information Stay clear of sites that insist you provide them with this kind of information

bull Local newspapers and magazines ndash known as lsquohome and apartment findersrsquo ndash are widely distributed in most US cities

These often specialise in providing rental listings

bull If you find a neighbourhood you like ndash and if yoursquore very lucky - you might be able to find a place simply by driving

around in that neighbourhood looking for a lsquoFor Rentrsquo sign outside a property

bull The USArsquos Multiple Listings Service ndash a huge constantly updated database of homes and apartments available to rent

and to buy ndash is also a great resource However it is generally better when looking for homes to buy as many landlords

realise they can find tenants on their own terms without having to advertise their properties on the MLS

bull Real estate agents can be used ndash however many US realtors specialise in selling and buying homes not renting them

Once yoursquove found a property you like yoursquoll need to tender a lease application This will probably take the form of a

generic document known as a State Rental Agreement

In order to be taken seriously as a candidate for renting the property especially as a foreigner you will need to demon-

strate that you have at least enough funds to cover the first monthrsquos rent upfront and also pay another monthrsquos rent as

deposit Credit checks and background checks will be carried out ndash if you have any references from previous landlords be

sure to include them with your application

Lease agreements in the US are generally signed on a six-month or one-year basis Whether or not you will be liable for

your own gas electricity water refuse phone and Internet bills will depend on your specific rental agreement

Buying Property in the US The process of buying a house in the US is as follows

bull A mortgage or loan is obtained As a foreigner ndash in the current economic climate ndash you will need plenty of supporting

documentation to organise your home loan and will need to prove that you are both legally employed in the US and

financially able to commit to the purchase of your new house

bull Once yoursquove identified the home you wish to buy a formal offer is made to the seller in the form of a (legally binding)

sales contract

bull A deposit on the property is placed by the buyer in escrow showing good faith that they will commit to the full

purchase of the property once certain conditions have been met As a foreigner the amount of deposit money you are

required to part with might be larger than would be expected of US citizens

bull The buyer sees to it that inspections and appraisals are done While not always necessary if you are borrowing money

to purchase your house the bank or financial institution that lent it to you will insist on this step

bull A title search is conducted usually by the real estate agent working on behalf of the buyer

bull A deed of sale contract is drawn up signed and filed with the county ndash creating an official record of sale At this point

all money must change hands and possession of the property must be turned over

Foreigners looking to buy property in the US should also bear in mind that one of the most crucial steps along the way is

to secure the services of a reliable estate agent one with whom yoursquoll be able to foster a good working relationship

By providing them with a comprehensive list of your housing requirements your realtor will be able to use the Multiple

Listing Service to generate a list of potential properties Once yoursquove identified one or two that seem promising your

realtor will then further assist you in liaising with the seller organising viewings house inspections and property reports (if

necessary) negotiating yours sales contracts advising you on market trends and prices conducting title searches etc

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92 1

Colleges and universitiesThe US has over 4000 degree-granting institutions which translates into an amazing wealth of opportunity for expats

with children approaching college age Though the magnitude of options can seem daunting it can be easy to narrow

down the school selection process and focus on specific applications once you have a bit of background knowledge

There are three kinds of institutions that new arrivals in the US ought to consider (note that Americans tend to use the

words ldquocollegerdquo ldquouniversityrdquo and even ldquoschoolrdquo quite interchangeably therefore the term used in normal conversation may

not necessarily denote a difference in size quality or category)

The US has a system of community colleges which grants graduates an associatersquos degree (AAAS) after two years of

study often at significant lower cost than at four year institutions Many of the courses offered by community colleges

are vocational ndash auto mechanics secretarial training medical technology paralegal education etc But they will also offer

many courses that allow students to transfer to four-year institutions after completing an associatersquos degree

Colleges are institutions that grant bachelor degrees (BABS) and in a few instances also masterrsquos degrees (MAMS) They

tend to be smaller in size and they vary in selectivity and in quality Some of them are state institutions though the ma-

jority are private Some colleges run by specific religious groups and there are also a few womenrsquos colleges

Universities award bachelor degrees but also grant masterrsquos and doctoral degrees (PhDs) as well Some state schools may

have tens of thousands of students and they often have very good research facilities

The universities and colleges in the US tend to be well-financed and often have a number of scholarships or financial aid

available to supplement tuition Though expat children do not usually qualify as easily as US citizens there are still oppor-

tunities worth researching Check with government and private organisations in your country of origin to see if your child

can take advantage of any available financing

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102 1

Useful informationBelow you will find

bull Nice to know

bull Embassy contact details

Nice to know Standard time There are six times zones in the USA Eastern time is GMT -5 Pacific time is GMT -8 Central time is GMT

-6 Mountain time is GMT -7 Alaska is GMT -9 and Hawaii is GMT -10 Daylight saving time sets the clocks back by an

hour between March and November in all states except Arizona and Hawaii

Currency The United States dollar (USD $) is the official currency of the USA It is divided into 100 cents also called

pennies You can check the latest exchange rates at httpwwwxecom

Electricity 120 volts 60Hz Standard plugs have two flat pins but three-pin plugs are also used

Language English is the official language but Spanish is common in the south-western states

Safety As a whole the country is a safe expat destination with a strong police presence Poorer neighbourhoods where

crime is more common are avoidable and down-town areas and business districts tend to be safe Expats in the US should

become familiar with lsquogoodrsquo and lsquobadrsquo sections of cities before they rent or buy property

Except for very wealthy and gated residential neighbourhoods employing private security companies is rare and residents

can expect quick and quality responses by police or even a local neighbourhood-watch programme

There are no specific health risks associated with the US

Southern and eastern states may experience hurricanes in June and November and the west coast may experience

wildfires between March and November

Communications The international access code for the US is +1 To dial out of the US use 011 followed by the relevant

country code (eg 44 for the UK) Areacity codes must be dialled before the local number required There is mobile

network coverage in all populated US destinations but expats should be aware that their phones from home will only

work if they have tri-band There are Internet cafeacutes throughout the States and broadband at home is also available in

most areas 9001800 coverage throughout Spain Broadband internet connection at home and in internet cafeacutes is

available in all but the smallest of Spanish towns

Emergencies Dial 911 for emergency assistance

Climate The US is a vast country spanning six time zones from east to west with just as many climate variations Gener-

ally speaking the west coast experiences a pleasant Mediterranean climate and the climate on the Pacific Northwest is

milder more maritime while the central regions have a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers

Embassy contact details United States of America Embassies

bull United States Embassy London United Kingdom +44 (0)20 7499 9000

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1 1 2 1

bull United States Embassy Ottawa Canada +1 613 688 5335

bull United States Embassy Canberra Australia +61 (0)2 6214 5600

bull United States Embassy Pretoria South Africa +27 (0)12 431 4000

bull United States Embassy Dublin Ireland +353 (0)1 668 8777

bull United States Embassy Wellington New Zealand +64 (0)4 462 6000

Foreign Embassies in United States of America

bull British Embassy Washington DC +1 202 588 6500

bull Canadian Embassy Washington DC +1 202 682 1740

bull Australian Embassy Washington DC +1 202 797 3000

bull South African Embassy Washington DC +1 202 232 4400

bull Irish Embassy Washington DC +1 202 462 3939

bull New Zealand Embassy Washington DC +1 202 328 4800

This content is provided by wwwexpatarrivalscom copyright copy 2011 Globe Media Ltd All rights reserved By its very nature much of the information in this expat guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which theyrsquore relying with the relevant authoritiesNeither Globe Media nor Bupa International can be held liable for any errors or omissions or any loss damage illness andor injury that may occur as a result of this informationBupa International is not responsible for the content of external websites

1 2 2 1

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expat gu ide SA n f rA n c i S co

this guide offers information and advice if you are moving to san Francisco

click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights

Bupa International is the specialist international division of Bupa and we have operations in UK Denmark USA

Spain France Hong Kong Egypt UAE and AustraliaWe care for the lives in our hands and are dedicated to providing all the insurance services help and advice you need to keep yourself and your family in the best of health Our dedicated team respects everyonersquos individuality culture privacy and dignity and aims to provide a personal service you can rely on throughout your Bupa International membership

1 32 1

contact uscall us on

+44 (0) 1273 7 18 306

Moving to San FranciscoExpats moving to San Francisco will find a city with a long history of opening its borders to immigrants First as a

destination for gold miners and pioneers during its inception then as a home to the worldrsquos counter culture epicentre in

the 1960rsquos and now as the technological capital of the US

Many European expats will appreciate the Victorian architecture - wrapping itself up and around hills - and the

liberal outlook on life Culturally distinct areas of the city such as Chinatown and the Asian American and Hispanic

neighbourhoods make it all a global hotspot

In some ways San Francisco is becoming a victim of its own success An extremely high cost of living and high property

prices are pushing even middle income families out Diverse family neighbourhoods are being gentrified and overtaken

by wealthy individuals But if you can afford the city living or if yoursquore willing to commute from the nearby suburbs the

mixture of cultures the ingenious industry and the liberal attitudes make for a great lifestyle in a creative exciting and

original city

Shipping and removalsSan Francisco and its neighbour Oakland are major seaport destinations for the west coast thus providing a variety of

shipping options for expats

Alternatively air freight may be an easier and definitely faster means of shipping for expats moving from Europe Shipping

by air is much more expensive than by sea except for smaller items However the total cost of air transport could be less

than renting a furnished apartment in San Francisco while waiting for shipped furniture arriving weeks later by sea

It is a good idea to purchase insurance on shipped goods To ensure reliable coverage of broken goods expats should use

insurance from a company other than the one used in transport

Pets brought to San Francisco or anywhere in California require an accompanying certificate proving a previous rabies

vaccine

Shipping and removals companies

bull wwwnyinternationalshippingcom

bull wwwcompare-international-moverscom

bull wwwcadogantatecom

Pet shipping

bull wwwpacpetcom

bull wwwaacargocomshippinganimalsjhtml

142 1

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Living and working in San FranciscoBelow you will find information about

bull Working in San Francisco

bull Weather

bull Safety

bull Getting around

Working in San FranciscoSan Francisco and the greater Bay Area have emerged alongside well-known neighbour Silicon Valley as the technology

capital of the nation The technology industry includes biomedicine biotechnology research aerospace and many of the

largest online companies in the world

This attracts many specialised expats eager to take advantage of the cutting edge attitude and the opportunities available

in the technology and web industries

Despite having a huge technology sector tourism is still the largest section of the economy

Our USA guide includes more information about work permits business culture banking and taxes

WeatherWith cool to mild weather throughout the year expats will find San Francisco a pleasant city in which to live During the

summer and early autumn a blanket of fog can cover the city In winter rain is common so be sure to invest in a decent

raincoat and umbrella

san FRancisco

Rainfall

Max Temp

Min Temp

Tem

pera

ture

(˚C)

Rain

fall

(mm

)

130

104

78

52

26

0Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

40

32

24

16

8

0

SafetySafety standards in San Francisco are no different than any other large city Common sense is the best deterrent to avoid-

ing petty or serious crime such as not walking alone at night and staying out of public parks at night time A large home-

less population in San Francisco gives the appearance of unsafe neighbourhoods but they are rarely any danger

Safety information and guides wwwsfsafeorg

1 52 1

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Getting aroundGetting around San Francisco is relatively easy regardless of whether you decide to provide your own method of getting

from A to B or use public transportation

Buses (MUNI) Buses run throughout the city on a fairly regular schedule It generally only takes one or two buses (with

minimal walking) to reach most destinations from wherever you are located in the city It is possible to purchase daily

weekly or monthly bus passes or to pay when you board the bus Buses vary in how crowded they are and will occasionally

pass you by if they get too full - the only major inconvenience of using them as your primary mode of transportation Bus

lines called ldquoowl linesrdquo operate throughout the night

BART BART is the light rail system that runs through the city It is a quick and easy method of reaching destinations that

are located in San Franciscorsquos Financial District and in the cityrsquos popular Mission neighbourhood It is also one of the best

modes of transportation for travel to nearby suburbs and cities The fare depends on the distance you are travelling

Cable Cars San Francisco is famous for its historic cable cars Although they are frequently used by tourists expats living

in the city may enjoy riding them as well They are convenient for reaching certain destinations such as Chinatown and

Fishermanrsquos Wharf They are expensive for regular travel but monthly bus passes will give you access

Taxis It is easy to find taxis in San Francisco This includes traditional yellow cabs as well as eco-friendly green cabs They

are reasonably priced especially since travel distances are short around the city Frequent use of taxis add to the cost but

this is a great way to get somewhere quickly and efficiently It is expected that you will tip the driver 10 - 20 It is safe

and easy to wave taxis down on the street Alternatively you can call for a taxi pick-up

Ferries There are two ferry stops along the Embarcadero in San Francisco These provide a fun way of getting to the North

Bay or the East Bay although they are too pricey for regular use

CalTrain This train travels from the city of San Francisco to the South Bay and is an affordable convenient way to get to

the suburbs and cities south of San Francisco

Getting around by car Getting around San Francisco by car is fairly simple although the large number of one-way streets

can take some time to get used to The major problem for most people who own cars in San Francisco is not driving but

parking Most areas allow street parking for free but only for two hours at a time and parking lots in the city are expensive

Your best bet is to purchase a parking permit for the area in which you live

Car share The parking lots throughout the city you will find cars which members of sharing schemes can rent by the

hour or by the day If you are only planning to use the car a few times per week this is much cheaper than owning a car

162 1

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Housing in San FranciscoBelow you will find information about

bull About accommodation in San Francisco

bull Cost of living

bull Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

bull Renting a property

bull How to resolve a problem with your landlord

About accommodation in San FranciscoAs a city surrounded on three sides by water San Franciscorsquos ability to provide accommodation for the many interested

expats is greatly limited by the same geography which makes it such an appealing destination However there are many

housing options in the Bay Area ndash the greater region surrounding the city where expat accommodation can be found

within a short distance of the thriving metropolis

Cost of livingThe constricted and compact area has given rise to apartment buildings and divided houses rather than individual homes

A detached house is difficult to find and extremely expensive Apartments are also very expensive

Neighbourhoods in San FranciscoThe Castro is a popular and expensive neighbourhood in San Francisco with lively shops bars and Victorian architecture

The financial district has few housing options except hotels and suites

The Haight Ashbury district was the epicentre of the counter culture movement in America in the sixties It still retains a

bohemian feel although much of it caters to tourists Shared housing is common in the Haight area

Both The Marina and The Mission areas are more residential but remain expensive

Russian and Nob Hill are quaint places that have highly sought after apartment accommodation in San Francisco

North Beach has a European blend to it and is a more lively residential housing area

The housing costs in San Francisco often convince expats to seek accommodation in the East Bay area and commute

into the city The popular communities of Oakland and Berkeley are attracting more and more families that cannot afford

housing in the central areas

Useful links

bull Neighbourhood descriptions

bull Real estate agents

Renting a propertyYou just moved or are considering moving to San Francisco The first item on your to-do list is to find a place to call home

While some real estate companies specialise in rentals the best place to start looking and getting a feeling of the rental

market is on Craigslist You will have the opportunity to browse listings for apartments sublets roommates etc

In order to start browsing you should already have narrowed down choices by answering the following questions

bull Which neighbourhood do you want to live in

bull What is your budget

bull What amenities do you absolutely need

bull Are you going to use public transportations or are you relying on your car

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Once you have found properties you are interested in contact the landlord to schedule a visit Be prepared for the follow-

ing requests from the landlord

bull Fill out a rental application which generally requests information about yourself (ie name past and present

employment previous housing references income)

bull Pay a $30 credit report fee for the landlord to verify the information you provided in your rental application

bull The landlord will get back to you within a couple of days and let you know if he has selected your application If he did

then be prepared to sign a one year lease and pay a security deposit that will amount to a maximum of two monthsrsquo

rent (three months in the case of a furnished apartment) Most of the time the rent covers water and garbage but this

is not mandatory so donrsquot forget to ask

How to resolve problems with your landlordIf you rent a property in San Francisco the Rent Ordinance will most probably regulate your lease

The Rent Boardrsquos primary function is to conduct hearings and mediation of tenant and landlord petitions regarding

the adjustment of rents under the Cityrsquos rent control laws It also provides counselling information on subjects that are

covered by the Rent Ordinance as well as investigates reports of alleged wrongful eviction However only the court can

decide whether an eviction is legal or not

There is no charge for filing a petition and this can be done without a lawyer The tenant may combine more than one

type of claim in a tenant petition The types of claims which may be included in the petition can be found on the Rent

Boardrsquos website

Their counsellors are available by phone at 4152524602 or at the counter

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See and do Below you will find information about

bull Lifestyle and shopping

bull Annual events

bull See and do

bull Recommended sightseeing

Lifestyle and shoppingThe city will not disappoint if yoursquore an aisle addict Head to Union Square for all the top designer names and boutiques

while Haight Street offers hippie chic Chinatown is the place to go for Asian products while Hayes Valley is a great place

to pick up art to hang on the walls of your new San Francisco home

Beside the regular attractions and activities expats can also expect great annual festivals and events which attract people

from all over San Francisco

Annual eventsInternational Beer Festival (April) San Franciscorsquos largest beer festival comes to town each April and lovers of the brew

should head on down to sample beers from as far afield as Japan Thailand England and Germany as well as local ales

Live bands perform to keep the party going

Uncorked (May) Lovers of good wine and food should look no further than the San Francisco Wine Festival to tantalise

their taste buds The celebration showcases the local regionrsquos finest vineyards and features delicious snack and gourmet

treats to accompany your favourite Cabernet or Zinfandel

Haight Ashbury Street Fair (June) Originally the centre of the hippie movement in the 1960s Haight Ashbury is one

of San Franciscorsquos most colourful neighbourhoods Each June the Haight Street Fair celebrates its rootsy creativity in a

vibrant celebration that is not to be missed Two stages showcase some of the cityrsquos local artists

See and doKnown for its steep hills carefully climbing cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco boasts a wealth of

famous attractions and sightseeing opportunities for expats to explore once the stress of relocation has settled

Visit Golden Gate Park and admire the views from the bay to bridge catch the cable car to Chinatown to poke around

the shops enjoy a seafood lunch at Fishermanrsquos Wharf or take a trip to Alcatraz to catch a glimpse of the cityrsquos history

Recommended sightseeingGolden Gate Bridge The Golden Gate Bridge is by far the most famous symbol of San Francisco Therersquos nothing quite

like seeing this iconic rust-coloured bridge for the very first time

Alcatraz Commonly known as lsquothe rockrsquo this alleged escape-proof island prison once held the likes of Al lsquoScarfacersquo

Capone and George lsquoMachine Gunrsquo Kelly Expats can explore the prison on guided tours and learn about the islandrsquos

history

wwwnpsgovalcatraz

Tel (415) 981 7625

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Golden Gate Park One of the most picturesque open spaces in the city Golden Gate Park has plenty of features that will

keep residents coming back for more Beautiful lakes numerous sporting facilities and fascinating museums The park is a

fantastic destination for families picnic goers or just a break from the helter skelter of the everyday grind

wwwsf-recparkorgindexaspxpage=60

Tel (415) 831 2700

Aquarium of the Bay Featuring more than 20000 aquatic animals from seven gill and leopard sharks to skates and

starfish the Aquarium of the Bay hosts nearly 600000 visitors each year This maritime destination is a wonderful way to

see what lies off the shores of your new home in San Francisco

wwwaquariumofthebaycom

Tel (415) 623 5300

Alamo Square Alamo Square is the row of houses which featured in the famous 80s show lsquoFull Housersquo The homes are

quintessentially San Franciscan and the park is fantastic place to walk the dog to take the kids to the playground or to

have a tennis match

Exploratorium Known locally as the museum of science the Exploratorium is a fun and quirky excursion that just about

everyone will love including the kids The lsquoplease touchrsquo exhibits are created by visual and performing artists as well as

scientists and educators and bring more than 500000 people through the doors each year

wwwexploratoriumedu

Tel (415) 561 0360

Lombard Street Lombard Street is the most crooked street in the world and features eight hairpin turns Originally

designed in 1922 to make the massive 72-degree slope of the hill manageable for residents Lombard Street has become

one of San Franciscorsquos quirkier attractions

Chinatown San Francisco has the oldest Chinatown in the US and the area draws more tourists annually than the Golden

Gate Bridge Expats will love coming here to pick up fresh fish and vegetables as well as perusing the herbal shops and

enjoying a meal in one of the many eateries

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Children and schools

Children in San FranciscoSan Francisco is one of the most child-friendly cities in the world Expats with children will find a city bursting with all kinds

of attractions and activities

Take the kids for a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny day to admire the views discover the wildlife and animals

at the Oakland Zoo get totally grossed out at the Ripleyrsquos Believe it or Not Museum or take the little ones for a day of fun

at the Childrenrsquos Fairyland with its carousel rides puppet shows and fairytale characters

The Randall Museum is a great learning opportunity for children where science animals and nature are taught in fun and

inventive ways the Exploratorium is a fun and interactive scientific museum and the Aquarium on the Bay will mesmerise

children with a fascination of all things aquatic

Education and schoolsIn true west coast spirit the San Francisco education and school system is a little left of centre compared with the rest of

the nation

Public schools in San Francisco Unlike most school districts in the US children in San Francisco do not usually attend

public schools based on their residential address The city tries to maintain even demographics in each school based on

income ethnicity and language

Despite these attempts at equalising schools some have much higher test scores than others Families can nominate

seven preferred schools in San Francisco and the school board assigns a student to one of them Most of the time

children can attend a school from among their top choices For this reason as an expat choosing a San Francisco school

for your child it is even more important than usual to research the options beforehand

Private schools in San Francisco Many expats opt to send their children to private schools in San Francisco Choosing and

being accepted into private schools is a difficult process involving testing and interviews Parents should begin to search

for a school as soon as they are able - it is recommended to being researching at least a year in advance Specialists can be

hired to assist families with the process

Private education is expensive in San Francisco but there are loans that can finance childrenrsquos private school education

Parochial and international schools in San Francisco Catholic schools in San Francisco can be less expensive options

International schools in San Francisco are popular with expats as the schools can accommodate students previously

studying different curricula

Useful linksbull Parent network for public school information wwwppssforg

bull List of private school specialists wwwbaprivateschoolscomspecialisthtm

bull Private school loans wwwamswebcom

bull Private school loans wwwpsasorgindexaspx

bull Woodside International School wwwwissforg

bull Chinese American International School wwwcaisorg

contact uscall us on

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2 1 2 1

Join us at Bupa InternationalBupa International is a leader in international health insurance for expatriates Our customers have access to more than

7500 facilities worldwide and we serve 800000 customers spread across 190 countries We strive to make sure you

receive the appropriate treatment and service We can offer direct settlement with Bupa recognised facilities in order to

take the hassle of reimbursement away from you

In-house Medical CentreBupa Internationalrsquos in-house Medical Centre is at the heart of our organisation Our doctors and nurses help the

medically trained staff handle more than 8000 mails and telephone calls from our customers every month

The Medical Centre is available for you 24 hours a day all year round

Our services include

bull Easy access to multilingual medical professionals

bull Second opinion service delivered by Advanced Medical

bull Appointment booking

bull Direct settlement with providers

bull Evacuation services

MembersWorldMembersWorld is an exclusive and secure website that enables our members to effectively manage their plans and get in

touch with us wherever they are in the world

On MembersWorld you can

bull View your plan

bull Update personal details

bull Track the progress of your claims

bull Make payments online

bull Search our international hospital directory

bull Download claim forms and other useful documents

bull Talk to a customer consultant via our free webchat service

MembersWorld may not track claims in the USA as we use our partner here

You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook

Bupa RewardsIn Bupa International we care for our customers We have a reward programme for our members with gifts offers health

content and news

Contact us to discuss how we can help you