Getting Settled: Banking, Getting a Phone and Shopping
Welcome to Potsdam. We want to help you adjust to life here quickly and easily. The links below will help you get a bank account, buy a phone and shop for food and other necessities.
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Banking
The first thing you may want to do is set up a bank account. Learn More -
Getting a Phone
You will need a phone. Without a social security number, you will not be able to get a phone with a contract. So, you will need to do "pay as you go" phones. You may purchase them. -
Shopping
Potsdam is a small town, but there are many interesting shopping opportunities.
Most merchants in the Potsdam area accept the following forms of payment:- cash
- debit card
- traveler's checks
- personal checks (that are issued from a local bank & accompany a form of ID like a NYS license)
- credit cards (Visa & MasterCard - some also accept American Express).
- and more and more merchants now accept BearExpress.
Traveling as an International Student
Whether you plan to travel in or outside the U.S, you will need to be aware of the requirements. Learn more about Traveling as an International Student.
Obtaining a NYS Driver's License and Other Transportation Information
The NYS DMV provides eligible persons in NYS with documents necessary to legally drive a car in New York State, and identity documents. Learn more about Obtaining a NYS Driver's License.