A Simple Guide to Get the Family Settled in Your New Home
in New York
For UNDP Personnel
Table of Content
 First Things First
 Selection of Where to Live/Rent
 Financial Logic of Finding a
House/Apartment
 Furniture
 UN Grounds Pass
 Get a US Identity
 Driver License
 Visa
First Things First
Go To Top









UNFCU Savings/Checking
Account/Credit Card
How to Get a Mobile Telephone
Internet
TV Subscription
Customs Clearance
Schooling
Childcare for Pre-kindergarten
After-school
Nanny










OHR Main Page
Health Care
Emergency
Medical Services
We Care
Books
Staff Consellors’s Office
UNSRC
Spouse Employment
Staff Outreach Support
Orientation to UNDP
Before coming to the United States, make sure your visa status is in order. A G4 visa for you and your
family members needs to be obtained before entering the USA, and can take minimum two weeks or
longer. Though the visa desk in HQ makes the direct request to the US embassy closest to you, make
sure that at least two weeks are set aside for the request to be processed. Required forms to be filled
out can be found at the website of the US embassies around the world (see Visa section below).
After you arrive, get a handle on housing and an American identity (social security number, driver
license).
The rest is a test of your perseverance against a confusing market for basic amenities and standard
call center routines.
Selection of Where
to Live/Rent
Living in New York is always a compromise. Your choice depends on your selection criteria: are you
looking for a less expensive area, for a safe and secure area, an area with good schooling. Are you
willing to commute and if so how long of a commute? Do you own or wish to own a car, etc.
Go To Top
As for safety and security of the different areas of New York, it is best to rely on the word of mouth from
colleagues and friends.
Rental places for one year or less can be looked at in the lobby of the UN Secretariat as well as on the
bulletin board on the 3rd Floor of the DC1 Building.
A good starters website is: http://newyork.craigslist.org
Others are:
http://www.subletinthecity.com
http://www.bridgesuites.com
http://lodgis.com
http://www.metro-home.com
http://www.elliman.com/ (with fee)
http://www.corcoran.com/ (with fee)
http://www.cityconnectionsrealty.com/BrokerWebsite3/CityConnections/CityConn (where you can hire a
broker for a fee)
A combination of searching on the web and actually visiting buildings/apartments with a broker seems
to be a recommended approach.
Financial Logic of
Finding a House/
Apartment
Go To Top
The underlying financial logic is that in areas with reputable schools, e.g. Westchester County, the rent is
higher in relative terms. This is offset by the rental subsidy and the fact that your children will go to good
(and free) public schools. For a self-calculation on rental subsidy at different levels of rent, visit the Human
Resources website at http://practices.undp.org/management/hr - HR for the Staff - Staff Benefits &
Entitlements - Rental Subsidy.
Alternatively, in areas where rent is relatively lower, the quality of public education is not as high as in
areas where rent is high. Sending children to a private school may be an option, with education grant
benefits from the UN (except for US nationals or permanent residents). More details regarding education
grant at
http://practices.undp.org/management/hr – HR for the Staff – Staff Benefits & Entitlements.
Living in Manhattan implies that most likely you will not buy a car, and so most of your purchases will be
from local department stores and supermarkets/grocery stores. While some savings will come from not
having a car, most of the consumer goods are on average 25 to 40% more expensive in Manhattan. Using
“Fresh Direct”, – on the internet at http://www.freshdirect.com and other on-line stores is one way to make
purchases at lower costs. Shopping in Chinatown is much cheaper and the produce is of very good quality.
For those people living close to the city, but yet outside, such as in the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn,
as well as Roosevelt Island, a relatively short commute, having a car is often a good choice. This allows
shopping at wholesale places such as Costco (www.costco.com)
One final financial aspect to be aware of is that your landlord will most likely run a credit check on you as
part of the application process (especially for apartments). The American system uses your credit history
as a validation system to rent apartments, the problem being that most first time arrivers in New York do
not have a credit history, and hence, no history. For this purpose you will need to get a Certificate of
Employment from OHR that confirms your occupation with UNDP and provides a summary of earnings. In
addition the certificate should indicate if you are entitled to rental subsidy. Request this document from
OHR as soon as possible because your application will not be processed without it. If this is the first time
you live in the US and you might not have a credit history, this is as such not a problem but the landlord
might try to ask for more deposit based on this. Many landlords, especially in Manhattan, are worried about
UN staff possibly having a diplomatic status. It is advisable to make clear what your status is. Because of
the unfamiliarity with the UN rental subsidy system and the diplomatic status, landlords often request a 3 to
6 months “security deposit”. Clarification often helps. You may also be required to supply references from
friends or colleagues.
Note: It is worthwhile to try and negotiate. Some apartments are offered for rent with the first month free of
charge. Brokers’ fees may also be negotiable. Some fees are about 15% of the monthly rent but can be
lowered to 12% or more.
Furniture
Go To Top
Here are a few options: IKEA (http://www.ikea.com) is a very convenient place to shop for furniture
(reasonable prices, good quality, self-assembly). You can order online or by phone or visit their
showrooms. There is one in Elizabeth, New Jersey and a smaller one in Hicksville, Long Island. Ikea
provides free shuttle bus service on weekends departing from the Port Authority (42 nd Street and 8th
Avenue) to the IKEA in Elisabeth. Note: You need either a vehicle to pick up purchases items, or Ikea can
arrange shipping for approx. US$100. Though many items can be picked up on the spot, others may need
6 week ordering in advance, especially sofas. Other reasonably priced furniture places are located in
Queens (Steinway Street in Astoria, just minutes away from the Queensboro bridge (also referred to as 59 th
street bridge) and accessible via subway. Delivery can be negotiated, usually at a charge and a delivery
time of 1-2 weeks.
The alternative is to shop online. Here are a few other websites:
http://www.furniture.com/
http://www.ethanallen.com/
UN Grounds Pass
Go To Top
Get a UN Grounds Pass (also referred to as UN Security Pass). Your unit will arrange for the necessary
paper work, which can only be signed by specifically authorized staff. To get your grounds/security pass
issued, you go to the corner of 45th street and 1st Avenue. Then you need to go to the FF building (304 E
45th street 8th floor) to have the card encoded - without it you will not be able to get access to the floors
(Monday to Friday between 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. only).
Get a US Identity
Go To Top
A social security number is a very handy thing to have in the US, especially to obtain a mobile phone and
an American drivers license. Together with you passport (with valid visa), you present your security pass at
the social security office between 40th and 41st Streets and 2nd Avenue. The form to be filled out can be
found at the social security website at http://www.ssa.gov
The official address is:
Social Security Office
3RD FL
755 2ND AVE AT 41ST
NEW YORK , NY 10017



Spouses and dependants are NOT eligible to obtain a social security number
In order to receive one, you need to have a work permit
If you do not have a work permit and need a social security number for banking purposes, please
contact the Social Security Office directly, you will be given a letter or a number specifically for that.
Another option is for the spouse to register as an independent consultant, this “one man shop” also allows
for a social security number.
Driver License
General information about New York driver license you will find at
http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm
Go To Top
Careful attention should be paid to the requirements set out in the application form including a “six points of
identification”.
If you leave in New York, you may go to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) on 34 th Street, the Herald
Square Office
HeraldSquare
1293-1311
New
(Between W 33 & W 34 Sts.)
Broadway
York,
8th
NY
For other New York state locations, visit http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/offices.htm
NYSDMV
Floor
10001

Spouses will need to bring the following documents to the DMV or Regional Offices:
1.
Copy of contract of staff member and UN ID.
2.
Passport, I-94 and G-4 Visa
3.
Other requirements set out in the application form including a “six point of identification”
4.
Social Security number or a denial letter from the Social Security office.
Note: If you live in New Jersey, you need to go to the Regional Offices, which you will find at
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/6point.html
If you do not have a NY driving license and still want to buy a car, the only company to insure your car is
Allstate.
Visa
Go To Top
A variation of using a driver license as identification is that the Department of Motor Vehicles can issue a
“State Identification Card” which gives the same level of identification as a driver license – obviously it can
not be used for driving. Visit http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/license.htm#nondriver
In the offer that you received from the Office of Human Resources (OHR) you will find a detailed description
of what you need to do prior to arriving in New York. A form for requesting a G4 visa is normally contained
in the offer package or is available at http://practices.undp.org/management/hr - HR for the Staff - Staff
Benefits & Entitlements – Forms and Circulars. It is important to send the completed form to your
designated Human Resources Associate (BES/SAS/OHR, see above website) along with the passport
information of yourself and your eligible dependents, who are accompanying you to the US, and the
expected date of arrival in the US.
The G4 visa is a non-immigrant status granted to officials or employees of international organizations while
stationed on official business in the USA. Authorization will be sent by the UN to the US Embassy or
Consulate in your current duty station or an alternate place, requesting them to issue the necessary G4
visa(s). On arrival in New York you should provide to your designated HR Associate a copy of your visa and
the I-94 (arrival card slip), including that of your family members residing with you, along with the completed
Personnel Induction Questionnaire (P.1 form). UNDP will then send a notification to the UN and in turn, the
UN will inform the US mission of your identity and status in the US. This information is also the basis for
subsequent visa extensions.
Due to strict security measures, be prepared to endure lengthy visa procedures.
Note: Some airline terminals at JFK airport have special booths for ‘G’ visas where the waiting lines are
usually shorter.
If you come on mission to New York prior to your actual reassignment, you should travel on a G4 visa,
even if you can get into the country with your national passport.
UNFCU
Savings/Checking
Account/Credit
Card
The easiest way to open an account is at the UN Federal Credit Union (UNFCU). You need to bring your
Letter of Appointment and a valid ID (e.g., UN Grounds Pass; passport; UN Laissez-passer). You can get
a Bank Card and a Credit Card without the difficulties you might encounter at regular banks. For more
details go to www.unfcu.org . The nearest branch is located on the 3rd floor of the DC2 Building.
Go To Top
Note: Opening an account seems to be quicker when actually visiting the UNFCU branch rather than using
the on-line application facility. Be prepared to provide an official mailing address to UNFCU (this can be a
temporary one, e.g., that of a friend).
How to Get a
Mobile Telephone
If you have a social security number and a driver license, you are ok. The market is saturated with “plans”
that you find in any amount of newspapers, magazines and internet.
Visit http://www.attwireless.com/ or http://www.verizon.com/ or http://www.tmobile.com/
Go To Top
Another option is to buy a phone with pre-paid plans. Normally one cannot obtain a subscription for a
mobile phone without proper US identification. In some cases, a certification letter from UNDP confirming
the employment status (as for renting an apartment) might be considered sufficient.
Note: At the T-Mobile office located on the corner of 43rd Street and 3rd Avenue a copy of the letter of
employment seems to be sufficient for procuring a mobile phone.
Internet
Strong and effective in most of New York.
Go To Top
Cable vision – cable TV provider bundles with 100 mb connection. This is particularly good for wireless
connection between the internet and more than one computer in the house.
DSL – offered by all telephone providers. A bit cheaper than Cable, but slightly slower as well.
Dial up to UNDP New York directly can also be arranged. That is interesting with a local telephone plan
where the local calls are free.
TV Subscription
Go To Top
There are a number of choices depending on your needs. You can buy a Free-to-Air system and install it
to get the satellite system that provides you with your own country’s programme (www.SatCruiser.com).
This is a one-time purchase with no monthly subscription fee. However, you will not have access to the
American channels, except for the promotional ones. Direct TV (www.directtv.com) and Dish Network
(www.vmcsatellite.com) provide free installation and equipment with a monthly subscription. You have the
choice of how many channels you would like (50 to 150) and you can add programmes in other languages.
The satellite TV is good if you are allowed to install a dish. If not, then cable TV is better and there are a
number of companies like Time Warner, RCN, etc. The best way is to visit the web site, indicate your zip
code to check the availability of cable network in your area.
Customs
Clearance
Go To Top
If you took the lump-sum option in lieu of UN provided shipment, you are responsible for the customs
clearance yourself. Your shipping agent should provide you with US custom papers – and you should fill
them out before your shipment leaves for the US. The US shipping agent will contact you when the
shipment has cleared US customs to arrange for delivery of your shipment to your home.
After the events of September 11, 2001 (also referred to as 9/11) there are now new rules for shipments to
the US. Shipments are subject to security screening on a random basis, and also by the Department of
Agriculture in some cases; the charges for the screening are borne by the importer unless your shipper
agrees otherwise. If you live in an apartment the building management has to be advised by the shipper of
their insurance coverage and to agree to the delivery time.
Schooling
Go To Top
How do you get your children into school? First, there is the choice of school: public versus private
schools; costs; continuity in curriculum; languages; transport provided. Websites provide a lot of
information, but do not necessarily help you choose. Talking to parents with children in the same age
category is usually most useful. Bookstores sell books on schools in New York, in which schools are listed
according to quality, etc.
Your school choice obviously depends on where you decide to live, and vice versa.
Information on the United Nations International School (UNIS) can be found at www.unis.org
schools frequently chosen in Manhattan are the Lycée française and the Ecole Kennedy.
French schools in NY:

The French-American School of New York (Larchmont)

The Lycee Francais of New York (Manhattan)

The United Nations International School (Manhattan)

The Lyceum Kennedy (Manhattan)

The Ecole francaise of Princeton (New Jersey)
Other

The International School of Brooklyn (Brooklyn)

The French Immersion Program (New Jersey)
A general website containing a lot of interesting information is: www.parentsknow.com
Secondly, you probably would like to have your children admitted into a good/reputable school. This may
involve admission tests for your children in one or more schools; and in some schools, interviews for
parents.
If you arrive in the middle of the school year, the issue becomes even more complicated. UNIS (United
Nations International School) has a policy/obligation to accept children from UN-parents even during the
school year, provided they come from outside New York. Check with the school whether admission can be
done via e-mail.
Childcare for Prekindergarten
Go To Top
After-school
Go To Top
Nanny
Go To Top
Health Care
Go To Top
Though the UN education grant does not cover any education before the 5th birthday of the child, many
parents choose for pre-kindergarten. Two schools are located in and around the UN, the UN daycare and
the International day care. Another alternative close to the UN is the Family school, a small Montessori
school that accepts children from two and one half years.
The choice of school may also depend on the availability, quality and costs of an after-care programme.
Most schools in Manhattan have an after-school programme attached to the regular school programme for
an additional cost. The costs in Manhattan for after-school activities and after-care programmes amount to
approx. US$ 20 to 30 per hour. The UN offers a good after-school programme, with bus transport from
UNIS, for US$ 500 per semester. Children do their homework, dance, sport and spend time on art and
creativity. Information can be obtained from the UN Child Care Centre, Inc., located at the DC2 Building, 2
United Nations Plaza (44th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenue), room 0210 (phone: (212) 963-4326).
If you need a nanny, you have the option of recruiting someone locally or bringing a household employee
to
New
York
on
a
G5
visa.
More
information
on
G5
in
ST/AI/2000/19
(http://intranet.un.org/hr_handbook/sourcedocuments_/09administrativ_/2000_/ai200019visasta/default.htm
and by contacting the Visa Committee at the UN Secretariat/OHRM (located at S-2555). Note: If you are
contemplating to bring a household employee, it is recommended to get in touch with the Visa Committee a
few months before traveling to New York and get a copy of the set of papers to be filled out. Your
application is required to be submitted to the Committee for decision. When considering this option, it is
important to also consider a medical insurance for the household employee.
As a UN staff member stationed in New York, you have three choices of medical insurance plans: AETNA
“Open Choice” PPO, Empire Blue Cross PPO, and HIP Health Plan of New York. With regard to dental
insurance, CIGNA Dental PPO plan is available. For detailed information consult the UN Health and Life
Insurance Section located in the FF Building Room 300 (304 East 45th Street, 3rd floor) or their website at
www.un.org/insurance Information can also be obtained at http://practices.undp.org/management/hr - HR
for the Staff - Staff Benefits & Entitlements – Forms and Circulars.
Health care insurance costs are significantly higher than what is paid under the Van Breda plan.
Emergency
The best way to finding good doctors is still very much a word of mouth process from colleague to
colleague.
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance help.
If 911 is busy or no one answers, dial 0 and ask for help.
Go To Top
UN emergency numbers:






Accident 1 (212) 963-6666
Fire 1 (212) 963-5555
Medical Service emergencies only (office hours) 1 (212) 963-7777
(nights, holidays and weekends) 1 (212) 963-6666
Security 1 (212) 963-6666
Staff Hotline 1 (212) 963-9800
UNDP emergency numbers:

UNDP Hotline 1 (212) 906-666 or 1 (888) 906-4188
Details on security issues can be found at http://practices.undp.org/management/security
Medical Services
Go To Top
We Care
Go To Top
Books
Go To Top
The UN Medical Services Division has three offices: one at DC1 Building 1190 (11th Floor), another at the
Secretariat S-535 (5th Floor), and another one in the UNICEF House H-5F (5th Floor). In medical
emergency situation during office hours, call 212-963-7777.
We Care is UNDP’s HIV/AIDS in the Workplace programme, created in 2001 to provide all staff and their
dependents with access to prevention through information and learning, access to adequate care,
treatment and support, and access to voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). For further details, visit
http://practices.undp.org/management/hr/Staff_Services/Medical_Health_Services/HIV/HIV_Start.cfm
It is worthwhile to invest in buying some of the books for newcomers to New York with surveys on topics,
such as neighborhoods; schools; restaurants; shops, etc. The Zagat Guides offer a variety of valuable
information; also the Tome New York has theme versions that are useful. Bookstores have entire shelves
for newcomers to New York, some books are better than others, study them a little before making a
purchase! Several good brochures for parent, such as Parenting New York are provided a couple of times
per year for free, and can be helpful, especially when looking for leisure activities for kids.
Staff
Counsellors’s
Office
Go To Top
The UN Staff Counsellor’s Office offers UN staff members a variety of services regarding personal, family
and work-related issues. The Staff Counsellor’s office also provides referrals to other services. Further
information can be found on their website: http://iseek.un.org – Staff Information – Staff Counsellor’s Office.
The office is located in the UN Secretariat, room S-505, phone no.: (212) 963-2530.
UNSRC
The United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC) runs a number of social clubs. Information on
activities and services offered can be obtained in person at a desk located outside the Staff Cafeteria on
the ground floor of the UN Secretariat Building (on 1st Avenue near 43rd Street). They provide, for example,
discounted tickets to Broadway shows, social events such as day trips, and classes such as yoga, dancing.
Go To Top
Spouse
Employment
Go To Top
UNDP is a member of Partnerjob.com, a self-financing non-profit association that aims to facilitate the
geographic mobility of members’ employees by helping find jobs for those employees’ spouses/partners at
their new location. All internationally-recruited staff members who wish their spouses/partners to have
‘candidate’ access to the website, can apply online for access at http://www.partnerjob.com indicating
UNDP as the employing organization.
Additional information on UN initiatives in this area can be found in the UNDG Joint Guidance Note on
Employment of Expatriate Spouses, July 2005 at
http://www.undg.org/access-file.cfm?cat=314&doc=1563&file=6602.
For information on the work of the UN Local Expatriate Spouse Association (LESA)
http://www.undg.org/documents/1563UNDG_Joint_Guidance_Note_on_Employment_of_Expatriate_Spouses_-_LESA_Contacts.doc
(with names of focal points for USA).
to
Reference is also made to the UN Staff Counsellor’s Office and its Spouse Support Programme at
http://iseek.un.org - Staff Information - Staff Counsellor’s Office
Staff Outreach
Support
Go To Top
Orientation to
UNDP
Go To Top
The Staff Outreach Support (SOS) Programme is an interagency network of staff members trained to offer
colleagues assistance with work or personal problems.
More on this programme at http://iseek.un.org – Staff Information - Staff Counsellor’s Office - Our
Programmes
For learning more about UNDP and getting basic information on its practices, structure and management
visit the Orientation to UNDP, a web-based module designed to facilitate and expedite the integration
process of newly recruited staff into UNDP worldwide (or at http://intra.undp.org – New on the Intranet Orientation to UNDP)
Revised January 2006
Feedback/Suggestions: christine.bendel@undp.org
Pdf Printable version click here