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USA

PLACES TO STAY, LAW & ORDER, SOCIAL SECURITY

Hostels For tight budgets hostel are the best. They are generally dorm style accommodations, often in large rooms with bunk beds. Some also offer private rooms for families and couples. They often have kitchens and utensils for use, bike, moped rentals. Storage areas and laundry facilities (washing Malls - where normally 75 (c) are charged per load). The drawbacks - closure during certain day time lock-out hours have a curfew, impose a maximum stay, to do chores. Charges - $ 5 to 25 per night.

Bed and Breakfasts: These are private houses with rooms available. Many B & B s do not provide phones, T.V.s or private bathrooms. Charges $ 5 - 50 per night. Breakfasts are given free to overnight clients.

YMCAs and YWCAs: (Young Men s Christian Association and Young Women s Christian Association) YMCA and YWCA s locations offer lodging usually in urban down towns. Their rates are usually lower than a hotel but higher than a hostel. They may include use of libraries, pools, ACs and other facilities. Reservations are made in advance and paid for.

Renting an Apartment: As per the American law - a couple with one small child is allowed to take one bed room apartment. In case of a 7-8 year old child or two children two bedroom apartment is a must. A two bedroom apartment/flat in a decent suburban area would cost $ 700- 1000 pm with gym, pool, laundry facilities in the locality. It would include carpet, a refrigerator, kitchen with gas/electric cooking range central A.C. (Heat is compulsory in apartments esp in Mid-Western and Eastern States of the USA). In a down town area a two bedroom apartment/flat would cost around $ 1500-2000 pm with the same facilities. An apartment on the bus route to office with a shopping complex close by is an asset. The normal security is one month's rent to be paid along with the first month s rent. Rents must be paid on time to uphold the credit rating.

Any additional facilities come for $ 50 more approx. Cable connection - $ 35 pm. Cinema channel - $ 45 pm. The apartment can be self furnished with the help of credit card facilities, or most of the companies lease out the flat on easy installments/allowance.

Law and Order

Criminals are usually put away in large jails called penitentiaries. There they are expected to atone for their deeds by hard labour. The prison labour of the USA is surprisingly large and they produce high quality products too. Unfortunately there are many violent incidents in the USA, usually under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The security forces like the FBI deal with internal security and maintenance of the state, and are efficient and unobtrusive. The Immigration and Naturalization Service is another important bureau. Unlike some countries, the American Police is considered by its citizens as an organization to help the public and not to harass them. While police are the same as elsewhere the people are also organized and mindful of their rights. In any emergency situation call up 911 ( a toll free number, operating 24 hours).

If a police car with siren beckons you to stop your car DO EXACTLY AS THEY SAY. Don't make any sudden movements. Always keep your hands above your head ( i.e. in full sight of the policeman). Come out after asking. Stand beside the car and place your hands on the top and lean against it. Explain to the policeman and tell him you are getting your license out--and do this s-l-o-w-l-y. You see, drug pushers and drug addicts often shoot at policemen and hence they have become trigger happy. Usually nothing much happens but why take chances?

THE SOCIAL SECURITY CARD (SS)

Within a week of landing in America, all workers with a work permit/ visa must first go to the SS Office and apply for a SS Number by filling a form. The SS No is an Identification No for every individual in the US, which proves his legitimacy and status in the country. The SS Card helps in every social situation like opening a bank account, getting a driving licence, acquiring credit cards, applying for apartment, transportation, police aid as well as medical aid.

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