Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)

OCEAN CITY MARYLAND – West Ocean City Maryland

Q. What is the best way for transportation in Ocean City Maryland?

A. Walk, ride a bike or take a bus. Ride the Ocean City MD bus for $2.00 all day (payment with exact change only) or take a Bus Shuttle to West Ocean City for $1.00. Exact fare is always required. Often it may be possible to obtain housing within a short walk to your place of employment. Maps of the Ocean City MD and Delaware Seashore regions provided by At The Beach and are available here.

Q. Can I get a student discount for the bus pass?

A. Student discounts are not provided. You can save money by purchasing discount coupon books – you get 10 passes for $15.00 for the Ocean City MD local bus or 20 passes for $15.00 to ride the West Ocean City Park & Ride Shuttle. You may purchase a coupon book on any Ocean City bus (exact amount required)or With cash or credit card, visit City Hall, 3rd St. and Baltimore Ave., the Convention Center box office, 40th St., Ocean City Police Department, 65th St. or Northside Park Recreation Complex, 125th St. bayside.

Q. How do I know where to get off the bus?

A. The Bus stops are located at every other block along Coastal Highway. Watch the street numbers and just pull the cord to indicate the desired stop. Ask the bus driver for assistance if you are not sure about the street number.

Q. Where can I find the bus schedule?

A. There is no written bus schedule for the Ocean City MD bus. The Bus operates every 10 – 15 minutes during the day and every 30 – 60 minutes at night during the summer months. Check www.dartfirsstate.com Route 208 for the Coastal Delaware bus schedule.

Q. Where can I go shopping for clothing and gifts?

A. Take the West Ocean City Park & Ride Shuttle from South Division Street to go shopping in the West Ocean City Factory Outlets. CLICK HERE FOR OCEAN CITY MD TRANSPORTATION MAP. If you have enough time, go shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach. Take the bus (Route 208) from 144th Street and enjoy tax-free shopping in Delaware. Check www.beachbus.com for the Delaware bus schedule.

Q. What are the bike equipment requirements?

A. During the evening and at night, headlight and rear reflector are required. Helmets are required for all bicyclists in Delaware. Bike riders MUST ride with the traffic (in the same direction) , and not against the traffic. CLICK HERE FOR BICYCLE RULES OF THE ROAD & SAFETY TIPS FOR YOU.

Q. I want to visit Washington, D. C. How can I get there?

A. Ask in the International Student Center for arranged trips or take a Greyhound bus from Carolina Trailways Bus Terminal located at 2nd Street. Visit Grey Hound Buslines in advance to purchase your ticket online to pay a lower fare.

Q. What is the easiest way of getting to a regional airport in Washington DC, Baltimore MD or New York City?

A. Ask for an Airport Shuttle service provided by Ocean City International Student Center located at 307 Baltimore Avenue (phone # 410-289-0350) and E-point Internet Café at 1513 N Philadelphia Ave (phone # 410-289-9844). One can also take a bus. GreyHound Bus Web Site

Q. How can I find a place to stay during my visit?

A. Check the roommate bulletin board in Ocean City International Student Center, ask people or other student friends in the area, check the classified advertising in the local newspapers or visit real estate offices which are situated throughout the town of Ocean City MD. CLICK HERE FOR AN ONLINE DIRECTORY OF LOCAL REAL ESTATE RENTAL AGENCIES.

Q. What is a rental deposit? How much is it?

A. The deposit is required to cover any damages to the property. The amount varies, usually it equals one weeks rent for an apartment. Provided there are no damages, you will get the deposit back on the day of your leaving.

Q. Is the weekly rent the total price for renting the apartment?

A. It depends on your lease; make sure you read it carefully and understand your obligations. Ask the owner if all utilities, such as electric, are included in the rent or whether there are any additional charges.

Q. How can I find a second job?

A. Check the classified advertising in the newspaper for any positions available, ask friends and start searching by going from business to business to apply for jobs. Ask in restaurants and hotels in your area.

Q. When is the best time of the day to apply for a job?

A. Keep in mind the managers of hotels and restaurants are not able to speak with you during their busy hours. The best time to apply for a job in hotel is 10 a. m. – 12 p.m., in a restaurant 2 p. m. – 4 p. m.

Q. Where can I apply for a Social Security Card in Ocean City MD?

A.If you are staying in Ocean City, Maryland, all social security card applications will take place in Salisbury, MD.. Students will need transportation to Salisbury and they should check with the Students Centers or sponsoring agency who may offer transportation to the Social Security Office in Salisbury MD.

Q. Can I work without a Social Security Card?

A. When you apply for a card, you will be given a receipt to show your employer saying you are allowed to work until your Social Security card arrives. Be aware that some employers will not give you your paycheck unless you provide a Social Security number. Apply for your Social Security Card immediately after your arrival since it usually takes up to 3 – 4 weeks for your card and number to arrive.

Q. Do I have to pay taxes when working on J1 visa?

A. Yes, you are required to pay Federal and State Income Taxes. Ask your employer for a Form 507 so that Maryland Income Taxes will not be withheld from your pay.

Make sure you DO NOT pay Social Security, Medical or Medicaid taxes.

Q. What kind of documents do I need to open a bank account?

A. To open an account, complete an application at the bank and be prepared to provide following documents:

Unexpired passport with valid visa and DS-2019 and I-94 attached
Social Security card (Requirement may vary with different banks)
Local banks offering checking accounts for International Students including The Bank of America and B B and T Bank. Both of these banks also offer ON LINE Banking options and the ability to obtain a debit card free of charge. It's a matter of convenience that you choose a bank which is closest to your apartment or housing location. You can open an account with a deposit of cash or a paycheck.

Q. What to do with a paycheck from my job?

A. You can cash it in the bank or deposit it in your bank account. Additional check cashing fees may apply unless you have an account with the bank you want to cash your pay check in.

Q. What should I do if I get injured at work?

A. Inform your manager immediately. In case you get injured at work, the company is required take care of your treatment as well as all the medical bills which should be paid by your employer.

Q. Where can I find internet access for email and to browse the Internet?

A. Visit Ocean City Public Library for internet access located at 14th Street Downtown Ocean City to get 30 minutes free internet access or Student Centers and Internet Cafés to browse the Internet or manage your email however an hourly fee will be charged.

Q. How can I make a phone call home?

A. Purchase prepaid phone cards in Student Centers, Stores, and internet cafes. For international calls to Europe dial 011 + country code + the number you wish to dial.

Q. Can I go to a night club or bar if I am not yet 21 years old?

A. No, you can`t, even if you do not want to drink alcohol beverages. All bars, pubs and liquor shops are required by the law to check for a VALID Proof of Age Identification.. You will be asked to show your Visa and Passport I. D. to purchase alcohol and beer or wine.

Q. What are the basic rules of swimming in the ocean?

A. Never overestimate your ability to swim. Always swim near a lifeguard. Never swim alone. Don`t fight the current. Swim sober, as alcohol is a major factor in drowning. Lifeguards are on duty during the daytime hours, usually 9 Am until 5 PM. CLICK HERE TO VIEW INFORMATION ABOUT THE Ocean City MD Lifeguards and Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.