A Guide to Surviving Your First Time at Walmart

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A Guide to Surviving Your First Time at Walmart

A Guide to Surviving Your First Time at Walmart

Walmart is key for immigrants in the U.S., where they can shop with their debit card and adapt more easily.

When you first arrive in the United States, many immigrants face a variety of challenges, from adapting to the language to understanding the financial system. Having a debit card can make shopping much easier, and one of the places that becomes a common and almost essential destination for everyone is Walmart, the retail giant. This store is much more than just a supermarket: it's a shopping mall, a pharmacy, and a one-stop shop for all kinds of products, from clothing to electronics. If you're a newly arrived immigrant, your first experience at Walmart is likely to be a mix of awe, confusion, and, in some cases, surprise. Here’s a helpful guide to surviving your first visit to this mega-store.

Debit card: Your best friend for payment

One of the first things you’ll notice when entering Walmart is that the debit card is the most commonly used payment method. If you don't have a debit card yet, it’s important to consider opening a bank account to make your shopping easier. Not only will you save time, but you’ll also be more secure when paying. If you don’t have a social security number, services like MAJORITY, a mobile banking platform for immigrants in the U.S., allow you to open an account without this requirement and provide you with a VISA debit card, perfect for making purchases with ease.

If you already have your debit card, you’re all set! If not, many stores offer prepaid card options, but having a bank account will allow you to better manage your finances and make your day-to-day life easier.

Prepare for the size

The first thing that will surprise you when you walk into Walmart is the size of the store. The stores are so large that you could easily spend hours searching for what you need. With aisles that seem endless, Walmart can be a bit overwhelming at first. To avoid feeling lost, it’s best to make a shopping list before you go and plan out what you need to buy. As you get used to the store, you’ll learn to navigate it more efficiently, but at first, it might be helpful to take your time exploring the aisles.

The shopping cart: Your new adventure companion

Once inside, you’ll encounter the shopping carts, which are essential for moving around the store. Walmart’s carts are big, and you’ll likely fill them with everything you need (and much more). Although at first glance, they might seem unnecessary, you’ll quickly realize you need one, as the store is designed for you to comfortably load your purchases. If you’re buying heavy or bulky items, a cart is a must.

How to pay: Use your debit card

When you reach the checkout, you’ll find that the payment process is pretty straightforward, but the most common way to pay is with a debit card. Be sure to have your card ready before reaching the register. While you can also pay with cash, debit cards are the quickest and most efficient option. Additionally, most self-checkout stations only accept card payments, so having one is almost a requirement.

If you're new to using debit cards or don’t have a bank account, services like MAJORITY are an excellent solution for immigrants who need a debit card for their purchases. This mobile banking service allows you to make payments easily at Walmart and other locations, all from the convenience of your phone.

Lines and self-checkout

One of the universal experiences at Walmart is the long lines, especially during peak hours or weekends. If you’re impatient or don’t like waiting, Walmart also has self-checkout stations, where you scan your own items and make your payment. This option is fast, but if you’ve never used one before, it might take a bit of practice. Don’t worry—there are always employees ready to help you if you run into any issues with the process.

Deals and discounts: Beware of temptations

One of the things that draws people to Walmart is the deals and discounts. It’s easy to get carried away by the promotions and end up buying things you didn’t plan for. However, it’s important to double-check prices and promotions before making your purchase. Walmart has many special deals, but it’s also easy to fall into the trap of buying something just because it’s on sale, even if you don’t really need it.

If you’re not fluent in English, don’t worry. Many of the signs in the store are in both English and Spanish, so you’ll be able to read product information without any issues. Plus, if you have any doubts, employees are generally friendly and willing to help in your language.

Walmart as your base of operations

In addition to being a place for shopping, Walmart also offers a range of services that can be useful for immigrants. For example, you can top up your mobile phone, buy gift cards, or even send money to your loved ones (although for privacy and security reasons, it’s best to do some research before using these services).

You’ll also find financial products, like debit cards, that can help you manage your payments and purchases more easily. If you don’t have a bank account yet, services like MAJORITY might be the perfect solution for you. This mobile banking platform for immigrants allows you to open an account without a social security number and gives you a VISA debit card to make purchases and payments with ease.

Your first time at Walmart: An experience to remember

Your first time at Walmart may feel overwhelming, but over time, you’ll get used to its size, the lines, and, of course, the products. At first, it may seem like a daunting task, but with a bit of practice and organization, you’ll become an expert at shopping there. Remember that having a debit card is key to making everything faster and safer, and services like MAJORITY are designed to help you stay organized with your finances as you adjust to your new life in the U.S.

Walmart is a reflection of life in the U.S., full of options, deals, and products that can help you settle into your new home. With a debit card and a little preparation, your Walmart experience will be much easier and more effective. Good luck with your first shopping adventure!

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