Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like in Houston?
Houston’s sunny climate and mind winters allow residents to enjoy recreational activities all year round. Houston usually averages 19.7 days with low temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius)or less and 96.0 days with high temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit ( 33 degrees Celsius) or more. Since January 1, 1940, Houston has had only 13 measurable snowfalls.
What are a newcomer’s first impressions of your city?
Houston is a very spread out city with a flat landscape. It is covered by busy freeways and a wide variety of restaurants.
The city’s high heat and humidity – particularly in the summer – can be a little overwhelming to some newcomers at first.
Many people who are new to Houston, and to Texas, will notice that Texans are very proud of their state, which is called the ‘Lone Star State.’ You will also discover that, like in many parts of southern USA, the people in Houston are generally friendly and helpful.
What is the local language?
English, though there is a large population of Spanish speakers in Houston.
How easily could I live in Houston without knowing English?
Without working knowledge of English or Spanish, the newcomer will face challenges. However, Houston is a very international city. Thus, with help from English speakers, a person may be able to get by in his or her native tongue. There are also classes offered to teach English to non-native speakers.
How do Americans socialize?
Most entertaining takes place away from home. One may be invited out to a game or restaurants, but will rarely be invited to someones house except for important occasions like holidays or birthdays. Generally, Americans do not just “drop by” for a chat. They will call first and expect others to do the same.
Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to Houston?
Generally, no vaccinations are required from any country for entry into the U.S., however recent changes to the United States immigration law now require immigrant Visa applicants to obtain certain vaccinations (listed below) prior to the issuance of an immigration Visa.
- Mumps
- Measles
- Rubella
- Polio
- Tetanus and diphtheria taxoids
- Pertussis
- Influenza type B
- Hepatitus B
- Varicella
- Pneumococcal
- Influenza
Additionally, it is recommended that normal childhood vaccinations of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) and polio be up-to-date. It is also necessary that you bring any medical records with you from your home country and that you consult your home country’s vaccination regulations for re-entry on home leave or repatriation.
What is the healthcare system like in the U.S.?
Unlike many countries, there is no national government-funded universal health coverage in the U.S. Medical facilities are excellent, but the cost of treatment is extremely high.
Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in Houston as an expatriate?
Because there is no socialized medical care, it is recommended that you have your own health insurance and bring all your information with you when visiting the doctor or hospital. If you do not have health coverage, you will have to pay for health care out of your own finances at the time service is provided. This can run into many thousands of dollars for serious illnesses so being covered should be a top priority.
The doctors and hospitals in the U.S. are very good and dependable. In Houston, there are many quality hospitals, medical facilities and private practices available to you. To find a suitable health care provider, contact your insurance provider to obtain a list or check with your company Human Resources Department for more information. You can also find extensive listings in your local yellow pages.
Do expatriates in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care?
No. Houston has excellent health resources.
What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency?
Dial 9-1-1 for all emergencies. The personal handling the call with direct your call to the correct department: ambulance, the fire department or law enforcement department depending on which is needed.
Is the water safe to drink?
Although the water is not considered unsafe, it is preferable to most people to use a water purifier or filter. Many people also drink bottled water.
As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?
Millions of foreigners travel to the U.S. every year. In most cases, to enter the United States you must obtain a Visa. As a Visa holder, you will have full access to most basic rights with the exception of the right to vote in elections, hold public office and other things of that nature. However, the U.S. Visa policy does permit citizens from certain countries to enter without a Visa.
What kinds of Visas are available?
There are numerous Visas available. There are Visas for temporary visitors and for permanent immigrants. Please review the list below for the types of Visas available in both categories. It is strongly recommended that you contact an Immigration Attorney and/or the Immigration and Naturalization Service for further details.
Visa types for temporary visitors:
- Business
- Tourist/visitor
- Border Crossing Card – Mexican travelers
- Exchange Visitors
- Students
- Temporary Workers Overview
- Media and Journalists
- Visa Renewals
- Mexican and Canadian NAFTA Professional Worker
Visa types for permanent Immigrants:
- Immediate Relatives
- Special Immigrants
- Family-sponsored
- Employee-sponsored
Please note: In order to be eligible to apply for an immigrant Visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen relative(s) or by a prospective employer.
What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?
Upon arrival, you should apply for your Social Security card, which is obtained at your local Social Security office. Your Social Security number is used to keep record of your earnings. It is also recommended that you apply for a picture ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles (either a driver’s license or simple ID). And, of course you will be traveling with your passport, which is a valid form of picture identification.
What items should I avoid bringing into the country?
Items that are prohibited to come into the country include lottery tickets, narcotics and illegal drugs, obscene articles and publications, seditious treasonable materials, pirated copies of articles, endangered animals and items made from them, unprocessed plant or livestock products, firearms unless permitted, hazardous articles (fireworks and the like), products made by forced labor, and switchblade knives.
Also, alcohol and motor vehicles have specific restrictions. One liter of an alcoholic beverage may be brought in free of duty and Internal Revenue Tax for personal use. Quantities above the one liter limitation are subject to duty and Internal Revenue Tax. Imported motor vehicles are subject to lengthy standards ranging from safety, bumper, to air pollution control standards. Foreign-made vehicles imported into the U.S. are generally dutiable.
When flying into the U.S., there will be certain restrictions on what you may bring with you on the plane. For a specific list of prohibited items and instructions, visit your airline’s website.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes. The transferee should check with the equivalent of the U.S. Agriculture Department in the country of origin as to what the current procedures are. Generally, domestic pets may be imported subject to the following requirements:
Dogs and cats:
- Will accept all types, no banned breeds. Must be at least 12 weeks old
- Rabies Certificate (at least 30 days old but less than 1 year at time of arrival of pet into the U.S.)
- DHLPP Certificate for dogs (distemper shot) and FVRCP Certificate for cats (distemper shot)
- Health Certificate issued by veterinarian within 10 days of departure
- No quarantine necessary
Birds
- No banned breeds at this time
- 30 day quarantine may be necessary depending on species and country of origin (check with the appropriate government office in country of origin)
- If quarantine is necessary, birds must be flown through New York, Miami, Los Angeles or San Francisco
What documents should I bring with me to the U.S.?
It is advisable to bring the following documents in your hand luggage as they may be required within the first few weeks when completing forms, applying for loans, paying bills, etc:
- Employment contract
- Documents or emails sent to you confirming your assignment
- Passports with appropriate Visa
- Current Driving License (needed the first month)
- Immunization booklets (children need these immediately to enter school)
- Marriage certificates
- Birth certificates
- Documents and letters pertaining to your financial history
- No-claims letter(s) for car insurance
- Legal documents (if you have any) e.g. wills
- Current credit card(s) from your previous location
What is the local currency?
Local currency in the U.S. Dollar ($), which can be divided into 100 cents.
What denominations does the U.S. Dollar come in?
- Coins (cents) come in denominations of one (penny), five (nickel), 10 (dime), 25 (quarter), 50 (half-dollar), and 100 (silver dollar); the last two are rarely used.
- Bills (dollars) come in $1, $2 (rare), $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100
What is the best way to exchange currency?
Typically, banks offer the best exchange rates, but you will also find that most airports and hotels offer currency exchange services. Additionally, there are also many licensed money changers and foreign exchange offices available throughout the city.
What are commonly used forms of payment for every purchases?
The most commonly used forms of payments are credit cards, debit cards, cash, and personal checks.
Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I will need cash.
Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted around the city. In most cases, you may find that smaller business will only accept cash so it is recommended that you carry a small amount of cash on you.
By what methods are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?
Normally, bills are paid by mailing a check. Increasingly, though, people in Houston are paying bills online using a credit or debit card. Some companies will also allow you to set up an automatic payment schedule which can go on your credit card or through your bank account.
What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?
To open an account, you will need to show your passport and work Visa. Some banks will also require that you show your Social Security card right away, while others will let you open the account and return with the Social Security card once received. It would be wise to open an account early so that you can receive checks and begin paying bills.
Will foreign residents be ale to find banking services in their native language?
There are banks that can assist with Spanish and also some Asian languages (in Houston’s Chinatown). Restrictions for foreign residents might include proof of residency and proof of work permit.
Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?
Some loans may not be available to foreign transferees.
What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in Houston?
Proximity to work, school, and friends/colleagues are all important factors. Also, it is important to select an area that suits your lifestyle.
What are the most popular neighborhoods in Houston for expatriates?
Expatriates live all over Houston; however, many are finding housing in the Western, Southwestern, Southeastern, and Northern areas of Houston. The names of these larger areas are Katy, Memorial area, Sugar Land, Clear Lake, and The Woodlands. Houston’s inner city is very popular for younger people.
For the suburban area, people typically live in houses – but apartments are also available. The more metropolitan areas have a larger variety of apartment complexes and townhomes or condominiums.
Do expatriates tend to buy or rent their homes?
Expatriates who are not going to live in Houston for more than about three years typically do not buy. However, some newcomers do feel that the cost of purchasing a home in Houston is affordable and buy anyways.
What is the voltage?
The voltage in the U.S. is 110-115 volts, so equipment made for 220/240 volts will not function properly, particularly high-powered appliances, including stereo systems, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, etc.
What kind of electrical plugs are used?
Plugs are two or three pinned.
What types of schools do most expatriates in Houston choose for their children?
There are many excellent public, private, and charter schools available in Houston and its surrounding areas. Public schools are publicly funded, free, and adhere to a standard curriculum. Private schools charge a fee for attending and usually offer a more specialized curriculum. Charter schools are non-profit, self-managed public schools, operating under a performance contract with the local school board. Although charter schools are authorized and monitored by the local school district, they operate independently. They are sometimes referred to as independent public schools. Most parents choose a school for their children depending on the child’s needs and interests.
For more information on all the schools that are located close to where you are moving to, check with your local yellow pages.
Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?
If your child will be attending a public school, there is no competition. Public schools are zoned so they have to accept all children within the school zone in which you live. Private schools however, typically have entrance requirements and waiting lists. If you plan to send your child to a private school, it is recommended that you apply as soon as you arrive in the area to guarantee a spot on the waiting list.
Charter schools are like private schools in that you have to register, but instead of entry requirements, they have a “random selection” policy. If you decide this is the choice for your child, it is recommended that you register as early as possible.
When does the typical school year start and end?
Schools generally start in mid to late August and end in May or early June. This depends on each school or district.
Discuss any safety issues for children in Houston.
The concerns of parents in Houston are the same as those in other very large urban areas. Often the perception is that living in an urban area entails a greater risk to children due to higher crime rates. Some areas of Houston have enforced a curfew for children under 16 years of age. Other areas pay for sheriff’s patrolmen to provide additional watch over young people in their neighborhood. Interested newcomers should consider neighborhoods with such arrangements when searching for a home.
What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?
Most schools have after-school activities, such as competitive school sports teams and various special-interest clubs. In addition, there are many playgrounds and after-school activities in the local community organized by churches, the YMCA and other organizations. Interested newcomers should research these services when previewing areas to live in.
What is it like to be a teenager in Houston? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?
Living in Houston as a teenager can be an exciting and fun experience, yet of course many parents have their concerns about safety. Much of the life of a teenager revolves around the school that they attend and the neighborhood that they live in. Most teens are involved in some after-school programs, whether in sports or some other activity. Teens can drive in Texas when they are 16, which is younger than in many other countries. Parents should keep in mind that this can give teenagers independence from school buses and parent transportation at a younger age.
Will I need to drive my own vehicle to conduct my everyday life?
Most Houstonians would confirm that you will need your own vehicle for daily life. While there is bus service available, the mass transit system is not as well developed as that of more pedestrian cities like New York.
How can I legally drive a vehicle in this city?
You should have a driver’s license from your home country or - after 90 days – a Texas driver’s license. You will also need to have auto insurance (liability insurance) for the vehicle you are driving.
What side of the road do people drive on?
Cars drive on the right hand side of the road.
Describe typical public transportation an expatriate might use to get around the city.
The METRO bus is the public transportation system that Houstonians use to get around. This system is made up of local, commuter and shuttle routes, as well as a MetroLift for the disabled. For local routes throughout the city the typical fare is $1 and $2 for a one-day pass. Weekly, monthly, and yearly passes are available for all services. A new development to Houston is the MetroRail. This is 7.5 mile light rail system that links Downtown, the Museum District, the Texas Medical Center, and Reliant Park.
Besides expatriate groups, what is the best way to make social connections outside of work?
Most expatriates socialize with neighbors, colleagues, friends or family from home. Many find friends at the nearby country club or social club. Places of worship are another good place to meet people.
Where can I meet other singles in Houston?
Most singles meet others at bars and clubs or through friends and colleagues.
Will I be able to find a place to worship?
Yes, religion and faith play an important role in of Houston and its residents. Texas is in the middle of the U.S. ‘Bible Bent’ due to the number of churches, synagogues, temples and mosques in the area.
Tags: Expatriates, FAQ, FAQs about Houston, Frequential Asked Questions, Frequently Asked Questions about Houston, houston, Living in Houston, Mckenzie Drake, Moving to Houston, Suzanne Carpenter
