Perhaps the best thing about buying and living in the USA is the common language. It makes such a difference when you are reading through contracts, filling out forms, dealing with lawyers or reading the small print on anything. There's no language barrier, nothing gets lost in translation and there are no quaint regional customs like grabbing your land back for local development.

Driving

You will have to get used to the car culture in California. They do everything in cars and they also observe the speed limit, whatever you may have seen in the movies. So don't try to get your kicks on Route 66 or you will get pulled over.

Banks

The system is much the same as the UK with basic Savings accounts and  Checking accounts. The only difference is that people tend to use 'plastic' more than written cheques but it's all very familiar. Passports and Driving Licences are valid identification.

Health

There is no National Health system as there is in the UK, so it’s essential to take out adequate, private medical insurance. There are a great many companies offering medical insurance and some less expensive options such as Managed Care Schemes. We recommend that you use one of the top 10 medical insurers.

The Law

California, like most states in the USA has a system of common law based on traditional English Law.

Eating Out

California has some of the USA's finest restaurants and some excellent Chinese and Asian cooking. The seafood along the coast is exceptional. Very few restaurants include service on the bill so it is customary to tip between 15% and 20%

Shopping

You'll be spoilt for choice wherever you are in California and, of course, the state grows the finest fruit and vegetables in the USA.

To find out more about life in the USA we recommend you click on to a very informative website, www.lifeintheusa.com