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Moving to Arizona: what to prepare

What you’ll run into moving from Taiwan to Arizona, explained step by step, with the original English terms and sources. This is general information, not legal, tax or mortgage advice; check with a licensed professional before you sign.

  1. 1

    Driver’s license: you can swap your Taiwan license

    Arizona and Taiwan have driver’s license reciprocity: with a valid Taiwan license you can skip the written and road tests (A.R.S. § 28-413, at MVD’s discretion). A vision test may be required; MVD has the final say. Bring your passport, visa, or other proof of legal presence, plus proof of an Arizona address. Whether you must surrender your Taiwan license is up to MVD staff on site.Source: ADOT MVD
  2. 2

    SSN and bank account

    With a work visa you can apply for an SSN; do it as soon as you arrive. Your credit history only starts building once you have an SSN.
  3. 3

    Utilities and internet

    Electricity comes from APS or SRP depending on your address; water usually comes from the city. Set them up one to two weeks before you move in so you aren’t without AC in summer.
  4. 4

    Enrolling your kids in school

    Public schools are assigned by address. Enrollment needs proof of address (lease or home documents), a birth certificate, and vaccination records, so when you sign affects when your kids can start school.
  5. 5

    Summer and monsoon

    From June to August daytime highs often top 40°C (104°F), and the average high in September is about 38°C (100°F). Cars get extremely hot inside, so never leave children or pets in the car. Monsoon season runs June 15 to September 30, with possible dust storms and heavy rain.Source: National Weather Service Phoenix
  6. 6

    Time difference

    Arizona doesn’t observe daylight saving time and is 15 hours behind Taiwan all year. 7–10 a.m. in Taiwan is 4–7 p.m. the previous day in Arizona.

Glossary

HOAHomeowners Association. Collects monthly dues and sets community rules, such as exterior paint colors, parking, and where trash bins go.
SPDSSeller Property Disclosure Statement. The seller must disclose known problems with the home, such as leaks, termites, and repair history.
BINSRThe repair request after inspection (Buyer’s Inspection Notice and Seller’s Response). The buyer lists requests, and the seller replies whether they’ll fix each one.
Security depositUnder Arizona law, the deposit plus prepaid rent generally can’t exceed 1.5 months’ rent in total (A.R.S. § 33-1321). After you move out and request it, the landlord must return it within 14 days (excluding weekends and legal holidays) with an itemized list of deductions.
Earnest moneyA good-faith deposit the buyer pays once the offer is accepted. It’s held by a third-party escrow/title company and credited toward the price at closing. Commonly about 1–2% of the price.
EscrowA neutral third party (an escrow/title company) holds the money and documents, and only transfers title and releases funds once all conditions are met.
Pre-approvalLoan pre-approval. After reviewing your income and assets, the lender gives you a letter stating how much you can borrow, which you attach to your offer.
CC&RsThe HOA’s community rules, spelling out what you can and can’t do, such as exterior changes, parking, and rental limits. Read them before you buy.
Closing costsCosts of closing, including loan fees, title insurance, escrow fees, and more; the down payment isn’t included.
ITINA number the IRS issues for tax filing to people without an SSN. Investors need it to report rental income and home sales.
DSCR loanAn investment loan approved based on whether the property’s rent can cover the mortgage (Debt Service Coverage Ratio). Personal income matters less, and rates are higher.
W-8ECIA form nonresidents give their property manager stating rent will be reported on a net basis, so the manager doesn’t have to withhold 30% of gross rent.
DepreciationThe building portion (not the land) of a residential rental can be expensed over 27.5 years, lowering taxable income each year; it’s recaptured and taxed when you sell.
LLCLimited liability company. Often used to hold rental homes and shield you from liability; decide on tax and estate planning with an accountant and a lawyer.