Bring important documents (Passport, Visa, Medical Records). Pack universal power adapters, prescription meds, and clothing for all seasons.

Essentials

• Passport
• Visa
• Medical Records

St. Louis has 4 distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (80°F-100°F), winters can be cold with snow (20°F-40°F). Spring and Fall are mild.

St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). Uber, Lyft, and MetroLink (train) are available for transport to the city. Get in touch with Zim STL for pickup assistance. Need Assistance?

Currency is USD ($). Credit/Debit cards are widely accepted. Carry some cash for small vendors.

Major Banks

• Chase

• Bank of America

• US Bank

You generally need two forms of ID (Passport + Student ID/State ID), proof of address (Lease or Utility Bill), and an SSN or ITIN. Some banks require an opening deposit ($25–$100). Credit Unions often have lower fees.

• How to open a personal bank account

• How to choose the right bank

• Bank account fees & what to watch for

You can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if you are work-authorized (citizen, permanent resident, or certain visa holders). Bring your passport, I-94, and any work authorization documents. F-1/J-1 students need a letter from their school for on-campus work. Apply at the Social Security Administration office. For a State ID or Driver’s License, visit your state’s DMV (License Office)with proof of residence, proof of identity, and immigration documents. Some states require you to wait until your SSN is issued before applying.

Prepaid offers flexibility, while postpaid may have better rates for long-term use. Postpaid often requires a credit check.

Find Sadza (Mealie Meal), Kapenta, Maputi, and spices at:
- Global Foods Market (Kirkwood)
- Jay International Food (South Grand)

US healthcare is expensive, so make sure you have insurance (student plans, employer plans, or marketplace plans). A “copay” is a set fee you pay for visits, and a “deductible” is the amount you must pay before insurance starts covering costs.

Primary Care: Your first stop for checkups, routine issues, and referrals.
Urgent Care: Cheaper and faster than the ER. Go here for non-life-threatening problems (fever, small injuries, infections).
ER: For emergencies only — chest pain, severe injury, trouble breathing.

Find insurance at HealthCare.gov, or locate low-cost clinics at HRSA Health Centers.