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Being from Europe (your flag shows germany, but your location shows Spain), if you like beer, prepare to be disappointed. Best bet on that front is to find a German/Belgian beer that is brewed/bottled in Europe before being shipped, or survey craft/microbrews.

With the girlfriend situation I just wanted to see if either of you were American because the process for that visa can take some time. I came over to the US on a fiance visa (K1).

Oberst_kramer wrote:
I read about tipping. We also tip here in Spain but it is only when you have gotten really good service and you feel like it. I heard that in US it is more or less expected to tip always because of the gakky salaries and waitresses get. What is acceptable? 10-25% of the bill? Doe sit depend on the service recieved? How much VAT should I calculate?

Tips here are generally mandatory. A few restaurants will not require a tip to be left, but they will usually have a notice to that effect. A lot of service positions are tip based, especially servers in restaurants.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-s606/United-States:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html

For waiters at sit-down restaurants, bartenders, barbers/hairdressers/attendants at beauty salons, taxi drivers, tour guides, and food delivery folks, the tip should be calculated as a percentage of your total bill as follows: 10% usually means you are very unhappy, 15% usually means all was ok, 20% for excellent, 25% for outstanding. 15% and over is considered "normal"

The current rate of sales tax (which you pay on top of the price marked) in Chicago is 9.25%

Oberst_kramer wrote:
Of course, respect is the main issue, always. I mean, i will apply common sense and try to move to other topics or otherwise, keep my opinion to myself.

I have been reading a bit about crime ratios in Chicago. It isn't Detroit apparently, and as I will be probably living nearby Wheeling(little town) I don't think I should worry too much on an everyday basis. However I am more concerned about these "flash mob" assaults which seem to have spilled to some of the more"safe" areas in Chicago. Not that I will be there often, mainly to visit the touristy attractions that have been suggested here and to fill my belly with greasy goodness. Has any of you ever been assaulted at gun-point. How do you react on such situations?

Flash mobs are
1. WAY overblown in the media
2. not exactly a suburban event.
You're fine there. I would just find out where the bad areas of the Chicago are before you go there, and no its not like Detroit.

You need to become a citizen so you can carry rocket propelled chainsaws like the rest of us Dog Fearing Red Blooded Amuricans HURR!

Chongara wrote:
Well Americans are a pretty loud people on the grand scheme of things. Certainly sensitive topics are better to avoid, it's just that some people won't let you avoid them. Particularly if a related event has been in the news lately. You may well want to avoid, but people may just start bringing it up.

That being said if you are not native to the US people are generally a lot more forgiving if you do not understand the importance of a certain issue/event. If it's not something that you are comfortable talking about, or you aren't sure of the company that you are in, just politely explain that you do not have enough information for an informed opinion. That gives you the option to either ask the other person for their opinion so you can better gauge them, or change the topic of conversation. If you find the other person's views not to your liking just remember, they can only disagree with what you say, not what you think.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Oberst_kramer wrote:
Of course, respect is the main issue, always. I mean, i will apply common sense and try to move to other topics or otherwise, keep my opinion to myself.

I have been reading a bit about crime ratios in Chicago. It isn't Detroit apparently, and as I will be probably living nearby Wheeling(little town) I don't think I should worry too much on an everyday basis. However I am more concerned about these "flash mob" assaults which seem to have spilled to some of the more"safe" areas in Chicago. Not that I will be there often, mainly to visit the touristy attractions that have been suggested here and to fill my belly with greasy goodness. Has any of you ever been assaulted at gun-point. How do you react on such situations?

Things like flash mob assaults are rare, but because they are new they get more media attention based on their novelty.

If you are in an area that you are unsure about just be aware of your surroundings. A lot of criminal acts are directed at people perceived to be easy targets - not paying attention to what is happening around them, being in unlit areas, using a map to find their way etc. Just use common sense. Stick to well lit areas, don't carry a lot of cash on you, take a licensed taxi if you aren't sure of how to get where you're going etc. and do what you can to minimise risks

Welcome to the US. Be sure to get a reliable vehicle.

 Gitkikka wrote:
Welcome to the US. Be sure to get a reliable vehicle.

Just be aware that automatic transmissions are a lot more common, that in many States you can turn right on red when it is safe to do so, and if you are driving on an out of state license you have a certain period to obtain an Illinois license
http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/new-to-illinois.php

 Dreadclaw69 wrote:

 Gitkikka wrote:
Welcome to the US. Be sure to get a reliable vehicle.

Just be aware that automatic transmissions are a lot more common, that in many States you can turn right on red when it is safe to do so, and if you are driving on an out of state license you have a certain period to obtain an Illinois license
http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/new-to-illinois.php

Also if you are driving an out of state license your chances of getting pulled over by the police are magntitudes higher.
Police. I don't know about police in your country. Police here - be polite. Do not consent to a search, but be polite. Never be threatening to a police officer.

 Frazzled wrote:
Also if you are driving an out of state license your chances of getting pulled over by the police are magntitudes higher.
Police. I don't know about police in your country. Police here - be polite. Do not consent to a search, but be polite. Never be threatening to a police officer.

This^
Read the Drivers Manual for your state. It will tell you what to do when pulled over by the Police. Remember it and follow it to the letter! I had my first experience of being pulled over by the local Police here last night (no light to illuminate the rear license plate). When pulled over wind down your window, make sure you have your license and vehicle registration, keep your hands on the steering wheel and do not make any movement that could raise suspicions (reaching under the seat etc.), and be polite. The Police will take your license for a brief period to check that you have no outstanding warrants etc. but they will return it before they let you drive off.

You guys in the midwest still tossing quarters at tollbooths? Up here in the northeast, you can get a little box to stick on your car that pays all those when you drive through specific toll lanes. EZ-Pass here in New York, Fast-Pass in Mass. but they talk to each other, so you can drive wherever with them. I know they work in NJ, and in theory down the coast, but I've not traveled that far.

You can either give them a credit card number or deposit a sum to cash to deduct from. I use the credit card option, and just get an e-mail from them periodically when I travel. I think they estimate your monthly use and try to keep that balance on your account, charging your card when you fall below that, or flashing warnings when you go through the lane with a low balance.

While this might not be applicable out in Chicago, if someone is relocating to the New England/York/Jersey area, it's something to look into. I drive on toll roads infrequently, but the time I spent filling out and form to sign up and the small deposit on the account were well spent. It shaves a significant amount of time an hassle off of road trips.

And if you don't have these things out there, you should pester your local government to get it.

 Nevelon wrote:
You guys in the midwest still tossing quarters at tollbooths? Up here in the northeast, you can get a little box to stick on your car that pays all those when you drive through specific toll lanes. EZ-Pass here in New York, Fast-Pass in Mass. but they talk to each other, so you can drive wherever with them. I know they work in NJ, and in theory down the coast, but I've not traveled that far.

You can either give them a credit card number or deposit a sum to cash to deduct from. I use the credit card option, and just get an e-mail from them periodically when I travel. I think they estimate your monthly use and try to keep that balance on your account, charging your card when you fall below that, or flashing warnings when you go through the lane with a low balance.

While this might not be applicable out in Chicago, if someone is relocating to the New England/York/Jersey area, it's something to look into. I drive on toll roads infrequently, but the time I spent filling out and form to sign up and the small deposit on the account were well spent. It shaves a significant amount of time an hassle off of road trips.

And if you don't have these things out there, you should pester your local government to get it.

Good suggestion
Yeah, we have EZ-Pass here. But for how often we go to Chicago it isn't wothwhile for us. If the OP is going to be based in Chicago it might be a good investment for him and his girlfriend.

 Nevelon wrote:
You guys in the midwest still tossing quarters at tollbooths? Up here in the northeast, you can get a little box to stick on your car that pays all those when you drive through specific toll lanes. EZ-Pass here in New York, Fast-Pass in Mass. but they talk to each other, so you can drive wherever with them. I know they work in NJ, and in theory down the coast, but I've not traveled that far.

You can either give them a credit card number or deposit a sum to cash to deduct from. I use the credit card option, and just get an e-mail from them periodically when I travel. I think they estimate your monthly use and try to keep that balance on your account, charging your card when you fall below that, or flashing warnings when you go through the lane with a low balance.

While this might not be applicable out in Chicago, if someone is relocating to the New England/York/Jersey area, it's something to look into. I drive on toll roads infrequently, but the time I spent filling out and form to sign up and the small deposit on the account were well spent. It shaves a significant amount of time an hassle off of road trips.

And if you don't have these things out there, you should pester your local government to get it.

we have something similar called an IPASS, id suggest getting one as the tolls are generally half of the price if you have an IPASS vs paying cash.

In regards to the question about gaming and Games Plus, the story is pretty huge and has a very sizable gaming area. They carry just about everything and anything they dont carry they will order for you. As for gaming people play pretty much anything and everything there. Heres there facebook page, they have plenty of photos posted of the gaming space just to give you a feel for it
https://www.facebook.com/GamesPlus?fref=ts

Frazzled wrote:-You might be helpful and tell him where the actual gang areas are, so he doesn't move/drive into one.

I did post the link to the website that is tracking that...

You make it sound like it's something we really know about here. Honestly, other than media coverage, I wouldn't know about any of it. It's not an issue downtown, where I work, and it's not an issue in any of the suburbs I visit (or live in). It's really not a big deal, and anyone doing an internet search is going to know as much, if not more, than I, or most residents, know about it.

 Redbeard wrote:

Frazzled wrote:-You might be helpful and tell him where the actual gang areas are, so he doesn't move/drive into one.

I did post the link to the website that is tracking that...

You make it sound like it's something we really know about here. Honestly, other than media coverage, I wouldn't know about any of it. It's not an issue downtown, where I work, and it's not an issue in any of the suburbs I visit (or live in). It's really not a big deal, and anyone doing an internet search is going to know as much, if not more, than I, or most residents, know about it.

the gang issues are basically in the outskirts of the city, not really at all close to downtown. Basically all the bad areas are in places you would never have any reason to go to

532 murdered in 2012. Saying thats not a big deal is a little misplaced.

It may only be in certain areas, but that matters only if you know where those areas are no?

 Frazzled wrote:
532 murdered in 2012. Saying thats not a big deal is a little misplaced.

It may only be in certain areas, but that matters only if you know where those areas are no?

While its true more people were killed last year in chicago then we lost soldiers in afgan, the violent areas are on the outskirts of the city, one of the interesting things about chicago is the sheer size of area that is called "Chicago"
There is a ton of residental area that is considered Chicago that really isnt all that close to downtown chicago. The violence tends to happen in the outskirts of the city in the more impoverished areas. Unless your moving into a low income area or looking to score some drugs, there really isnt much of any reason to go into the shady areas

512 murdered is what, .00625% of the population?

http://www.policymic.com/articles/22686/america-s-10-deadliest-cities-2012

When you consider the population of Chicago, 512 murders really isn't a big deal, we're not even in the top-ten.

It matters as he's coming from a separate country and moving there. Its helpful to know where the bad areas are.

Yes, and as noted, I provided a link that that information, way earlier in the thread

Ah, did not see the link. My bad.

Ensis Ferrae wrote:Being from Europe (your flag shows germany, but your location shows Spain), if you like beer, prepare to be disappointed. Best bet on that front is to find a German/Belgian beer that is brewed/bottled in Europe before being shipped, or survey craft/microbrews.

I work in a German international company, so Intranet is also German. I'm quite the beer lover, and no offense here, dislike Bud, Coors and light beers. I will have to look into import or gladly export the microbreweries phenomenon. Weissbier is always welcome in my book, as well as Belgian Ales

Dreadclaw69 wrote:With the girlfriend situation I just wanted to see if either of you were American because the process for that visa can take some time. I came over to the US on a fiance visa (K1).

Oberst_kramer wrote:
I read about tipping. We also tip here in Spain but it is only when you have gotten really good service and you feel like it. I heard that in US it is more or less expected to tip always because of the gakky salaries and waitresses get. What is acceptable? 10-25% of the bill? Doe sit depend on the service recieved? How much VAT should I calculate?

Tips here are generally mandatory. A few restaurants will not require a tip to be left, but they will usually have a notice to that effect. A lot of service positions are tip based, especially servers in restaurants.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-s606/United-States:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html

For waiters at sit-down restaurants, bartenders, barbers/hairdressers/attendants at beauty salons, taxi drivers, tour guides, and food delivery folks, the tip should be calculated as a percentage of your total bill as follows: 10% usually means you are very unhappy, 15% usually means all was ok, 20% for excellent, 25% for outstanding. 15% and over is considered "normal"

The current rate of sales tax (which you pay on top of the price marked) in Chicago is 9.25%

No to steep. Could you work with a K1as a fiancee or did you have to regularize your own situation there afterwards?

Frazzled wrote:

Oberst_kramer wrote:
Of course, respect is the main issue, always. I mean, i will apply common sense and try to move to other topics or otherwise, keep my opinion to myself.

I have been reading a bit about crime ratios in Chicago. It isn't Detroit apparently, and as I will be probably living nearby Wheeling(little town) I don't think I should worry too much on an everyday basis. However I am more concerned about these "flash mob" assaults which seem to have spilled to some of the more"safe" areas in Chicago. Not that I will be there often, mainly to visit the touristy attractions that have been suggested here and to fill my belly with greasy goodness. Has any of you ever been assaulted at gun-point. How do you react on such situations?

Flash mobs are
1. WAY overblown in the media
2. not exactly a suburban event.
You're fine there. I would just find out where the bad areas of the Chicago are before you go there, and no its not like Detroit.

You need to become a citizen so you can carry rocket propelled chainsaws like the rest of us Dog Fearing Red Blooded Amuricans HURR!

Wouldn't mind owning a 1911 .45, or a Sig Sauer. Rabid Ferret Catapult also sounds awesome

Dreadclaw69 wrote:

Chongara wrote:
Well Americans are a pretty loud people on the grand scheme of things. Certainly sensitive topics are better to avoid, it's just that some people won't let you avoid them. Particularly if a related event has been in the news lately. You may well want to avoid, but people may just start bringing it up.

That being said if you are not native to the US people are generally a lot more forgiving if you do not understand the importance of a certain issue/event. If it's not something that you are comfortable talking about, or you aren't sure of the company that you are in, just politely explain that you do not have enough information for an informed opinion. That gives you the option to either ask the other person for their opinion so you can better gauge them, or change the topic of conversation. If you find the other person's views not to your liking just remember, they can only disagree with what you say, not what you think.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Oberst_kramer wrote:
Of course, respect is the main issue, always. I mean, i will apply common sense and try to move to other topics or otherwise, keep my opinion to myself.

I have been reading a bit about crime ratios in Chicago. It isn't Detroit apparently, and as I will be probably living nearby Wheeling(little town) I don't think I should worry too much on an everyday basis. However I am more concerned about these "flash mob" assaults which seem to have spilled to some of the more"safe" areas in Chicago. Not that I will be there often, mainly to visit the touristy attractions that have been suggested here and to fill my belly with greasy goodness. Has any of you ever been assaulted at gun-point. How do you react on such situations?

Things like flash mob assaults are rare, but because they are new they get more media attention based on their novelty.

If you are in an area that you are unsure about just be aware of your surroundings. A lot of criminal acts are directed at people perceived to be easy targets - not paying attention to what is happening around them, being in unlit areas, using a map to find their way etc. Just use common sense. Stick to well lit areas, don't carry a lot of cash on you, take a licensed taxi if you aren't sure of how to get where you're going etc. and do what you can to minimise risks

Will do. I will leave my flower hawaian t-shirts home as well as my ridicously short cut pants. Sandals with socks underneath will also left at home, for the sake of good taste

Gitkikka wrote:Welcome to the US. Be sure to get a reliable vehicle.

Are there renting companies who rent you a car for looong periods of time? Either this or I will buy a car. No automatic though, don't know how to drive them.

Dreadclaw69 wrote:

 Gitkikka wrote:
Welcome to the US. Be sure to get a reliable vehicle.

Just be aware that automatic transmissions are a lot more common, that in many States you can turn right on red when it is safe to do so, and if you are driving on an out of state license you have a certain period to obtain an Illinois license
http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/new-to-illinois.php

I will have to read the booklet thorougly

Frazzled wrote:

 Dreadclaw69 wrote:

 Gitkikka wrote:
Welcome to the US. Be sure to get a reliable vehicle.

Just be aware that automatic transmissions are a lot more common, that in many States you can turn right on red when it is safe to do so, and if you are driving on an out of state license you have a certain period to obtain an Illinois license
http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/new-to-illinois.php

Also if you are driving an out of state license your chances of getting pulled over by the police are magntitudes higher.
Police. I don't know about police in your country. Police here - be polite. Do not consent to a search, but be polite. Never be threatening to a police officer.

Why shouldn't I allow a search? Police in my country is generally OK. Of course you have people who cannot be reasoned with, but as a rule of thumb its always to be respectful with officers of the law, or you're in for problems!

Dreadclaw69 wrote:

 Frazzled wrote:
Also if you are driving an out of state license your chances of getting pulled over by the police are magntitudes higher.
Police. I don't know about police in your country. Police here - be polite. Do not consent to a search, but be polite. Never be threatening to a police officer.

This^
Read the Drivers Manual for your state. It will tell you what to do when pulled over by the Police. Remember it and follow it to the letter! I had my first experience of being pulled over by the local Police here last night (no light to illuminate the rear license plate). When pulled over wind down your window, make sure you have your license and vehicle registration, keep your hands on the steering wheel and do not make any movement that could raise suspicions (reaching under the seat etc.), and be polite. The Police will take your license for a brief period to check that you have no outstanding warrants etc. but they will return it before they let you drive off.

When you are being stopped, do you always haver yo put your hands on the steering wheel or the dashboard? Are they that fearful?

Nevelon wrote:You guys in the midwest still tossing quarters at tollbooths? Up here in the northeast, you can get a little box to stick on your car that pays all those when you drive through specific toll lanes. EZ-Pass here in New York, Fast-Pass in Mass. but they talk to each other, so you can drive wherever with them. I know they work in NJ, and in theory down the coast, but I've not traveled that far.

You can either give them a credit card number or deposit a sum to cash to deduct from. I use the credit card option, and just get an e-mail from them periodically when I travel. I think they estimate your monthly use and try to keep that balance on your account, charging your card when you fall below that, or flashing warnings when you go through the lane with a low balance.

While this might not be applicable out in Chicago, if someone is relocating to the New England/York/Jersey area, it's something to look into. I drive on toll roads infrequently, but the time I spent filling out and form to sign up and the small deposit on the account were well spent. It shaves a significant amount of time an hassle off of road trips.

And if you don't have these things out there, you should pester your local government to get it.

We have the little things here to. You just have your bank arrange it for you.

Redbeard wrote:

Frazzled wrote:-You might be helpful and tell him where the actual gang areas are, so he doesn't move/drive into one.

I did post the link to the website that is tracking that...

You make it sound like it's something we really know about here. Honestly, other than media coverage, I wouldn't know about any of it. It's not an issue downtown, where I work, and it's not an issue in any of the suburbs I visit (or live in). It's really not a big deal, and anyone doing an internet search is going to know as much, if not more, than I, or most residents, know about it.

I will do some searching. It is appreciated, thank you.

Redbeard wrote:512 murdered is what, .00625% of the population?

http://www.policymic.com/articles/22686/america-s-10-deadliest-cities-2012

When you consider the population of Chicago, 512 murders really isn't a big deal, we're not even in the top-ten.

We had about 152 in 2011 in the Barcelona province, which is about 4,5 milion people. That's about 0.000337%

Oberst_kramer wrote:
No to steep. Could you work with a K1as a fiancee or did you have to regularize your own situation there afterwards?

Once you enter the US on a fiance visa you have 90 days in which to get married. Then you can adjust your status to start on the path towards citizenship. You also have to get authorisation to work, and permission to leave the country.

Oberst_kramer wrote:
Wouldn't mind owning a 1911 .45, or a Sig Sauer. Rabid Ferret Catapult also sounds awesome

Good luck, Illinois (the state Chicago is in) has some of the most stringent gun control in the US. If you are interested in Sigs though the P938 is a decent firearm.

Oberst_kramer wrote:
Sandals with socks underneath will also left at home, for the sake of good taste

Wearing socks and sandals should be punishable by flogging

Oberst_kramer wrote:
When you are being stopped, do you always haver yo put your hands on the steering wheel or the dashboard? Are they that fearful?

Traffic stops here include checking for outstanding warrants, obviously there are some people who are unlawfully at large and would like to stay that way. A Police Officer is not likely to know this from the outset so having your hands visible is a good indication that you are not a threat.

since he will be living in wheeling, which is sadly still part of cook country so only subject to some of the nonsense chicago gun laws, in IL you will need to get a FOID card before you can purchase a firearm, to get a void you have to fill out a form and send it in with a small fee to the IL state police, general turn around time on approval is 30 days but lately with the gun control drum beating its been taking 3-6 months. Aside from that there arent really a whole lot of restrictions on handguns. Things get a bit more restricted when you start getting into long rifles / assault weapons as things like barrel size come into play. Also IL doesnt allow full auto so all rifles / assault weapons are semi auto.

I was just in Wheeling in June. Nice little place to visit, really good market "Fresh Farms" if you like foods from Russia and other nearby countries.

We were also right down the street from Super Dogs...damn good hot dogs.

ironicsilence wrote:since he will be living in wheeling, which is sadly still part of cook country so only subject to some of the nonsense chicago gun laws, in IL you will need to get a FOID card before you can purchase a firearm, to get a void you have to fill out a form and send it in with a small fee to the IL state police, general turn around time on approval is 30 days but lately with the gun control drum beating its been taking 3-6 months. Aside from that there arent really a whole lot of restrictions on handguns. Things get a bit more restricted when you start getting into long rifles / assault weapons as things like barrel size come into play. Also IL doesnt allow full auto so all rifles / assault weapons are semi auto.

I don't know if I would really buy a handgun anyways. I mean, I like all the "coolness factor" associated with them, but I don't know if I would feel comfortable having a real gun in my household, even when it's for selfdefence. I play airsoft here in Spain, and I am very wary when handling those, so imagine when having the real deal in your hands!

Long rifles or assault rifles are a no-no. The first ones are for hunting and the second ones for war.

ProtoClone wrote:I was just in Wheeling in June. Nice little place to visit, really good market "Fresh Farms" if you like foods from Russia and other nearby countries.

We were also right down the street from Super Dogs...damn good hot dogs.

Glad to hear it. Fresh farms sound good.

I heard it is difficult to find fresh veggies here in the Supermarkets. Is that true? What about olive oil?

The Supermarkets have varying degrees of freshness, and You can get Olive Oil as well.

And by all means bring your flower hawaiian t-shirts

there are companies that will lease a car for a time (Usually 2-5 years) so renting should not be a huge issue.

If you are going to do a lot of driving in high traffic areas (AKA Thc Chicago Area) I would suggest getting an Automatic Shift car.

It is just like driving a stick shift, but the car shifts for you, so you only have to worry about the fuel and brake pedals.

I live close to wheeling (Sort of) and I could be bribed with a free lunch to show you guys around when you get here and answer any questions that I can, and just generally hang out for a day, if this is a service you are interested in, let me know.

P.S. we do not really have all that much snow usually.

P.P.S. you can get good imported beer at Sam's in the city or at Binny's

Are there renting companies who rent you a car for looong periods of time? Either this or I will buy a car. No automatic though, don't know how to drive them.

You push the gas pedal it goes, and you press the brakes and it stops. There is pretty much nothing to do, that's why they're automatic!

Still manual is cheaper anyway, and you get to feel superior about driving manual in America... so go with what you know.

 Oberst_kramer wrote:

ironicsilence wrote:since he will be living in wheeling, which is sadly still part of cook country so only subject to some of the nonsense chicago gun laws, in IL you will need to get a FOID card before you can purchase a firearm, to get a void you have to fill out a form and send it in with a small fee to the IL state police, general turn around time on approval is 30 days but lately with the gun control drum beating its been taking 3-6 months. Aside from that there arent really a whole lot of restrictions on handguns. Things get a bit more restricted when you start getting into long rifles / assault weapons as things like barrel size come into play. Also IL doesnt allow full auto so all rifles / assault weapons are semi auto.

I don't know if I would really buy a handgun anyways. I mean, I like all the "coolness factor" associated with them, but I don't know if I would feel comfortable having a real gun in my household, even when it's for selfdefence. I play airsoft here in Spain, and I am very wary when handling those, so imagine when having the real deal in your hands!

Long rifles or assault rifles are a no-no. The first ones are for hunting and the second ones for war.

ProtoClone wrote:I was just in Wheeling in June. Nice little place to visit, really good market "Fresh Farms" if you like foods from Russia and other nearby countries.

We were also right down the street from Super Dogs...damn good hot dogs.

Glad to hear it. Fresh farms sound good.

I heard it is difficult to find fresh veggies here in the Supermarkets. Is that true? What about olive oil?

You might find the olive oil tastes a little different here if you buy random off the shelf stuff...try to only buy olive oil that was made in Florida, or as close to Illinois as possible. Try to find an actual farmers market, which Fresh Farms isn't, for fresher veggies than what the stores have...Grocery stores are good in a pinch, but if you want fresh vegetables then farmers markets are the way to go.

The new terminology of Assault Rifles is "Battle Rifles". Being the description of assault rifles covers a wide variety of weapons now Though I do believe you are allowed to purchase a hunting rifle/shotgun that is if you hunt. I'm sure the company you work for going to ensure you picked a safe area to live in and hopefully the most you have to deal with is vandalism, loud music, and once in a great while loud frat parties..I have though heard of some good "pub crawls" in Chicago....and micro brewers...

 Oberst_kramer wrote:

Wow, thanks for the suggestions, we will be sure to check some of these in August when we go there! I am very keen on Military museum(Aren't we all?) specially WWII themed ones. Any of those worth visiting in the area?

There is the First Division Museum in Wheaton, but that's about an hour by car, and probably at least 3 by public transit. I also haven't been there since I was a kid, so whether or not it is especially nice is not something I can attest to. Its part of a park complex with some very elaborate gardens, which I always thought was odd.

Dreadclaw69 wrote:
Keep small bills for toll roads

Yeah, I didn't even think of that. If you move here you can get a method of electronic payment called I-PASS, which is a godsend, but you will need to make sure you have smalls bills and change otherwise. Also bear in mind that tolls can be quite expensive without I-PASS as you pay double the rate, which can lead to individual tolls of 4 USD.

Dreadclaw69 wrote:
In smaller cities public transport can be abysmal

Chicago is notably bad unless you happen to be going to the city itself or live East of I-294, which Wheeling is not.

Oberst_kramer wrote:

How much VAT should I calculate?

There is no VAT, whether or not you include sales tax is up to personal choice and any restaurant with an electronically tabulated receipt will probably display display the tax a subtotal. Which is convenient as every city has an independently established sales tax on top of state and county sales taxes.

Oberst_kramer wrote:

I will be probably renting, as the contract is for 3 years. It could be prolongable to 5 or more years, but I think that we will eventually return to our homeland once things function a bit better (Economically wise)

Then the first thing that springs to mind is, unlike many other States, Illinois counties are divided into Civil Townships that often govern civil services like waste management, water distribution, and the like. This won't necessarily matter as the property owner will generally handle the matter for you, but your lease may stipulate otherwise and, as always, its good to know who the property owner is responsible to. You'll also want to consider whether or not the property you are renting is incorporated by a city as it is not uncommon for a particular area to be within city limits, while also being unincorporated; meaning it is not subject to city ordinances, taxes, or given direct access to city services (primarily fire and police protection).

Oberst_kramer wrote:

I don't like Golf at all. I'm a black belt in Taekwondo so one of the first things I will be looking for there is a dojo/gym where I can train. I also like to hike, run or cycle. I'm pretty active sports-wise(when I have the time an the mood )

There are gyms literally everywhere, and most suburban park districts maintain fitness centers (this is the one in Wheeling). Dojos are less common, but any good fitness club will have a generic open space which should be suitable. Running and cycling shouldn't be a problem either, but hiking will be. Illinois is very, very flat.

Oberst_kramer wrote:
Is the police force effective in Chicago to avoid such activities?

Bear in mind that you'll be living in Wheeling, not Chicago. This means that the majority of your time in the City will likely be spent in the areas around tourist locations, which are all very well policed.

In terms of the City itself? I would avoid Hyde Park and anything South of it unless its daylight. Outside that: Cicero, Berwyn, and, Calumet City. In all honesty the places you would want to avoid don't really give you any reason to go there in the first place, or even drive through given that Wheeling is on the North side of the City. Otherwise the standard rules of being in a major city apply: pay attention to your surroundings, and don't go places that make you uncomfortable.

 Oberst_kramer wrote:
I don't know if I would really buy a handgun anyways. I mean, I like all the "coolness factor" associated with them, but I don't know if I would feel comfortable having a real gun in my household, even when it's for selfdefence. I play airsoft here in Spain, and I am very wary when handling those, so imagine when having the real deal in your hands!

As someone who never held a firearm until he moved to the US please let me give you my amateur opinion. If you're buying a gun for "coolness factor" alone you may be doing it for the wrong reasons. If you're interested in a firearm for self defense and/or just target shooting then go to a range, try one, and see if that changes your opinion. After the first round or two you fire it will bring home the reality of just what it is you're holding and what it is capable of. After three rounds I was pretty comfortable with it. Unless you have a Concealed or Open Carry Permit then your handgun will likely be staying at home.