Moving to San Francisco for work, would love your advice :)

    Hello everyone
PROFILE
French, moving to San Francisco for work
Not sure about the duration, but at the very least 6 months to 3 years, but not more
I'm 40

NEED ADVICE
BANK
Looking for a good bank, with low fees. I won't need credit. Just need debit card, preferably with no fees when i'm using it abroad (unless i should keep my French bank?)
How can i do international transfers between America and France, without too much constraints and fees?

SFO
My work will be around SFO CBD. Any good area i could live? I'm looking for relative calm and safety, willing to take public transportation up to 40min for a trip.

FISCALITY
Is it worthwhile to contribute to a 401k if i don't intent to stay more than 3 years?
Do i need to declare all my money in France to the US? Even if i don't retrieve anything?

DRIVER'S LICENSE
I don't have one, but would love to get one in SFO. Is it possible? Any good school i should go to?

OTHER
Any other advice you wish you knew back when you expatriated to the US?

Thanks -@AlexVoyage

Hello,

BANK:  Most banks won't have fees if you have your wages directly deposited into your account.  Wallethub is a good resource.  Local credit unions are a good option also in many cases.  As far as international transfers, Wise is a good solution worth looking into, they are fast, secure, and typically offer better exchange rates.  I've used it for years.

FISCALITY:  Yes you will probably need to declare your French accounts to the IRS for FATCA compliance.  As for the 401k under 3 years, it's likely not worth it and you wouldn't be vested fully and probably would be limited to taking 60% of what you put into it.  A 40% loss doesn't look too good.

DRIVERS LICENSE: You should be able to find a reputable drivers school near wherever you choose to reside via Google.  Most American teens learn to drive, so schools are plentiful and of course offer adult programs.  You can start studying the driver handbook for your written test on your own, then you'll probably need no more than 20 driving hours with an instructor to pass an practical exam,

Until any locals offer their input, I hope what I've mentioned helps.

Romaniac

Same thread on the French speaking forum and the advice was pretty much the same.

Bank: Set up direct deposit by your job and  you will have free checking acct. no fees.

Lodging: get a housing outside of SF and take bart( Colma is ok; you can go further to the East Bay as well) . San francisco is no longer very safe.

Fiscality- you report any income to IRS

Driver License- yes, plenty of schools , easy test