TIP

For all those folks not from USA .

Landed in  Newyork  from Dublin took a cab from JFK to hotel- bill 49..7 dollars paid 50 dollars the driver looks at me and says what about tip- I was like I paid you 50 dollars and you want tip?

Later on I realized it's the norm in USA you are supposed to pay 15-30 percent of total bill in Service related situations like taxis , in hotels when dining out to waiter, when you order food home, barbers, free shuttle drivers etc.
It's difficult in start but it's the norm! 

Local libraries internet printing,photocoping documents

Local libraries are a great source when you are new to town. You can browse internet for free can print and photocopy at very cheap price. I did not find any photocopy shops / Internet cafe like in London. Another option is to use free wifi at coffee shops but you will need laptop / I phone etc but in library you can get computer as well!


You will need internet to search houses, cars etc!

State ID card

If you have driver.s license that is your state ID card but if you are in process of applying driving license you can walk in a bmv centre and they can issue you state ID card after checking employment and legal status. It serves as state issued photo ID 

Driver license

The driving license consists of two steps
1. Theory exam -  usually no appointment needed you can walk in a centre  and if there are places they can accommodate you. The good thing is some centers are open on Saturday till 2 pm where you can go. You will  need a letter from employer and valid proof of legal residence before you can apply.

2. Practical exam - it's the test where the instructor will see you driving it consists of maneuverability and general driving . To practice maneuverability I bought few cones from hope depot and practiced in empty Parking lot!

It's much easier compared to the test in Ireland/ UK


I don't think you need ssn prior to applying for license.

Where to live

There are couple of options for renting/buying. Initially the best option is to rent, know an area and then buy. If you will see the crime map if Cleveland it is segregated in some areas. If you are going to work in Clinic most people live at a few miles drive. Downtown apartments
are an option though is bit expensive, you can find good reasonably priced  in Cleveland heights. As I Said in my other blog try to drive near the apartment in night to see how the area is.
If you guys need any suggestions email me I do not want to name any good apartment on blog.

Seven hills is a good option if you want to rent/ buy a house. Is economical and around 25 min to clinic 15 min to metro. If planning to stay for 3-4 yrs I would recommend buying house.

More away you go from downtown more cheaper apartments you will find- makes sense isn't it!

Public transport

The public transport in Cleveland is not as extensive like a big city like neywork. However there is rt train  line connecting the airport with downtown. Local buses cover few routes. If you are going to work in unsocial hours car is the best option.

Getting a car

Hi All,

There are couple of options to start moving when you arrive first

1. To buy a second hand cheap car from craigslist directly from an owner- this is the option to get you moving after you arrive in cleveland as you won't be able to lease or buy a car unless you get a Social Security number which usually takes at least 2 weeks after you apply. You can apply for SSN after 10 days when you arrive in USA. The disadvantages of this approach involve if you get a bad deal or if you get a car which stops working after few days. The other option is to rent a car for which you will have to pay around 480 USD per week (240 rent plus 240 for insurance) if you buy a car for 2000 USD and if it works for 5 weeks you will end up saving money

2. To lease a car- you will have to wait for your ssn prior to this option. There are some good dealers around cleveland for the same. The toyota showrooms are quite flexible to lease you a car


Just remember winter can be harsh in Cleveland so you need a reliable vehicle!