Let’s face it, when you Japa, they don’t give you a manual at the airport. No one hands you a welcome pack that says: “Congratulations on escaping NEPA! Here’s how not to cry in Walmart.” And so, many of us land in the abroad with two things: hope and vibes. This special edition of Japa Chronicle is here to fix that.

Whether you’re fresh off the plane smelling like Egusi and Emirates, or you’ve been here but your pockets still dey sing “No money for account,” grab your pen, popcorn, and pride—we’re about to break down how not to fall mugu in America.

1. Groceries: From $500 Wahala to $150 Wisdom

Let’s start with the madness that is American grocery shopping.

Where you dey buy food?
If the answer is Whole Foods or some store that plays jazz in the background and sells watermelons for $8, you need to sit down.

Better Options:

• Aldi – No frills, no nonsense. Bring your own bags and a quarter for the cart. Prices are great and you’ll find basics like rice, bread, eggs, milk at sane prices.
• Walmart – Cheaper than most and has everything. Be careful, though—Walmart can hypnotize you. You came for milk, you’re leaving with a treadmill and an air fryer.
• H-Mart or ethnic stores – Nigerian food? This is where you’ll find your Maggi, crayfish, ogbono, and more. Find your local African, Asian, or Latin market—they often have the best produce and bulk spices at good prices.
• Dollar Tree (or $1.25 Tree now, thanks to inflation) – Cleaning supplies, toiletries, snacks, party stuff. You’d be shocked at what $20 can get you.

Bonus Tip: Get store apps and digital coupons. You see that $0.75 off toilet paper? Grab am.

2. Gas: Don’t Cry at the Pump

Gas prices will humble you. That $20 that filled your car in Surulere? Here, it’ll just lubricate your tank.

How to Find Cheaper Gas:

• Use GasBuddy or Google Maps – These apps tell you which station near you has the cheapest gas.
• Warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club) – Membership required, but cheaper gas long-term.

Pro Tip: Fill up early in the week (Monday-Wednesday). Prices climb toward the weekend.

3. Living on a Budget Without Eating Grass

Housing:

• Roommate life = budget life. If you can’t afford solo rent yet, no shame. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Roomies, or your local African church bulletin board will help you find a room.
• Don’t move into a luxury apartment just because it has a gym and a pool you’ll never use.

Transportation:

• If you don’t need a car, don’t buy one. Car note, insurance, gas, and registration will drain you.
• Check if your city has good public transport (hello, New York, Chicago, D.C., and the one I know and personally use in Dallas, DART).
• Consider ride-share carpooling like Uber Pool, or bus passes.
• If you must drive, get a fuel-efficient or hybrid car. Used cars are cheaper but check Carfax before buying.

Budget Tools:

• Use You Need a Budget (YNAB) or Mint app to track spending.
• Open a high-yield savings account (Ally, Marcus, SoFi). Your money grows while you sleep.
• Set auto transfers—pay yourself first.

4. Healthcare: A Cruel Joke with a Premium

America’s healthcare system is like suya wrapped in foil: you think it’s small until you open it and see the whole cow… and the bill.

What to Know:

• Health insurance is not optional here. If your school or employer doesn’t give you, get one on Healthcare.gov during Open Enrollment.
• Urgent care = cheaper than ER. Unless you’re bleeding or in labor, go to urgent care first. And hey, need I add this? Unless your name ends in “Adenuga,” “Dangote,” or “Otedola,” don’t call an ambulance. The price…. Eh. Let me leave it at that.
• GoodRx app gives you discounts on prescriptions—even if you have insurance.

Mental Health:
Counseling can cost $150/hr or more. Try:

• Open Path Collective – Affordable therapy.
• 7 Cups – Free emotional support.
• University counseling centers – Often cheaper or free for students.

5. Dining Out: The Soft Life That Drains Your Hard Earnings

You just landed. Dollar signs are still dancing in your eyes. You say, “Let’s brunch!” every Saturday. But by month two, your card is declining at McDonald’s.

Here’s how to save:

• Cook at home. Batch cooking is your friend. Get a crockpot, air fryer, or rice cooker. Watch Tasty videos and lie to yourself that you’re a chef.
• Meal Prep: Sundays are for cooking stew, jollof, and packing lunches. Five meals, one pot. Budget and belly-friendly.
• Use TooGoodToGo app for discount meals from restaurants at closing hours.
• Sign up for loyalty programs at your fave spots: Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Starbucks. You’ll rack up points like a travel influencer.

6. Credit Scores: The Hidden God You Must Worship

Nobody warns you about this until it’s too late. Your credit score is your destiny. Without it, you can’t get a house, car, or even a good phone plan.

Rules of Engagement:

• Get a secured credit card to start (Discover, CapitalOne).
• Use it for small purchases. Pay it off in full every month.
• Don’t max it out—stay under 30% of your limit.
• Never miss payments. Ever.

7. Job Hunt Wahala: How to Avoid Tears and Taco Bell Resumes

Tips:

• Use LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Handshake (for students).
• Learn how to tailor your resume to the job posting. Generic resumes will ghost you faster than a Hinge date.
• Take free online certifications: Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning. Google IT certs, data analytics, digital marketing, etc.
• Networking is key. Attend events. Join alumni groups. Talk to humans, not just screens.

8. Taxes, IRS, and the Ghost of Uncle Sam

First rule: Don’t play with the IRS.

What to do:

• File taxes every year (even if you didn’t earn much).
• Use FreeTaxUSA, TurboTax, or H&R Block.
• As a student or low-income earner, look into VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) for free tax prep.

9. Freebies and Hacks for the Broke But Bold

• Libraries – Free books, WiFi, classes, printing, and job search tools.
• Facebook Marketplace/Buy Nothing Groups – Free or cheap furniture and home items.
• Student discounts – Use your .edu email to get Spotify, Amazon Prime, software, and more for cheap.
• Thrift stores – Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local shops are treasure troves for clothes, cookware, and even electronics.

10. Social Life Without Going Broke

You don’t need to buy $18 cocktails to make friends.

Do this instead:

• Attend free museum days, festivals, open mics.
• Host potlucks.
• Volunteer (makes you feel useful + helps you meet people).
• Check Eventbrite, Meetup, and local university boards.

Last Last: Emotional Survival

Adapting is not just about money—it’s mental. You’ll miss home, you’ll question your choices, and you’ll cry sometimes in the shower (we’ve all done it). But you’ll also build resilience, community, and find your rhythm.

Stay connected to home, but be present where you are.
Call your mama. Go outside. Make one new friend. Celebrate the small wins: finding plantain on sale, getting your first job, or surviving winter without frostbite.

Final Words:

America is not heaven. It’s not hell either. It’s a land of systems, and if you learn them, you can thrive. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Learn. Ask questions. Laugh. Adjust your accent if you must (just not too much abeg).

And most importantly… No go dey do pass yourself.

Welcome to the abroad, dummy. You’ve got this.

— Japa Chronicle, Special Edition
By Timi Waters
IG: @timiwaters_blog