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> Public
Transportation
> Automobiles
> Bicycles
> Motorcycles
> Leisure
Travel
> Airlines
> Trains
> Buses
Public Transportation
Public transportation in the United States varies significantly
from city to city. Several of the major U.S. cities have a
dependable, comprehensive system. Others have very little
public transport. Depending on where you live in relation
to your college or university campus, public transportation
can be the simplest, least expensive, and most reliable way
to get to school. If you live on campus, you may find that
you rarely need to get any place that you cannot walk to;
therefore, basic public transportation may be sufficient.
Make sure you get acquainted with your area's most convenient
form of public transportation. You can usually get a map of
the transit network at bus stops, at subway or tramway stops,
at the public transportation office, at some gas stations,
or from your university's information bureau. Many cities
also have public transportation information available on the
Internet.
If you plan to live off-campus and will not have access to
a car, make sure you know how frequently your street or area
is served by public transportation, the times of scheduled
stops, and the price of travel. Take the price of transportation
into account when deciding where to live since it can affect
your budget considerably. If you need to take public transportation
daily, it is recommended that you get a monthly pass to save
on transport expenses. These passes are available at the public
transportation office in your city and often in other locations
such as drugstores or post offices.
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Automobiles
It may seem to you that everyone in the United States has
an automobile (generally called a "car") and that
everyone needs one. Certainly, cars can be convenient, but
they can also be very expensive to buy and maintain. Some
things about them can be inconvenient, such as parking and
upkeep. Some universities may not allow first-year undergraduate
students to keep a car on campus due to limited parking space.
If you decide to buy a car, take your time and look for deals
on good cars for less money. Research the cars you are considering
to be certain they are safe and reliable. You can purchase
magazines that will assist you with your research. When shopping
for a car, bring along someone who is knowledgeable about
cars and how they are sold in the United States. Most car
dealers will negotiate prices with the customer, so this will
be a good time to practice your bargaining skills or show
your expertise.
The total cost of the car will depend on the age of the car;
the options you choose (air conditioning, automatic or manual
transmission, power brakes and steering, and so on); and on
the brand or "make." Look at different brands and
models, and compare prices and the cost of options.
Used cars are less expensive than new cars. Of course, the
car is older and there is a risk of problems and repair costs.
Used cars are sometimes advertised on bulletin boards on campus
and in newspapers, or you can go to a used car lot. Even though
the cost is almost always higher, many people prefer to buy
a used car from a dealer because there is usually a 30- to
90-day "warranty" on the car. A warranty is a guarantee
to repair any problems that arise within the warranty period.
To get a better idea of what you should pay for certain used
car models, consult with the Kelley Blue Book on-line at http://www.kbb.com.
When buying a used car, you should be able to obtain the
owner's permission to take the car to a garage (one not associated
with the seller) to be thoroughly checked before you decide
to buy it. Mechanics usually charge for this service, but
this is a good investment if it saves you from buying a car
in bad condition. If you purchase the car from a dealer, there
should be a warranty on the car and, therefore, no reason
to take it to a mechanic.
When you complete the purchase of a used car, be sure that
you get from the previous owner the documents ("title"
or transfer of ownership papers, antismog certification, and
so on) required by the department of motor vehicles in the
state where you buy the car. Before you buy any car, contact
the department of motor vehicles in your state to find out
about state requirements for owning a car.
You can either pay the total cost of a car when you purchase
it or you can sometimes finance it ("buy it on time"
or "buy it on credit"). Financing costs vary greatly,
but they can add 20 to 30 percent to the purchase price. Before
signing any papers committing you to buy the car, be sure
that you understand all the details of the sale.
Getting a Driver's License and Obeying
Traffic Laws: If you plan to drive in the United States,
you must have a valid driver's license. It is a good idea
to get a driver's license issued in the state where you will
live, since some states do not recognize an international
driver's license. Even those that do recognize an international
license will accept it for only one year after you arrive
in the United States. Check with the local office of the state
motor vehicles department to get information on obtaining
a state driver's license.
It is important to learn and obey traffic laws and to understand
that they are enforced. People who break these laws can receive
fines, jail sentences, and/or the loss of driving privileges.
All laws that govern driver's licenses and all traffic laws
are made by each state. There are variations from state to
state. When you apply for a driver's license, you will be
given a book with all the traffic laws of the state in it.
Learn these laws and obey them. In fact, you will be required
to pass a written test on these laws to get a license. You
also may be required to pass a driving, or "road,"
test before you are granted a license.
Automobile Insurance: In most
of the United States, automobile insurance is mandatory, but
the amount of coverage required varies from state to state.
If a car is not insured, the owner of the car is financially
responsible for any accidents or damage connected with the
car. Also, legal problems resulting from an accident can be
complicated and very costly. Therefore, it is very important
to have at least the minimum amount of insurance coverage.
Ask your international student adviser about state requirements
and for advice on purchasing automobile insurance.
Renting a Car: There are certain
requirements and restrictions connected with renting a car.
For example, many agencies require that individuals be at
least 25 years old to rent a car. Some will allow drivers
who are younger, but for an additional fee. If you want to
rent a car, telephone or visit a rental car agency. Most agencies
are listed in the telephone directory's yellow pages. Ask
for information, procedures, and rates.
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Bicycles
On many U.S. campuses and in many communities, bicycles provide
useful, inexpensive, and convenient transportation. Most communities
also have bicycle clubs that schedule group outings and competitive
races. Bicycle shops often sell new and used bicycles. Notices
of used bicycles for sale sometimes are posted by students
on bulletin boards and in classified advertising sections
in the school or community newspaper.
Some universities and some city police departments require
that bicycles be licensed. Ask your international student
adviser about regulations and traffic rules for bicycles on
campus and in the community.
Always lock your bicycle when you leave it, even for a few
minutes, as, unfortunately, it can be a popular target for
thieves. You can get advice on a secure locking system and
on safety precautions from a bicycle shop.
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Motorcycles
Motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles with motors are
another relatively inexpensive form of transportation. Most
states require that these vehicles be registered and that
their drivers be licensed. Most states also require drivers
to wear protective helmets.
In addition, many universities and colleges require that
motorcycles and similar vehicles be registered with the campus
security office. Some institutions require that motorcycles
have effective devices to muffle the loud engine noise. Motorcycles
usually must be parked in spaces designated for two-wheeled
vehicles.
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Leisure Travel
The United States is a large country, the fourth largest in
the world. Different regions of the United States can almost
seem like different countries, with their varied climates,
landscapes, people, and customs. There are countless things
to see, but distances can be great and travel can be expensive.
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Airlines
The United States has several major national airlines as well
as many regional carriers. Because of the competition between
airlines, you may find that airfares are surprisingly low,
particularly when airlines offer sales. You can book tickets
directly with the airlines, through a travel agent, or through
the Internet. There are several popular Web sites that can
help you find the lowest fare for the trip you wish to make.
Try http://www.expedia.com
or http://www.travelocity.com.
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Trains
Amtrak, the U.S. national rail carrier, offers a USA Rail
Pass to permanent residents of foreign countries, but it must
be purchased outside the United States. The pass entitles
you to unlimited travel for one predetermined price for a
specified number of days. For information, contact a travel
agency.
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Buses
Bus travel is often the least expensive way to travel in the
United States and provides excellent opportunities for seeing
the country. Reservations are not required, but if you are
considering traveling or touring by bus, you should try to
make arrangements with a travel agent before you leave home.
The major bus company serving the United States is the Greyhound
Bus Company. Greyhound sometimes has special fares for touring
the United States and it also has a special touring fare called
Ameripass, available for travel anywhere in the United States.
It may be purchased in the United States. Contact a travel
agency for more information.
Also consider the possibilities below when planning leisure
travel:
- Most American transport companies (airlines, buses, and
trains) offer special travel deals for foreigners. The offer
is usually for travel anywhere in the country for a set
fee and a certain number of days. Usually, the ticket must
be bought before entering the United States. Contact your
travel agent before leaving home to find out about these
special tickets.
- International students often get together to travel and
share the costs of renting a car and staying in hotels.
You probably will not be the only person who will want to
see more of the United States. Make sure you choose your
travel companions well for your own security and comfort.
- Your new American friends might invite you to visit their
family during vacation times. Again, for your security and
comfort, make sure you know the person well. This might
be an ideal way to see another part of the country, save
money on accommodations, and see how American families live
on a daily basis and celebrate certain holidays.
- Christmas International House: During the Christmas vacation,
this organization arranges hospitality programs for international
students all over the country. Normally, during a seven-
to ten-day period, each host city provides housing with
a family or in dormitory-style accommodations, a sightseeing
(tourist) program, and hospitality, such as social events.
- Experiment in International Living: This is another organization
that provides various types of home-stay programs throughout
the year. For information, look at their Web site at http://www.experiment.org.
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