United
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| City: |
Miami, FL |
| Country: |
United States |
| Submitter's Name: |
Mercedes |
| Nationality: |
Netherlands Antilles |
| Arrival Date: |
May, 2003 |
| Date Submitted: |
November 20 , 2007 |
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Miami is a beautiful city by the sea. Views are spectacular now that the building boom has transformed the skyline. It is cosmopolitan and multilingual...Spanish is the second language here. From December to April the weather is at its best: cool and sunny days, average temperature in the low 70s F. It gets warmer after that, and the we have "hurricane season" from June 1st to December 1st. It can be a scary time. It rains and it's very humid! Thee is an abundance of things to do: from Art Basel-Miami, to top nightspots, celebrity watching, the beach.... |
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The fact that there are so many foreigners living in the city is great. People are basically friendly, but you need to keep reminding people that no everyone speaks Spanish!
I think it is a better place for singles and childless couples. It is also a young people's city. The gay and lesbian community is large, but laws in Florida are not gay-friendly (for example they cannot adopt in the state). The lifestyle is casual and people dressed accordingly.
Haven't encountered any overt religious or racial discrimination, but I think it's there. It is a fairly safe place to live with its average share of crime. Not anything more than other places...except on the road! Traffic is horrible and drivers are not very nice. Because there is no public transportation to speak of, everyone has a car. Commuting can be a nightmare. Plan to live close to where you are going to work. |
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Before coming, do visit the US Consulate or Embassy closets to you. They can advise on visas, working permits, etc.
There is also the . Use it. |
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With the building boom all but over, Miami doesn't lack in places to buy or rent. There are enough real estate agents to satisfy anyone. Use them! Usually, rentals require first month, last and a month deposit. Make sure you know where you want to be, before committing to anything. There are hotels that would rent suites on a a monthly basis. This is a great idea, and if you get them on Miami Beach, your first impression of the city will be positive. A lot of expats live on Miami Beach, Key Biscayne and lately downtown (Brickell area). |
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Because of the influx of immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean, household help has become common. Average would be about $60 a day. Make sure you don't ask too many questions about legal status... |
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Telephone service is excellent and you will find a wide range of companies: Verizon, BellSouth. Of course you can also use . Same with mobile phone service. Prices are competitive and the customers always benefits.
Internet access can be provided by your phone company in one package, very convenient and cheap. Applying is easy, and installation is quick.
Cable service includes local television stations. The Miami Herald is still very much a must in many household I use Comcast for Internet service and cable service. Cost about $60 BellSouth for local telephone service. Cost about $40 Verizon for my mobile service. Average cost about $75 since I use it for my freelance business too.
Postal service is very reliable. I use it for everything, includding mailing packages to my daughter in London... never lost a thing. |
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English....and Spanish. It would be a good idea to learn a bit of Spanish.
There are many language academies like: Berlitz Language Centers , Inlingua Language Centers. Look in the Yellow Pages.. |
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Utility services are very good. I live on a condo, so water is included in my maintenance fee. Electricity charges vary according with the time of the year. Of course there is central air conditiong that turns into central heat as needed. Cost can be from $80 to $150. I cook with electricity, as do most everyone in the city. Not every place is fitted with gas pipes. |
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Local news papers are a goos source of employment, as is . There are also employment agencies everywhere. |
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banks are fantastic, abundant and they work! US dollar is the currency. If you are coming from Europe you'll think this place very cheap!
Accounts are easy to open. Passports are needed, or other form of identification. You nee to give explanations if you are depositing more than $10,000 in cash. |
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Healthcare is very good, but expensive. Coming from a country with National Health Service you'll find that the care is better, but the cost is outrageous. Health Insurance can be provided by your employer, so it won't be that bad. Dentists are not covered, so you need an extra insurance for that.
Medicines are different from Europe or Latin America, so you need for your doctor to get you something similar..and they are expensive. |
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Private education is usually the way to go for your children. Public school are not that good in Florida.
There are a number of school for special-needs children. In certain area, there are school buses, but mostly you are responsible for taking you children to school, pick than up and drive them to after school lessons.
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Public Transportation is almost non-existent. So you need a car. You need to pass your driver's license, and there are several Department of Motor Vehicles office around the ares. Study the rules, and make an appointment for a driven test. Prepare to spend a good part of a day doing this. Then go and buy a car. If you are employed there'll be no problem with car loans from any bank. Owing money in the States is good, because it establishes your credit history. |
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| Shopping is great.. for anything you can desire. |
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This is another area in which Miami excels. You will entertained at all time, don't worry.
Restaurants, sports events (American football, baseball, hockey, basketball and lately soccer), theater, opera, concerts,art..... |
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If you are bringing your pet, make sure that you ask the US Consulate what's needed. Get those papers from your vet back home. Vets here are very good.
You can buy a pet here, or better yet, adopt one! |
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You can find a lot of information:
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It has taken me a long time to adapt, Miami is nothing like other parts of the USA where I have lived......but Miami can be a great place to live.
See too: |
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City Description
Healthcare
