Banking made simple for expats
Moving abroad comes with a long list of questions—especially when it comes to banking.
How soon can you open an account?
Will you be able to use it from day one?
When can you make big payments, like for a new car?
What are the fees?
At Atlantic Expats, we make sure you have clear answers and a smooth setup. From choosing the right bank to handling paperwork and ensuring you can pay for what you need as soon as possible, we take the guesswork out of the process.
Because the last thing you need in a big move is banking stress. Let us handle it so you can focus on settling in.
#AtlanticExpats #RelocationServices #ExpatsInUSA #MovingAbroad #BankingForExpats #SeamlessTransition #NewBeginnings #SettleInSmoothly #HassleFreeMove
Moving abroad comes with a long list of questions—especially when it comes to banking.
How soon can you open an account?
Will you be able to use it from day one?
When can you make big payments, like for a new car?
What are the fees?
At Atlantic Expats, we make sure you have clear answers and a smooth setup. From choosing the right bank to handling paperwork and ensuring you can pay for what you need as soon as possible, we take the guesswork out of the process.
Because the last thing you need in a big move is banking stress. Let us handle it so you can focus on settling in.
#AtlanticExpats #RelocationServices #ExpatsInUSA #MovingAbroad #BankingForExpats #SeamlessTransition #NewBeginnings #SettleInSmoothly #HassleFreeMove
To open a bank account at Bank of America as a non-U.S. citizen (alien), you will generally need the following documents:
1️⃣ Proof of Identity
Passport (required)
U.S. Visa or Entry Stamp (if applicable)
Foreign Government-Issued ID (some locations may accept this)
2️⃣ Proof of Address
Lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and U.S. address
If you’re new and don’t have these yet, some branches may accept a letter from your employer or school
3️⃣ Taxpayer Identification Number (if applicable)
Social Security Number (SSN) (if you have one)
OR Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (if you don’t have an SSN)
Some locations allow account opening without an SSN/ITIN, but you may need to apply for an ITIN later
4️⃣ Initial Deposit
A minimum opening deposit (varies by account type, often around $25–$100)
Can you open an account remotely?
Yes! Bank of America allows expats to open an account remotely using a future U.S. address and passport. However, you may need to visit a branch later to finalize verification.
💡 Atlantic Expats tip: If you’re moving to the U.S. and want to get started before arriving, reach out to Bank of America ahead of time to confirm their requirements for your specific visa status!
Need help with your relocation? We’ve got you covered! 😉
#AtlanticExpats #BankingInTheUSA #ExpatsInTheUSA #MovingAbroad #RelocationMadeEasy #BankOfAmerica #NewToTheUSA
1️⃣ Proof of Identity
Passport (required)
U.S. Visa or Entry Stamp (if applicable)
Foreign Government-Issued ID (some locations may accept this)
2️⃣ Proof of Address
Lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and U.S. address
If you’re new and don’t have these yet, some branches may accept a letter from your employer or school
3️⃣ Taxpayer Identification Number (if applicable)
Social Security Number (SSN) (if you have one)
OR Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (if you don’t have an SSN)
Some locations allow account opening without an SSN/ITIN, but you may need to apply for an ITIN later
4️⃣ Initial Deposit
A minimum opening deposit (varies by account type, often around $25–$100)
Can you open an account remotely?
Yes! Bank of America allows expats to open an account remotely using a future U.S. address and passport. However, you may need to visit a branch later to finalize verification.
💡 Atlantic Expats tip: If you’re moving to the U.S. and want to get started before arriving, reach out to Bank of America ahead of time to confirm their requirements for your specific visa status!
Need help with your relocation? We’ve got you covered! 😉
#AtlanticExpats #BankingInTheUSA #ExpatsInTheUSA #MovingAbroad #RelocationMadeEasy #BankOfAmerica #NewToTheUSA
🚫 What’s banned at Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s? A shocking comparison! (made by Isabelle Guglielmi in her book ‘bien manger aux Etats-Unis)
Did you know that Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have strict ingredient standards, banning over 75 food additives commonly found in other grocery stores? If you shop at these stores, you’re automatically avoiding a long list of questionable ingredients found in many processed foods. Some of the banned substances include:
❌ Partially hydrogenated oils (a major source of trans fats)
❌ Synthetic food dyes (linked to hyperactivity in kids)
❌ Certain synthetic preservatives (like BHA and BHT)
❌ High fructose corn syrup (a cheap sweetener linked to obesity)
❌ MSG (monosodium glutamate) (known for causing headaches and other reactions)
❌ GMOs (genetically modified organisms)
❌ Artificial sweeteners (like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose)
❌ Bleached flours in baked goods
📊 How does Walmart compare?
Walmart is known for its affordability, but when it comes to ingredients, the difference is staggering:
⚠️ 14% of all Walmart food products contain corn syrup—which is completely banned at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
⚠️ 54% of Walmart’s food products would never make it onto Whole Foods shelves!
⚠️ Take carbonated drinks for example—97% of these drinks at Walmart are forbidden at Whole Foods due to high fructose corn syrup and sodium benzoate (a controversial preservative).
💡 Atlantic expats tip:
If you’re looking for cleaner, healthier food options, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s set a much higher standard. They might not be the cheapest, but they cut out a lot of unnecessary additives found in mainstream grocery chains.
Do you check ingredients when shopping? 🛒 Let us know your thoughts below! ⬇️💬
#AtlanticExpats #HealthyLiving #FoodFacts #TraderJoes #WholeFoods #WalmartComparison #CleanEating #FoodAdditives #ExpatsInTheUSA #RelocationMadeEasy #KnowWhatYouEat
Did you know that Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s have strict ingredient standards, banning over 75 food additives commonly found in other grocery stores? If you shop at these stores, you’re automatically avoiding a long list of questionable ingredients found in many processed foods. Some of the banned substances include:
❌ Partially hydrogenated oils (a major source of trans fats)
❌ Synthetic food dyes (linked to hyperactivity in kids)
❌ Certain synthetic preservatives (like BHA and BHT)
❌ High fructose corn syrup (a cheap sweetener linked to obesity)
❌ MSG (monosodium glutamate) (known for causing headaches and other reactions)
❌ GMOs (genetically modified organisms)
❌ Artificial sweeteners (like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose)
❌ Bleached flours in baked goods
📊 How does Walmart compare?
Walmart is known for its affordability, but when it comes to ingredients, the difference is staggering:
⚠️ 14% of all Walmart food products contain corn syrup—which is completely banned at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
⚠️ 54% of Walmart’s food products would never make it onto Whole Foods shelves!
⚠️ Take carbonated drinks for example—97% of these drinks at Walmart are forbidden at Whole Foods due to high fructose corn syrup and sodium benzoate (a controversial preservative).
💡 Atlantic expats tip:
If you’re looking for cleaner, healthier food options, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s set a much higher standard. They might not be the cheapest, but they cut out a lot of unnecessary additives found in mainstream grocery chains.
Do you check ingredients when shopping? 🛒 Let us know your thoughts below! ⬇️💬
#AtlanticExpats #HealthyLiving #FoodFacts #TraderJoes #WholeFoods #WalmartComparison #CleanEating #FoodAdditives #ExpatsInTheUSA #RelocationMadeEasy #KnowWhatYouEat
🥦 Thrive Market: the health-conscious choice
✅ Focuses on organic, non-GMO, and sustainable products
✅ Specializes in healthy, clean-eating groceries
✅ Membership-based (about $60 per year)
✅ Offers categories like keto, paleo, gluten-free, and plant-based options
✅ Better prices on organic pantry staples compared to traditional stores
🚫 Limited selection of fresh produce and meats
🚫 Can take a few days to ship
🍕 Amazon: the convenience king
✅ Huge selection—everything from fresh produce to snacks to household essentials
✅ Offers both healthy and highly processed options—so you have to read labels!
✅ Amazon Fresh provides same-day or next-day delivery in many areas
✅ No membership required for basic grocery shopping, though Amazon Prime helps with faster delivery
🚫 Can be overwhelming to navigate for truly healthy options
🚫 Prices fluctuate, and organic choices can be expensive
So, Which One Wins?
If you’re looking for health-focused, organic, and ethically sourced groceries, Thrive Market is your best bet.
If you want speed, variety, and the option to mix healthy foods with everyday essentials, Amazon takes the lead.
If you’re serious about avoiding processed foods, Thrive Market has a clear advantage—Amazon has plenty of temptations lurking in the snack aisle.
💡 Atlantic Expats tip: A mix of both might be the answer! Thrive Market for your healthy pantry staples, and Amazon for fresh produce and quick deliveries.
Which one do you use more? Or do you prefer local stores? Let us know! ⬇️💬
#AtlanticExpats #GroceryShopping #OnlineGroceries #HealthyLiving #ExpatsInTheUSA #ThriveMarket #AmazonFresh #HealthyChoices #OrganicFood #RelocationMadeEasy #ExpatLife
✅ Focuses on organic, non-GMO, and sustainable products
✅ Specializes in healthy, clean-eating groceries
✅ Membership-based (about $60 per year)
✅ Offers categories like keto, paleo, gluten-free, and plant-based options
✅ Better prices on organic pantry staples compared to traditional stores
🚫 Limited selection of fresh produce and meats
🚫 Can take a few days to ship
🍕 Amazon: the convenience king
✅ Huge selection—everything from fresh produce to snacks to household essentials
✅ Offers both healthy and highly processed options—so you have to read labels!
✅ Amazon Fresh provides same-day or next-day delivery in many areas
✅ No membership required for basic grocery shopping, though Amazon Prime helps with faster delivery
🚫 Can be overwhelming to navigate for truly healthy options
🚫 Prices fluctuate, and organic choices can be expensive
So, Which One Wins?
If you’re looking for health-focused, organic, and ethically sourced groceries, Thrive Market is your best bet.
If you want speed, variety, and the option to mix healthy foods with everyday essentials, Amazon takes the lead.
If you’re serious about avoiding processed foods, Thrive Market has a clear advantage—Amazon has plenty of temptations lurking in the snack aisle.
💡 Atlantic Expats tip: A mix of both might be the answer! Thrive Market for your healthy pantry staples, and Amazon for fresh produce and quick deliveries.
Which one do you use more? Or do you prefer local stores? Let us know! ⬇️💬
#AtlanticExpats #GroceryShopping #OnlineGroceries #HealthyLiving #ExpatsInTheUSA #ThriveMarket #AmazonFresh #HealthyChoices #OrganicFood #RelocationMadeEasy #ExpatLife
🛒 Wegmans: the grocery store that feels like an experience
If you ask an American on the East Coast about their favorite grocery store, there’s a good chance they’ll say Wegmans! Founded in 1916 in Rochester, New York, Wegmans has grown to over 100 locations across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. It’s a mix between a supermarket and a high-end food market, with a reputation for quality, fresh products, and an incredible shopping experience.
🔹 Why shop at Wegmans?
✅ Amazing fresh produce—high-quality, well-stocked, and beautifully presented 🥦🍎
✅ Huge selection of international foods—especially European, Asian, and organic products 🌍
✅ In-store bakery, cheese shop, and seafood/meat counters—all top-notch! 🧀🥩
✅ Great prepared foods section—perfect for grabbing lunch or dinner on the go 🍱🥗
✅ Their store-brand products (Wegmans brand) are often high quality and well-priced.
⚠️ What’s not so great?
😬 Prices can be higher than Kroger or Walmart, especially for specialty items.
😬 Not available everywhere—it’s mostly an East Coast thing.
😬 Can be overwhelming—their stores are HUGE, and you might spend more time (and money!) than planned.
💡 Tip: If you love fresh, high-quality food, Wegmans is worth the trip! Their prepared foods section is a lifesaver when you don’t feel like cooking. And if you’re an expat missing European products, Wegmans might just have what you’re looking for!
Are you a Wegmans fan? What’s your go-to grocery store in the U.S.? Let’s chat! 🛒🥖🍷
#AtlanticExpats #Wegmans #GroceryShoppingUSA
If you ask an American on the East Coast about their favorite grocery store, there’s a good chance they’ll say Wegmans! Founded in 1916 in Rochester, New York, Wegmans has grown to over 100 locations across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. It’s a mix between a supermarket and a high-end food market, with a reputation for quality, fresh products, and an incredible shopping experience.
🔹 Why shop at Wegmans?
✅ Amazing fresh produce—high-quality, well-stocked, and beautifully presented 🥦🍎
✅ Huge selection of international foods—especially European, Asian, and organic products 🌍
✅ In-store bakery, cheese shop, and seafood/meat counters—all top-notch! 🧀🥩
✅ Great prepared foods section—perfect for grabbing lunch or dinner on the go 🍱🥗
✅ Their store-brand products (Wegmans brand) are often high quality and well-priced.
⚠️ What’s not so great?
😬 Prices can be higher than Kroger or Walmart, especially for specialty items.
😬 Not available everywhere—it’s mostly an East Coast thing.
😬 Can be overwhelming—their stores are HUGE, and you might spend more time (and money!) than planned.
💡 Tip: If you love fresh, high-quality food, Wegmans is worth the trip! Their prepared foods section is a lifesaver when you don’t feel like cooking. And if you’re an expat missing European products, Wegmans might just have what you’re looking for!
Are you a Wegmans fan? What’s your go-to grocery store in the U.S.? Let’s chat! 🛒🥖🍷
#AtlanticExpats #Wegmans #GroceryShoppingUSA
🛒 The Fresh Market: a gourmet grocery experience.
If you’re looking for a premium grocery store with a European-style market feel, The Fresh Market is worth checking out! Founded in 1982 in North Carolina, it now has over 160 locations across 22 states, mostly in the eastern US. This store focuses on high-quality, fresh, and specialty products in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
🔹 Why shop at The Fresh Market?
✅ Beautifully displayed fresh produce—like walking through a fancy European market 🥦🍓
✅ High-quality meats & seafood—one of the best places for fresh cuts 🥩🐟
✅ Artisan cheeses, fresh bakery items, and gourmet deli selections 🧀🥖
✅ Great selection of organic, natural, and specialty foods (including European imports!).
✅ A fantastic wine & coffee section, with curated, high-end selections 🍷☕
⚠️ What’s not so great?
😬 Expensive! Prices are higher than Harris Teeter or Kroger.
😬 Not ideal for bulk shopping—think of it as a place for premium goods, not a full grocery haul.
😬 Smaller selection of everyday basics—you won’t find endless brands of cereal here.
💡 Tip: If you love high-quality meat, seafood, and baked goods, The Fresh Market is a great place to splurge! Look out for their weekly specials—sometimes you can snag a good deal on premium products.
Ever been to The Fresh Market? What do you think—worth the price or just an occasional treat? Let’s chat! 🛒🥩🍷
#AtlanticExpats #TheFreshMarket #GroceryShoppingUSA
If you’re looking for a premium grocery store with a European-style market feel, The Fresh Market is worth checking out! Founded in 1982 in North Carolina, it now has over 160 locations across 22 states, mostly in the eastern US. This store focuses on high-quality, fresh, and specialty products in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
🔹 Why shop at The Fresh Market?
✅ Beautifully displayed fresh produce—like walking through a fancy European market 🥦🍓
✅ High-quality meats & seafood—one of the best places for fresh cuts 🥩🐟
✅ Artisan cheeses, fresh bakery items, and gourmet deli selections 🧀🥖
✅ Great selection of organic, natural, and specialty foods (including European imports!).
✅ A fantastic wine & coffee section, with curated, high-end selections 🍷☕
⚠️ What’s not so great?
😬 Expensive! Prices are higher than Harris Teeter or Kroger.
😬 Not ideal for bulk shopping—think of it as a place for premium goods, not a full grocery haul.
😬 Smaller selection of everyday basics—you won’t find endless brands of cereal here.
💡 Tip: If you love high-quality meat, seafood, and baked goods, The Fresh Market is a great place to splurge! Look out for their weekly specials—sometimes you can snag a good deal on premium products.
Ever been to The Fresh Market? What do you think—worth the price or just an occasional treat? Let’s chat! 🛒🥩🍷
#AtlanticExpats #TheFreshMarket #GroceryShoppingUSA
