Things to be remembered before moving from one place to another

MOVING? You'll want to read this first ...
If you're among the thousands of people who will move from one home to another in Illinois this year, this pamphlet is for you. Take a few minutes to read it and learn how to evaluate a moving company, how to choose a reputable mover, how moving charges are determined, what an "estimate" really is, how to protect yourself against (and minimize the risk of) loss or damage to your property, and other information that can help you be an informed consumer BEFORE, DURING and AFTER your household move.

Household movers are business men and women; and like all businesses, some are better than others. If a dispute arises, you can expect them to defend their contract rights. You can avoid many problems by doing two things: choose a licensed, professional mover with care, and understand your rights and obligations.

Most problems arise from disagreements about either the estimate of charges or the mover's liability for damaged or lost property. Briefly, AN ESTIMATE IS NOT BINDING. An estimate is only a general idea of what charges will be, under normal conditions, for the service you order. Your actual costs can be much higher, because your bill will be based on the actual service performed. That is, what is moved, how much your goods weigh, the distance involved, and the number of workers and hours the job takes.

As for the CARRIER'S LIABILITY, just remember that the lowest rate offers the least protection for your goods. Carriers offer a variety of options for protecting your property. Be sure you understand them and choose carefully; and if anything is lost or damaged, file a written claim immediately!

BEFORE THE MOVE:

ONLY USE A LICENSED MOVER. The most important thing you can do is choose from among the more than 500 movers licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission (Ill.C.C.). Licensed, professional movers must comply with Ill.C.C. standards for handling, loading, moving, and unloading your property; and they must perform their services at reasonable rates and within a reasonable time. Unlicensed movers operate outside the law, and they may provide little protection for loss or damage to your property -- or none at all.
For your protection, it's against the law to hire an unlicensed mover.

GOOD REPUTATION. A good reputation is a valuable asset to a mover. Get recommendations from neighbors, friends, co-workers, real estate agents, or any newcomer who has used a mover recently, then get estimates from movers with satisfied customers. You also can call the Ill.C.C. and the Better Business Bureau to inquire about complaints against carriers. If possible, visit a mover's facilities.

COMPARE COSTS. Your moving costs will be calculated by one of two methods: For moves within Cook County or less than 35 miles, charges are based on the number of workers and hours for the loading, moving and unloading; or for moves over 35 miles, charges are based on the total shipment weight and the distance of the move. For local moves remember that the lowest hourly rate does not guarantee the least expensive move. Charges are based on actual time and number of workers.

NOTE: The lll.C.C. does not regulate how much movers charge for moves outside of Cook County if they begin and end in the same incorporated community plus the area within ten miles beyond its corporate limits. Even in a rate-exempt area, the mover always must be licensed.

All rates are published in movers' tariffs, which are filed with the Ill.C.C., and may be seen at the mover's office or at the Ill.C.C.. You can confirm a mover's rate by asking to see a copy of the tariff page the company has filed with the Ill.C.C.. Then you can call the Ill.C.C. to confirm the page is on file and in effect.

ESTIMATES. Any licensed professional mover must give you a free, written estimate of the probable cost of your move. Get estimates from several qualified, experienced movers. Remember, an estimate is not a bid or a quote of final charges. It's an educated guess as to what a move will cost, based on the items you tell the mover you want packed and moved. You will be billed according to charges in the mover's tariff -- and that's the amount you'll have to pay, regardless of whether it's more or less than the amount stated in the estimate.

Be sure the estimator sees everything you want moved, including the basement, attic and garage, and understands any special problems that may exist at your destination (like elevators, stairs, etc.).

Get a written estimate before the move starts (not when the mover shows up with the truck). It should state all the decisions you have made about what you want moved, other services (including the number of employees and the size of the vehicle your move will require)., and the mover's liability for loss or damage. Have the mover sign your copy.

Don't choose a carrier solely on the basis of the lowest estimate. Compare other things, too: the mover's reputation, the condition of the company's facilities, and check to see if complaints have been filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission, Better Business Bureau, or Attorney General.

DURING THE MOVE:

INVENTORY. An inventory and the bill of lading will be very valuable documents if you have a claim for loss or damage later on. After the truck arrives, but before the loading begins, you may ask the carrier to make an inventory of your property, and accompany the mover while the list is prepared. If you disagree with anything on the inventory, make a note of it on the form before you sign it. Make sure the inventory is legible and accurate and that any notations also appear on the company's copy. If you're billed on an hourly basis, you may have to pay for the time an inventory takes; but without one you could have a very hard time proving a claim. For weight distance moves, the mover is required to furnish you with an inventory at no additional charge.

BILL OF LADING. This is your contract with the mover. It states the mover's responsibilities, such as the services they will perform, when and how they charge for the move, and what their liability is. Be sure you understand the contract (especially the part about the carrier's liability), and get a copy. Don't sign it until you understand it and agree with it. Movers are required to issue to you a bill of lading, so don't hire a mover who doesn't want to use one.

CARRIER LIABILITY. Your mover's liability may be less than the value of your goods. According to law, carriers are not liable for the full value of your property unless you pay an additional charge for that protection. Mover's rates are based on 30 cents per pound, per article. If you choose to release the value of your goods at this level, you must write in your own handwriting the words "30 cents per pound per article" on the bill of lading. You may choose to release your goods at a higher valuation, but you will incur an additional cost. Failure to release your goods at a declared value or at 30 cents per pound per article will automatically limit the mover's liability for your goods at $2.00 times the total weight of the shipment.

It is important to understand that a "carrier's liability" and "insurance" are not the same thing. It's a good idea to see your insurance agent to determine if you need additional coverage. Reputable movers will explain their liability for loss or damage to your property and how you can increase your protection. If you purchase insurance, a mover must issue you an insurance policy prior to the move.

NEVER pack jewelry, money, important papers, medicines, or other valuable articles for shipment on the mover's truck. Carry them with you. Your mover is not responsible for these items.

WEIGHT. Charges for long-haul moves are based on weight and distance. You may verify the "tare weight" (the weight of the vehicle and only the driver) before your property is loaded. The driver will have that document. You are entitled to witness the official weighing of the loaded vehicle. (The weight of your shipment -- the difference between the tare weight and the loaded weight -- is the basis for determining your cost.) If you can't be there for weighing and dispute it afterwards, you may insist upon a re-weighing; but you may have to pay for it if the original weight was accurate.

DELIVERY. Be at the destination site at the time agreed upon for delivery. If you are not there and delivery can't be made because of your absence, your property may be placed in storage. You then will have to pay storage charges, too.

Check the condition of your property before signing a delivery receipt. If there's damage or loss, make a written notation on the inventory or bill of lading. Be specific! And be sure the notations appear on both copies (yours and the carrier's). If you don't, it could be very difficult to collect on a claim.

If there's a box or a container you don't want unpacked right away, you and the mover should inspect it for signs of damage. If you have packed your own cartons, the mover may not be liable for loss or damage to its contents unless there is visible damage to the carton. It is important to check for damage to valuable items while the mover is present.

BE PREPARED TO PAY AT DELIVERY. Unless you have made credit arrangements with the mover, you will be expected to pay for the move before your goods are unloaded. Unless other arrangements have been confirmed in writing, by the mover, payment will be expected in cash, money order, or cashier's check up to 110% of the written estimate.

IF CHARGES ARE MORE THAN 110% OF THE WRITTEN ESTIMATE (that is, 10% higher than the written estimate), the carrier is required to give you 30 days to pay the balance. (Note: This is one good reason to get a written estimate -- and to keep your copy.) If you pay 110%, the carrier MUST unload and release all your goods.

AFTER THE MOVE

CLAIMS. Claims must be filed in writing within 9 months of the date of delivery. A successful claim for loss or damage may depend on your having written an accurate description of the loss or damage on the inventory or the bill of lading (on the carrier's copy, too!). Unless you note the loss or damage on these documents, your burden of proof may be more difficult.

File your claim with the mover in a letter or use a claim form provided by the mover. Specifically describe the loss or damage and include a copy of the inventory and/or bill of lading. Send it to the mover at its local office. If there is no local office at your destination, file it at the mover's home office.

Movers must acknowledge written claims within 30 days and act on them (that is, pay, settle, or deny a claim) within 120 days. Be sure to keep the damaged property, because the mover has a right to inspect any damaged property before settling a claim. Do not have damage repaired or replace the item before consulting with the mover, or it may jeopardize your potential settlement.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION: If you and the mover have a dispute about either the cost of the move or loss or damage to your property occurring during the move, you should try to negotiate a mutually satisfactory resolution. However, if you are unable to work out a satisfactory settlement, you can ask the Ill.C.C. to help by using the Commission's dispute resolution service. The Commission will first attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation. If that fails, you may submit the dispute for binding arbitration.

Participation in dispute resolution service is completely voluntary on your part and is designed to provide a relatively fast, fair, and inexpensive resolution. The arbitration service fee is $25. Requesting this service binds you to the decision of the arbitrator, and you give up your right to have a court decide the dispute.

STORAGE: If your goods are put in storage, you will have to pay for unloading when they go into storage and for reloading them when they come out again, as well as the storage charges themselves. The carrier's liability may end if your goods go into long term (or what is called "permanent") storage. Call the Illinois Commerce Commission for details.

Warehouses are regulated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Your property should never be stored in a "mini warehouse" or self-storage facility unless you keep the key; and storage in a mover's trailer for more than just a few days is never a good idea because of potential for theft or damage caused by weather conditions.

WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE:

The best way to avoid problems is to plan ahead and be prepared. No two moving companies are the same. Some are better than others, so it's worth your time and effort to remember these important considerations:

	Choose carefully - only use a mover licensed by the Ill.C.C.., Ask the mover to provide its license number (it should be apparent on all advertising and paperwork), and use that number to check its complaint record at the Ill.C.C.
	Get a written, signed estimate, and keep it.
	Be ready when the mover arrives.
	Accompany the mover to make up an inventory.
	Understand and agree with the bill of lading before you sign it.
	Before your move, require the mover to explain its limits of liability and your options for loss and damage protection.
	Be at the destination at the time agreed upon for delivery.
	Check the condition of your property before you sign a delivery receipt
	. . . and be flexible. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Illinois Commerce Commission 527 East Capitol Avenue P.O. Box 19280 Springfield, IL 62794-9280 Phone: 217/782-6448

How to protect my identity after my purse/wallet has been stolen?

Tips to help you protect your privacy
Identity Theft
Experts estimate that as many as 700,000 cases of identity theft occur each year nationwide. If someone has used your personal identification either by somehow gaining access to your personal information or as a result of a theft of your personal belongings to fraudulently establish credit, take the following steps as quickly as possible.

How to extend my work visa inside the US?

Visa Extension within USA
Document Checklist for Visa by Mail

For H-1B visa re-validation (this is only if you already have a multiple entry H-1B visa stamped on your passport), send the following documents to the appropriate address below.
Please note: As of February 1st, 2000 the address has changed for visa revalidation by mail.

Postal Service:                                    Courier Service:

US Department of State/Visa                US Department of State/Visa
P.O. Box 952099 1005                         Convention Plaza (Box 2099)
St. Louis, MO 63195-2099                    St. Louis, MO 63101-1200
Fax: (202) 663-1608                            Fax: (202) 663-1608

You provide:
1. The new(original) H-1B Approval Notice along with the copy of the petition, its supplements and LCA
2. A letter from the employer
3. Two separate checks ( no personal checks) or money orders for $100 and $45 (payable to the "Department of State" for each family member)
4. Two passport-size photos
5. Passport which does not expire within the next six months
6. Self-addressed stamped padded envelope

REVALIDATION OF H, L, O AND P VISAS

*Re-validation of your visa will take at least five to eight weeks*

If you need further clarification, please feel free to contact the Department of State, US Visa Services at (202) 663-1213

An application for revalidation (or renewal) of an H, L, O or P visa requires the following documentation/information:

A passport valid for at least six (6) months. The passport (or accompanying previous passport) must contain a previous visa bearing the same classification as that which is now being sought. A visa may be revalidated if it has a remaining validity of not more than sixty (60) days, or has not been expired for more than one year. Each applicant will receive an individual visa, and each machine readable visa (MRV) covers a full page. Therefore, passports must contain a blank, unmarked visa page for each U.S. visa to be placed in the passport.
The original Form I-94 annotated by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) inspector when s/he was last admitted to the U.S. The original I-94 should be stapled in your passport. If the Form I-94 has expired, you should submit a valid Form I-797 Notice of Approval from the INS for each visa applicant.
A valid employment petition (Form I-797) issued by the INS must be submitted. The form will indicate the applicant's current employer and the approved extension of temporary stay.
A comprehensive letter from the principal alien's employer identifying the applicant and describing in detail the nature and function of the position, the kind of business and what it does, and justifying the need for the visa. The letter submitted must be on the letterhead of the current employer, with an original signature from the company representative and must be addressed to the Visa Office, Department of State. The Visa Office cannot accept letters signed by the visa applicant. If the visa applicant is the sole employee of the company in the United States, the latest copy of the company's FICA and IRS forms must be submitted along with the applicant's letter of explanation. Please include the company's fax number.
A typed nonimmigrant visa application form, OF-156, with one passport-size photograph, with white or light background, for each applicant regardless of age. The photographs must be attached to the respective forms in the designated place. Please spell out the month of birth (i.e., write "January 2," NOT 1/2 or 2/1). Incomplete or improperly filled out applications are returned without visas. The OF-156 application form may be obtained via autofax at 202-647-3000, document 6306.
If the spouse and/or dependent children are applying for visas separately from the principal alien, certified copies of the principal alien's valid visa and valid I-94 (front and back) must be submitted in addition to all other requirements.
There is a required $65 non-refundable fee for each machine readable visa. Payment may be made by bank draft, money order, or corporate check made to the order of the "U.S. Department of State." Cash or personal checks are not acceptable. In addition, certain nationalities must also pay a "reciprocity fee." The amount of these fees vary from country to country. In the case of multiple applicants, payment of all fees may be consolidated in one check.
Nationals of India, please note:
Reciprocity in the H, L, O, and P categories changed April 14, 2000 to $75. Reciprocity fees are in addition to the $45 MRV application fee that must be paid by all applicants.
This office does not have direct contact with the public. All transactions take place via U.S. mail or commercial courier. While we do not recommend any particular service, FEDERAL EXPRESS picks up daily directly from our offices. The office's mail room is in a different building; items sent via U.S. Postal Service take at least two extra days each way. Include a prepaid airbill for the carrier of your choice to return the documents to you. If you opt for the U.S. Postal Service, you must provide a stamped, self addressed envelope for the postal service. For safety reasons. U.S. Postal inspectors recommend that passports sent via the U.S. Postal Service should be mailed in padded envelopes. If you make no provisions for the return of your documents, we will return them via ordinary surface mail.

Application packages must be mailed to the address above. No more than one family per package. Processing time depends on seasonal demand. It is best to allow a minimum of five weeks from the date of receipt. This office adheres to a strict first-come, first-served policy. If there are time, we urge you to apply for the visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad or through the U.S. border post program.

Do you wish to withdraw an application for revalidation?
How do I resubmit an application that was refused for lack of documentation?
Return to Revalidation homepage
Return to Visa Services homepage

Revised January 2000

1. Please keep all your W2s handy and also open the http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/ind_info/tax_tables/index.html.

2. You can use this form only if you satisfy the conditions on page 2 of this form.

1. Some of you may have more than one W2 if you had worked in more than one state during the year for which you are to file the income tax returns. In that case, note down the wages in Box 17 in each W2 and add them up. This should add up to the wages given in Box 1 of any one of the w2s you have. If yes, it is fine. Then the total federal income tax that has been deducted from you already by ADP is the one shown in Box 2 of the w2 where Box 1 wages match the total.

2. But in some cases the state wages are repeated in Box 1. So please add up the wages given in Box 17 of all the W2s you have and this will be your Federal wages, tips, other comp. In such case, please add up the amounts shown in Box 2 of all the W2s and this is the total federal income tax that has been already deducted by ADP.

3. If you have only one W2, the amount shown in Box 1 will be your total federal wages and the amount shown in Box 2 is the total federal income tax that has been already deducted by ADP.

Note: Filling up the first few unnumbered columns are easy. The only thing you need to remember is that even if you are married but your spouse was never with you during the year the year for which you are to file the income tax returns, then you cannot include the spouse in the returns. If your spouse has been here, you should have obtained SSN or TIN. As most of the spouses are dependent, you can obtain only TIN. To obtain TIN, please visit http://www.irs.ustreas.gov.

2. You may not have any unless you have a CD or savings account that generated an interest of more than $400 in the year. If so you cannot use this form.

5. Check the No box. For the remaining, do as instructed. Please see my Note above if you want to put $12,950.

7. Put the appropriate amount arrived at as explained in Calculating total federal wages

10. Do as instructed. Use table given in http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/prod/ind_info/tax_tables/index.html.

d. Fill in your account number from the left extreme box. If your account number has less number of digits than the number of boxes available, please leave the unused boxes blank.

Please see http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/plain/where_file/index.html for addresses of IRS offices. For example you are in California now, click California and get the address of the IRS office. Please do not forget to mail all the left bottom piece of all your W2s along with Form 1040EZ.

1. Please use only the W2 in State reference copy (Lower portion, central piece) where IL is mentioned in Box 16. For filling up this form, pick up values given only in this piece and not from any other piece of the W2.

2. We have enclosed two forms, IL-1040 and IL-1040 Schedule NR. Only the former is to be used if you have only one W2 and that too from IL. You have to use both the former and the latter if you have received more than two W2s out of which at least one is from IL.

Filling up the columns are easy. The only thing you need to remember is that even if you are married but your spouse was never with you during the year the year for which you are to file the income tax returns, then you cannot include the spouse in the returns.

a. Write 1 if single. Write 2 if your spouse has been here during the tax year and was dependent on you. (If your spouse has been here, you should have obtained SSN or TIN. As most of the spouses are dependent, you can obtain only TIN. To obtain TIN, please visit http://www.irs.ustreas.gov.)

13. Do as instructed. If you have been only in IL (In other words you received only one W2 and that it is for IL, the move on to Step 6, 15)

Do as instructed. . If your account number has less number of digits than the number of boxes available, please leave the unused boxes blank.

If you have to pay the government, mail the form along with the W2 piece to and check to

2. Start the interview with appropriate greeting and respond properly to any greeting.

3. Please speak with a clear audible voice into the phone. If you are asked to reduce or increase the volume, please do so and maintain the volume level through out unless they ask you to change again.

4. Please be cheerful, confident and show enough interest in the job during the interview but not over enthusiastic or desperate.

5. Please answer questions in a professional manner even if the questions are put to you in casual manner.

7. Please be brief in your replies but please do not give one liners or just "yes" or "No"

8. Please do not show up your irritation or annoyance if any stupid or irritating question is put to you but answer them professionally without trying to be over smart.

9. Please listen carefully to what the interviewer is saying. If you do not clearly understand what they say, please ask them to repeat the question by saying "Can you please repeat the question". Please do not say, "I can not understand your question. Please repeat it". Please do not assume what they have asked and start answering based on the assumption. Please do not make too many requests for repetitions.

10. Please remember that the client may not hire you if you do not have a close match of the skill sets/experience they are looking for even if they admire your skills and experience. So, please do not get the impression that you are not good if you are not selected.

12. Please show interest in working/learning in other tools or areas even though you may not really like it. Suppose you are a developer and they ask you whether you will be able to do the job of a DBA, then tell them what all you know about DBA activities and conclude by saying that you will be interested or open to take DBA responsibilities.

13. When you have strong knowledge of a tool or language but no working experience with - please avoid giving a standard answer by saying "I have no experience but I know about it. Given an opportunity I will be able to work on it". Rather, please tell the interviewer more about the tool / language in question and detail to him the usefulness / utility and then tell him you don't have commercial experience in the same. This way you get an opportunity to share with the client your knowledge of the tool and get him interested, rather than end the matter abruptly.

14. If you hear about some tool/application for the first time and asked to express your knowledge, please be frank by saying that you do not know anything about that. But try gently to get more information about that from the interviewer and if you have knowledge and/or experience of similar tool, then you may tell the interviewer that since you have worked on a similar tool, you will be able to pick up and perform on this tool also.

15. Please do not express strong likes or dislikes about any thing technical or non-technical. For example if you hate SAS programming, please do not say, "I hate SAS Programming". Instead, please say, " I do not have a great liking for SAS Programming".

16. Please inform the respective account manager/marketing staff of all that has transpired during each telephonic interview

I. Always ask her from whom they get the resume and note it down. Don't ask her "where did you get my resume?" - that might put her off.

II. Also clearly note down the name of the interviewer (ask her for the spelling in case you are not sure), her Company's name and the phone number before starting the interview.

IV. After you have answered all the questions to the best of your ability, please request the person if you can have the following questions answered (incase it has not been answered till then)

c. What is the description of the project and what is specific role in the project?

e. What is the next step in the interview process? Do you want my account manager to speak to you?

V. In case she proposes to schedule an interview with the project manager, please find out the following details also

b. Who is the person who is going to call you and what is his role in the project?

c. What is the name of the end client and their web address so that you can prepare better for the interview?

VI. Finally thank the person for his time with your questions and let him know that the project is very interesting and you look forward to working with them.

For those consultants coming to the US from English speaking countries such as UK and its current and old colonies like India, Pakistan and Australia, working and living in the US is generally not hard. But, the English spoken in the US is very much different from that spoken in those countries. It has a lot to do with the lifestyle, actually. Americans prefer being called by their first name by their friends, coworkers, and family. Uses of titles like Mr, Ms, Sir, etc. are generally reserved for formal occassions. Speaking English in a foreign dialect is called an accent. Even though it is hard to remove the accent from your English, it is advisable that you speak slowly and enunciate each word properly for successful conversation. It is important to learn the right use of words and their correct pronounciations.

Pronounciation

From any phone, operators can be reached dialing the following numbers:
Emergency(Most areas)(Fire/Ambulance/Police) 911
Local 0
Long Distance 00
Directory Assistance 411
Long Distance Directory 555-1212
Toll Free number enquiry - 1-800-555-1212

All US telephone numbers consist of 10 digits-the first three digit is area code, followed by a seven-digit local number. If you are calling a number from another area-code region, dial "1", then all 10 digits. If you are calling from a distance but within the same area code, dial "1", then the last seven digits. For calls within the same local calling area, just dial the seven-digit number. A map of US area codes is printed in front of the most local telephone directories.

Long distance calls are charged at varying rates, depending on how you make the call (which long distance carrier/company you use), for how long you speak and the time of the day. Note that the telephone companies in the U.S. are private. Each local region is assigned an "area code". So the phone numbers are denoted as (Area Code)-368 0860 where 368-0860 is your actual phone number.

Outside area code, directory assistance can be reached by dialing the area code first e.g., 510-574-0860. Some areas require dialing "1" before the number to access the long distance service, e.g., 1-510-574-0860. There are no charges when you call the 911, 0 or 00 operators. However, charges may apply when you call the 411 or the 555-1212 operators.

Special prefixes, "800", "888", "877" and "900" are not area codes but indicators of particular kinds of service. "800", "888", "877" etc numbers can be dialed free form anywhere in the country - usually they are prepaid commercial lines that make it easier for customers to obtain information, products or services. e.g. The toll free number for Federal Express courier is 1-800-Go-FedEx which is 1-800-463-3339. The "900" numbers charge you for making the call and generally offer some kind of entertainment, such as horoscope readings, sports scores, or sexually suggestive conversations. These services can be very expensive, so know what you are getting into before you dial a "900" number. You have an option of blocking the "900" number calls by requesting your telephone company.

At times, phone numbers are given in the form of a word or alpha-numeric combination. e.g. 1-800-COLLECT. To dial these numbers, simply look at the telephone's dial which has numbers as well as the letters on its face. For example, number 2 can be represented by letters A, B or C.

Overseas Calls: You can call almost any place in the world. Be sure to keep the time difference in mind: an early evening call from New York reaches London in the week hours of the morning. If calling from a public phone, supply yourself with at least $15 in coins. It is cheaper to make overseas calls at night or on Sundays.

To make an international call i.e. to India you need to dial 011-91-(STD code)-(Telephone number); e.g. 011-91-44-4672334. Here 011 indicates an international call. 91 is the country code for India. 44 is the "area code" for Chennai and 4672334 may be the actual phone number you want to dial.

To call long distance and international, there are also prepaid calling cards available from many companies. You can buy it for $5, $10, $20 from the departmental store or the grocery store. You first dial the toll free number given on the calling card and follow the instructions. Beware of the calling cards which offer very cheap rates. They would have many added fees, connection charge etc and the toll-free number may always be busy, the voice quality may be poor.

While you are coming to US, you may bring some American currency(US Dollar).To buy the currency you can go to any bank or to private companies like ThomasCook or American Express. An Indian citizen can buy US $3000/year when he/she is going abroad. If he/she is married and the spouse is not going to work in US, then an extra amount of $2500/year is allowed. So bachelors can get $3000 and married persons can get $8500 while coming to US. (Of course, only if you really need to bring them. ) While you go to purchase the currency take your passport, air ticket etc.. Get USD in all denominations like $1 notes, $5 notes, $10, $20, $100 etc.. Carrying some quarters (25 cents)will help you if you want to get a trolley or make calls from the airport to your people.

Dollar -100 cents
Quarter-25 cents
Dime -10 cents
Nickel -5 cents
Penny -1 cent

Be careful when counting out paper money, for it is easy to confuse the denominations and to make a mistake, giving a $10 bill, for example, when you intend to give $1.

Mail
Us handles the posts by United States Postal Service. Every address in US belongs to a specific zip-code district, and each zip code has five digits.Addresses may include a second sequence of four numbers following the first five numbers which speeds mail delivery for large organizations. Each zip-code district has at least one post office, where you can buy stamps and aerograms, send parcels, or conduct other postal business. Most Americans go to the post office to buy their stamp,s band the line can be long. Mailboxes are either the stout, royal blue steel bins on city sidewalks or mail chutes on the walls of post offices or in large office buildings. A schedule posted on mailboxes and mail slots should indicate when the mail is picked up.

Post hours vary depending on the place. It varies from 24 hours a day in central, big-city branches to the 9.00 am to 5.00 pm schedule, normal in smaller cities and towns. On Saturdays, post offices only open half a day, if they open at all. For telegraph facilities, you could go to the nearest office of Western Union, an organization which specializes in telegraphic communications worldwide. Foreign visitors who do not know where there will be staying in any particular town can make use of the General Delivery service, they have to mail addressed to their name, c/o General Delivery, at the main post office there.You must pick up such mail personally. Stamps can be purchased in hotels, drugstores, terminals, etc., as well as post offices, for a small extra charge. Red, white and blue mail boxes are prominent on city streets. Sample current postage rates:

Telegrams/Telefaxes/E-mails
You can either dictate domestic telegrams and overseas cable grams on the phone or could go to the nearest office of Western Union. Most hotels have fax connections. E-mail is also widely used now a days for information communication at offices and homes. If personal computers are unavailable, people go to Library to use a Community PC, at no fee, to send emails. You could also go to places like Kinkos, Sir Speedy etc for Fax/Email/Xerox etc.

Tipping as a reward for service is common throughout the USA. Unless tips are included in your package tour price, you will be expected to tip when service merits. It is customary to tip from 15% to 20% of the bill for meals served in hotels and restaurants. Ordinarily, no tips are required in cafeterias where a person serves himself. At hotels, tips between 50 cents and $1 per bag or suitcase handled are in order for bellboys or porters. Tip the doorman, who unloads your car in relation to any service he performs; you need not tip the chamber maids unless your stay is several nights. Do not tip the desk clerk.

Most hotel bills in the US do not have a service charge added to cover gratuities. As stated above, tips are in order for any special service.

On trains, no tips are expected from passengers traveling in day coaches, or second-class, except when they eat in the dining car. Passengers traveling in Pullman cars(sleeping or parlor cars) usually tip the porter of their car when they leave the train, one dollar per night. Passengers who eat in the dining cars usually tip the waiter 15% to 25%. Of course, the porter who carries your baggage at the station receives a tip, usually 50 cents to $1 a bag.

Stewardess(flight attendants or air hostesses) and other airline employees are not tipped. However, the porter who carries your bag at the airport should be tipped. Taxi drivers are usually given a tip of 10%.

In barber shops, men tip for a haircut, a shave and for a shoe shine. A women tips her hairdresser and the assistant who washes her hair. This would be 10% of the charges.

When it is noon in New York City, is only 11 am in Chicago, 10 am in Denver and 9 am in San Francisco. Like Europe, the continental US is divided into time size. There are four time zones in the continental U.S.

As the name suggests, the time is set in such a way that maximum day light could be used. e.g. during summer, the sun rises at around 4-5 o'clock. So the clock is set forward by one hour. This forces all activities to start one hour earlier so that maximum day light is used till late in the evening. Therefore, the clock is set back by one hour on the first Sunday of November 1 (Fall Season) at 2:00 am. Clock is once again set forward by one hour on the first Sunday of April at 2:00 am(Spring Season).

The easiest way to remember this is FALL BACK, SPRING AHEAD. By the way, Arizona is the only state which is not affected by day-light-saving. People there do not ever change the time in their clocks.

State	Abbreviations	Capitals
Alabama	AL	Montgomery
Alaska	AK	Juneau
Arizona	AZ	Phoenix
Arkansas	AR	Little Rock
California	CA	Sacramento
Canal Zone	CZ	-
Colorado	CO	Denver
Connecticut	CT	Hartford
Delaware	DE	Dover
District of Columbia	DC	-
Florida	FL	Tallahassee
Georgia	GA	Atlanta
Guam	GU	Agana
Hawaii	HI	Honolulu
Idaho	ID	Boise
Illinois	IL	Springfield
Indiana	IN	Indianapolis
Iowa	IA	Des Moines
Kansas	KS	Topeka
Kentucky	KY	Frankfort
Louisiana	LA	Baton Rouge
Maine	ME	Augusta
Maryland	MD	Annapolis
Massachusetts	MA	Boston
Michigan	MI	Lansing
Minnesota	MN	St. Paul
Mississippi	MS	Jackson
Missouri	MO	Jefferson City
Montana	MT	Helena
Nebraska	NE	Lincoln
Nevada	NV	Carson City
New Hampshire	NH	Concord
New Jersey	NJ	Trenton
New Mexico	NM	Santa Fe
New York	NY	Albany
North Carolina	NC	Raleigh
North Dakota	ND	Bismarck
Ohio	OH	Columbia
Oklahoma	OK	Oklahoma City
Oregon	OR	Salem
Pennsylvania	PA	Harrisburg
Puerto Rico	PR	San Juan
Rhode Island	RI	Providence
South Carolina	SC	Columbia
South Dakota	SD	Pierre
Tennessee	TN	Nashville
Texas	TX	Austin
Utah	UT	Salt Lake City
Vermont	VT	Montpeller
Virgin Islands	VI	Charlotte Amalie
Virginia	VA	Richmond
Washington	WA	Olympia
West Virginia	WV	Charleston
Wisconsin	WI	Madison
Wyoming	WY	Chyenne

You must get your social security number as soon as you arrive.

Each individual in Unites States, is required to be registered with US government by law. The way we have registration in India through Ration Card it is Social Security here.

This number is very useful for the government as well as the for the individual. Government can keep track of the individual from this particular number. You will need the SS number for any official paper work or dealings e.g. while filling Tax forms or while opening a bank account or while getting a membership in the public library. A person's entire credit history can be traced from this number. As soon as one arrives in US he/she is required to get Social Security number immediately. It is a very simple procedure.

Social Security Number is given by Social Security Administration. Every town or a city has a Social Security Office. You can find out about the nearest Social Security office by visiting their web site or by calling their toll-free number 1-800-772-1213. You have to go there with your Passport. First thing you need to do is collect the application form for new social security number. These forms are available in various languages. Find one in English and fill it completely. It will ask you for your local postal address details besides other information. The officer will check your application form and passport. After checking everything you will be informed when you will be receiving your Social Security Number, which will be by postal mail.

Generally within 2 to 3 weeks time you will receive your social security number which appears printed on a small card, which you should carry/preserve safely.

Please note that they longer issue social security number to H4, L2, Visitor visa holders who are not supposed to work. They can't get SSN just for banking etc purposes. SSN office has a form letter explaining that the bank must file a form I-8 instead. But some states require that the person must have the social security in order to get the driver's license etc. If that is the case, you should pass the driver's license test and bring the temporary (paper) license that SSN is required for driver's license. Take that letter to Social Security Office and then they would give you social security number. But you can not work on that social security number.

Download the fillable form in English.

Driver's license is one of the most important document required in United States. Apart from driving needs it is required at almost all the places where you need to show your ID. Mainly because this is the only valid Identity card which is required and approved at all the places.

Here in US most of the money transactions are done via checks or Credit-cards. Initially when you don't have credit card, check is the only practical and recommended way of payment. Nobody keeps cash. People generally issue checks even for a small amount of less than $5.00. Checks are as good as Cash and can be deposited at any ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) center. These checks are accepted only with a valid PHOTO-ID at most places. Actually a Photo-id could also be a simple identity card issued by the DMV (Dept.of motor vehicles), which is not a driver's license. At most places Driver's license is the only valid PHOTO-ID. So after getting Social Security number, Driver's license is another very important thing one should acquire as soon as possible.

Getting driver's license is not very difficult here. Before appearing for a driving test behind the wheels one has to clear a written test conducted by DMV ( Department of Motor Vehicles - similar to RTO in India ). Each state has their own laws for driving a vehicle. DMV issues a book on the rules which are required to be followed very strictly. This book gives detailed information about all the laws and is written in a very nice manner. It is very easy to follow all the rules as they are nicely explained and if necessary, supported by good photographs. After understanding the contents of this book you can appear for the written exam. You can appear for the test on any working day. You can call up DMV and take an appointment with them or you can even go directly. They will check your Passport and will give you a question paper. Questions are objective type and you have to choose the best answer for each question. Time is no limit for the exam. After you are done with it, the person on the counter will immediately check your paper and will tell you your score. Upon passing this test you will get temporary driving license which is valid for two months (that may vary from state to state). DMV also issues an ID card. This is issued by the state government. You can use this Id card as a Photo-Id till you get your driver's license. At some places you are required to produce two Photo-Ids, that time it is very useful to have this photo-id.

During the period of temporary license one can appear for the driving test. You can practice on a rented car or if you are not very confident then you can even go for some driving lessons. For driving lessons you can go to driving school or to a private teacher. Private teachers are little cheaper as compared to driving school. Once you are ready for the test, again you will have to take an appointment with DMV for the driving test. On the day of appointment you have to go there with your learning license. The car in which you will give your driving test should have proper Insurance papers. Also check all the controls, including signal lights and brake lights. If any of these is not in shape, you will not be allowed to appear for the test. This test will be of 100 marks. After your test, driving inspector will immediately tell you your result. Generally they explain to you your mistakes so that you can work on them and rectify. If you have passed you will get your license immediately in most places. If you fail there is no minimum period required between the time you appear again. So you can practice again and appear as soon as you can.

Finding an apartment becomes the next step. Usually all local departmental store would have one or more copies of apartment guides available free of cost. Additionally, local newspapers classified section would
list some. Usually Leasing System is followed as far as renting is concerned. So be careful in finding out every detail of the house.

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To Start with You do need to open a bank account to deposit your cash or cheque and get started. Several types of accounts can be opened. Choices are Checking Account,Savings Account, Money Market Accounts, Certificate of Deposits etc. & much more depending on the Bank you choose.

Checking account allows you quick, convenient and frequent access to your money. This type of account usually needs no minimum opening balance. Some checking accounts pay interest, others do not.

With savings accounts you can make withdrawals, but you do not have the flexibility of using unlimited checks. The number of withdrawals or transfers you can make on the account each month is limited. As with other accounts, institutions may assess various fees on savings accounts, such as minimum balance fees. The rate of interest varies between 2.5% and 3.5%

Most banks offer an interest-bearing account that allows you to write checks. This is called a money market deposit account (MMDA). An MMDA usually pays a higher rate of interest than a checking or savings account does. MMDAs often require a higher minimum balance to start earning interest, but they frequently pay higher rates for higher balances.

These are time deposits (comparable to fixed deposits in India) also called certificates of deposits, or CDs. They usually offer a guaranteed rate of interest for a specified term, such as one year. Banks offer CDs that allow you to choose the length of time your money is on deposit ranging from several days to several years.

Once an apartment is fixed, even before moving in, start applying for a phone connection. Local phone carriers & Long Distance can be obtained from the same carrier in some regions & different from other regions.Usually the process takes about 5 working days to activate phone service. You do need to buy your own phone. Average phones start from $10, cordless starts at $24.99. A separate answering machine would cost around $25, you might choose to buy a phone with answering machine.

A credit card allows you to pay for your expenses without bothering about availability of money at the time of payment. The credit card company pays for you and later sends you a statement every month elaborating the payments made. You can then, pay the credit card company by check. There are certain limits imposed on Credit cards with regard to the amount of credit available to you, which vary. VISA and MASTER CARD are the most widely accepted credit cards. The others being American Express card (called Am-Ex for short) and Discover Card.

A Debit card is almost like a check, since it allows you to spend from your available resources only (no credit business). This is generally issued by the banks where you have an account, after you apply for it.

It is not so easy to get a credit card for the first timer in U.S. The application is scrutinized by the Credit Organization/Bank and the credit history checked up (They call up the banks where you have an account, to find out your balance and credit status etc). Actually it seems the credit history is traced from your Social Security No. Usually the period of stay is also an important criteria e.g. at 6 month stay is essential to be considered eligible for a Credit card.

To build up a good credit history, many people take loans from the bank. e.g. to buy a car and repay it in time. You also may get the departmental store or gas station credit card(Macy's, Sears, Mobil, Exxon etc.). They are easier to get. This increases the chances of getting a Credit Card sooner.

The most easiest to get is the American Express Card. They ask for a letter from the employer regarding salary status etc. once the initial application is verified.

The Gold Card is the next thing to aim for, once you have at least a card. The Credit limit is higher on the Gold Card apart from other benefits.

The most difficult to get is the DISCOVER credit card.

Most Credit cards offer other benefits too, such as mileage accumulation for some airline enabling you to travel free on that airline anywhere in the U.S. once about 20,000 miles have been accumulated, at the rate of 1 mile per dollar. Some others offer Rental Car Insurance coverage and so on.

The greatest place to get the things you need for your house is Garage Sales. You can get things like Sofa sets to Wall paintings very cheap from this source. You can fill up your house in a very short time.

Garage sale(or yard sale) is a second-hand, used things sale which includes household items such as furniture like couch etc, appliances such as T.V., stereo, clothes/jackets, other used items. This is held in peoples garages or backyards generally on weekends. They are a nice place to buy furniture from, which is usually in good shape. Anybody who wants to sell old used things, can hold a garage sale and put up a sign near the house announcing such a sale. The prices are negotiable. Generally people advertise through local newspaper ad columns.

The early morning time on Sat. and Sun. between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. is the best to hunt around for used things in garage sales.

When do you need a car?
What are the models?
What are the types of car?
Where to look for a car?
How can I insure my car?
How can I register?

When do you need a car?
Buying a car in America is very easy, there are lots of used cars for sale and there is never a shortage. It is just the question of deciding the budget and type of car to be bought. If you are going to stay at a particular place for quite some time say more than three months, then its better to buy a car rather than rent one. The main concern while buying a car is its maintenance cost should not be high, otherwise you will loose a lot. So here is what experience tells us.

What are the models?
Most people prefer Japanese cars over American makes simply because of the easy re salability. The most popular Japanese car makes are Honda and Toyota. And among them Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla are very popular among Indians.

What are the types of car?
There are two categories of cars, 2-door, 4-door. The 2-door are cheaper. Then comes the type of transmission (gear), automatic or stick-shift(shifting gears manually). Most people buy automatic transmission. Such cars are very easy to drive. (Almost all Indian cars are of the stick-shift variety).

Where to look for a car?
You may look online at places like Edmunds.com, Cars.com, AutoByTel, CarPoint. The local newspapers carry a lot of car sale advertisements everyday. You should see the paper and decide on the ones you are interested in. Next call up the owner at the tel. no. given, as early in the day as possible and fix up an appointment to visit and see the car. Test drive it, if you like it and the price is ok, tell the owner that you would like to get it checked up by a mechanic. This is the normal practice. There is nothing to feel shy about asking the car to be checked up. This will save you a lot of money later after purchasing the car from unforeseen problems that some used cars land up into.

Look up the yellow pages in the local telephone directory to get the list of car mechanics or just ask colleagues to recommend one. If that doesn't work out, ask the local AAA (American Automobile Association) office to recommend someone to you.(Their toll-free number is 1-800-AAA-HELP) For a fee of about $25-30 the mechanic will check up the car and tell you the problems or possible problems if any. Some people do it for free. It is good to tell the auto mechanic to check up the following things with additional care in addition to their regular :-

5. Check for vibrations when you brake from 40mph, without down-shifting. if there are vibrations, either break pads or steering pinion is in bad shape. Get 4 people to sit in the car and you can make out if the suspensions are ok, when you make a sharp turn.

6. Most important, check for oil leaks, and whether the car gives you power. speed/pick-up when you try to accelerate. You can feel if it's OK.

7. Last, check for emission whether the smoke is black(thick), which means oil is also burned with fuel and hence the car is beyond its life. The piston rings might be leaving a gap in the cylinders because of wear. In that case, don't buy the car, because you will have to change the cylinder, piston and rings which will come to double the cost.

8. Ask the owner to give the records of the maintenance he has done, like new tires etc. Also, make sure you don't go beyond 3rd hand purchase. There must be something seriously wrong with the car if people have changed owners drastically.

Ask the owner to discount the price of the car by the amount required for the repairs suggested by the mechanic. Or else ask him to get it repaired for you. The rates of the used cars have some standard values which are generally not exceeded. These values can be checked up in something called "Blue Book" which is a text available in the public library or with car dealers. So car models classified as per year of make have their value listed in the Blue Book. There is a cost deduction to be applied for the mileage that the car has been driven for, which is mentioned in most Blue Books. That gives a fair idea about the standard cost of any used car. Moreover there is ample scope for price negotiation. Generally private owners who sell through ads can give better discounts than used car dealers. Generally car dealers stick to the Blue Book price but usually ask more.

Mileage is also a consideration while purchasing a used car. Lesser the better. The ideal average is 10000 miles per year. So a car manufactured in 1987 may have a driven mileage of about 70000 miles in 1994 and not more than 80000. These are approx. figures.

How can I insure my car?
After buying a car you need to get it insured. You cannot drive a car in the U.S. without proper Insurance. The car has to be insured against collisions etc. There are various vehicle Insurance companies having various deals. Look up the yellow pages and call up some of them and ask for their rates. Then decide on one. The Insurance coverage period and the type of Insurance chosen and your age (more for less than 25 yrs.) decides the amount to be paid. The "comprehensive", "collision" are terms used by the Insurance companies to describe the type of insurance coverage. Get everything explained properly. There is sometimes a wind screen coverage too, for a nominal additional amount per month, this insures your windshield against damage (a wind screen replacement may cost about $200.00 approx. otherwise).

Some well known auto insurance companies are: GEICO Direct, Progressive, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, Insurance on Web.

How can I register?
You have to get the emission testing done on your car before it can be registered. In case the previous owner has got it done and the test is valid still, then there is no need to do it again for the specified period. The valid test papers are required for Registration.

The local vehicle registration office will issue a temporary registration for 45 days(varies from State to State) and meanwhile process and prepare the proper number plates. The documents required to get a registration are - Car ownership (title) papers, Emission Test papers, Car Insurance papers. After proper registration is done you can drive your car. However you should have a Driver's License. Actually each state in the U.S. has different laws. Most states allow you to drive with an I.D.P. (International Driving Permit) for a year or so. But others require that you get a local Driver's License. The driver's license can be obtained from the local DMV office after a written and driving test. Refer to the section on obtaining a driver's license for details.

Car in US is a necessity in most of the places. Either you buy a car or you can rent a car. Its expensive to rent a car for a month or so, it might be required if you are going to stay at that place for a small period of time. You can pay either a monthly, weekly or daily rate rent. When you rent a car you Here is some information you will need OR should know when you want to rent a car.

� The Medical Benefit Card which is sent by the Medical Insurance Company is an important card and should be acquired at the earliest. Fill up the Medical forms given to you by your company and return those immediately to ensure that you are registered with the Insurance Company after you land in the U.S.

� There is a some amount like $50 deductible. Which means if you land into medical problems, you have to pay the first 50 dollars from your pocket. Thereafter the Insurance company takes over the payment depending on the coverage plan etc.

� There are two acceptable ways of payment for the Doctor's services which depends on the Doctor. The Doctor's receptionist is the best person to ask payment related questions.

Some Doctors ask you to pay them (by cash, check, credit card etc.) immediately after the service. The receptionist will then give you a formal bill, which you must send (by postal mail) to the Medical Insurance Company along with the claim form supplied by your insurance company. The medical insurance company will then send you a check after verifying your claim. Other Doctors will note down the details of your medical insurance company from your card. They will then send the bill to the insurance company and receive the payment directly. You need not pay the Doctor.

But in both the above modes, remember that there are certain charges which the Insurance Company will not pay and which they don't cover, such as the first $50. So find out the details from the Insurance Co. about your respective coverage/medical problem etc.

� For certain kinds of medical problems where you have to visit the Doctor repeatedly, only a fixed number of visits per year are paid by the Insurance Company and not all.

� How to decide on the Doctor to visit ?

Ask your colleagues or other Indian friends. You also check in the directory supplied by your insurance company. Many insurance companies have their directory online also. Otherwise check up the yellow pages (phone directory). Look under the "Physicians" heading. Telephone the Doctor and fix up an appointment. Only in cases of emergency, do the Doctors see you immediately, otherwise it is always by appointment.

� You can claim the expenses for any Dr. prescribed medicine that you have to buy from the Drug (medical) Store. Usually there would be $5 or $10 deductible per prescription.

� Pain in the lower back and strain between the shoulder blades and a stiff neck are very common due to the kind of spring mattresses and soft foam pillows available in the U.S. and one just needs to get used to it.

� Beware of Dental problems since they are usually not fully covered under the Insurance Scheme.

There are three categories in dental problem and coverage for each is different.

o Precautionary:Tooth cleaning, X-Ray, Oral Examination etc. This is covered 100%.

And for all of these services inclusive, usually there is a yearly limit like $1500. If your teeth are too bad and if you need more treatment, you have to spend out of your pocket.

Usually you can go to any dentist. But some doctors are in the network of your insurance company and some doctors are out of the network of your insurance company. If you go to in-network doctor, the doctor and the insurance company have negotiated a fixed charge for the particular treatment and if there is a difference between what insurance company is willing to pay and what doctor charges, you won't have to pay the difference. If you go to out-of-network doctor, you would have to pay the difference.

Needless to say, the US is shopper's paradise. The 'sale' is a way of life here, occurring in big retail stores several times a year - often at unlikely moments. So-called January sales, for instance, can begin immediately after Christmas, and summer clothes go on sale in late spring or early summer on the grounds that prompt, regular shoppers will have bought their already.

Departmental stores in America are basically the same as department stores the world over - only bigger and more varied in their selection of merchandise. Supermarkets carry everything from melons to sets of encyclopedias. Drug stores sell banana splits, greeting cards, cosmetics, vitamins, clocks and many other items. Shopping centers in suburban and rural areas are vast communities of stores under one roof, sharing one tremendous parking lot. Often special events, such as art shows are held in major shopping malls. Many of these complexes have their own entertainment centers.

Shopping assistance to foreign visitors is furnished by hundreds of big stores across the country. Multi lingual aides, summoned by the Information Desk on the ground floor, help you select merchandise, and advise you how to ship or mail it home( Remember to ask about possible customs charges at Indian embassy or consulate.) Store hours: usually 9.30 am to 6pm all week, with 'late hours' on one or two evenings. Some states permit Sunday openings as well.

There are special stores for vegetables/food (grocery) and departmental chain stores for A to Z general merchandise. They often sell products at discount (concession) on weekends and holidays for which you should be reading daily newspapers. Incidentally, do not store old newspapers as none buy them, as in India.

In the store, if you are buying many things, carts are available in which you put things you want to buy and eventually arrive at the cashier's counter who will put things in paper/plastic bags and give you the bill for the payment. You can pay by cash or check or credit card. To pay by check, you need your US driver's license.

In big multi-Storey stores, it is advisable to visit the bargain store, usually in the basement, for inexpensive goods, if you are looking for them.

The American system of sizes and measurement is different from that in India. Most of the shops in the U.S. are the equivalents of super markets in India. You can go around the shop, buy what you want and pay at the counter. The important difference you will notice is, the shops are driven by customer service. So if you don't like anything that you bought or it doesn't fit you properly you may return it within a certain period allowed. You should inquire about the return policy when you buy returnable goods. Of course you need to preserve the receipt of the purchase. Most of the time they won't even ask you why you want to return the goods. But please don't try to abuse the system. We will get this kind of convenience only as long as we don't abuse it.

When you buy shoes, the size should be 1/2 more than your size in India. For example, if you buy size 9 in India, you should buy size 9 1/2 in the US. (Or approximate it to the nearest round figure).