@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ This is a small guide and help for students or employees that want to go to the
- Recommendation: N26 for good exchange rates with a Girokonto and Debit Card, Barclays for just a free Credit Card.
- NOTE: A lot of credit cards in Germany are not "true" credit cards but debit cards. While debit cards take money out of your account instantly, credit cards accumulate all expenses and bill your account at the end of each month. Debit cards are usually fine, but some car rental agencies or hotels might not accept them. These companies often put a "hold" on some money as sort of an insurance that you will pay, which is usually not possible with debit cards. In that case, they might take 500 $ out of your account and then refund it later, which might be inconvenient.
- When paying for daily essentials, take note that cash is only rarely used. Most people pay with their phone or with their card. So keep cash on you at a minimum and make sure to have a backup card at your home in case your wallet gets stolen.
- When paying for daily essentials, take note that cash is only rarely used in comparison to Germany. Most people pay with their phone or with their card. So keep cash on you at a minimum and make sure to have a backup card at your home in case your wallet gets stolen.
- Housing: Living in the US is really expensive, at least when it comes to rent. Your best options are trying to secure housing at the University you will be working at. As most bachelor students in the US are required to live in college dorms, most universities have their own apartments they rent out, also Called "On Campus Housing". If you do not get housing from the university, things get a bit more complicated. Most apartments require one year leases. Also, a lot of them require criminal background checks and credit score reports (Schufa Auskunft). Try to avoid third party apartments and try to get on campus housing. The best other alternative are AirBnb rentals, but they might be expensive. Also try and look for Facebook groups where you might be able to find rooms.
- Travel: After your program ends, you have 30 days to leave the US, so you can use the situation to get some nice vacation in.
