Going to the USA from France

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi,
So I am usin that forum kind of in a reversed fashion, but I think this is the right category, if not feel free to move this thread where it belongs.</p>

<p>I am a French & American (I have dual nationality) student, going to Stanford in fall 2008 for a master's degree.Since I am American I don't have to worry about getting a VISA or anything, which is cool, but I have other worries.</p>

<p>First, how do I get a SSN ?</p>

<p>Second, how do I get a bank account, which bank do you recommend, what do I need to get a credit card ? What exactly is an AmEx and is it useful for a student ?</p>

<p>What's the best plan for a cellphone (that I will only use domestically) ?</p>

<p>I have the French driving license, does it entitle me to an American driving license ? How much costs a car (in a student's range of prices of course) ? Is it easy to get one ?</p>

<p>Any other useful things I might want to know ?</p>

<p>Thank you very much for your help.</p>

2

<p>You might want to post some of these questions in the Stanford forum, because some of these are region-specific. For example, someone in that area can probably tell you which cell phone service has the best reception on campus, and which banks are nearby and convenient. </p>

<p>I believe you can just apply for an SSN at the social security office, check for more info here: Social</a> Security Online - The Official Website of the U.S. Social Security Administration </p>

<p>You can get a bank account by just going to the bank and applying for one. Might want to get the student one, because they won't have a minimum requirement. You can just use your debit/check card, but your bank will also give you a credit card.</p>

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<p>For drivers license - Driving</a> in America - Learn road rules, signs, get American driver's license and drive in America!
Cars will vary. Check out SF</a> bay area cars & trucks - all classifieds - craigslist and the San Jose Mercury ads. Buying one should be no problem if you have the cash. I would wait a few months to see how much you think you will really need one, though. AMEX is American Express - a credit card with lots of other features, especially for travelers. Many places do not take American Express, though so you are better off looking at a student credit card through visa or mastercard.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the quick answers. I didn't know there was a Stanford forum, thanks for the hint.</p>