<p>I will be going to college in the U.S this fall. I was wondering how much money I should bring with me. I know that the university wants its international students to bring the amount printed on the I-20 but is it okay if I just bring the money that I will be requiring during the first semester at first.
Any comments on this will be appreciated.</p>
<p>Im only taking money needed for 1st semester, parents will transfer more money later on when i need it.. so i guess its alryte to take limited money.</p>
<p>and how will you bring the money to the us??? in cash, traveler's checks, etc???</p>
<p>I was thinking about getting a credit card from my country, but I will have to pay a lot taxes and other fees for using it in the states...</p>
<p>taking a credit card from ur country is a bad idea, for the reasons u urself have said. Traveller cheques are a good option. U can also have demand drafts made payable to ur college.</p>
<p>Open a bank account and transfer money?</p>
<p>or you can keep in my account first. i'll safeguard it for you, you know i will...<em>smile</em></p>
<p>Its not a bad idea to bring a credit card. Just use it in when you really need to.</p>
<p>If you open a us checking account you can use their debit card to pay for things just like a credit card at stores and you can use it to get cash from the automatic teller machine without any charge. It is just like writing a check with none of the i.d. problems. Usually when you use a credit card to get cash, you have to pay a fee. The advantage of a debit card is that your parents don't have to worry that you will overspend. they can transfer more money to the account if you need it. The advantage to the credit card is that you can use it for emergencies. You can get both, using the debit for "approved" expenses and keeping the credit card just for emergencies. Remember that checks, especially in large denominations, aren't available immediately upon deposit in the bank. Be sure to bring some cash to get you by for the first few weeks.</p>
<p>thanks for your input guys :)
i'll get a debit card!!!</p>
<p>Good decision considering the fact that you won't get a credit card in the US without establishing some credit history first :p</p>
<p>u can always get a credit card at the MITCU without the a credit history bla bla :p</p>
<p>well im gettin an MITFCU Visa credit card <em>without</em> establishin any credit history :D</p>
<p>P.S. although the limit's only $500 haha</p>
<p>how to pay the tuition? mine is $2500 for first semester and I have to pay it when I arrive (in a few weeks). Should I open an U.S account and make my parents transfer money from my home country? or use a credit card? use visa electron? I also need money for books, deposit for rent, buying computer, bike etc. How much money should I bring to all this? Thanks!</p>
<p>This really depends on the country. Best bet is to open a US bank account and wire money. Make sure you find one with free checking and low minimum deposit (better yet no deposit). Savings rate doesnt really matter.</p>
<p>A credit card will be nice too...especially if its a joint account with your parents lol.</p>
<p>how much money per month should I plan on using?</p>
<p>the least you can.. </p>
<p>SM</p>