Packing for Your Trip
When you're preparing for a Work and Travel USA trip, it's important to think carefully about what to bring and what you can buy locally. Here are some tips to help you optimize your packing: 1. Clothing: The climate in the US can vary greatly depending on the region you go to. If you're going to the southern or western states, the weather will mostly be warm. Be sure to bring one or two warm clothes, though, because it can get chilly even on the coast in May or in the evening. Don't take too many clothes - you'll probably want to buy new things in the US, and it's inconvenient to carry two suitcases back. 2. Medications: It is important to take all necessary medications with you, especially if you take something regularly or have a chronic condition. It is difficult to buy medications without a doctor's prescription in the U.S., and going to the doctor can be very expensive. Check ahead of time to see if your medications can be brought into the U.S. and if a prescription is required. 3. Appliances: The United States uses a different voltage - 110 volts and 60 Hz (as opposed to 220 volts and 50 Hz in most countries). This means that your appliances, especially appliances like a hair dryer, flat iron or iron, may not work properly or may not turn on at all. So if you plan to bring your appliances with you, you'll need not only an adapter for American outlets, but also a voltage and current frequency converter. This is important because even if your device fits the voltage, it may not work properly due to the different current frequency. The alternative is to buy the necessary appliances locally, as they are sold in the US with the right parameters. 4. Documents: Be sure to bring originals and copies of all important documents: passport, visa, DS-2019 form, health insurance, employer contract (Job Offer), tickets and employer contact information. Keep the documents in a separate folder so they are easily accessible. 5. Personal hygiene products: Bring the essentials for the first few days - toothbrush, toothpaste, soap. The rest can be easily purchased locally. 6. What to buy locally: Many things are easier and cheaper to buy already in the United States. This applies, for example, to clothes for work, seasonal shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and other small things. Stores like Walmart, Target, Ross and others offer a wide selection at affordable prices. 7. Food for the first time: In the first few days after arrival, it can be helpful to have a small supply of food with you, such as snacks or a favorite food item, so you don't waste time and money looking for food as soon as you arrive. Prepare in advance and then your stay in the US will be comfortable from the start!
