Are there any vaccinations I should get or other health precautions to take as I prepare for my move to your city?

Recent changes to the United States immigration laws resulted in visa applicants being required to obtain certain vaccinations (listed below) prior to the issuance of a visa.

  • Mumps

  • Measles

  • Rubella

  • Polio

  • Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids

  • Pertussis

  • Influenza type b

  • Hepatitis B

  • Varicella

  • Pneumococcal

  • Influenza

It is recommended that normal childhood vaccinations of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) and polio be up-to-date. You should also take your medical records with you and consult your home country's vaccination regulations for re-entry or repatriation.
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Before I get sick, what should I know about seeking medical care in your city as an expat?

The United States does not have socialized medical care. It is recommended that you secure your own health insurance and take all your information with you when visiting a doctor or hospital. If you do not have health coverage, you will have to pay for health care yourself, at the time that service is provided. This can run into many thousands of dollars for serious illnesses so insurance coverage should be a top priority.

The doctors and hospitals in the U.S. are very good and dependable. In Charlotte, there are many excellent hospitals, medical facilities and private practices available to you. To find a suitable health-care provider, contact your insurance company to obtain a list of names, or check with your employer's Human Resources department for more information. You can also find an extensive list on the Internet.
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What is the word for "doctor" in the local language?

English = doctor

Spanish = medico
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What is the best way to locate a suitable health care provider?

As stated above, your company's Human Resources department or your health insurance provider can supply you with a list of reputable physicians or you can check the Internet . Another great way to find a good doctor is by asking your co-workers, neighbors and friends. Word-of-mouth is often the best resource.
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Do expats in the area tend to leave the city/area/country to seek medical care? If so, why and where do they go?

No, most expats tend to stay in Charlotte when seeking medical care, because the city has excellent medical facilities and some of the best doctors in the United States.
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What is the number to call to summon help in an emergency? List medical/fire/police.

Dial 911 for all emergencies. The person handling the call will direct your call to the correct department: ambulance, fire or police, depending on which is needed.
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What do I do if there's an emergency in the middle of the night—or at another time when my normal doctor/clinic is unavailable?

If an emergency occurs in the middle of the night, either dial 911 and wait for an ambulance or have a relative or friend drive you to the closet hospital in your area. Major hospitals have 24-hour emergency clinics. Identifying the closest 24-hour emergency clinic to where you live is an important first task once you've had a chance to settle in.
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How will I recognize a pharmacy? What is it called in the local language?

The local language is Pharmacy (English) or Farmacia (Spanish). Typically, pharmacies are located in local drug stores, supermarkets, hospitals and some department stores such as Walmart and Kmart.
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Is the water safe to drink?

Yes the water from the tap is safe to drink, but some people still prefer bottled water.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:

Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.