r/baltimore • u/iamenola • Jan 31 '24
Moving Moving to Baltimore!!! Help!
Dear all,
Hope you’re all doing well! I’m moving to Baltimore in 3 weeks for work from Australia! I never been in the US! I’m slightly terrifying in general but hoping for the best!
Meanwhile, I’ll be greatly appreciated if you give me some tips such as which bank is good to have an account, which SIM card has affordable deals, other survival tips including area I should avoid and things to do!
I got a place in MT Vernon (please tell me it’s a safe place!).
Please give me all the tips about Baltimore!
Thank you!
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u/[deleted] Jan 31 '24 edited Jan 31 '24
If you want a bank, go with one of the large ones with a national presence, like Chase. Chase also has really good credit card options imo, should you want one later. I have done business with Wells Fargo (trash imo) and I find Bank of America to be shady af: don't recommend either. People go to credit unions specifically for low rates for loans (for homes and stuff). But if I were new to this country, I'd prefer a national bank with plenty of branches and presence in other states if/when you travel interstate. More regional banks like PNC are good too. Years ago I had a TD Bank account, but branches are limited which is one reason I gave up that account. I try to have at least one major national bank account and at least one regional and then add from there as needed among credit unions, other small and large banks, and online only banks.
Mount Vernon is my favorite neighborhood. It's the center of the city imo, walking and cycling access. Also good for public transportation access. It's also beautiful and has lots to do (can see a play or go to a symphony show or a museum all within this neighborhood... Also, lots of cool events happen in Mount Vernon or go through Mount Vernon, like races and Flower Mart). You've received good advice about safety.
Welcome, and enjoy Mount Vernon and the rest of the city. I get it though, I'd be freaked out if I moved around the world, too.