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Teacher Support

Visiting Teacher Program

Helpful Web Sites

San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

MySA.com - this is the KENS 5 (local news channel) and San Antonio Express News (local newspaper) web site with good information about San Antonio and links to real estate, news, weather, and more.

Social Customs - this web site will help answer some cultural questions you might have. Other areas of interest are available by clicking on links along the left side of the page.

Driver's License Information - you must have a social security card and birth certificate or passport as well as proof of automobile liability insurance to get a Texas Driver's License. Helpful web sites for additional requirements and the Driver's License Booklet include the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Education Agency's Driver Training and Education, and the Texas Department of Insurance.

Settling in San Antonio

Housing and Utilities ^ Top of Page

Last year Apartment/Home Locators were very helpful in getting our visiting teachers in an apartment within a matter of a few days. Their information is as follows:

  • President/Relocation Director of Apartment & Relocation Center - Marietta C. Alba, CRP, LTG
  • (210) 493-1688, ext. 206
  • 1-800-598-1688
  • Fax: (210) 493-1695

Additional apartment locators include:

There are other links through MySA.com and the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce that can help in determining where you want to live.

Google Maps can help you see where a school is in relation to where you are thinking about living. Enter the school's address, which are available on the NEISD Campus Listing page. Return to the Google map, click on the Directions link at the top of the page, and enter the complete addresses of the school and residence you are considering.

Insurance ^ Top of Page

You will be located in Bexar County. When you get a Texas Driver's License and/or a car, you are required to have, minimally, Liability insurance for the car. (It is my understanding that most insurance companies will give you 30 days to get a Texas Driver's License and your rates will be a lot lower.) For more information, visit the Texas Department of Insurance web site for information on auto, home, and renters insurance.

There are many insurance agencies in San Antonio, some of which are:

You can also do a search for "Auto Insurance in Texas."

Automobiles ^ Top of Page

Purchasing a new car, for most people, is second only to buying a home as a major investment. Buying a used car is also a significant expense. You probably would not buy a house without inspecting it and looking at other options. This holds true for buying a car as well:

  • Determine what features you really want and need
  • Check the SBC-SMART (Southwester Bell Company) Yellow Pages in the phone book for dealers who have the vehicles you are looking for.
  • When purchasing a used vehicle, check want ads, automobile trade publications, bulletin boards and popular intersections for vehicles that are for sales by owner.
  • Consider the warranty provided, understand what is covered and for what period of time. Also be sure to get the warranty in writing; there is no such thing as a verbal warranty on a new or used vehicle.
  • If buying a used car, have a reputable mechanic perform a complete inspection on the vehicle to determine if there are any significant problems with the vehicle.
  • Narrow your choices for the cars you are most interested in, taking into consideration any rebates or special financing programs offered.

Telephone ^ Top of Page

Telephone Companies/Services to consider (for local and long distance calls):

You can check the different rates of long distance service providers at ABTolls and PhoneDog.com. It may be cheaper to use a calling card to make international calls. They can be bought or extended online. Visit CallingCards.com to compare rates of various cards.

You will need the following information to secure telephone service:

  • Social Security number
  • Address where your telephone services will be connected
  • Billing address
  • Texas driver's license or another form of ID such as your passport
  • Name of your preferred long distance carrier

Long distance rates and international phone rates are highly competitive among phone companies. Therefore, phone rates change often. A customer representative of the phone company may contact you by phone to see if you would be interested in switching to their phone company at a particular rate for a certain period of time.

Note: you might want to compare rates of different phone companies before you select a long distance carrier. If you are not pleased with your current phone company, you can switch companies any time you wish.

Utilities ^ Top of Page

Contact City Public Service for electric and gas by calling toll-free (800) 773-3077 or (212) 353-2222.

Banking ^ Top of Page

The following are some banks/credit unions to consider:

City of San Antonio ^ Top of Page

Mail Services ^ Top of Page

Transportation ^ Top of Page

Money Saving Shopping Online Resources ^ Top of Page

Immigration ^ Top of Page

Garage Sales/Yard Sales ^ Top of Page

You might want to check the local newspaper sometime after you arrive for a listing of garage sales/yard sales. You can find furniture items and household items, at a fraction of the cost. Local residents hold garage sales/yard sales when they want to sell particular items they no longer need or use.

Please feel free to send an email if you have any questions about any of these web sites or about any other questions you might have regarding our School District or San Antonio, Texas.