Infrastructure like Never Before

Getting around in the United States is a vital part of resettling for Amerikaners, especially after leaving South Africa, where rural transport was limited and the 2024 fuel price hikes made travel costly. The U.S. offers a mix of driving, public transit, and air travel, tailored to both urban and rural lifestyles. Understanding these systems—from getting a driver’s license to navigating public buses—helps Amerikaners move freely, whether commuting to a job in the city or transporting goods from a farm. Let’s explore how to navigate U.S. transport systems with ease.

Driving in the U.S.

Driving is the primary mode of transport for most Americans, especially in rural areas where Amerikaners often settle, and it’s a practical starting point for getting around.

Getting a Driver’s License

A U.S. driver’s license is essential—South African licenses are valid for up to one year, but states like Texas require a local license within 90 days of residency. Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pay a fee ($25-$40 in 2025), and pass a written test, vision test, and driving test. Bring proof of identity (passport, Green Card) and residency (utility bill). In 2025, the REAL ID Act is fully enforced, meaning licenses must be REAL ID-compliant (look for a star on the card) to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings.

Buying a Car

Used cars are affordable—a 2018 Toyota pickup, ideal for farm work, costs $15,000 in 2025 at a dealership in Montana. Online platforms like Carvana deliver cars to rural areas, with financing starting at 5% interest. Gas prices average $3.50 per gallon (3.78 liters), so a 15-gallon tank costs $52.50 for a 450-mile range, enough for a round trip from a farm to the nearest town. In 2025, electric vehicle rebates increased to $7,500, encouraging eco-friendly options for Amerikaners in states like California.

Road Rules

Drive on the right side of the road—a big change from South Africa’s left. Speed limits are in miles per hour (mph)—a 65 mph highway limit is 104 km/h. Rural roads might be 35 mph (56 km/h), so adjust accordingly. Seatbelts are mandatory, and fines for not wearing one start at $50. In 2025, states like Georgia introduced stricter distracted driving laws, with $150 fines for texting while driving, ensuring safer roads for newcomers.

Car Insurance

Insurance is mandatory—basic liability coverage costs $500-$1,000 per year in 2025, depending on the state. Companies like Geico offer discounts for new immigrants, saving 10% if you complete a defensive driving course. For Amerikaners in rural areas, bundling car and farm insurance can save $200 annually, a tip shared by resettled families in Iowa.

Public Transportation Options

Public transit varies by region but offers affordable options for Amerikaners in urban areas or those needing to travel without a car.

Buses

City buses in places like Dallas cost $2.50 per ride in 2025, with monthly passes at $80, ideal for commuting to a factory job. Rural areas have limited service—counties in Montana might have a weekly shuttle to town for $5 round-trip. Apps like Transit, updated in 2025, provide real-time bus schedules and accept digital payments, making it easier to plan trips.

Trains and Subways

Amtrak connects major cities—a ticket from Chicago to St. Louis (300 miles) costs $30 and takes 5 hours, a scenic option for visiting Amerikaner friends in another state. Subways in cities like New York charge $3 per ride, with contactless payment available in 2025, streamlining access for newcomers still adjusting to cashless systems.

Ridesharing

Uber and Lyft are popular in urban areas—a 5-mile ride in Atlanta costs $10 in 2025. In rural areas, ridesharing is less common, but community carpool groups, often organized through local churches, help Amerikaners share rides to town for $2-$3 per trip. In 2025, Lyft introduced a “Rural Rides” pilot in states like Wyoming, offering subsidized trips for remote residents.

Bicycles and Walking

In smaller towns, biking to a nearby store is practical—a secondhand bike costs $50 at a garage sale. Sidewalks in suburban areas make walking safe, though rural areas may lack paths, so stick to daylight hours. In 2025, cities like Denver expanded bike lane networks by 15%, encouraging eco-friendly transport for newcomers.

Air Travel for Longer Distances

For visiting family across the U.S. or traveling back to South Africa, air travel is efficient, though it requires planning.

Domestic Flights

A round-trip flight from Dallas to Denver (800 miles) costs $150-$250 in 2025 with budget airlines like Southwest. Booking early—6 weeks in advance—saves 20%. A REAL ID-compliant license or passport is required to board, per 2025 regulations. Southwest’s “Wanna Get Away” fares, introduced in 2025, offer $99 one-way tickets on select routes, helping Amerikaners visit growing communities in other states.

International Flights to South Africa

Flights from New York to Johannesburg (8,000 miles) cost $900-$1,200 round-trip in 2025, taking 16 hours with a layover in Europe. Delta and United offer the best routes, and booking during off-peak months like February saves $200. Green Card holders need to notify USCIS of extended trips abroad to avoid re-entry issues—file Form I-131 if gone over 6 months.

Airport Navigation

Major airports like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) have clear signage, but they’re busy—arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 for international. TSA PreCheck ($78 for 5 years in 2025) speeds up security, a worthwhile investment for frequent travelers. In 2025, DFW added multilingual kiosks, including Afrikaans, to assist with check-in, easing the process for Amerikaners.

Luggage Tips

Airlines charge $30 for the first checked bag—pack light to avoid fees. Bring South African treats like biltong in carry-ons (under 3.4 ounces if liquid, like chutney) to comply with TSA rules. In 2025, United introduced a “Luggage Tracker” app, letting Amerikaners monitor bags in real-time, reducing stress on long journeys.

Getting Around with Confidence

The U.S. transport system offers freedom to explore, connect, and build a new life, whether driving to a job, taking a bus to town, or flying to visit family.

Start with a driver’s license and a reliable car for daily needs, especially in rural areas. Use public transit where available to save money, and plan air travel wisely for longer trips. Each journey—whether a 10-mile drive to the store or a 8,000-mile flight to South Africa—brings Amerikaners closer to feeling at home as Amerikaners, ready to thrive in their new surroundings.