Moving from India to the USA - Now what?

At Rebtel, we're interested in the stories of the people behind the numbers - our customers! And, we want to be part of giving them a platform to share their experiences. That's why we're spotlighting customer stories from around the world - uncovering everything from cultural differences to the joys of immigration and more.

Today, we're hearing from Aarush - who, at only 24, left his hometown to work for an international startup in Jersey City! Aarush moved only 3 months ago from Bangalore, India in the hopes of following the grind to career success.

"We grew up learning about America through TV and magazines. As children, we used to practice our American accent and I've even made some American friends online, gaming, and through developer groups.

But what you think you know counts for nothing when you experience the reality of immigration. From the moment I started the visa application, it hit me".

Orientation is a luxury

I moved over with an employment-based immigration agreement, which is different from immigrating for love or as a reuniting family member.

You have some restrictions in terms of your commitments to your employer. Part of my agreement was that I would start right away.

I underestimated the time it would take me to cover the basics like opening a bank account, moving into my new place, and finalizing the paperwork for my green card.

But that was only the beginning. The biggest shocks were more cultural.

Practical steps that made all the difference

1. Getting the basics right

My new employer offered me relocation assistance, so I was able to use a company to complete my visa application and secure temporary accommodation when I arrived.

They helped me get a copy of my i94 Homeland Security form when I landed as well. But even with help, I was completely overwhelmed.

A lot of the things that you might take for granted in your home country become major challenges when you're moving to a new country, and I was hyper-aware of this.

I opened an online bank account, just to get started and that helped me send money online, get my salary, etc. but it was just a temporary measure.

2. Getting a social security number

I was required to get a Social Security Number (SSN) which is a simple thing for most Americans. But it was a big administrative hurdle for me.

On top of everything else, I didn't want to have to deal with extra forms and processes and I used a relocation company to help me get it all done. It cost a lot but for me, it was better than waiting for HR to help. Getting over big milestones like that made all the difference to my orientation.

3. Get comfortable with exchange rates

1 INR equals about 0.12 USD which is part of why I wanted to move over in the first place. The exchange rate can have a big impact on my friends and family I send money back home to. But when you're trying to navigate your first month's salary in a new city it can be disorientating.

I kept trying to do the maths and then thinking "This would be expensive in Bangalore". For example, buying milk is about 4 times cheaper back home.

But after a while, I realized you have to calculate the exchange and then divide by 4 for a value estimate.

4. Figure out public transport

It's no secret that public transport in India (in general) can be chaotic. In Jersey a lot of people use it but it's a bit more structured. This was better for me, but it was still overwhelming.

In fact, I was mostly using the bike lane for the first 3 months. Jersey City has gone through a bit of a construction boom over the last few years, so it took me a second to understand how the bus network works or to separate my light rail from my Amtrak. But after practicing with Google Maps and traveling to work with a colleague, I started to get more familiar with it.

5. Get connected to friends and family

I was worried that it would be too expensive for me to talk to friends and family back home. Even buying data for mobile calling apps was intimidating to me at first. What hidden expenses would there be? How far would it stretch?

One of my colleagues told me he topped up with Rebtel, so I was keen to use it for my international calls. Also, I could choose the mobile recharge amount from the app, so that helped me feel a bit more in control.

6. Transfer money from your old bank account to your new one

Getting a bank account was an important part of integrating for me but then came the challenge of adding funds. Before getting my first salary paid into my new account, I transferred money from my old bank into the new one.

Usually, people use Rebtel to transfer money to friends and family, but I used it for transferring money between my accounts. It was a surprisingly quick and convenient option and just gave me a bit of calm knowing I could access cash right away.

7. Send money home to family or finalize old payments

My new role allows me to keep covering some of our family expenses back home, so I make a money transfer monthly.

For me this is an important way to show them I still care and that even though I'm far away, I still want to be part of the family in any way I can.

8. Recognize culture shock

I had prepared myself to experience new sensations and feelings, but I had culture shock, and I didn't even know it. I was hit with this wave of feeling overwhelmed and suddenly very alone in a new place.

America is one of those places you see a lot on TV but you can't guess what it will be like to live there until you arrive.

It got to the point where I wanted to give up and go home, I didn't even care about the money. I felt so down and on edge at the same time. Basic things, like getting a good night's sleep were a problem. With help, I learned to identify the symptoms like stress, irritability and fatigue.

9. Take care of your mental health

Mental health is not a subject I was very familiar with growing up, but it's been a big topic of discussion since moving. Leaving my daily routine, dealing with culture shock, and being away from people I'm close to has taken a toll.

But with the right support, I've made a lot of progress here in a short space of time. For me, part of that is about staying in touch, and luckily technology has made that pretty easy. You can find doctors who operate privately or make use of organizations like JC Responds for support.

Home is closer than you think, with Rebtel

Stay connected to the people you care about with a money transfer, low-cost mobile recharge options and an on-the-go app that means you can help out or get in touch in an emergency.

Send money to help your family cover expenses or make the most of the exchange rate by paying off debts. With quick access to money transfers and international calls, you can feel like you are at home - even when you're away.

Rebtel services to the USA

Money transfer services

With Rebtel, you can send money to India in a matter of minutes. Your family can receive money from you right into their account or pick it up in cash! It's totally up to them which option suits them best.

We're committed to having the lowest fees, so more of your money transfer can go to your family and friends. And less is wasted on paying someone else's transfer fees. Send money online right from your phone.

Send money internationally

India isn't the only Rebtel destination that you can send money to. There are over 120 options for money transfers, globally. Make a transaction in minutes.

Mobile Recharge

There's nothing quite like hearing the voices of your friends and family. It can help you stay in touch but it's also an important part of getting used to your new life.

Added benefits? You can:

• Pick your payment method. Pay by card or e-wallet for fast and convenient recharges.

• With plans, you can send calling minutes, data and SMS to India every month, at fixed prices, fee-free and you can cancel whenever you like. And the best part? Enjoy more than 50% off in the first month!

• Bundles offer you the convenience of sending minutes, data and SMS whenever there is a need for it.

• And, if you only want to talk, you can simply send credits to a number of your choice, using our great rates!

Plus, get a discounted mobile recharge amount with Rebtel.