Moving to Los Angeles for school in 2026? This international student guide covers U.S. phone plans, opening a bank account without an SSN, LA Metro fares, TAP Card, UCLA and USC transit benefits, California driver’s licenses, car ownership, auto insurance, and a first-week checklist for students arriving in California.
2026 Los Angeles International Student Guide｜Phone Plans, Banking, Metro, Driver’s License & Buying a Car
When you first arrive in Los Angeles for school, the most stressful part is often not your classes.
It is figuring out everyday life.
How do you get a U.S. phone number?
Can you open a bank account without an SSN?
How do you use LA Metro?
Do you need a TAP Card?
Do UCLA and USC students get transit benefits?
Should you buy a car immediately?
Can you use your foreign driver’s license in California?
These things are much easier if you handle them in the right order.
For most new international students, a practical order is:
Phone number
→ Bank account
→ Campus transportation
→ Metro / TAP
→ SSN if eligible
→ California Driver License
→ Decide whether you actually need a car
Los Angeles is huge, but not every student needs a car right away.
If you live near UCLA, USC, Downtown Los Angeles, Koreatown, Hollywood, or Santa Monica, you may be able to manage your first year with public transit, campus shuttles, Uber, and Lyft.
2026 Los Angeles International Student Overview
| Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Phone | Start with prepaid or eSIM |
| Is an SSN required? | Not always for phones or some bank accounts |
| Bank account | Open a checking account first |
| Common banks | Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, credit unions |
| LA Metro base fare | US$1.75 |
| Metro daily fare cap | US$5 |
| Metro 7-day fare cap | US$18 |
| Physical TAP Card | US$2 |
| UCLA transit | Bruin U-Pass / Bruin Grad Pass |
| USC transit | Student U-Pass |
| Do you need a car? | Not necessarily; depends on where you live and study |
| California driver’s license | Recommended if you will drive long term |
| California minimum liability insurance | 30 / 60 / 15 |
First Step: Get a U.S. Phone Number
One of the first things you should do after arriving in Los Angeles is get a U.S. phone number.
You will likely need it for:
Bank verification
Zelle
Venmo
Uber
Lyft
DoorDash
School accounts
Apartment communication
Medical appointments
DMV
Two-factor authentication
That is why I would usually put your phone setup before opening a bank account.
Prepaid Is Usually the Easiest Option for International Students
If you just arrived in the U.S. and do not have an SSN or U.S. credit history, prepaid service is usually the simplest choice.
UCLA’s international student resources also suggest prepaid plans as a practical option because they often do not require an SSN, credit history, or a long-term contract.
A typical budget is roughly:
US$25–75 per month
depending on the carrier, data allowance, and current promotion.
2026 Phone Plans for International Students
Mint Mobile
Best for:
Students who want to save money
Moderate data users
People willing to prepay for several months
Mint Mobile often offers new-customer promotions around US$15 per month.
But remember:
Many plans require you to pay for 3, 6, or 12 months in advance.
So “US$15 per month” may not mean you are billed US$15 every month.
Visible
Best for:
Students who want inexpensive unlimited data
People who prefer simple billing
Students who do not want a long contract
Visible’s basic unlimited plan is around US$25 per month, with taxes and fees included.
It can be a strong option for students who use a lot of mobile data.
T-Mobile Prepaid
Best for:
Students who prefer a major carrier
People who spend most of their time in Los Angeles
Students who want to avoid a credit check
Typical current pricing includes:
15GB: around US$40 per month
Unlimited: around US$45 per month with AutoPay
Always check T-Mobile’s official site for current details.
Verizon Prepaid
Best for:
Students who value Verizon coverage
People who may travel outside California
Students who want a major carrier
Typical current pricing includes:
15GB: around US$35 per month with AutoPay
Unlimited: around US$50 per month with AutoPay
AT&T Prepaid
AT&T also offers prepaid service.
Some long-term prepaid plans can work out to a lower monthly cost, but they may require a larger upfront payment.
Before choosing one, check:
How much you pay upfront
Whether the plan is refundable
What happens after the promotional period
Can You Bring Your Phone from Taiwan or Another Country?
Usually yes, but first check whether your phone is:
Unlocked.
If your phone is still carrier-locked by your home-country provider, you may not be able to activate it on a U.S. carrier.
Many newer iPhones, Google Pixel phones, and Samsung devices also support:
eSIM
If your carrier supports eSIM, you may not need a physical SIM card at all.
Second Step: Open a U.S. Bank Account
Once you have a U.S. phone number, opening a bank account is the next useful step.
A very common question is:
“Can I open a U.S. bank account without an SSN?”
In many cases, yes.
USC’s Office of International Services explains that international students may be able to open a U.S. bank account without an SSN.
You should usually bring:
Passport
F-1 / J-1 Visa
I-20 or DS-2019
I-94
I also recommend bringing:
Student ID
U.S. address
Lease or housing document
U.S. phone number
Initial deposit
Requirements can vary by bank and even by branch.
Which Bank Should International Students Use in Los Angeles?
Common options include:
Bank of America
Chase
Wells Fargo
A university-area credit union
For your first account, I recommend visiting a branch near your school.
Branches near UCLA, USC, USC Village, Westwood, and Downtown Los Angeles are often more familiar with documents such as:
F-1 visas
J-1 visas
I-20s
I-94s
Students without an SSN
That can make the process easier.
What Is a Checking Account?
The first account most students need is a:
Checking Account.
You can use it for:
Receiving money
Debit card purchases
ATM withdrawals
Zelle
Rent payments
AutoPay
Phone bills
Utilities
Credit card payments
Think of it as your main everyday bank account.
What Is a Savings Account?
A Savings Account is better for money you do not use every day, such as:
Emergency savings
Future tuition
Extra living expenses
Short-term savings
For most new international students, opening a checking account first is the priority.
You can always add a savings account later.
Ask About Monthly Fees
Many U.S. bank accounts charge a:
Monthly Maintenance Fee.
However, the fee may be waived if you meet certain conditions, such as:
Student status
Minimum balance
Direct deposit
Age requirements
When opening the account, ask:
“How can I waive the monthly fee?”
Do not assume the account is free.
A monthly US$12–15 charge adds up quickly.
Debit Card vs Credit Card
When you open a checking account, you will usually receive a:
Debit Card.
A debit card uses money already in your bank account.
For example:
Account balance: US$1,000
Purchase: US$50
Remaining balance: about US$950
A credit card uses a credit line issued by a bank.
Credit cards are important later if you want to build U.S. credit history.
Can You Build Credit Without an SSN?
This can be more complicated.
Not having an SSN does not mean you cannot use all financial products, but an SSN is important for tracking and building U.S. credit history.
F-1 students do not automatically qualify for an SSN simply because they are students.
Generally, you need qualifying employment such as:
On-campus paid employment
or legally authorized:
Off-campus employment
to become eligible.
If you later get an on-campus job, CPT, or OPT, follow your school’s international office and Social Security Administration instructions.
Third Step: Check Your School’s Transit Benefits
This step can save you money.
If you attend UCLA or USC, do not buy a Metro pass before checking what your school already provides.
Many universities participate in student transit programs.
How Much Does LA Metro Cost in 2026?
The standard LA Metro fare is:
US$1.75 per ride.
Eligible payment methods also include:
2-hour free transfers.
Metro uses fare capping as well.
Daily maximum:
US$5
7-day maximum:
US$18
After you reach the cap, eligible Metro rides during that period no longer add additional fare charges.
For students, this can be very useful.
How Much Is a TAP Card?
A physical TAP Card costs:
US$2.
You can purchase one at Metro ticket machines and other authorized locations.
You can also use:
TAP App
Apple Wallet
for digital options.
You May Not Need a Physical TAP Card
In 2026, LA Metro also supports multiple contactless payment methods.
These include:
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
JCB
UnionPay
Apple Pay
Google Pay
That means visitors and newly arrived students may be able to tap a supported card or phone directly.
However, if your school provides a U-Pass, use the school program instead.
UCLA Students: Check Bruin U-Pass First
Eligible UCLA undergraduate students can use:
Bruin U-Pass.
Participating systems include:
LA Metro
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
Culver CityBus
Long Beach Transit
LADOT Commuter Express
and additional partner systems
Graduate and professional students can look into:
Bruin Grad Pass.
So for a new UCLA student, the first step is not buying a transit pass.
It is checking whether you qualify for Bruin U-Pass or Grad Pass.
USC Students: Student U-Pass Is Very Useful
USC offers:
Student U-Pass.
Eligible registered students can use:
LA Metro Bus
LA Metro Rail
and some partner transit systems, including:
LADOT DASH
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
Culver CityBus
Long Beach Transit
Foothill Transit
USC also operates campus shuttles and provides a Lyft program in certain areas and during certain hours.
If you live near USC, University Park, DTLA, or Koreatown, you may not need a car right away.
Can You Live in Los Angeles Without a Car?
Yes, depending on where you live.
If you live in:
UCLA / Westwood
USC
Downtown Los Angeles
Koreatown
Hollywood
Santa Monica
you may be able to rely on:
Metro
Bus
Campus shuttles
Uber
Lyft
But if you frequently travel to:
Irvine
Orange County
San Gabriel Valley
South Bay
San Fernando Valley
having a car can become much more convenient.
Do Not Buy a Car on Your Second Day in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is definitely car-oriented.
But new students often underestimate the true cost of owning a car.
The cost is not just:
Car Price.
You also need to budget for:
Insurance
Gas
Parking
Registration
Maintenance
Repairs
Tires
Students with no U.S. driving history may also face expensive insurance rates.
A better strategy is often:
Live in Los Angeles for one or two months first.
Then decide whether you truly need a car.
How Do You Get from LAX to Los Angeles?
If this is your first arrival and you have:
Two large suitcases
Carry-on luggage
Backpack
the easiest choices are usually:
Uber
Lyft
Friend pickup
University-arranged transportation
For future airport trips, public transportation becomes more practical.
LAX / Metro Transit Center
LAX now has the:
LAX / Metro Transit Center.
It connects with:
Metro C Line
Metro K Line
Passengers can then transfer to a free LAX shuttle to the terminals.
The shuttle generally runs frequently, although actual intervals can vary.
Downtown LA to LAX: FlyAway
If you live in:
Downtown Los Angeles
you can also consider:
LAX FlyAway Bus.
One of the most commonly used routes is:
Union Station ↔ LAX
This can also be convenient for students living near USC or Downtown LA.
LAX SkyLink: 2026 Update
LAX’s new automated people mover is now officially known as:
SkyLink.
It is designed to connect:
Airport terminals
LAX / Metro Transit Center
Rental Car Center
Ground transportation areas
As of 2026, official information still describes SkyLink as expected to open during 2026.
So do not assume it is fully operating until LAX announces official service.
Should International Students Get a California Driver License?
If you do not plan to drive:
You do not need to rush.
But if you expect to drive regularly in California, getting a:
California Driver License
is a good idea.
California DMV allows eligible non-U.S. citizens with valid legal presence documents to apply.
What Do You Need for a California Driver License?
The process generally includes:
Driver License Application
Identity documents
Legal presence documents
California residency documents
Vision test
Knowledge test
Driving test
International students’ legal presence may also be verified through DMV and federal immigration systems.
Can You Directly Exchange a Taiwan Driver’s License for a California License?
Generally, no.
California does not offer a standard direct license exchange that allows most Taiwan license holders to skip the normal California licensing process.
You still need to follow DMV requirements and complete the required tests.
So even if you have been driving for years in Taiwan, do not assume your license can simply be converted.
Is an International Driving Permit the Same as a California License?
No.
An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is not a standalone driver’s license.
It generally must be used together with a valid foreign driver’s license.
If you become a California resident or plan to drive long-term, you should pay close attention to DMV residency and licensing rules.
For long-term students who expect to drive regularly, getting a California Driver License is often the clearest option.
If You Buy a Car, Auto Insurance Is Mandatory
If you buy a car in California, insurance is not optional.
California’s current minimum liability limits are commonly written as:
30 / 60 / 15
which means:
US$30,000
Bodily Injury / Death per person
US$60,000
Bodily Injury / Death per accident
US$15,000
Property Damage
These are only minimum liability requirements.
Many drivers also consider:
Collision
Comprehensive
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist
coverage.
Why Can Auto Insurance Be Expensive for International Students?
Insurance companies may consider:
Age
Driving history
California license history
Vehicle type
ZIP Code
Annual mileage
Insurance history
New international students often have little or no:
U.S. Driving History.
That can make early insurance quotes expensive.
Before buying a car:
Get the vehicle information
→ Request insurance quotes
→ Then decide whether the car fits your budget
Do not buy the car first and check insurance afterward.
Do UCLA Students Need a Car?
Not necessarily.
If you:
Live in Westwood
Mostly go to UCLA
Visit Santa Monica occasionally
Spend most of your time in West LA
Bruin U-Pass + Big Blue Bus + Uber / Lyft may cover most of your needs.
UCLA parking is also not free.
If you do not have frequent cross-city travel, buying a car immediately may not make sense.
Do USC Students Need a Car?
Also not necessarily.
If you live near:
USC Village
University Park
DTLA
Koreatown
you may be able to use:
Student U-Pass
Metro
USC Shuttle
Lyft Program
You can always reconsider later if you get an internship or job in:
Orange County
Westside
South Bay
San Gabriel Valley
First Week in Los Angeles Checklist
Day 1–2: Phone
Confirm that your phone is unlocked.
Set up:
Prepaid service
or eSIM
Get a U.S. phone number.
Day 2–5: Bank Account
Prepare:
Passport
Visa
I-20 / DS-2019
I-94
Student ID
U.S. address
U.S. phone number
Visit a bank near your university and ask about a checking account.
Day 3–7: Set Up Banking
Finish setting up:
Debit Card
Online Banking
Mobile App
Zelle
AutoPay
Also confirm:
How to waive the monthly fee.
First Week: Transportation
Visit your university transportation website.
Check:
U-Pass
TAP
Campus Shuttle
Student transit benefits
Late-night transportation
First Month: Decide Whether You Need a Car
Track:
Where you go every day
How convenient Metro is
How much you spend on Uber / Lyft
How often you travel outside your neighborhood
Then decide whether buying a car is really necessary.
If You Decide You Need a Car
Then start researching:
California Driver License
Buying vs leasing
Auto insurance
Parking
Cheapest Setup for a New Los Angeles Student
If your goal is to keep living costs low, a simple setup is:
Phone:
Mint Mobile / Visible
Bank:
A no-monthly-fee checking account near campus
Transportation:
University U-Pass + Metro
Uber:
Use only at night, for the airport, or when transit is inconvenient
Car:
Wait before buying
This is usually one of the easiest ways to control costs when you first arrive.
Convenience-Focused Setup
Phone:
T-Mobile / AT&T / Verizon Prepaid
Bank:
Chase / Bank of America
Transportation:
Metro + Uber / Lyft
Car:
Decide after living in LA for one or two months
This setup can be easier for students who do not want to optimize every expense immediately.
Recommended Setup for UCLA Students
Phone:
Prepaid / eSIM
Bank:
A branch near Westwood
Transportation:
Bruin U-Pass / Bruin Grad Pass
-
Big Blue Bus
Airport:
Uber / Lyft
or public transit
Car:
Not necessarily needed during the first year
Recommended Setup for USC Students
Phone:
Prepaid / eSIM
Bank:
A bank near USC / University Village
Transportation:
Student U-Pass
-
USC Shuttle
-
Lyft Program
Airport:
Uber / Lyft
or FlyAway / Metro combinations
Car:
Students living near campus can usually wait
Common Mistakes New International Students Make
1. Signing an Expensive Phone Contract Immediately
If you do not have U.S. credit history, you do not necessarily need a postpaid contract.
Prepaid is usually simpler.
2. Opening a Bank Account Without Asking About Monthly Fees
Always ask:
What is the monthly fee?
How can I waive it?
3. Paying for a Transit Pass Before Checking School Benefits
UCLA and USC both have student transit programs.
Check your school first.
4. Assuming You Must Buy a Car Immediately
Live in your neighborhood first.
You may discover that:
Parking + Insurance
cost much more than expected.
5. Looking Only at the Car Price
A US$15,000 car does not mean your total cost is only US$15,000.
You also need to budget for:
Insurance
Tax
Registration
Gas
Maintenance
Parking
Quick Tips
-
Getting a U.S. phone number first makes everything easier.
-
Not having an SSN does not automatically prevent you from opening a bank account.
-
University-area bank branches are often easier for international students.
-
A checking account is the most important everyday bank account.
-
Always ask how to avoid monthly bank fees.
-
F-1 students do not automatically qualify for an SSN.
-
LA Metro’s standard fare is US$1.75.
-
Metro uses daily and 7-day fare capping.
-
UCLA and USC students should check university transit benefits first.
-
Students can live without a car in some Los Angeles neighborhoods.
-
Do not rush to buy a car as soon as you arrive.
-
Always get an insurance quote before purchasing a car.
-
A Taiwan driver’s license cannot simply be exchanged for a California license without completing the required process.
-
Check official LAX updates before assuming SkyLink is fully open.
Conclusion: Set Up Your Phone, Bank, and Transportation First — Then Decide About a Car
You do not need to solve every part of life in Los Angeles on your first day.
The easiest approach is to handle things in order.
Step one:
Get a U.S. phone number.
Step two:
Use your passport, visa, I-20 / DS-2019, I-94, and U.S. address to open a checking account.
Step three:
Check what transportation benefits your university already provides.
If you attend UCLA or USC, student transit programs may already cover a significant part of your Metro costs.
Step four:
Live in Los Angeles for a while and learn your actual daily travel pattern.
If most of your life is:
Dorm
Campus
Grocery store
Coffee shop
Nearby restaurants
you may not need a car right away.
But if you later begin commuting to:
Internships
Jobs
Orange County
Irvine
South Bay
San Gabriel Valley
then it may make sense to get a California Driver License, buy a car, and purchase auto insurance.
For new international students in California, the best rule is simple:
Build your basic living system first, then add major recurring costs.
That is usually much easier than arriving and immediately committing to a phone contract, car loan, insurance, and parking all at once.
FAQ
What should an international student do first after arriving in Los Angeles?
Getting a U.S. phone number is usually one of the first priorities because you will need it for banking, Zelle, Uber, housing communication, DMV, and account verification.
Can international students get a U.S. phone plan without an SSN?
Yes. Prepaid plans usually do not require an SSN or U.S. credit history, which makes them a practical option for newly arrived students.
Can international students open a U.S. bank account without an SSN?
In many cases, yes. Banks may accept documents such as a passport, visa, I-20 or DS-2019, I-94, and proof of address. Requirements vary by bank and branch.
Which banks are good for international students in Los Angeles?
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and university-area credit unions are all common options. A branch near your school may be more familiar with international student documents.
How much does LA Metro cost?
The standard LA Metro fare is currently US$1.75, with daily and 7-day fare capping available under current rules.
How much is a TAP Card?
A physical TAP Card generally costs US$2. Digital options and supported contactless payment methods are also available.
Do UCLA students get free or discounted Metro access?
Eligible UCLA students can use Bruin U-Pass or Bruin Grad Pass, which cover LA Metro and multiple partner transit systems. Eligibility depends on UCLA’s current program rules.
Do USC students get a transit pass?
Eligible USC students can use the Student U-Pass, which provides access to LA Metro and participating transit systems under USC’s current program.
Do international students need a car in Los Angeles?
Not always. Students living near UCLA, USC, Downtown LA, Koreatown, or Santa Monica may be able to rely on public transit, campus shuttles, Uber, and Lyft.
Can I directly exchange a Taiwan driver’s license for a California license?
Generally, no. You still need to complete the California DMV process and any required tests.
What are California’s minimum auto insurance requirements?
California’s current minimum liability limits are commonly expressed as 30 / 60 / 15: US$30,000 per person for bodily injury or death, US$60,000 per accident, and US$15,000 for property damage.
Can you take Metro to LAX?
Yes. The LAX / Metro Transit Center connects to the C Line and K Line, with free airport shuttles connecting passengers to the terminals.
Is LAX SkyLink open?
As of 2026, official information still describes SkyLink as expected to open during 2026. Check LAX’s official website before traveling for the latest operational status.
Disclaimer:
This article was updated in August 2026 and is based on publicly available information from UCLA, USC, Los Angeles Metro, California DMV, LAX / LAWA, mobile carriers, banks, and other official sources. Phone plans, bank account requirements, student transit benefits, Metro fares, DMV rules, auto insurance minimums, airport transportation, and other policies may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant university, government agency, bank, carrier, transit provider, or service provider before making decisions.
