In-Country Experts - British Expat Forum

Hi Guy's. My wife and I are soon to be moving to McDonough, just south of atlanta, and I was hoping to pick up some advice on a few things.
Firstly however, I noticed somebody asking about visas for the US and all I can say is I am using a US Attorney, based in London, to organise my visa for me. Reason - the US Embassy web site is 'purposely' obtuse and user un-friendly!! Without the assistance of this lady I think I would have given up!!

Although moving to Atlanta to take up a job offer, due to obvious uncertainties (eg. will we like the US!), we will initially be renting a property. Any suggestions on rates, insurances etc, that we should be aware of?

I am also looking into the feasability of importing my motorbike. Any suggestions or advise would be very helpful, ie import duties etc? Would it be cheaper for me to sell the bike here before we leave and buy new?

Although I will be in US on an H1B visa my wife will only have an H4 which does not allow her to work. Any suggestions on clubs or associations she could join to keep her busy, (and out of the shops!)

I'm sure we will have other questions later, but for now that will do.

Thanks
Keith

Hi Keith. Welcome to the forum. And welcome, in advance to Georgia.
I have to pop out to a client right now, but will return with hopefully more information about your post. I also, wanted to import my motorcycle when I came here and hopefully can offer some guidance at least on that point.

Alan.

Hi Keith,
can't give you any help on the rates, insurances etc... as I live down in Savannah, which is 230 miles further South and a world away! Rates would differ greatly.

The one thing you will notice here is that most everything revolves around your credit rating - even the car insurance rate you will get!
As you won't have a credit rating when you arrive, things will appear difficult at first.
In our case, we got round it by making friends at the local small town bank, who were very helpful and in the end, we took out a small loan just so that we could pay it back to get some activity on the credit history! A pre-interest paid credit card helped as well (dump it as soon as you can get a real one).
I know you didn't ask about this, but it very often comes up.

Now, to the bike: I had a ST1100 that I wanted to bring with me from England. This bike was 2 years old, meant a lot to me and was exactly the same as the model sold in the states. I was informed that I would have to post a bond with US customs for 2/3 the value of the bike until I could come back with garage bills showing that I had had the bike converted to US spec, even though there was virtually no difference. The only hope around this if your bike (I don't know what model it is) has an EPA sticker already on it to show that it is passed for the states.
Like the immigration business, I think it's just designed to put you off doing it - it certainly worked for me! Shipping it would have been quite reasonable at about $600, I believe.
If you do manage to bring your bike or get another one over here, I envy you. You will be nearer the Georgia mountains than I and there is some lovely riding to be had up there. We frequent a place called "Two Wheels Only" in Suches, GA, which is a lodge and campground only admitting bikers. It's set in the gorgeous piece of land amid running mountain streams and the roads all around are made for bikes. There is a great atmosphere there and the people are really friendly. Just watch out for the hillbilly mountain locals in their trucks.

I think that's all I can help you with for now. Let me know if you have any more questions, and let us know when you get there!

Alan.

Hi Alan

Thanks for the update. For your info I ride a BMW R1100R, about three years old. I will check the 'EPA sticker' status, as I've never heard of that! I guess the BMW dealer where I bought it would be able to help.

The mountains sound fantastic, and I'm certain we will investiagte as soon as we can, assuming we have a bike.
I've checked the BMW web sites in the US and they appear quite expensive out there.

Thanks also for the 'credit rating' info. I have heard that before, and have in fact already spoken to the local bank we intend using who, I have to say, have been extremely helpful so far, albeit via email!
They advised a credit card with a small amount on it, and paying the minimums each month (shouldn't be too hard for my wife!).

Best regards
Keith

Savannah_Alan wrote:.... showing that I had had the bike converted to US spec, even though there was virtually no difference. .....I think it's just designed to put you off doing it Alan.

It works both ways. We brought our MPV with us from the States and we had to have it converted to UK spec. They put it through a very thorough examination to the extent of measuring how far out the screws on the license plates stuck out!

i used to race bike back in England so one thing i think you may need to think of is changing the jets and the neddle settings in the carb to account for different heat, humidity conditions...

am i learning my grandmother how to suck eggs ????

Hi Wayne,
welcome to the forum. I have replied to your PM. Do you ride a bike now? If not-why not?

Alan.