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Discovering the U.S. 		4
Contents 		4
Facts about the United States 		5
General Information 		5
Business Hours 		5
Public Holidays 		5
Government 		7
Economy 		7
Weather 		7
Severe Weather Situations 		7
Time Zones 		9
Local Time Zone 		9
Daylight Saving Time 		9
Comparative Size Charts 		10
Although most countries are trying to standardize clothing sizes, there is still a great deal of variation, often making shopping in a different country very difficult. Even with a size conversion chart, always try clothing on before purchasing it. 		10
Average State Temperatures 		7
Geographic Overview 		11
Regions (with states per region) 		11
Major Cities 		11
People and Culture 		12
Demographics 		12
Language 		12
Religion 		12
Etiquette 		13
Greetings and Introductions 		13
Addressing People 		13
Business Etiquette 		13
Punctuality 		13
Tipping Practices 		13
Food 		14
Ingredients and Typical Dishes (within different regions) 		14
Daily Meals 		14
Grocery 		14
Registrations 		15
Social Security Number 		15
Identity Theft 		15
Driver’s License 		16
Reciprocity 		16
Visas 		16
Money and Banking 		17
Banks 		17
Bank Accounts 		17
Savings Accounts 		17
Account Statements 		17
Exchange 		17
Payment Methods 		18
Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) and Debit Cards 		18
Protecting Your ATM/Debit Cards 		18
How to Write a Personal Check 		18
Credit Cards 		19
Credit History 		19
Credit Unions 		19
Taxes 		20
Safety and Security 		20
At Home 		20
On the Streets 		20
In the Car 		20
Emergency 		21
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY DIAL 911 FOR FIRE, POLICE, AND AMBULANCE 		21
Child Safety 		21
Communication and Media 		22
Telephone 		22
Mobile 		22
Television 		22
Internet and Wi-Fi 		23
Newspapers 		23
The United States Postal Service 		23
Sending/Receiving Letters 		23
Driving 		24
Rules and Regulations 		24
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Illegal Substances 		24
Mobile Phone Laws 		24
Seat Belt Safety 		24
Emergency Vehicles 		24
If You Are Stopped by a Police Officer 		25
School Bus Safety 		25
Motorcycles 		26
Bicycle and Moped Safety 		26
Roads 		26
Speed Limits 		26
Fuel 		26
Insurance and Assistance 		26
When Involved in an Automobile Crash 		27
Child Safety Regulations 		27
Parking 		27
Acquiring a Vehicle 		27
Car Purchase 		27
Car Leasing 		28
Vehicle Registration 		28
Lessons 		28
Health 		29
Choosing a Doctor 		29
Visiting the Doctor 		29
Vaccinations 		29
Insurance 		29
Emergency 		30
Hospitals 		30
Urgent Care Centers 		30
Education 		31
Transportation 		31
Public versus Private Schools 		31
Public Schools 		31
Public School Attributes 		31
Private Schools 		32
Private School Attributes 		32
Common Questions for Public and Private Schools 		33
Registering Children in Public School 		33
Immunizations 		34
Early Childhood Education 		34
Kindergarten Entrance Requirements 		34
Magnet Schools 		34
International Baccalaureate Programs 		34
Special Education 		35
English as a Second Language (ESL) Program 		35
Gifted and Talented Program 		35
Standardized Tests 		36
Advanced Placement 		36
High School Graduation Requirements 		36
Pets 		37
Regulations 		37
Registration 		37
Care 		37
Housing 		38
Home Finding 		38
Things to Consider: 		38
Schools 		38
Commute Time and Public Transportation 		38
Cultural Activities and Sports Events 		38
Housing 		38
Partner’s Possible Future Employment 		38
Types of Rental Housing 		38
Apartments 		39
Securing Rental Housing 		39
Application Fees 		40
Security Deposit 		40
Lease Review 		40
Transfer / Diplomatic Clause 		40
Monthly Rent / Utility Costs 		40
“Pet Friendly” Housing 		41
Rental Furniture 		41
Renters Insurance 		41
Move-in Walk Through 		42
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 		42
Departure 		42
Security Deposit and Move-Out Walk Through 		42
Lease Completion and Returning Your Property to Acceptable Condition 		43
Utilities 		44
Gas 		44
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