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Newcomers guide

Moving to DFW from Ghana

A checklist for your first week, first month and first 90 days in Dallas-Fort Worth. Official items link to the source. Community tips come from people who have done it.

First week

Get connected and get around.

  • Know your driving clock

    Sourced

    Texas lets new residents drive on a valid license from a qualifying country for up to 90 days. Whether a Ghanaian license qualifies, and whether you need an International Driving Permit, is answered on the Texas DPS pages. Read both before you drive.

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • Phone and SIM

    Community tip

    Ask friends which carriers work well where you live and work. Ask each carrier what ID they need, whether there is a contract, and whether your Ghana number can stay active for verification codes.

    Sample content. The community will replace it with real tips.

    Shared by Ama

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • Temporary housing

    Community tip

    If you are staying with family or friends at first, ask how long is comfortable for everyone and what a fair contribution looks like. Look at neighborhoods before you commit to a lease, and ask people you trust about the areas they know.

    Sample content. The community will replace it with real tips.

    Shared by Kojo

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • Getting around

    Community tip

    Ask people who live near you how they get to work, church and the market. Check the transit agency for your area for routes and fares, and ask about carpooling within the community.

    Sample content. The community will replace it with real tips.

    Shared by Efua

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

First month

Set up the basics of daily life.

  • Social Security number

    Sourced

    In general, only noncitizens who are authorized to work by the Department of Homeland Security can get a Social Security number. There is no fee. Read the Social Security Administration guide for what applies to you, and ask them directly about your own situation.

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • Passport and consular services

    Sourced

    In October 2025 the Embassy of Ghana in Washington announced a revived community outreach program. Check the embassy site to see whether a stop in Dallas-Fort Worth is scheduled before you plan a trip to Washington.

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • Bank account

    Community tip

    Ask each bank which documents they need to open an account and what fees apply. Ask whether you can open one without a Social Security number. Compare at least two banks or credit unions before you choose.

    Sample content. The community will replace it with real tips.

    Shared by Yaw

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • Health coverage and a primary doctor

    Community tip

    Ask your employer or school what coverage is offered and when you can sign up. Ask community members which clinics and doctors they trust, and ask any clinic what a first visit costs before you book.

    Sample content. The community will replace it with real tips.

    Shared by Abena

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • Your first lease

    Community tip

    Read the whole lease before you sign. Ask what is covered by the deposit, what the late fee is, how to end the lease early, and what the landlord needs from you to approve an application.

    Sample content. The community will replace it with real tips.

    Shared by Kojo

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

First 90 days

Handle the items that come with a deadline.

  • Texas ID or driver license

    Sourced

    Apply in person at a Texas DPS office before the 90 days end. The DPS page lists what to bring and how to book. Check it for the current requirements before you go.

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • School enrollment

    Community tip

    Enrollment is handled by your school district, so start with the district for where you live, for example Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano or Frisco. Ask which documents they need, how to find your assigned school, and what the deadlines are.

    Sample content. The community will replace it with real tips.

    Shared by Efua

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • Taxes and credit basics

    Community tip

    Ask your employer how pay and tax forms work. Ask someone you trust how credit history is built, and keep records of your pay and bills. For your own tax situation, ask a qualified tax professional.

    Sample content. The community will replace it with real tips.

    Shared by Yaw

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

Community

People and groups who have been here before you.

  • Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA-DFW)

    Sourced

    The Embassy of Ghana in Washington names COGA-DFW in its community outreach announcement. Contact the council for how to connect with member associations.

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

  • Sample association listing

    Community tip

    Hometown, regional, alumni and faith groups will be listed here once they have given permission. This is a sample entry that shows how a listing will look.

    Sample content. The community will replace it with real tips.

    Shared by Ama

    As of October 31, 2026. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.

Suggest a tip

Share something that helped you settle in. Describe what to ask or where to look, and leave out private details and anything you cannot back up. An admin reviews every tip before it appears.

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