What you need to know about life in New York City

Elena Zakharova, designer-decorator, founder of clothing brand Figura and blogger, Shared interesting facts about life in the United States. Layfhaker publish material with the permission of the author.

Taxes and everything around them

Once a year posters in the subway are switched on tax topics. On the area "grow" Agency for completing the documents. Spotify between tracks advertises tax software, simultaneously examining what expenses related to the business, and what - no. This year, at the bus stop was a poster that frightens brave New Yorkers, only one - time tax. Unlike the citizens of most countries (including Russia) every April the Americans fed tax return.

How it looks

Complete Form 1040 and send to tax e-mail or regular mail. If simplified: shall indicate the amount of earned money for the year, all expenses and taxes are calculated. No receipts for the costs of any source of money (contracts, bank statements, a breakdown of the clients / projects) do not need to apply.

Everything on trust, check on the audit, which could happen tomorrow, or ever.

You can refer to an accountant to fill out a form, or to use any service, assistant like TurboTax. Here You can read why accounting software is accused of lobbying complex tax filing system. tax offers free assistance in filing returns for earning less than 54 thousand a year, the disabled and people over 60 years.

when to submit

Deadline - April 17. If you do not have time, you can send an e-mail notification and "win" another six months.

The form itself is called Tax return, ie a tax refund. The main intrigue is to fill out all the paperwork and find that taxes have been overpaid and you are entitled to a refund. Then within a few weeks to mail the check comes with a nice logo on the tax overpayment.

Working relationships are governed by two basic forms. W-2 - for the staff when the taxes paid by the employer.

Freelancer (self-employed) itself takes into account income and expenses, annual reports to the tax, and - preferably on a quarterly basis - pay taxes. If the fee from one customer exceeds $ 600 per year, the company is obliged to send the customer to the 1099 tax form. It is the task of the customer. Even if the form is lost or has not been submitted, the freelancer must take into account all the sums and pay their taxes.

By the way, freelancers can conduct business without additional registration. The company opens to protect private property from the court: if the customer would sue, the company (even if it is a one-man) will be in charge of the property, not the owner. In the US the customer does not pay taxes for freelancers - it manages IP discovery in Russia. Moreover, if I (whether a company or an individual) commissioned work from a freelancer, I write it off as a business expense. Clever scheme of "whitewashing" of freelancing.

Who submits a tax return

In most cases - any person who has lived in the US more than 180 days a year. In fact, there is a little more exceptions, you can read here. Citizens and Green Card holders are accountable for tax, in any case, even if you live permanently in another country. At the same time, if their income exceeds a certain amount (this year - 100 thousand dollars per person), then for all that again, will have to pay more tax in America. For example: an American resident in Switzerland and gets there 150 thousand dollars, declaring the full amount and pay 50 thousand US tax.

Tax declaration does not necessarily apply, if less than 10 annual income of $ 400 or W-2 1099 600 dollars.

What complicated

On the website of tax published superpodrobnye instructions covering almost any scenario: how to write off the cost, how to file a return if a year living in different states (or, God forbid, countries), how to distinguish between personal and business expenses and so Further. From a surplus of these rules, many go crazy and turn to accountants.

The main feature - it is an opportunity to write off the cost (for us it will be a special reporting form for certain types of business here - for all by default). Write-offs reduce the tax base. That is, 200 thousand earned, wrote off 40, paid tax on the 160. For example, I am a freelance photographer, so deducted from income purchased this year fotolinzy, rent studio props (even if it does weird things like rice bags), and lunch fees model with obscure people with whom I discussed work.

In addition to operating expenses written off medical bills (under certain conditions) and costs for dependents (dependents). For example, in America, "more favorable" to have a baby in December 2015, compared to January 2016, as a tax deduction can be made at once in two years.

And yes, the salary in America is commonly called a year and more often than before tax. 60,000 means that a person earns 5000 dollars per month minus tax.

Life and property

property search looks like an endless view apartments and negotiations with agents, or (rarely) by the owners. I made a template letter with a little story about us (work, the presence of animals, annual income) for the interesting proposals on the response. You can specify the desired areas, a price ceiling and attach a photo. For belief trustworthiness and solvency show bank statements, peycheki (if you are at work are paid a salary), certificate of employment (if you want), credit rating (credit score). In my experience its absence is better than a low credit rating.

Sites to search for apartments

Their content is often repeated, but the search for an apartment - it's always a war, and I would advise you to be present on all fronts.

• Naked apartment - in my opinion, it is the biggest base.
• Streeteasy - about their advertising (witty and very beautiful), you can write a separate post.
• Zillow.
• Trulia.
• Craigslist - There are several groups and one "direct from owner", but in fact it is necessary to comb all.
• Sablet on Craigslist - an option to re-shoot somebody removable apartment / room. Typically, a short-term lease, but sometimes come across steep options when someone moves out before the end of the lease, so you can enter without a commission and have the option to extend the contract. Take over my lease - the key word in this case.
• delivery by Listing Project - a personal project of the New York artist Stephanie Diamond (Stephanie Diamond). Anyone can send their proposal to lease, and on Wednesdays subscribers receive a filtered selection of apartments and rooms. Usually this is a very good offer, but often a little more expensive options on the market. Also it works on search sableta.
• Useful group in Facebook: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Again, the posts can be duplicated, but it is necessary to monitor all of the groups.

rental Features

From state to state regulations vary, but generally well-regulated rent. Here are a few, in my opinion, interesting moments.

1. The annual income should be at a rate of at least 40 rentals. If the apartment is worth 2000 dollars, the income should not be less than 80 thousand.

2. New York law will always prevail over any lease agreement. I think that this superpolezny point in the proceedings.

3. New York is especially friendly to shooting: for example, there still exist programs for rent stabilization. Initially, it was federal initiativeTo cope with the housing crisis in the post-war period: the owners were confident that they will be paid and the tenants are not worried about the sudden rise in prices and more willing to filming.

it happens rent-stabilizedWhen the owner can not raise the rent more than a certain percentage. Get into a flat - always a great success, but still possible. Rarer variant - rent-control. The program for those who shoot adjustable housing to July 1, 1971 and before. Rent can not be increased by more than 7.5% every two years (or more often in general remains unchanged), and, most interestingly, the lease is inherited. That is the only way to get into this apartment - it is to be a relative of the owner of such a contract.

Although today it's more like urban fairy tale, in New York so far exists about 27,000 rent-control-apartments. Most people do not pay more than a thousand dollars, and the combination of price and location are becoming an urban legend. you can read about the lovely lady, Which 35 years rented three-room apartment with a view of Central Park for $ 500. Or, even more beautiful, about a gentlemanThat lives in Soho for 55 (fifty-five!) Of dollars per month. Here's an interesting report c numbers from 2012.

4. Apartment can be rented to retake for a period exceeding 30 days, with the permission of the landlord (for example, during a long vacation). In theory, the owner must be very good reasons for the refusal, but in practice many do it without asking. By the way, according to the law, you can re-take 10% more expensive than the usual rent - for furniture, dishes and so on.

5. All apartments are empty except for the built-in kitchen with stove and fridge. I think it is great happiness. Furniture can be found for free on the street or in a special group on Craigslist. Or very cheap to buy through group to Facebook. New Yorkers move frequently and easily say goodbye to things, you can write a novel about how and what got into my apartment.

6. The owner can not be evicted without a court order, even if you no longer pay the rent. This is bad and good. On the one hand, it can be lifesaving in a difficult situation, on the other - it complicates the settlement process, the landlord it is important to verify your solvency and trustworthiness. In New York lawsuits are slow, therefore, the previous tenant of my apartment nine months living free until the court issued a warrant for eviction. This in turn spoils the credit history.

7. The winter months, especially December and January, the most "slow" for the rental market. Proposals will be less, but lower prices and a better chance to get to the desired apartment.

8. On the landlord can complain under number 311. For example, if the heating does not work and the landlord nothing you do not. Classroom story about the house record for complaints in Brooklyn - 2000 calls for 2017.

9. Landlord when signing the contract is not accepted to show the right to property (shock by Russian standards). All the data on the owners of real estate are in the public domain, so you can easily check the address information and the name of the owner. I found the story of the sale of our home for the past 50 years, including the cost of the bank that issued the loan, and the names of past owners.

10. In New York, a lot of small townhouses. Typically, this old house (my already since 1899), built for one family, but converted into a two- or trohkvartirnye. In my house has three floors, three apartments. A few minuses and pluses townhouse from my experience:

• Often the owner lives on the ground floor (or basement) and rents the upper floors. I would not want to live with the landlord in the same house, but as anyone.
• In New York, every house is responsible for heating and water heating. If it is a small house for two or three families, in the basement, most likely, oil boiler is installed, and the owner of the house itself controls when and with what intensity to heat. My landlord like to save in the daytime, every three to four months of oil must end, and to the new party we sit half a day without hot water and heat. (The supplier oil travels to the area on a truck with a barrel and a long hose fills all the oil in the pipe protruding outside. I called him "Happy Milkman".)
• All issues are resolved directly with the owner. In the case of the apartment building it will be the management company. Here as lucky, in both cases the defendants may not be the most conscientious. In my opinion, it is better to Basher-landlord than the same management company: negotiate with a particular person easier than fighting with bureaucracy. From personal experience: if a couple of times to deduct from the payment of the days when there was something broken, then the next time it will work faster.
• The house itself is responsible for garbage removal, snow removal, the broken roof and frozen pipes. In our house, the landlord has agreed with a neighbor from the second floor, but sometimes I am a volunteer with a dusting of snow or debris. This year, half of New York were frozen pipes, including our house, so we stayed for three days without hot water.
• In such a house exclusive access to the roof can be at the top floor (like me), and at first - inner courtyard (very jealous).

11. Heating is of several types. The most common option - steam heat, when the pipes are talking pairs, batteries emit sounds frightening, but for all pay the landlord. Another option - the electrical panel on the perimeter of rooms, plus guaranteed 100-200 dollars to account for electricity. Central heating (central heating) - Built-air circulation system, which heats the air in winter, summer - off. Convenient, because the two in one, bad, because significantly adds to the electricity bills, dry air, and sometimes roars loudly.

12. Recommend to have renters insurance, which insures property in the apartment, as well as abroad over the world (for example, a stolen phone on vacation). Covered damage from leaking pipes, fire, burglary, sometimes natural disasters (depending on location) and damage caused by accidents, if your dog bites someone or one stumbles on stairs. It is located within 5-15 dollars per month.

13. Apartment - This apartment. Flat - something very British and funny. 1-bedroom apartment - it is an apartment with a living room and a separate bedroom (what would be called a one-bedroom apartment in Russia). The studio is a separate kitchen (the equivalent of Russia's one-bedroom apartment) or coincident.

14. The apartments are found mice and cockroaches. Each newcomer New Yorker has a story of how he first saw a cockroach. The second such stories do not, because then it is repeated every day and is becoming commonplace. A couple of years produced a total calm. To understand the scale of the problem - my favorite article from The New Yorker to the classification of household insects. But the worst thing - is, of course, bed bugs. Some sofa bed bugs, which are afraid of everything. They say the only way to deal with them - burn the house, change the name and to leave the country.

Utilities, internet and telephone

Average bill electricity - 50-70 dollars a month for a studio apartment. You can spend a lot less, it is possible - five times as much as my neighbors (I suspect that the case for additional heaters and 24-hour use of air conditioning). Electricity and gas are mostly made out in the name of the tenant-based rental agreement. Water included in the rent.

the Internet expensive and costs around $ 50-100, most often sell packages with TV and telephone. I learned that each provider has to be a cheap rate, which is not advertised on the website. Called and after half an hour the assurance that I really do not need a TV, and I understand that the speed of 20 MB - this is very little, has made a plan for $ 30.

mobile connection the average cost of $ 50 per month and includes a limited package of Internet and minutes. Two years later, I learned that a minute (I 100) is considered both inbound and outbound. If you think you have to spend 100 minutes a month is impossible - you have not lived in America. To any US number, you can make free calls through Google Hangouts.

Wash

In America, found an unexplained fear of a washing machine in the apartment, so the residents of one of the biggest cities wash your pants and socks together with other similar utilities users benefits. You can search for an explanation for this phenomenon here and hereBut most often it is complete bullshit, and a tribute to tradition, as a reference to the Russian pool, for example. We have a landromatov trade unionAlthough their number is still decreases.

In apartment buildings are common washing machines in cellars, which is very convenient. But most of all New Yorkers go to landromaty that they themselves romanticize. In my point of absurdity for a vending machine to buy bitcoins is very progressive. Many rent linen to the laundry by weight: in the morning he gave the evening took.

Normal wash costs about $ 1.75, about a dollar for drying and takes an hour. My routine is as follows: to throw clothes into the machine, return in half an hour and start drying, to leave for a run, even after half an hour to pick up the dry clothes. The fact that such a divide clothes on light and dark, you forget somewhere on the second month. A year later, I still gave in and bought a white linen to justify washing two white T-shirts. Drying - a fire in every sense, the main thing - do not dry lacy linen and woolen garments at high temperatures.

Healthcare and Insurance

In America, there is not the usual obligatory medical insurance for us. Get insurance at work or buy for yourself through the marketplace, aggregator site available and approved by the state insurance plans.

If the employer does not provide insurance plan (has the right, if the state is less than 50 employees) or you are self-employed, the better move to Europe the buying process is as follows: go to a local site for each state, specify the number of people in the household, annual income, index and choose a plan.

Marketplace is opened once a year, usually in December and January. I do not have time before the deadline - remained uninsured for the entire year. There are a number of exceptions, when allowed to buy the plan is the period.

Of Obamacare, or officially ACH (Affordable Care Act), - a set of rules governing insurance companies. For example, one of the biggest changes ACH - it is the prohibition of discrimination on the existing disease: before the insurance company can raise the cost of insurance for a person with diabetes or deny coverage generally. Other significant innovations: the children can remain on parents' plan to 26 years, one free check per year (for women is added to the therapist the gynecologist), and free contraception.

Medical insurance consists of:

• premium - monthly payments to the insurance company;
• deductible - the amount you pay for yourself, do not yet include copayment and coinsurance.
• out-of-pocket limit - the amount that you pay for yourself, while for everything starts to pay the insurance company.
• copayment - fixed cost of services after a deductible payment.
• coinsurance - a percentage that is paid by the patient, after the deductible payment.

There are several insurance companies recommend sidestep religious. The plans differ in the amounts of deductible and premium. The higher the monthly payments, the lower the amount you have to pay to activate the insurance, and vice versa. The main task - to find the optimal balance between these two values ​​(that's impossible).

Example (More or less close to reality figures, if you buy a plan on the marketplace). Monthly payment - $ 350 per person. Deductible - 4000 dollars, this means that for all medical services up to this amount I pay myself. My out-of-pocket limit - 7000 dollars. After payment of $ 4 million and up to 7000, we divide the medical bills from the insurance company.

If coinsurance of 50%, this means that for the cost of the procedure in 2000 dollars I would pay 1000 dollars. It may be that in my plan established copayment for drugs or certain services: for example, a doctor's visit will cost $ 20 fixedly or prescription - $ 70.

Then usually I wonder why live in America. By the way, most Americans insurance plans from the employer, they are usually more humane: a deductible of about 1-2 thousand dollars.

socialism spoon

Medicare - free insurance of Americans older than 65 years. Medicaid - free or subsidized insurance for low-income people. In New York City - Free for a family of two people with an annual income below 22 715 dollars.

Subsidizing (figures for a family of two people):

1. Essential plans (almost free, about $ 20 a month) before income 32 480 dollars.
2. Partial help paying up income 64 080 dollars. For example, if the plan is $ 800 a month, the State incurs $ 500. 500 dollars of aid in this case are called tax credits.

without figures Medicine

If we leave aside the cost and if at all so we can say that, in my opinion, there is no country better, to get sick, especially anything complicated and rare. I once addressed to the Emergency Room, several times went to the dentist, I have a personal physician, cardiologist and gynecologist. Not superlarge experience (thankfully), but here are some of my observations (both good and bad).

Instead of calling the ambulance in emergency cases treated in the Emergency Room, it is a department of the larger clinics, where people come with everything from cut finger to fights.

Emergency call is very expensive and is used only in extreme cases, when every minute is critical or transportation can be dangerous (broken bones, for example).

Here there are pluses and minuses. Ambulance is not used for other purposes, as in Russia, where the grandmother of boredom measures the pressure, and people like me, bypass the bureaucracy with no registration at the place of residence (for those who did not know the fastest way to get to the hospital in Moscow - call an ambulance). But it is also possible to lose time and do not have time to help. Well, in general, this is an unhealthy situation in which financial scared to call an ambulance. writeThat the number of emergency calls has decreased by seven per cent, because it is cheaper and faster call Uber. Funny and bitter.

I really like the personal physician practice. In fact it is the therapist who knows you (and sometimes your family) and manager your health. I have a very cool doctor. He has a dog and her husband live near New York, in the United States on a work visa, he originally from Turkey, so he, too, need a visa - I share tips in getting Schengen area, he gave a link to weed-boat-tour Amsterdam. Well enough to be considered a friend of his medical knowledge and enjoy meetings.

Reception at the doctor begins to nurse. It measures the pressure, height and weight, briefly asked about the problems, and then invites the doctor. Talk with your doctor is usually a tete-a-tete, and he already knows your situation. With the doctor it is decided to shake hands or hug goodbye.

Cost of services and coverage - a dark forest. To find out in advance how much it will cost, it is practically impossible. After the last visit to the doctor I already half a year I receive a letter, which I understand as a dialogue between the clinic and the insurance company. First, insurance refused to cover the $ 100 that it is not clear, then - 120, in the third such letter would cover everything. In any case, the doctor sends the bill and an insurance company only notifies that they cover, and what is not.

I noticed a special delicacy in the relationship between doctors and patients. For example, such a complex topic, such as inspection and nudity. There is always a one-time issue a shirt or coat (even if listening to the chest takes five seconds), and the doctor comes out of the room while you change clothes. I can be a child with heart disease, too traumatized Russian practice ( "Undress to the waist and wait here. So what, that all come, we're doctors, we should not be ashamed. Window without curtains? So it looks at the morgue who will see you there "), but I like it a lot.

Local medical practice does not take the pain and discomfort. The top of the absurd - it lubricates the gum when the dentist something analgesic that was not hurt to stick a syringe of anesthesia.

In fact, in most cases, it is good. For example, there is often use general anesthesia for minor but pesky things like gastroscopy (God save this country) or the removal of wisdom teeth. At the same time anesthesia it is very easy to carry. As a friend of mine came to see me for lunch after a morning surgery under general anesthesia.

When I complained for a week of insomnia, the doctor suggested an action plan (inspection, a possible treatment), but the first thing written out strong sleeping pills. Because discomfort - this is not the American way. My favorite quote American Dumas, which moved to Berlin: «I bring a lot of medicine with me from the United States, all over the counter, all intended to take away discomfort. The German doctors were telling me that being uncomfortable is O.K. ». In his article for The New York Times, she says, as in Germany after she was advised to remove the uterus and herbal tea breathing exercises and ibuprofen recommended to leave in case of emergency: «I did not mention that I use ibuprofen like candy. Why else do they come in such jumbo sizes at American warehouse stores? »

Comparison with sweets at all perfect. Ibuprofen is sold in supermarkets buckets (I exaggerate, of course, but really the banks to 1 000 units) or by prescription at a dosage of 600 (six hundred!) Mg. After two such tablets and a small procedure, I had lost all feeling for the whole day. In emergency situations it is real salvation, but I suspect that many neglect.

Separately, about wisdom teeth. Common practice - to keep all four at a time and under general anesthesia. Even the most complex teeth. Witnesses said that is easily tolerated, and the doctors do not understand, that surprises me.

I learned that planning (without complaints and risk factors) visit gynecologist than annually, and every three years. It turns out that the whole thing in a "normal" onkotsitologicheskom screening.

Continuing the conversation about women's health. After mastectomy - surgery to remove the breast - the insurance company is obliged to pay for implants.

Of contraception today is particularly popular IUD (intrauterine device). A couple of years ago, hung advertising in the subway: «You spent the night in Brooklyn. But you left your birth control in Staten Island. Maybe the IUD is right for you ».

Today, an IUD, like any other contraception, fully covered by insurance, but in America Trump so often Obama to discuss the abolition of the reforms that the IUD has become something of a political and symbolic (such as the ability to control their body). Therefore, after the election occurred IUD another surge in popularity, and I am eternally seen headlines like "Make an appointment with the doctor, it is too late."

Eye and dental care, there are separate insurance. If you are also wondering why the whole body is not divided by the authorities and not to sell them some insurance plans, something about it is made kidney.

When a doctor prescribes a medicine, asks the address of the pharmacy. In the selected pharmacy is enough to show ID, and the pharmacist will find you in their database. Maybe it's silly to describe, but the first time I was very confused, and then forgotten, that indicated and went all five pharmacies in the area.

Contact lenses need a prescription. Points can be bought without a prescription, that's my favorite site Order online.

Useful links about health,

• Planned Parenthood engaged male and female health, including free treats patients without insurance and those who can not pay. Process attachment and painless as possible without restrictions on visa status.
• Zocdoc - convenient service to write to doctors. You can set up your insurance plan, location and choose the doctor for reviews.
• Psychological Today - portal dedicated to psychological health, with the search for therapists like Zocdoc.

Banks and checks

Checks are still in vogue. Mainly for the payment of any duties or any public issuance fees. The process for obtaining pay sometimes called cutting checks. This phrase I perceived metaphorically, not yet learned that the checks really cut: there is a great book, which is filled and cut into individual checks. Normal people use checks virtually ceased, with the exception that the conservative landlords.

Normal check - it is actually a permission to write off from your account a certain amount of a particular person. Therefore, money is necessary to hold in the account until the recipient should not enroll. But there are cashier's checks, which are distinguished by the fact that the money is debited from the account at the time of the check. They have no limit, they make out a bank for 5-7 dollars. For amounts of up to 1 000 dollars cheaper to make money order, that works on the same principle and sold, for example, at the post office.

Progress came to the fact that checks can now subscribe to mobile app: fill in all the data from your smartphone, and the bank prints the paper, puts it in an envelope and send to the specified address. Moreover, progressive banks also give credit the check via the app: take pictures of it on both sides (do not forget to sign on the back) - and the money in the account.

Sometimes enough to pay for a bank account number, so it is a secret information, even in the Internet bank closed asterisks. There Zelle transfers the phone number or e-mails between banks. For transfers to each other for coffee / lunch all enjoy Venmo, a subsidiary of PayPal, but superudobnaya and friendly.

Skip to main account (checking) almost always open storage (saving). If more than five times a month to transfer the money from the savings account to the personal, the bank will send a warning. It turns out, the state teaches to save money and regulates transfers between these accounts.

Overdraft almost all banks impose a fine. Prohibit the map to go to the minus is virtually impossible - I could not, but twice paid $ 30 for the negligence and late cancellation of Internet purchases.

Uncategorized

1. Pronunciation of numbers accepted simplify. Plus one to what is not taught in schools and tutors, but in real life is more important irregular verbs and the present perfect. 1300 - this is thirteen hundred (hundred thirteen), rather than one thousand three hundred (thousand three hundred). House number 626 is read as a six-twenty-six without a hundred or even six-two-six. Four-digit numbers read like the year 1385 - thirteen-eighty-five. Instead of thousands of commonly used K (which actually means kilos, but in this case, pronounced like the letter "Kei"): 100,000 - hundred [key]. Zero is often pronounced like the letter O ( «oh"). My room at home - "Juan-oh-Seven."

2. The letter Z in American English is read as "communication" instead of "zed."

3. The telephone numbers to be specified without a code 1. Annoying, but otherwise you just will not understand. Companies like to write number words, for example 1-800-HELP-ME, - during the call letters need to dial numbers.

4. When you offer something, and you want to give, instead of the «No» correct to say «Thanks, I'm good»: «Would you like to ride an alligator?» - «Thanks, I'm good».

5. «Do you need help?» Vs. «Can I help you?» The first - an offer of help. The second - a polite version of "What the fuck?" Or "What are you doing here?". What you need to say, if caught someone to ride on your crocodile.

6. Register, proof of address, looks much more humane than in Russia. Address can be proved by the lease contract or a score of electricity. Proof of address may be required to obtain a driver's license, opening a bank account or write to the library, for example. Actually, everything that I could do in Moscow after nearly ten years of life and the "white" of the work, here it turns Super.

7. US ID, known as State ID, - a plastic card that life is much more convenient than a passport. Usually it is the right road, which most Americans get in 16 years, but there is a version, which will be written in non-driving license. You can pass the theory test and get a learner permit, which you can learn to drive, you have to go behind the wheel in the presence of human rights in the passenger seat. For any ID required simple set of documents and a couple of hours at the DMV office.

A little easier to get citywide New York City ID. Officially, it should not be taken as proof of age, such as when buying alcohol, but in practice it works. This card gives some discounts, free admission to museums.

8. Here is a good system of waste separation and not the most beautiful - its removal. Three times a week, every house puts on the sidewalk garbage bags. One bag for paper and cardboard, the other - for the rest of recyclable garbage: plastic, metal and glass. In some areas, it has brown bins for organics. Also, the compost can be harvested in the freezer and refers to community garden. Furniture and other large debris is taken free of charge. Schedule for each house and other rules of garbage collection can be found on the city portal.

9. Life hacking to conserve the subway. For two hours, can be free to change from bus to subway or vice versa. Sometimes I go somewhere by subway and by bus back to spend just one trip.

10. Americans love abbreviations. FYI, a native speaker would write this post is three times shorter, OMG. There is only one rule: to google and remember. Without it anywhere, so remember the ASAP, that BYOB - is bring your own beer (bottle, booze).

11. International debit card is best done as a credit. In this case, the index most often ask, you need to enter any five-digit - Russian maps do not give out the address, and America does not know about the existence of another world six-digit codes.

12. Local libraries - is an excellent free coworking with good Wi-Fi, free entrance and a beautiful interior (in the library areas and more intimate, but in Bryant Park - almost like a palace). If you make a library card, you can print cheaply and free take-home books, and even disks with movies and music - the library catalog class in many languages.

13. Most museums have a day suggested admission, when it is possible to pay any price, instead of the usual fare.

14. With American debit cards can be obtained keshbek: paying at the cash register, add 10-50 dollars to an account and get their cash. Ubiquitous ATMs without commission.

15. Traditional phone booths have replaced the pillars with fast Wi-Fi and free calls to any US number. In my area, these pillars are very popular, sometimes them roll out office chairs and arrange negotiations.

16. At each station (not train) has free Wi-Fi.

17. Let this be the only aggressive advice: learn how to formulate search queries in English. I've joked that this post - it's just all the changes that happened to me a life here, there. Boring person, who knows how to effectively use Google.

see also

• 10 reasons not to move to the US →
• The Rules of Attraction in the United States: that young Americans say where Russian silent or screaming →
• Top 10 cheapest accommodation US cities →