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 law 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

Additionally, it is recommended that normal childhood vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) and polio should be up-to-date. It is also necessary that you bring any medical records with you from your home country and that you consult your home country's vaccination regulations for re-entry on home leave 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 have your own health insurance and bring all your information with you when visiting the doctor or hospital. If you do not have health coverage, you will have to pay for health care out of your own finances at the time service is provided. This can run into many thousands of dollars for serious illnesses so being covered should be a top priority.

Doctors and hospitals in the U.S. are very good and dependable. In Raleigh, there are many good hospitals, medical facilities and private practices available to you. To find a suitable health care provider, contact your insurance provider to obtain a list, or check with your employer's Human Resources department for more information. You can also find extensive listings 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 Human Resources department or your health insurance provider can supply you with a list of reputable physicians or you can search the internet. Another great way to find a good doctor is by asking your co-workers, neighbors and friends. Often word of mouth is 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, there is no need to go outside of Raleigh when seeking medical care. The city has excellent medical facilities and some of the best doctors in the country.
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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: an ambulance, the fire department or law enforcement 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 call 911 and wait for an ambulance, or have a family or friend drive you to the closet major hospital in your area. Major hospitals have 24-hour emergency clinics. Identifying the clinic closest to your home is an important first task once you have 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 word is Pharmacy (English) or Farmacia (Spanish). Typically pharmacies are located in local drug stores, supermarkets, hospitals and some department stores such as Wal-mart and Kmart.
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Is the water safe to drink?

Yes the water from the tap is safe to drink, but some still prefer the taste of 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.