By SIMON BARKHUYSEN
Relocating to the United States can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how the country operates. Unlike South Africa, where the government controls everything at a national level, the USA has a federal system that gives each state a high degree of independence. This means that laws, taxes, education, healthcare, and even driver’s license rules can vary from one state to another.
This guide will help you understand these differences and assist you in choosing the best state to begin your new life in the USA.
The USA consists of 50 states, and each one functions like a mini-country. The federal government in Washington, D.C. takes care of national matters like defense, immigration, and printing money, but each state makes its own laws regarding education, healthcare, business regulations, and more.
In contrast, South Africa has nine provinces that follow national laws. Pretoria sets rules for everything, including taxes, education, and healthcare. While provinces can manage some resources, they do not have the power to set their own laws.
Religion plays a big role in the USA, but some states are more Bible-friendly than others. In South Africa, all schools follow a national curriculum, but in the USA, each state decides its own education system.
In these states, public schools may allow Bible study classes as electives, and religious traditions are more openly practiced in government settings.
These states promote strict separation of religion and government, and public schools do not allow religious teachings.
If religious education and conservative values matter to you, a Bible-friendly state might be a better choice.
In South Africa, a driver’s license works nationwide. In the USA, each state controls its own licensing system.
If you move to the USA, you must exchange your South African driver’s license for a US state license. Each state has different rules:
These states may only require a written and vision test.
If you are planning to drive in the USA, check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website for exact requirements.
In South Africa, income tax is national, meaning everyone pays the same rates no matter where they live.
In the USA, taxes are state-controlled, meaning some states have much lower taxes than others.
South Africa
USA
You pay two types of tax:
| Location | Income Tax | VAT/Sales Tax |
| South Africa | 30% (estimated) | 15% |
| Texas (USA) | 0% | 6.25% |
| California (USA) | 10% | 7.25% |
If saving money on taxes is a priority, states like Texas or Florida are excellent choices.
The USA has some of the world’s most varied gun laws. Unlike South Africa, where gun control laws apply nationwide, each US state decides its own gun policies.
In these states, most adults can own firearms with little restriction.
These states require extensive background checks, permits, and restrictions on firearm ownership.
When moving to the USA, it’s important to choose a state that aligns with your needs. Here’s a quick guide:
The USA’s federal system offers more freedom to decide how and where you want to live. Unlike South Africa, where laws are the same everywhere, in the USA, your choice of state matters. Before you migrate, research your preferred state carefully and consider what’s most important for your new life in America!
