Staying Connected and Managing Your Money

Means of communication in the U.S. for Work and Travel USA participants Once you arrive in the United States, staying connected will be one of the most important things for keeping in touch with family, friends, and your employer. 1. You can use a free eSIM in the IEC EXCHANGE Work & Travel mobile app. You can activate the eSIM directly in the app and receive 1 GB of free data for use in the United States. * This is especially convenient during the first days after arrival: you will be able to contact coordinators and your employer, use maps, and access the internet. * After the free package is used, you can purchase additional data if needed. The app also offers the option to purchase a U.S. phone number and eSIMs for use in other countries. 2. Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafes, hotels, and public places. You can also use WhatsApp, Telegram, FaceTime, and other internet services to communicate. Financial side in the U.S. 1. Money in the United States: * The national currency of the United States is the dollar. Banknotes come in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. The most popular coin is 25 cents (quarter). 2. What cards can be used: * Both debit and credit cards are accepted in the United States. Most transactions can be made with Visa, MasterCard or American Express cards. * For convenience, you can use electronic payment systems such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, which allows you to pay for purchases from your phone. 3. How to open a bank account: * You can open an account at almost any U.S. bank, such as Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo. You will need a passport, a DS-2019 form, and possibly a Social Security Number (SSN). * Once you open an account, you can get a debit card that you can use to withdraw money or pay for purchases. 4. What are debit and credit cards: * Debit card: Money is withdrawn directly from your bank account. This is a convenient way to manage your money without having to take out a loan. * Credit card (credit card): allows you to borrow money from the bank, which you have to repay with interest. It is recommended that you keep a close eye on your credit card spending. 5. Financial Security Tips: * Don't carry large amounts of cash. * If you have a credit or debit card, tell your bank immediately if it is lost or stolen. Stay connected and manage your finances wisely to make the Work and Travel USA program a success and comfortable experience for you! Sending Money Home During the program, you may want to send part of the money you earn home or transfer funds to your own account in another country. There are several options: International online services — Wise, PayPal, and similar platforms can be convenient for international transfers, but availability depends on the sender's and recipient's countries. Some services do not operate in certain countries or have significant restrictions, so always check whether the required transfer route is supported before sending money. Money-transfer systems — Western Union, MoneyGram, and other services may offer transfers to a bank account, card, or for cash pickup. The specific options also depend on the country and may be unavailable for some destinations. Direct bank transfer (wire transfer) — money can be sent directly from your U.S. bank account to a recipient's account abroad if both banks support the transfer. Fees, processing times, and exchange rates vary considerably, so check the conditions with the bank before sending money. What should you consider? Before making a transfer, compare not only the fee but also the exchange rate and the final amount the recipient will receive. Check whether the selected service works specifically between the United States and your country and whether the recipient's bank or card can receive the transfer. For some countries, including Russia and Belarus, international payment services and bank transfers may be unavailable or subject to significant restrictions. In that case, check the currently available options with your bank, the payment service, and, if necessary, your IEC representative in your country. Before sending a large amount through a new or untested method, it is a good idea to make a small test transfer first. If you plan to take cash home, check the current cash import and export rules in advance. When leaving the United States, amounts over USD 10,000 must be declared. Practical advice: there is no single service that works equally well for every country. Before making a transfer, check the current availability of the route, the fee, the exchange rate, and the conditions for receiving the money.