The Journey · Stage 1

Before You Leave

Almost everything in this stage is easier to fix from your home country than from a U.S. airport. Sort your documents, make sure you can access money on day one, and book somewhere to sleep for your first nights before you pack.

Your milestones

0 of 5 done

Check these off as you go — they save on this device only.

Copy and back up your passport, visa, and key documentsguide
Confirm a card or cash plan that works on day one
Get your phone ready: unlocked, with an eSIM or roaming plan pickedguide
Save offline maps and your first addresses to your phone
Book your first nights of housingguide

The guides, in order

1Preparing for Your Move to the United StatesA pre-arrival checklist for planning documents, flights, housing, transportation, phone access, money, packing, and first-week basics.15 min read
2Finding Temporary HousingA practical guide to choosing safe temporary housing before or after arriving in the U.S., including hotels, extended stays, short-term rentals, campus housing, hosts, scams, and proof-of-address limits.12 min read
3Hotels vs Airbnb vs Extended Stay HotelsA practical comparison of hotels, Airbnb-style short-term rentals, and extended stay hotels for choosing temporary housing after arrival.9 min read