Perhaps no country in the world is as obsessed with transportation as the United States, and there is good reason. In a massive country connected by an excellent network of high quality roads, the prospect of getting from one place to another is always attractive. Getting around in the United States can mean anything from making the morning drive to work to exploring cross country on your annual vacation time. We encourage you to explore America and, to do so, we must tell you a little bit about transportation in your new home.

In most rural and suburban areas, Americans rely upon personal automobiles to get around. The geographic diversity of many parts of the United States make mass transit awkward or inconvenient. If, however, you are working in an urban area properly served through mass transit, this is probably your best option for daily commuting to and from work. U.S. mass transit may consist of trains, subways, or buses. Some workers organize car pools, in which workers take turns driving each other to work. Still, in most areas, many people choose to drive their own automobiles to the office.

Once you have obtained a U.S. Driver's License - if you choose to do so - you will have the opportunity to obtain your own automobile. Purchasing an automobile in the United States can be somewhat tricky: new car dealers often charge inflated prices when dealing with people new to the United States. Used car dealers - and many individuals selling used vehicles - often conceal defects or problems in an effort to unload the vehicle as quickly as possible. While most new vehicles offer warranties on services, the buyer of a non-warranted used vehicle has virtually no recourse. The $3,000 used car you buy could drop dead tomorrow, and you would probably have no legal remedy against the seller since the sale was made "as is".

Whether purchasing a new or used vehicle, it is important to keep the following in mind:

• Unless you are an expert car mechanic, it is in your interest to ask a friend or colleague with prior experience in purchasing cars to accompany you and assist you in decision making. They may be able to help you in getting the price down and spotting trouble signs in the vehicles you are contemplating.
• If you are purchasing a used vehicle, it is important to have a mechanic conduct a complete safety test on the vehicle before making the purchasing decision. You want to make sure that the car is operating soundly, has no major leaks or defects and will not require expensive repairs in the near future. (Do not make the mistake of falling in love with any one vehicle; this is America, and there are always more to choose from.)
• Ask the seller of the used vehicle for complete repair records, manuals, etc. If they have kept accurate records, chances are that they have taken good care of the vehicle.

As you will learn in the coming months, obtaining credit in the United States can be somewhat difficult. Obtaining car financing, however, may be facilitated if you put a substantial down payment on the vehicle. Car loans, like home mortgages, are considered "secured" loans. This means that there is collateral on the loan, and that the bank may repossess your car if you stop making payments. Unlike credit cards, which are unsecured, the lender in a car loan knows that he has remedies should you cease to pay. With interest rates low, it may be worthwhile to consider financing your vehicle through a bank. NOTE OF CAUTION: Avoid "buy here, pay here" car dealerships. The interest rates charged by these facilities are usually exorbitant, and they do not have a general reputation as possessing the highest quality of used cars. While you may be able to purchase a good vehicle from them, steer your credit towards the bank, which will charge you more reasonable rates on your car loan.

Finally, a word on air travel: U.S. air travel can be expensive and purchasing and changing a ticket can be a complex procedure. Instead of dealing directly with the airline, it is best to use a well-reputed travel agent - ask your Buddy. The travel agent will be able to find the cheapest available national and international flights and advise you of the numerous restrictions which may apply to a given ticket. Remember the following as a rule of thumb: the earlier you book your ticket, the cheaper the price. Generally, if you spend a Saturday night at your destination, your ticket will be cheaper. This is because weekday business travellers tend to pay the higher rates.