Packing for your move to the U.S.: the newcomer basics
Moving to the United States, to study, work or join family, means fitting a new life into a few suitcases. This guide covers what every newcomer should pack, wherever they land. Then pick your region below for weather and local tips.
General information only. Rules for flights and customs change. Check your airline and the official pages linked below before you travel.
Build your full packing list
Combine the newcomer basics with your region, and add student or F-2 family items, into one list you can tick, share, print and set reminders for.
Your packing checklist
Tick items as you pack. Your ticks stay on this device only. Share the list, print it, or set reminders below.
Before you leave
- Check your passport is valid for your trip
- Tell your bank you are traveling, and carry a card that works abroad
- Plan your phone: a U.S. SIM or eSIM, or international roaming
- Save copies of all documents on your phone or in email
Documents (carry-on)
- Passport with your U.S. visa
- Every document the consulate, school or employer told you to carry
- Paper copies of all your documents
- Address and phone number of where you will stay
- Prescriptions or a doctor’s letter in English
Carry-on bag
- Medicines for the first weeks, in original containers
- Phone and chargers
- Plug adapter for U.S. type A/B sockets
- Power banks and spare batteries (carry-on only)
- Liquids of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less, in one quart-size clear bag
- One change of clothes
- Some U.S. dollars for the first day
Checked bag
- Clothes for your first season
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light sweater for air conditioning
Leave at home
- Fresh fruit, vegetables and meat (declare any food you bring)
- Appliances that only work on 220 to 240 volts
- Bulky bedding and kitchen items (buy after you arrive)
Pick your region
- Northeast
- Southeast
- Midwest
- Texas and the South Central states
- Mountain West
- Southwest
- West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii
Coming as an F-1 student or F-2 family member? See Packing for F-1 students and F-2 families for the documents to hand-carry and when you can arrive.
Keep these in your carry-on, not your checked bag
- Passport with your U.S. visa, and every document the U.S. consulate or your school or employer told you to carry (for example a Form I-20 or DS-2019 for students and exchange visitors).
- Copies of those documents, on paper and saved on your phone or in email.
- Medicines for the first weeks, in their original containers, with a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s letter in English.
- Phone, chargers and power banks. Spare lithium batteries and power banks are not allowed in checked bags.
- One change of clothes, in case a checked bag is late.
Airport and customs rules to know
- Liquids in your carry-on: each container 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-size clear bag (the TSA “3-1-1” rule). Medicines can be more; take them out for screening.
- Food: declare all food, plants and animal products on arrival, even if you think they are allowed. Most fresh fruit, vegetables and meat are not allowed. Undeclared items are taken away, and you can be fined.
- Cash: you can bring any amount, but if you (or your family traveling together) carry more than $10,000 in total, in any currency, you must report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Not reporting it can mean losing the money.
Electronics: plugs and voltage
The U.S. uses 120 volts and flat two-pin or three-pin plugs (types A and B). Most phone and laptop chargers work on 100 to 240 volts, so you only need a plug adapter. Check the label on hair dryers, irons and kitchen appliances: if they say 220 to 240 volts only, buy a new one in the U.S. instead.
Buy after you arrive
Bedding, kitchen items, toiletries and heavy winter coats are easy to find in the U.S., often at good prices, and they take up a lot of suitcase space. Bring enough for the first week, then shop locally, especially for a winter coat that suits your new city.
Good to know
- Temperatures are in Fahrenheit: 32°F is freezing (0°C), 68°F is mild (20°C) and 95°F is very hot (35°C).
- Indoor air conditioning can be cold in summer, so keep a light sweater with you.
- Sign up for weather alerts for your new city. The National Weather Service at weather.gov is free.