Week 1 — the essentials
Just the things that make daily life work. Don't try to do more than this in your first few days.
Get a US phone number
The fastest path is a prepaid SIM (or eSIM) from a major carrier or a budget brand — these need no credit history and no SSN, just an ID. A local number makes everything else (banks, landlords, rideshare) far smoother. You can switch to a contract plan later once you have credit.
Open a bank account
You can usually do this with your passport even before your SSN arrives. See our Banking & Credit guide for which documents to bring and how to start building US credit from zero.
Sort out getting around
You don't need a car on day one. Set up a transit card and rideshare app and you can get moving immediately — our Explore Without a Car guide covers Metro, the trains and the most walkable areas.
Find your groceries
Knowing where to buy food you recognize is a huge comfort early on. SoCal has international supermarkets for nearly every cuisine — our International Communities guides map the markets (99 Ranch, H Mart, Zion, Northgate, Wholesome Choice, Mitsuwa, Seafood City and many more) by community.
Weeks 2–3 — getting set up
Once the basics work, tackle the slightly bigger tasks.
Apply for your Social Security Number (if eligible)
If you're here on a work visa, you'll typically apply for an SSN through the Social Security Administration — many things (a contract phone plan, building credit, some leases) get easier once you have it. Check the official guidance at ssa.gov.
Start the California driver's license process
New California residents are generally expected to get a California license within 10 daysof establishing residency, and a foreign license isn't exchanged automatically — you take a knowledge test and a driving test. Begin early; appointments book up. Full walkthrough in our California License guide.
Set up utilities & internet
If your rental doesn't include them, you'll arrange electricity/gas (your city's utility provider), water (often through the city), and home internet. Have your lease and a US phone number handy — some providers ask for a deposit when you have no US credit yet.
Confirm your health insurance & find a doctor
The US has no automatic public healthcare, so confirm your employer coverage starts when you expect, and note the difference between urgent care (walk-in, for minor issues) and the ER(emergencies only — far more expensive). Pick a primary-care doctor in your plan's network early.
Month 1 — putting down roots
Now the part that turns a place you live into home.
Enroll the kids in school
Public schools enroll by home address, so your neighborhood determines the school. Bring proof of address, immunization records and your child's previous school records. Many international families also look for heritage-language weekend schools so kids keep their home language — several are listed in our community guides.
Find your community
Seek out the people, food and traditions of home — and meet new people. Our International Communities and Cultural Festivals guides are the place to start.
Start exploring
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A note: rules, fees and processes change, and your exact steps depend on your visa and city. We link to official sources (the DMV, Social Security Administration and others) throughout — always confirm the current details there before you act.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when I move to Southern California?
Start with the daily essentials: get a US prepaid SIM for a phone number, open a bank account (you can usually do this with a passport before your SSN arrives), and set up a transit card and rideshare app so you can get around without a car. Once those work, move on to your SSN, the California driver's license, utilities and health insurance.
How long do I have to get a California driver's license after moving?
New California residents are generally expected to get a California license within 10 days of establishing residency. A foreign license is not exchanged automatically — you take a knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel test — so it's worth starting early because appointments fill up. See our California License guide and dmv.ca.gov.
Can I enroll my kids in school right after moving?
Yes. US public schools enroll children by home address, so your neighborhood sets the school. Bring proof of address, immunization records and previous school records. Many international families also enroll kids in heritage-language weekend schools to keep their home language.